North Myrtle Beach – April 13, 2017
Mark, of Shallow Minded Guide Fishing, reports that trout fishing is still the best bet for those anglers looking for action. Nice trout in the 20” range are being landed regularly, with one reported over 4 lbs. Those anglers looking to connect with specks should use Vudu shrimp or Z-Man swimming mullet in “mood ring,” and adding Pro-Cure will only improve the bite.
Anglers are starting to see a few flounder, barely keeper size or just under.
Redfish can be found up on some of the flats, but they are skittish and picky when it comes to what they want to eat.
Scott Skrzydlinski, of Hope Mills, with a 21” speckled trout and a 16” flounder caught in Cherry Grove.
Patrick, of Captain Smiley Fishing Charters, reports that water temperatures in the low to mid-60s have increased the fishing action. Black drum are being landed in Tubbs Inlet on fresh cut shrimp.
Flounder are tarting to show up around Tubbs Inlet, too, as well as Cherry Grove.
Those looking to target red drum in the area should cast around docks in the ICW. Gulp and mud minnows are proving successful on the reds.
The speckled trout bite is still strong, with anglers connecting with the fish around Dunn Sound and the Little River jetties.
Capt. Jessey Vereen of Tailn’ Tides Charters with a 30” speckled trout that was caught on artificials in the Little River Inlet.
Bob, of Strange Magic Fishing Charters, reports that the trout bite has been steady, although anglers are mostly connecting with smaller fish. A few larger fish are mixed in, and MirrOlures and Gulp are the best way to target the fish. Cast towards grass banks and look for bait.
Redfish and black drum are showing up in area waters, with fresh shrimp and mud minnows both working.
Flounder are slowly moving back into the area, but all of the fish so far have been on the small side.
Aubrey Hunter, of Conway, SC, with a few nice trout caught in Little River, SC, while on a trip with Chilly Water Fishing.
Larry, of Voyager Fishing Charters, reports that the half-day trips are returning with black sea bass, and porgies and small sharks are mixed in.
Around 50 miles southeast of Little River Inlet, those dropping to the bottom are connecting with vermilion snapper, grunts, and triggerfish. Other catches include amberjack, big porgies, and sea bass.
Anglers trolling around the Blackjack can expect a strong wahoo bite, with fish in the 40-60 lb. range.
David, of Low Country Fishing Charters, reports that the wahoo bite right now is putting out the biggest fish of the year. Fish weighing in at over 100 lbs. have been reported.
The blackfin tuna mixed in with the wahoo are of a larger size, too.
Mahi are starting to move back into area waters, and all fish can be targeted with skirted ballyhoo.
Closer to nearshore, black sea bass are still being landed. Large chopper bluefish have also moved into the area.
Michael, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that anglers are starting to connect with whiting and croaker when using shrimp. Those throwing plugs are connecting with bluefish that have moved back into the area.
