The one thing that attracts whiting is shrimp. If you're in an area where there are a lot of shrimp, odds are good you'll find whiting willing to bite.

These fish are great for pier-fishermen and are a staple of the summertime pier-fishing reports all along the coast. So, if you don't have a boat, this is a great way to enjoy saltwater fishing.

If you do have a boat, fish the edges of channels, points and other identifiable bottom changes where shrimp or other baitfish are located. Whiting are great at locating bait by scent, so one common practice is to peel the shrimp before you use it as bait. Fresh shrimp does seem to work better than smelly, old shrimp.

Also, if you catch a few fish and the action slows, move to another spot. You may not have to move far, as the whiting will usually bite rather quickly if they are in the area.

DOLPHIN
When considering an offshore species, the dolphin is certainly one that provides a lot of fishing opportunities and success for South Carolina saltwater anglers. This prolific fish is found in big numbers off the coast right now and will provide good fishing throughout the summer.

This fish species has many qualities that make it a favorite among saltwater fishermen. The dolphin averages excellent size, grows tremendously fast, fights hard and jumps high. With liberal creel limits, it can be caught in big numbers and provides exciting, fast-paced action. As table fare, it is ranks at the top of the list, according to many saltwater anglers.

But according to one dolphin expert, there's even more. Don Hammond is a Marine Fisheries Biologist with Cooperative Science Services LLC. Hammond has been conducing long-term studies of the dolphin, which include satellite tracking. He was also the long-term recognized dolphin expert with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) before his retirement.

"From all indications, the dolphin is one of the few saltwater species where fish stocks are in good shape," Hammond said. "But the dolphin has more going for it than good abundance. Based on the data we have from research, it is the most important fish to the bluewater troll fisheries from North Carolina to Florida."

There are some very specific features and patterns that anglers need to key on to find and catch dolphin consistently.

According to some veteran dolphin fishermen, there are general areas that will be consistently productive, but each trip is different in terms of exactly where you'll find fish.

Look for specific things that will attract dolphin, such as water temperature variables. Seams where water temperatures change rapidly can be prime spots for dolphin to congregate and are recognized by a quick change in surface temperature.

Other features to key on include a noticeable tide line, birds feeding on bait and schools of bait that are spotted near the surface. In addition, floating patches of grass are a prime place. Actually, any debris like floating lumber, a sheet of plywood, even a piece of Styrofoam from a dock are dolphin attractors. Essentially, anything floating has the potential to attract and hold dolphin.

"Dolphin tend to run in the upper water column," Hammond said. "So, fishermen generally fish near or on the surface."

When trolling, most dolphin fishermen keep the boat speed around 5 to 7 knots. Many prefer natural baits rigged with colored skirts or artificial lures. Sometimes dolphin will be so numerous in an area anglers can stop trolling and actually cast to them. When this occurs, the best advice is to try and keep one hooked at all times. It seems to have a positive effect on keeping the others in a bite mode. As soon as another dolphin is hooked up, get the other one in. Often multiple dolphin can be hooked at any given time.

This is a great fish to pursue if you want to hire a guide or charter boat for a day of fishing.