Last Updated on December 15, 2022 by Capt. R.C.
Debordieu is a popular destination during the Winter months in South Carolina. This is the time of year when most visitors are here for weddings, golf or to celebrate the holidays; but it is also the prime time for fishing.
Debordieu is the home of North Inlet, a body of water almost landlocked to the ocean. The Winter months bring cool clear water into North Inlet, which makes it an ideal host to marine life. There are some days where you can see the bottom in 7 feet of water. This water clarity helps shore birds and predatory fish species with finding their meal.
While Winter Trout can be caught to a certain point, Redfish are primarily the target species during the Winters in North Inlet. As water temperatures fall into the lower 50’s, the Trout retreat, and the Redfish come together in large schools. Other food sources become unavailable, and dolphins will pursue redfish more so in the Winter than other times of the year. Forming these schools, and finding shallow water, are instinctive ways of seeking safety from predators like dolphins. You will also find that schooling reds can be a lot more spooky than other times of the year, as one nervous fish can cause panic in the whole school.
We take care to keep our distance, and make as little noise as possible, when approaching any fishing spot this time of year. The water may be cold, but Redfish senses are on high alert. Any captain should do as much as possible to remain undetected.
Several methods can be used to catch Redfish around Debordieu this time of year. Floating live mud minnows under a cork will work in some of the larger creeks where you have current. However, we have most of our luck fishing with live bait or artificial on the bottom. Redfish are cold blooded, so they can become sedimentary as they try to conserve energy in colder weather. Most of the time we use live mud minnows on a bottom rig or artificial lures, working very slowly. If you want to increase your chances with artificial baits, try adding scent or a piece of cut shrimp.
I have a lifetime of experience from growing up fishing the waters of North Inlet and Debordieu. If you are looking for an inshore fishing charter, give me a call to see if we can set a date. I offer on water pickup at the private boat ramp for anyone that does not want to leave the community. If you have a large group, I can set up multiple boats to give you a safe and fun day on the water. Call 843-485-7424 or book online today!
