Month: August 2015

Salt Pond Fishing

This weekend we had the good fortune to be granted permission to fish a salt pond – a once a year or so treat for us.  Going to this pond makes us excited like little boys because the catching is so good.  It is strictly catch and release fishing and that makes for some big fish.  We invited along Daniel from Z-Man Fishing along with some good friends, Martin and George.  We fished only Z-Man soft plastics and Trout Eye jigs.  This day, the pond did not disappoint, and some of the highlights included a couple true gator trout, topped off with witnessing Daniel catch 11 redfish on 11 consecutive casts.  That was pretty cool!  As usual for ponds, the fishing is best near the water flow – in this case “trunks” which were an ingenious way to flood rice fields back in the day, but still of great use in controlling the level of salt ponds.  Until next year…

Daniel Red
Daniel with one of 11 reds caught on consecutive casts
Les Doormat
Les with one of his creations (Phillips Custom Rod) and a doormat flounder
Martin Red
Martin with a beauty red
George Trout 1
George with his PB Trout at 25.5″
Dave Gator
This one tied Dave’s PB trout at 27″. Caught on a Ralph’s Shad Trout Trick and Pearl TroutEye jig

 

In Other News:

keep an eye out for the next issue of the Post & Courier’s Tideline magazine, that will feature an article by Tommy Braswell on Fall fishing by three of our legendary fishermen in Charleston:  O. C. Polk, Sandy Stuhr and Ralph Phillips.  It is always a pleasure to sit and just listen to these three talk.  There is 150 years saltwater fishing experience between them.  Can’t wait to see the article.  We also have some video to supplement the article.

150 yrs
Three Charleston Fishing Legends (L-R) O. C. Polk, Sandy Stuhr, and Ralph Phillips

Some updates on Trout Eye jigs:

  • Our Z-Man branded jigs have had a warm reception after ICAST.  You might have seen them featured in Saltwater Sportsman magazine.  They have been picked up by most of the major fishing tackle distributors, such as Tackle Warehouse, Bass Pro, Cabelas, Academy Sports, etc.  We want to thank Z-Man for believing in our product, and the Charleston fishing community for your support of our local company with American made products.
  • There will be some great full page ads this fall in many  fishing magazines promoting the Trout Trick / Trout Eye “system”.
  • It’s now Fall, and time to fish artificial baits.  Purchasing Trout Eye jigs online is the best value you can get, bulk jigs are at a 20% discount.  Orders of $50 and up also get free shipping.

Bucktails:

Bucktails have been making a comeback among tournament bass fishermen.  We now have retail packaged bucktails that are available online and at select retail shops.  They sell for $6.95 for a 2-pack and come in several color combos, including CAROLINA and  CLEMSON – just for fun.  They catch fish too…  Currently they can be purchased at Berkeley Outdoors Marine on 17A.

Bucktail CAROLINA Bucktail CLEMSON

 

 

Phillips Custom Rods

Our rods have been gaining a loyal following, with some great feedback, such as the following:

I’m loving my Phillips Custom rod.  This is a 2lb smallmouth I caught a week ago on the Shenandoah River. The smallmouth are just starting to get active again, and their bite is very subtle right now.  I was using a Carolina rigged 6″ worm and I could feel him from the second he bumped the bait.  He was about 10′ deep and did not want to come into the boat, but the rod was more than he could handle.  I use my Phillips custom rod exclusively now when fishing soft plastics off the bottom. The sensitivity is outstanding.  I can feel every rock and twig. When I set the hook, its lights out and they have no chance against the backbone of the rod. They are coming to the boat for a picture.  Perfect combination.

Thanks and hope to see you on the water.  Send us your catch pics!