Trolling On The Georgia Coast, Saltwater Fishing Report

IT'S TROLLING TIME IN SOUTH GEORGIA
By Captain Vernon Reynolds

The days are getting shorter, daylight savings time is gone, nighttime temperatures have dropped into the 20's several times and the Sea Trout are on the move. Trout move from ocean sounds to inland river and creek wintering grounds this time of the year. Adult shrimp have moved offshore on the latest Full and New Moons, and most juvenile shrimp have buried themselves in the mud for the winter. Trolling jigs is the fishing method of choice this time of the year.

Trolling is a fun and easy way to catch Trout. Simply deploy four jigs at varying distances behind the boat and slowly cruise likely haunts. Rods can be placed in holders and removed when a fish hits. Some of the finer techniques of trolling include changing speed until you find what the fish want. Fish depths from four to 10 feet. Jig heads should range in weight from 3/8's to 3/4's of an ounce, depending on the depth fished. Red and white heads seem to produce best. Trolling produces best during low tide when the water is not touching the marsh grass. This is about mid tide to mid tide. You can fish mid tide out to mid tide up or vice verse and catch fish. Jig tails come in almost unlimited colors, shapes and sizes. Some of the more popular are Gulp Alive baits, I like the Crazy Legs Jerk Shad; Bass Assassin's SaltWater Assassin, the four inch curly tail and paddle tail; H & H Coastal Tackle's Queen Cocahoe Minnow baits; and Capt. Mikes Fish Candy Tails lures. Some of the more popular colors are Red head/white tail, chartreuse, opening knight, space guppy, candy corn and lime green.

Most anglers prefer spinning tackle for trolling but I like All Star seven foot bait casting rods and Pflueger low profile reels. No matter spinning or bait casting gear, rods should be light action, thus helping to cushion the pull of the boat. Twelve pound mono line works well, not spooking the fish but resisting breakage. It also has some stretch which helps with not pulling the hook.

Join us for a charter fishing trip you will never forget. Call (912) 265-0392 or go to www.coastalcharterfishing.com for more information.

About the Author:

Captain's Bio: I grew up fishing in the waters surrounding Jekyll and St. Simons Islands in south Georgia. The fishing is great year round for such species as Shark, Tarpon, Mackerel, Sea Trout, Redfish, Flounder and Tripletail. We at Coastal Expeditions provide courteous instruction to the beginner and dependable back up to the professional.