Tarpon are in the mix in Port Royal Sound and rivers

Capt. Rick Percy
July 7, 2011
Beaufort - Saltwater Fishing Report

July 1 has always been the magic date that kicks off our Tarpon season here in the lowcountry of South Carolina. This year is no exception, as the bait in the form of Menhaden is here in full force. Many folks are unaware of the great Tarpon fishery we have in South Carolina. These fish migrate up the coast from Florida along with the Menhaden, and are available along the beaches, sandbars, and clear up the rivers where they like to take up residence on several of our bridges. I fished briefly with Capt Danny Rourk the other day, and saw three fish roll near the boat, but never got a jump. We will be after them in full force as the month goes along. This is strictly a deep water live bait fishery, and we have to work around the sharks, but what an exciting moment when the Silver King takes the bait and makes that first fanatical jump. We fish two or three rods down deep, and one or two on the surface, with live Menhaden. The bite is still fair for Redfish, and the Spanish mackerel and Bluefish are in good numbers off the beach. We have also been doing well at some of our nearshore wrecks and artificial reefs with Black sea bass, Weakfish (Summer trout), Spadefish, and several other species.

Beaufort Fishing Forecast:

Tarpon fishing should continue to get better as we move through July.

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