Little River July 26, 2007
Patrick, of Capt. Smiley’s Fishing Charters, reports that they’re catching speckled trout, red drum, and few flounder in the deeper holes of Dunn Sound. Live shrimp fished on small jig heads are producing most of the fish, although Gulp Shrimp can also be effective. At times, it seems like fishing the shrimp below a popping cork is more effective than simply casting and retrieving.
Red drum and some trout are also feeding in the shallows off the ICW and around Sunset Beach Bridge and Bonaparte Creek. Look for the drum to be pushing small wakes as they chase bait near low tide, and then cast spinnerbaits, Carolina-rigged finger mullet, or Gulp baits in front of the fish.
Throughout local waters, fishing has been best by far in the early mornings, with the best bite taking place shortly after daybreak.
Mark, of Shallow Minded Guide Fishing, reports solid mixed bag fishing in Little River Inlet.
Anglers are having the best luck while drift fishing and are catching speckled trout (most in the 16-18” range), flounder (some up to 4 lbs.), ladyfish, and 3-4’ blacktip sharks. Live baits have been fooling most of the fish, and peanut pogies, finger mullet, and shrimp have all been effective.
Some red drum are on the feed towards the backs of local creeks, and they’ll fall for the same live baits.
Drew, of North Myrtle Beach Offshore Adventures, reports that dolphin and king mackerel are feeding at the Raritan, although last week’s winds made it tough to get out to them. Most of the dolphin are running 5-10 lbs., and the kings are a variety of sizes, from snakes up to 20+ lbs.
The Atlantic Ledge is holding lots of bait right now, and the kings and dolphin are there feeding on it.
Live pogies are still the best all around baits for the kings and dolphin, but anglers who cannot locate pogies should be able to hook up with some fish by trolling dead cigar minnows.
There should still be a few sailfish chasing bait around spots in 60-80’ of water.
Further offshore, boats are reporting solid catches of wahoo.
Brendan, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that bottom fishing has been very good over the past week. The whiting are finally making a strong appearance, and in between catching them, anglers are hooking up with 1-4 lb. black drum and slot sized (15-24”) red drum.
Anglers baiting up with shrimp are catching the most fish.
The water temperature is 81 degrees.
