9/20/07
Veterans report shrimping should be good
By Terry Madewell

Even though shrimping season opened last weekend, I can’t tell you much about what’s happened yet, at least in terms of anything positive on a large scale.

Based on the reports from some good, seasoned veteran shrimpers there are words of good news. The good news is that they do believe there will be plenty of shrimp this season. So, even though the opening weekend was a bust for me and most everyone else I’ve talked to, there is hope for the reminder of the season.

The largemouth bass action is still good, and improving, on most all lakes, rivers and ponds in our area. A lot of fish continue to be taken schooling in shallow water. Good action fishing around shallow water cover has been reported as well. Plus, action on big blue and flathead catfish is still very good and the news on crappie action continues to improve as well.

The best fishing action on the largemouth bass is still being reported on plastic worms with the Texas rig in pumpkinseed color working well around shallow water woody cover and the Carolina rig, with a green/chartreuse worm producing the best action on the offshore structure such as drops and ledges. A lot of fish are now being taken schooling on the surface and while the plastic worms work well here too, the Little George tailspinner as well as sidewinder spoons are producing too. The Tiny Torpedo, a small but noisy top water lure that’s always good during the fall it seems, is a very good lure around schooling fish. Deep diving crankbaits and spinnerbaits have also produced some good fish as well.

Catfishing news is good and getting better. Several big flatheads and a few good-sized blue catfish have been taken recently. Most of the action has been in deep water and the best catfish baits are still cut bait best for blue catfish, and the big flatheads being taken on live bait such as bream, perch or crappie. Stink baits have produced some channel catfish action in about 20-to-25 feet of water along the ledges.

The crappie fishing action has begun to improve and a few good catches have been made recently. The fish are beginning to scatter a bit with the cooling temperatures.

Striper action is also improving but is still scattered in both lakes with a few good catches made. Some schooling action is still being reported but nothing consistent or predictable according to reports received. But that report should change for the better very soon.

Along the coast, good fishing continues for trout, redfish, sheepshead and flounder in the inshore areas. The redfish are being taken on live bait and trout are being taken on green grubs. Trolling live bait such as mudminnows has been effective for flounder and sheepshead are being taken around the rock jetties near Georgetown and Charleston Harbor on fiddler crabs.

The shrimping should be good on days when the wind isn’t howling.