Hello Fisherman, It has been one of the coldest winters here that anyone can remember. That relates directly to our water temperatures. Our local water temperature will drop to 48 degrees in the winter. I have seen it get to 46 many times. This year it has gone down to 41 degrees. This has had an effect on our fishery. The trout are the first to be hurt. The trout and redfish population in and around our waters are some of the best in the world. I don’t believe anyone who has gotten into a big school of redfish or trout would argue that statement. In the winter months the trout will go deep, to the holes in the rivers and creeks. The shrimp population will do the same thing. Both are there for two reasons. They are there for warmer water and to hide from “Flipper” or the local dolphin population that feeds on trout and redfish. In these colder temperatures the shrimp will die and the trout will be without food. They will not have enough energy to move and survive. There have been numerous reports around the county of trout kills. None have been huge but most all have been the bigger fish. I know of about 100 kills, which means there were more. The redfish fair a little better. They school together in large schools this time of year and go to shallow water for warmer temperatures and to hide from Flipper. The warmer water will allow them to catch bait fish. When redfish get cold they can be so lethargic you can touch them with your rod tip. Both of these fish are biting now. You really have to slow down your presentation. Now, for what everyone is after, The Tuna. Yes they are here. The Gulf Stream is full of tuna now and if you get the chance to go be prepared for a long trip, cold temperatures and a busy back deck, for tuna will bite two or three lines when you go through a school. This is a good time to put some fresh tuna on your table and in your freezer. We are getting fisherman ready and new reports daily. The best area to go is from the Deli to the South Ledge. Look on your offshore charts and you will find them just south of us at the Stream. The Deli will start about 60 miles out and the South Ledge is about 90 miles. Smooth seas and “go fast boats” make for good trips out there to make the travel a little shorter. Pull cedar plugs, small blue and white headed ballyhoo with daisy chains and naked ballyhoo as well. We have all of this in our new and improved Ship Store here at PRLM. Come in to see us and we can spool new line on your reels and show you what you will need for a successful day of fishing the low country. Well, I’ve got to go and get ready myself. I hope to go this coming week. I can almost smell the tuna on the grill! Tight lines, Tony Constant Dockmaster Port Royal Landing Marina

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