North Myrtle – June 9, 2016
Mark, of Shallow Minded Guide Fishing, reports that flounder fishing has been improving but still isn’t strong. The majority of the recent fish have been coming from Cherry Grove, Tubbs Inlet, and the Calabash River. A live pogie on a Carolina rig is preferred, and the second choice is a live mud minnow.
The red drum bite has been slow, with most of the fish coming from the ICW, especially around docks. Cut shrimp and mud minnows on a jighead work, but be prepared for break-offs.
A consistent trout bite can be found on the Little River jetties. Try targeting the deeper water around the jetties where the rocks end and the sand starts. The key for summer trout is to find deeper water, moving water, and don’t be afraid to move around.
Black drum are biting well around the Sunset Beach Bridge and in Bonaparte Creek, and sheepshead are regulars around the Timmons dock.
Sean Watson with three flounder he caught in the Lockwood Folly River using live pogies.
Patrick, of Captain Smiley Fishing Charters, reports that the flounder bite has been steadily improving. Live bait will work, especially larger mud minnows, as will bouncing bucktail/Gulp combos (for Gulp, the swimming mullet has been effective lately).
Fishing around structure with live shrimp has been the most successful way to catch a few red and black drum.
Justin Whitley and Christian Wolfe, of Wilmington, with two cobia they caught off Oak Island using live menhaden.
Larry, of Voyager Fishing Charters, reports excellent Gulf Stream action, with bottom fishermen connecting with triggerfish, sea bass, grunts, and grouper. They’ve also seen some mahi caught on the light line.
Larger grouper, African pompano, and amberjack (ranging from 20-30 lbs.) have also been reported. All are hitting well on a variety of cut bait.
Trolling in 250’ of blue water will also bring in a few wahoo and some mahi.
Randy Robbins, of James Island, SC, with a 30 lb. king he caught on a pogey off the Oak Island Pier.
Steve, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that small whiting and croaker have been the majority of fish being caught, although the pier is starting to see legal flounder as well. A 17.5” black drum was also recently caught.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are running when the water is clear, and they’re being caught on Gotcha gold sparkle plugs.
Pompano, spadefish, and sheepshead have been reported to be in the 2-3 lb. range. The flounder and spadefish are being caught using squid and shrimp, and the sheepshead have been landed using sand fleas and barnacles.
The water is 78 degrees.
