Naturally Kiawah Magazine Volume 41 | Page 49

Live Bait From Joe Buongiorno There are various schools of thought on fishing. Some people prefer live bait, others prefer cut bait or artificials. The majority of regular fishermen on Kiawah favor live or cut bait and believe it is the most productive way to fish. The bait is procured locally and is what the fish are currently chasing in their natural environment. The primary types of bait that are used consist of the following: live mud minnows; live finger mullet; live shrimp; live menhaden; cut or chunk mullet and, cut blue crab. While some bait is available at Bohicket Marina and in the Kiawah convenience store, it is usually frozen and not as desirable. Fishermen on Kiawah prefer to catch their own bait and use different methods depending on what they are targeting. Mud minnows are caught in minnow traps placed strategically around creeks on the island. Mullet, shrimp and menhaden are typically caught by throwing cast nets where these fish congregate based on tidal flows. Blue crabs can be caught in crab pots or by using long handled nets in ponds, creeks, and spillways around Kiawah. Bunting Bathing From Becky Krantz Peering through the plantation shutters of our bedroom window I noticed a male painted bunting sitting on top of our patio fountain. I took 23 quick photos as it bathed with glee in the bubbling water. He finally shook the water from his feathers and took flight. WINTER/SPRING 2019 • VOLUME 41 47