Good guide can relieve your fishing frustration

Did you miss that large cobia you had been promising yourself ? If you have the knowledge and experience, what's stopping you?

Perhaps you have become a victim of habit, which can be the catalyst that seals your fate. Perhaps it's time to rethink your game plan for next year. Cobia are still in the area but, for the most part, anglers without the means or the know-how have missed the boat (pardon the pun).

There are a few ways you can change things in your favor -- or you can continue hoping a straggler may come along and discover your bait.

If every night for dinner you had steak, it would get old after awhile. On the other hand, if you were offered a big, juicy cheeseburger on occasion, things would look a bit better.

This holds true to some extent for fishing. Many species grow wary of baits when they are tossed in front of them constantly. The larger fish didn't get that way by not being cautious.

Try something new. Be a leader instead of a follower. Go for the different and unique -- you may be pleasantly surprised.

Did you know that there was another fishing spot exactly like the one you have been sitting on for the last hour? If you remain fishless, maybe you should move to that other spot. Just because they were here yesterday doesn't mean they will still be here today, and who knows what will happen tomorrow. This is habit in its truest form -- repetitive action with little return. Something gained your interest to this particular fishing spot in the first place. Find similar areas that can serve as backup.

Maybe you should hire a fishing guide. The right guide could have the knowledge and experience to change your catch ratio. You can learn a lot from a good guide, and maybe come home with that trophy that has been eluding you all these years. It's just a matter of finding one that really knows his stuff.

The majority of guides are experts at what they do and usually are trophy winners themselves. I'm not talking about some old salt who hangs around the pier everyday talking about those that got away. Sure, you may catch a few by listening to him, but it's better to stick with the pros.

Plenty of self-proclaimed experts have been fishing these waters for years. Are you wanting fish tales or results? You need the expertise of someone who spends considerable time on the water -- not just talking about it. It's nice to help out a guide who is just getting started, but the longer a guide has been running charters, the better they are at providing your needs.

Full-time guides are generally a better choice when it comes to experience.That's not to say all part-time guides are poor choices, but they are more likely to be guessing, and you can do the same for less money. Guides who spend as much time as possible on the water with clients are constantly updating their logs and scouting areas. They are more experienced and knowledgeable.

The care and feeding of a good fishing guide is not something to be taken lightly. You may spend a few bucks at the start, but as things progress, you will improve your fishing greatly. You will learn the waters, gain confidence in your technique and become proficient with rods, reels and various tackle. But never take them for granted, nor the service they provide.

Know well in advance the type of gear that is provided and that the species you seek is part of their repertoire. Check out the boat and see if it suits you and the type of fishing you wish to pursue. Some guides provide you with all the gear you'll need to make your time on the water as rewarding as possible.If they provide the gear, check the quality. If you are unsure of what you may need for the trip, look for signs of wear.

Most guides are aware that quality tackle and a trim fishing vessel is what keeps customers coming back. Those who maintain their tackle and keep their boats clean and sea-worthy spend little on advertising. References flood these individuals and word of mouth is a valuable resource.

FISHING TRENDS AND ACTIVE SPECIES

Spottail bass and trout remain active. Tarpon are slow, but a few heavyweights were hooked last week. Cobia are still showing from offshore structure and buoys. Flounder are beginning to show in good numbers from larger feeder creeks. Whiting have been very good on small bits of shrimp. Sheepshead have been best on fiddlers from deeper dock reaches and piers. Spots are starting to show from the lagoons and still-water pools. Some black drum are noticing baits from the drops and holes around bridge pilings. A few runs of small bluefish have started to appear.

TWO FROM SOUTH CAROLINA TO COMPETE

The ninth annual Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship,July 7-9 in Islamorada, Fla., will feature two anglers from South Carolina. In the Fly Tackle Division, David Dalu of Charleston qualified via the Golden Fly Tarpon Tournament in Islamorada. In the Light Tackle Division, Ron Silverman of Daniel Island qualified through the Lowcountry Red Trout Celebrity Classic in Charleston.

They will be among a field of 32 championship winners in fly and light tackle tournaments. Male and female champions from nine states and Australia will be competing.

For more information, contact Sandy Moret at 305-664-5423 or e-mail flkeyout@bellsouth.net.

TACKLE TIP

In competitive bass fishing, there is a technique called fan-casting, where fishermen work an area parallel to their boat and spread their casts out along a 45-degree pattern.

This same method can be used in saltwater as well, but be purposeful in your actions. Have a specific goal in mind (to catch a fish), and work your lure or bait in such a manner to achieve this goal. Leave plug-chunking and perch-jerking to freshwater fishermen. Saltwater anglers should strive for loftier goals.

OUTDOORS CALENDAR

BEAUFORT SPORTFISHING AND DIVING CLUB JULY MEETING: When: 6:30 p.m., July 9; Where: Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club, Lady's Island (off Meridian Road); Notes: No reservation needed. Guests are welcome. Captain Scott Hammond, assistant manager of Haddrells Point Tackle in West Ashley, will the guest speaker. He will give a presentation on Spade fishing with rods/reels. He also will discuss the tides and the use of jelly balls and small pieces of shrimp. Information: Call Captain Frank Gibson at 522-2020.

FRIPP ISLAND FIREWORKS TOURNAMENT: When: July 11; Notes: Captains meeting and Lowcountry cookout 7 p.m. July 10 at Fripp Island Marina. Fishing starts at 6 a.m. July 11. Weigh-ins close at the Fripp Island Marina at 6 p.m. Awards for 1st and 2nd place largest King, largest Dolphin, Wahoo and Spanish. Information: Call 838-1517.