North Myrtle Beach – October 8, 2015
Patrick, of Capt. Smiley’s Fishing Charters, reports that anglers saw some solid fishing around Little River before last week’s storm and are hoping to see the action get back on track as the water settles down in its wake.
Large red drum have been biting in Little River Inlet, and anglers hooked big numbers before the weather turned south. Drifting the inlet is anglers’ best bet to connect with the fish, and incoming tides have been producing some of the best fishing. Mullet and menhaden are both excellent baits for the big reds, and anglers should experiment with both cut and live baits to find out what the reds want on a particular day.
Smaller reds (16-20”) have been feeding in the area’s tidal marshes, where anglers were hooking good numbers last week. Most have been falling for live shrimp and finger mullet fished on jigheads or under popping corks.
Anglers have also seen some healthy flounder feeding in the local creeks. Live finger mullet pinned to jigheads or Carolina rigs are top choices for the flatfish.
The fall speckled trout bite had also turned on as of last week, and anglers are hoping the influx of fresh water doesn’t shut it down. The best action had been in the ICW around Calabash and Little River. Anglers are hooking the specks on live shrimp and mullet fished under popping corks. Bait may be scarce following the blow, but anglers can also cast Gulp and Vudu shrimp imitations with success. A few larger specks have also been falling for topwater plugs.
Christine Griffith with her first red drum, a 28.5″ fish that bit a live finger mullet in Dunn Sound while she was fishing with her husband Josh.
Mark, of Shallow Minded Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that anglers are waiting to see if the big drum bite at the Little River jetties has held up in the wake of last week’s storm. Anglers have been hooking big numbers of the big reds (some to 40”+) while drifting through the inlet with live and cut mullet and menhaden. Red drum don’t seem too sensitive to rough water or lower salinities, so the action should still be good when anglers can again fish the rocks. With increasing numbers of anglers targeting the reds in the inlet, it’s important for boaters to be mindful of other boats fishing and hooked up to avoid tangled and cut lines.
Heather Gurganus, of Shallotte, NC, with a pair of flounder she hooked while casting finger mullet at the Little River jetties with her father.
Mike, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that anglers are hooking good numbers of spot while bottom fishing from the pier with shrimp and bloodworms.
Live-baiters fishing from the end of the pier had a good run of king mackerel last week, landing solid numbers of 20-30 lb. fish.
Dale Hall with an over-slot red drum that bit a live mullet in Little River Inlet.
