Little River October 25, 2007
Mark, of Shallow Minded Guide Fishing, reports that great fall fishing is getting underway and should continue to improve over the coming weeks. The inshore water temperatures have begun to fall, and the best fishing should come when they drop to the 68-70 degree range (they’re currently around 76 degrees).
Large red drum (15-25 lbs.) are holding along the Little River jetties. Anglers are hooking up with the big reds on live finger mullet.
Flounder are stacked up at the Jim Caudle Reef and other nearshore structure, and the flatfish will also take an interest in finger mullet.
King mackerel have been feeding wildly just off the beaches in the area. Boats are landing big numbers of the kings while slow trolling live baits in 15-60’ of water.
Spanish mackerel are also chasing bait in the inlet and just offshore, and they’ll fall for live baits or a variety of artificial lures.
Inshore, the abundant bait and lack of recent rain are combining to produce some excellent fishing for speckled trout, flounder, and puppy drum in areas that are legally considered freshwater. The trout bite has been especially hot back in the creeks. Anglers can locate feeding fish by using live baits, then switch to Gulp baits or other soft plastics once they’ve found the action.
Patrick, of Capt. Smiley’s Fishing Charters, reports that rising tides are producing a solid red drum bite at Little River Inlet. Most of the fish are big ones (up to 25 lbs.). Anglers targeting the drum should focus on the deep holes along the jetties. Then bait up with live finger mullet or pinfish for the best odds of battling one of the big drum.
Gray trout, spanish mackerel, and bluefish are also feeding in the inlet. The grays will fall for live shrimp or finger mullet fished near the bottom, and anglers can cast Maria jigs and other lures to hook up with the spanish and blues.
King mackerel are feeding along the beach between the Little River jetties and Cherry Grove Pier. Live baits, such as bluefish, pogies, or mullet, are the top king producers.
Anglers are finding fast action with smaller drum, speckled trout, and some flounder inshore near the Sunset Beach Bridge, creek drains in the ICW, and in the Calabash River. Live baits will get plenty of attention from the inshore species, but anglers have also been doing well while casting chartreuse DOA shrimp.
Drew, of North Myrtle Beach Offshore Adventures, reports that wahoo fishing has been excellent in the Gulf Stream over the past few weeks. The most consistent action has been around the 100/400 and Blackjack Hole areas in 150-230’ of water. Ballyhoo rigged beneath dark-colored lures are favorite wahoo meals.
Bottom fishing remains good. Boats are finding gag grouper and other fish feeding around structure in 75-90’ of water. Anglers targeting the grouper should head offshore with a variety of baits in order to cater to the fish’s sometimes finicky eating habits. Live pogies, pinfish, sardines, and cigar minnows are all good choices, but frozen baits will often work as well.
King mackerel are feeding heavily both near the beaches and at spots like the Jungle. Anglers can expect to see plenty of kings in the 20 lb. class, with a few topping 30 lbs. Live baits, such as pogies, are the most productive king offerings.
Brendan, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that keeper flounder have been feeding intermittently around the pier. Anglers fishing with live mud minnows and finger mullet have decked flatfish up to 5 lbs. over the past week.
Bottom fishermen are hooking up with some whiting and pompano while baiting up with shrimp.
Anglers caught some spanish mackerel last week, and mackerel trees produced most of the fish.
Four kings were caught on live baits over the week, with the largest weighing 23 lbs.
The water temperature is 75 degrees.
