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The newest Charleston fishing report can be found at: http://www.anglersheadquarters.com/ahq-insider-charleston-sc-winter-2017-18-fishing-report/

December 15

Inshore water temperatures in the Charleston area are in the mid- to lower-50s and the creeks are clearing.

Captain Rob Bennett of Lowcountry Inshore Charters (843-367-3777) reports that even with the cold weather fishing remains strong, and there is a very good bite for trout on artificial lures.  The fish are in the same areas around points and oyster beds with medium to low current flow, but instead of being in 2-3 feet they are in 6-10.  On the warmest days they may move up shallower.  Plastic grubs and Zman baits are working, with the ever-reliable electric chicken color hard to beat.

Redfishare starting to congregate on the flats, with a low tide in the morning the best time to pursue them.  When there is little to no wind then with a stealthy approach you can sight-cast for the fish with a fly or grubs, and they will also take cut bait.  Look around oyster shells on the mud flats.

Folly Beach Pier (843-762-9516) reports that the bite has really slowed down and now the catch is just sharks, rays and the occasional whiting.

On the nearshore reefs in 40-50 feet of water the fishing remains strong.  Bull red drum, large black drum, and bigger black sea bass can all be caught out there right now.

December 1

Inshore water temperatures in the Charleston area are in the mid- to upper-50s, and clarity is improving.

Captain Rob Bennett of Lowcountry Inshore Charters (843-367-3777) reports that the troutand redfishbite in the Charleston area continues to be incredible, and this week he still averaged 40-80 fish per day.  Shrimp stayed in the rivers longer than usual this year because of the warm weather, and this has obviously helped the fishing.  Before long the redfish will start to group up in larger, winter schools on the flats but for right now the pattern remains the same.

The most notable change on the inshore side is that the spot run is underway.  Anglers can use blood worms or small pieces of shrimp on a #2 hook to catch these delicious fare.  They are being caught around the Folly River bridges, the old Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant, off the Kiawah Bridge and more.

Overall surf fishing is slowing down, but Folly Beach Pier (843-762-9516) reports that they are still getting a few big bull reds, occasional whiting and black drum, and rays and small sharks.  For now sheepshead are still around in good numbers.

At live bottom areas in 40-60 feet bull red drum in the 20-50 pound range are thick, and as a result great white sharks are showing up just offshore probably to eat the redfish.  The reefs are also hot with weakfish, black drum, and soon sheepshead.

Wahoo are being caught on the ledges.