Charleston Paddler On Shem Creek--Great Options And Ideal Entry Point

Since the inspiration of standing on a surf board with a paddle in your hand stormed unto mainland United States from Hawaii, the lazy tidal waters of Shem Creek have become a mecca of SUPers resulting in a cash windfall for watersport renters, and if it were not for an advertisement I heard on the radio featuring a floating hot dog restaurant called Hot Diggity Dogs, I would not have learned about Charleston Paddler.

After having Googled Charleston Paddler's location before leaving, upon arrival at Shem Creek I still wasn't sure where to find them. After making a second pass by the marina on Mill street, I stopped and asked a couple of young men carrying surf boards near the creek where to find it. They pointed to a building on my left and said, "This is it." A small sign on the fence marked the spot. "Can I help you?" one of them asked. It turned out one of them was the proprietor. I parked my truck and returned to the small, green office decorated with paintings and advertisements.

I introduced myself, we exchanged cards, some interest driven chit-chat and talked over the rental particulars. Harry, a guide and the day's proprietor, was engaging, very helpful, and willing to please. I was interested in the two hour, self guided package for $29. I was offered a waterproof phone carrier and a frozen bottle of water, which I greatly appreciated. The temperature was in the 90's and the early afternoon sun would no doubt be intense on the water.

My board was prepared, no adjustments needed on the paddle and I was ready to go. It was an ideal spot to put in. The only minor draw back was sharing the space with the once-in-a-while boater entering and exiting on the ramp. I boarded and pushed off into the warm, meandering current of Shem Creek. About two minutes into my excursion, I received my first pleasant surprise. A large gray, lumbering object rose out of the water just three feet away from me. The flat, paddle-shaped tail that followed gave away its identity. It was one of Shem Creek's more bashful inhabitants, the manatee. Within a matter of seconds, it disappeared into the murky waters. A Kodak moment missed. I continued my trek with plans of paddling to Crab Bank Island.

As I approached and passed the Coleman Blvd bridge, the salt laced breeze began to increase in intensity. The challenge would not be dealing with the choppy wakes created by the many boats cruising in and out of Shem Creek because the boat traffic in front of the restaurants was light. The challenge would be fighting the strong breeze blowing in from Charleston Bay.

I pulled up to the dock along the boardwalk and removed my camera from the waterproof pouch. I took pictures of the restaurants and shrimp boats and talked awhile with a couple nearby enjoying the view. I saw numerous fellow paddleboarders, a few groups of kayakers and plenty of playful dolphin.

I never made into Charleston Bay and Crab Bank Island. The waves rolling in at the mouth of the creek were more ideal for surfing and battling the strong bay breeze would have resulted in a fierce workout and a possible plunge into the salty, Charleston waters. That's just the way it is sometimes. I decided to stay in the creek and leisurely enjoy the many beautiful sights along the piers of the moored shrimp boats and weather-worn restaurant docks.

The paddle back was a breeze since I now had it at my back. With the Coleman Blvd bridge behind me, I passed more paddleboarders, some with their dogs sitting on the front of their boards. I didn't see any dolphin in this part of Shem Creek. My guess is they do not venture beyond the bridge. I did see smaller species of fish leap out of the water into the air along the grassy edges on my way to Charleston Paddler's entry point, completing my two hour rental.

When it comes to looking for a place to paddleboard, you can not do any better than the historic and trendy Shem Creek waterway. Its meandering tidal currents are easy to navigate and on calmer days offers a beautiful panoramic view of Charleston Harbor from Crab Bank Island. The collection of wildlife and salt water inhabitants you encounter are captivating.

When looking for rentals, Charleston Paddler is an ideal option considering it is located away from the sometime hectic and crowded waters of Shem Creek's restaurant row, but close enough to take it all in via a diverse offering of lessons and tours at competitive prices. Charleston Paddler also boasts a knowledgeable staff of homegrown fishing guides who guarantee you will catch red fish, speckled-trout and whatever else or your money back--just ask for Harry Gilmore.

Charleston Paddler located 529 Mill Street. Cell: 843-813-0655. Shop: 843-469-4323

Fishing For The Ultimate Catch Both Fresh and Saltwater-Ohio and Charleston

The digital clock just flipped to 5:00 AM. I was already awake due to anticipation. I got dressed in the usual attire for what I was about to embark on and grabbed an old pair of tennis shoes. I gathered up my fishing gear, which consisted of a sturdy rod, a silver spoon with a purple twister tail, pliers, and some backup bait. It was still dark, with a hint of light beginning to filter through the trees, when I hopped into my pickup.

It was a short drive to my favorite part of the river. My pulse quickened as my anticipation peaked now that I was nearing the final destination. I flipped off my shoes and slipped on the old pair. Gear now flung over my shoulder, pliers in my pocket, I breathed in the rivers scent and was ready to push on. I had to cross a smaller creek to get over to the main body. The rapidly surging waters cooled my feet as I stepped across the river rock and shale. Small bass scurried away, but they had nothing to fear from me. I was in search of a more fearful predator.

I climbed over some old tree trunks of fallen giant maples. Previous storms or even old age had done its handiwork, but circumnavigating the rugged terrain was part of the excitement. The river was now in view. The river mist created by slightly warmer waters than the morning air was kissing the surface of the slow moving currents. This was a deeper section of the Grand River in Northern Ohio. It had to be to accomadate the most highly prized fresh water fish of the North. I ducked under branches and forced my way throw the thick foilage a few hundred more feet and stepped into the water with my already soaked old pair of tennis shoes. It was a required part of the attire to avoid picking up leaches along the mucky banks. I waded through the waist high water to an island. I stepped onto its shores. It was a strategic location, ripe for an ambush by the raveness nemisis that prowled its bank and shoals.

My cast hit the river's surface. The first splash was in the books. Above me circled a hawk. Peering over my shoulder to where the waters were shallower down river, a group of dear were lazily making their way across, keeping a wary eye on me at the same time. My second cast hit the water and immediately the line went taunt. You have to be careful of what you did next because the numerous submerged rocks could play you a fool. I returned the rod tip with equal force. A few seconds later the waters swurled violently and the king of the river exited into the air. The battle of wits was on. Days before this I had lost a trophy after it had bitten through my line, so played this one carefully. The 40 inch muskie broke the surface several more times before he surrendered to my will twenty minutes later. I carefully dislodged the bent up hooks, calculated its size, and sent the vanquished ruler on his way. I took a deep breath of satisfaction and watched the proud monarch of the river disappear.

That was a magical year, one of my best fishing experiences. All in all I caught seven muskies in and around the same location in a two month period. One thing I learned that year while fishing that part of the river, when the muskies are prominent the small mouth are nowhere to be found. Years have passed since then and I now live in South Carolina, but when I return to Ohio, visiting family and friends, I make every effort to return to my favorite fishing hole.
  
Charleston doesn't have muskie or pike, both prized catches of the North, but it does have great fishing of another kind, salt water fishing, and size has no limits, meaning bigger fish, depending on what you are going after. The prized catch of the inner coastal waters around Charleston is the spottail bass. Of Course, to catch them, you need a boat or a good friend with a boat. If you are looking for a less expensive mode of transportation, kayak fishing is becoming quite popular. This type of fishing takes alittle getting use to, but it pays off both in expense and excitement. If you want to learn more about kayak fishing you can read this article in the Azalea Magazine. A great way to fly fish.

The other way to chase the spottails is by a fishing charter. Finding a charter with a experienced guide is important. A charter I went on while vacationing in the Charleston area didn't catch a single thing all morning, not even one hit. The guide couldn't even catch a shark in the Charleston Bay. Needless to say, we were not happy anglers. One suggestion for a dependable charter is Benford Fishing Charters. The operator is a new captain, but very knowledgeable of Charleston waters. Captain Marvie Benford specializes in shallow water light tackle fishing, and also offshore, harbor tours and cruises. Call or email (benfordfishingcharters@hotmail.com) for pricing and trip details-(843 729 8079) or email me at vacationrick@hotmail.com.

Charleston Fishing-The Right Charter For the Greatest Success

Charleston is settling into fall and making preparations for the coming brief southern winter us northeners amusingly refer to as nothing more than a late fall or early spring. People are exchanging bathing suits for sweaters, so the beaches are less crowded. Only the hardy soul is willing to take a dip into the cooling waters at the Isle of Palms or catch one more curl off the shores of Folly Beach. As warm weather activities on shore are winding down the cooler intercoastal waters are creating an opportunity of another sort.

Just ask Captain Marvie Benford of Benford Fishing Charters and he will tell you the time is right. The spottails are going on a frenzie because they too are making preparations for the winter soon to come. Marvie is new to the charter business, but not new to Charleston saltwater fishing. Although a young captain, having fished the Charleston waters for years, he is very familiar and well educated on the hot spots and techniques of Charleston coastal fishing. To top it off, you cannot beat the enthusiasm he brings to the fishing sport business.

Benford Charters first excursion, a group from Wisconsin, was a major success. The group caught 25 spottails. Four reds ranged from 26 inches to 30 inches. As an added bonus, they caught six sheepshead navigating around docks and a few trout. They fished the outgoing tide, in the morning, and all the reds were caught on cut mullet or live shrimp on the bottom and under a cajun thunder popping cork. Personally speaking, I have fished other charters in the Charleston area and have been disappointed. Catching 25 spottails in one morning, I would have been ecstatic.

Charleston waters contain plenty of structure and plenty of opportunity for the enthusiastic angler. Couple that with home grown experience and you have a killer combination. For reservations contact vacationrick@hotmail.com or Captain Marvie Benford at mrford250@yahoo.com or call 843-729-8079 and tell him Vacation Rick sent you. Spottail bass or red drum are probably one of South Carolina's most sought after fish and are plentiful in Charleston waters. Set the hook and keep your rod tip up.-Vacation Rick of Charleston.

The Cajun Thunder-a float rig with brass beads on the bottom that ads the correct amount of weight, that allows you to make a very long cast.  

Charleston's Saltwater Provides Some Of The Best Fishing Around

Some of the best fishing in the Lowcountry can be found right off the shores of our very own Charleston. Just ask Marvie Benford, a local fisherman who knows the coastal waters like the back of his hand. When not working you will find him cruising the big blue looking for the next big strike. But with today's technology finding it can be easy, the challenge is catching it. No problem for Marvie. If it lives in the ocean and has gills and scales he will find it and catch it.

When I first came to Charleston I spent three hundred dollars for a fishing charter that took us around the inner coastal waters of the Isle of Palms. It turned out to be a huge disappointment because we didn't get a single strike, not even a nibble the whole three hours. The guide even tried for some shark and we still came up empty handed. "We are going to catch something?", was the constant inquiry. Probably could have caught something right off the pier for the price of a dozen shrimp or a bucket of menhaden where the boat was moored. The disappointment was not due to the fact there wasn't any fish, there was plenty of fish. It unfortunately was our guide whom we came to find out was from Boston and new to the area.

Three years later I was invited to go on another charter. This time it was free because my friend payed for it, so if I didn't catch anything, at least I wouldn't feel like I just got my pockets picked. As we headed down to the pier the boat came into view and it looked eerily familiar. Lo and behold, it was the same guide. I didn't say a word about our previous encounter, but the look of concern on my face was evident to my friend. At least this time he looked more like a fishing guide than a salesman from Boston and we did catch alot of shark that day trailing behind the shrimp trollers combing the waters in the bay. So, the lesson learned is make sure you get a good charter with an experienced guide like Marvie, and you will not be disappointed.

Spot-tail Bass are probably one of South Carolina's most sought after fish and are plentiful in Charleston waters. Spanish Mackerel arrive in the spring and stay until fall. From spring through fall, the Flounder is a highly prized catch. King Mackerel are excellent fighters on light tackle and are caught trolling the offshore structure and wrecks. The Jack Crevalle show up in Charleston around the beginning of June. Other species are Bluefish, Bonito, Spotted Seatrout, and Sheepshead. Set the hook and keep your rod tip up. For detailed information on fishing in Charleston and a list of charters visit Charleston Fishing.-Vacation Rick Travel

Isle of Palms Near Charleston, SC-Seven Miles of Beach

The first beach I went to when I visited here was on the Isle of Palms or IOP. As you approach the island via the connector you get a impressive view from the bridge of the back waters and the ocean straight ahead. Finding a parking spot on Ocean Blvd by the pier is a challenge on a sunny, warm summer day when everyone has the same idea as you, going to the beach. The park lot fills up fast also.  Suggestion, get there early.

The area by the pier near Coconut Joe's has always been my favorite. When not taking in the rays there are alot of little shops in that section to peruse and a couple of places to get a refreshment or an ice cream cone. If you desire a brew, go to the upper deck of Coconut Joe's. There is generally live music and a beautiful view of the beach and ocean. An even better time is towards the evening when the sun is going down.

IOP was originally named Hunting Island and then Long Island. It was purchased in 1899 by J.S. Lawrence, who renamed it the Isle of Palms. Seewwee Indians originally occuppied the island and the only other occupants were the pirates who buried their treasures for safekeeping in the deserted dunes and woods. It remained without permanent inhabitants until the late 19th century when the island became recognized by locals of the area as a refuge from the summer heat and tempo of Charleston. Breach Inlet, separating IOP and Sullivan's Island, was the point of departure for the CSS Hunley, the first submarine to sink an enemy vessel. Numerous ships have sunk off the shores of its beach and during Hugo the barrier island was under water. The Isle of Palms Beach and Racquet Club was built in 1975 and later renamed The Wild Dunes Beach and Racquet Club in 1984 and today is simply called Wild Dunes.

Vacation home rentals on the beach are plenty and spacious from condos to cottages, to oceanfront mansions. There are five different hotels and resorts on the island to choose from when looking for accommodations for a night or several. If you like water sports, the IOP Marina has everything you need and fishing charters too. We rented kayaks at the marina and paddled around the intercoastal waters of the island. You get a good look at the villas and mansions along the waterways and a enjoyable dose of nature.
 
Wild Dunes, Charleston's Island Resort,  is a 1,600-acre oceanfront paradise that features championship golf, nationally ranked tennis, one of the nation's top-ranked family recreation programs, over two miles of pristine beach, and four outstanding resort restaurants. Whether you are a resident or a non-resident, check out the IOP and its seven miles of beach. Map and location.-Vacation Rick Travel