The Trout Are Back - By: Captain Nelson Haslam
Barrier Island Charters

The good news for fisherman this month is that the Trout are back in the Tybee waters. After being nearly non-existent for the past eighteen months the comeback of the Speckled Sea Trout is exciting for us all. Many anglers are returning with a half dozen or more and a few people have been limiting out. Mixed catches of Flounder, Bass (Redfish), and Roe Trout will be the norm this month.

A few reports are coming of Tarpon, Jack Crevalle and Trypletails. With the arrival of these species the summer fishing season is in full swing. Pal of Chimney Creek reports that small white shrimp are in the creeks but if you want any for bait you'll have to catch your own pal. These small white shrimp are excellent bait for everything that swims.

Spotted Sea Trout (Cynoscion Nebulosus) are in the Drum family and great on the table and as gamefish. State biologists believe that the hard freeze of two New Years ago in combination with the prolonged drought hurt local Trout populations. Many Trout taken recently have been in the two to three pound class and full of roe. There are good numbers of undersized fish ( smaller than thirteen inches ) being released. So all indicators point to a potentially excellent Fall. The best way to catch these fish is to go early in the morning. Have bait and tackle ready and be out there by sunrise.

Most locals Trout fish with sliding cork rigs so that the depth of water you are fishing can be easily changed. Some also use Cajun Thunder popping corks and others bottom fish with split shot and a hook. The biologists tell us that Trout feed primarily on shrimp until they are about two years old and then switch to small fish. So if you want some big fish use big baits. Finger Mullet are the best bait for big Trout.

Local Trout expert Mack Kitchens caught a dozen or more recently with one that weighed four and a half pounds. I have caught a good number in the eighteen to twenty inch class. Several Tybeenions I have spoken with lately have been catching large numbers of undersized Redfish.

Flounder are still being caught in good numbers so everything points to a great year for Tybee fisherman this season. Get some live shrimp and finger mullet and an early start and you will catch fish.

REMEMBER..........EAT FISH AND LIVE LONGER!!!