Offshore fishing report
Trolling options near shore. Ocean menhaden have arrived and can be caught while you cast your net around beachfronts and as far out as three miles into the ocean. The secret to finding pogies (also known as menhaden) is to keep an eye to the sky for diving pelicans. Menhaden are called “Pelican candy!” This is the one bait that works when used live or dead. It also works when used as chum, meaning cut up or smashed up.
For using live menhaden as bait, I suggest light tackle rigs made with stinger hooks fished around the beach and the shipping channels. Big kings are known for migrating into these areas during the month of August. Steep drops such as those located in shipping channels (Savannah River Channel) hold lots of bait standing opportunities, and slow trolling in these areas usually yields big king mackerel bites. If you see Spanish mackerel on the surface it’s very likely that large kings are holding in the outskirts. Another good baiting option is to catch Spanish mackerel, rig it up quick, and let it swim.
