North Myrtle Beach – May 10, 2018
Ken, of Shallow Minded Guide Fishing, reports that there are flounder everywhere. Most of these fish have been from 14-20”, with a few over 20” mixed in. The most successful method for fooling these flatfish, especially in shallower water, has been slowly working light jig heads tipped with mud minnows along the bottom. Throwing 1/8 oz. and 1/4 oz. jig heads has worked the best, with choice depending on current and depth.
At this time in the season, seeing numbers of flounder in the double digits isn’t uncommon. Creek mouths, potholes, and oyster beds have all produced fish. If fishing in deep holes or heavy current, Carolina-rigged mud minnows have done the trick. As the water continues to warm, the bigger flounder should continue to move further inshore.
Although the trout bite has certainly slowed down, some can still be found in the creeks around grass lines at higher tides. Light jig heads paired with Trout Tricks have continue to land a few specks here and there.
The redfish are biting well, and they’re falling for artificial shrimp and Trout Tricks. Most of the reds have ranged from 18-22” and can be found in numerous places, such as near oyster beds and around docks.
Saul Moskowitz, of New Jersey, with a flounder that fell for a jig head tipped with a mud minnow around North Myrtle Beach. He was fishing with Capt. Ken Salos of Shallow Minded Guide Fishing.
Patrick, of Captain Smiley Fishing Charters, reports that as water temperatures continue to rise, fishing remains steady.
Redfish, ranging from 17-28”, have been biting well on mud minnows. Artificials on 1/4 oz. jig heads under popping corks have been the most successful.
There have also been plenty of bluefish around, with many between 2-4 lbs., and they are biting well on topwater plugs.
The flounder are starting to bite, too, with lots of undersized fish and several keepers mixed in. Jig heads tipped with mud minnows and Gulp soft plastics are putting fish in the boat.
Bob, of Strange Magic Fishing Charters, reports that the flounder bite is on. Mud minnows seem to work the best for now, with jig heads pinned to soft plastics also working. Always try the plastics with some kind of scent, whether Gulp or Pro-Cure, to increase your chances, especially in stained water. Anglers should target creek mouths and the deeper holes.
Red and black drum are also being caught in decent numbers. Fresh shrimp seems to produce best for both, with mud minnows working for the reds, too. The redfish will fall for soft plastics under popping corks when fished close to creek banks.
Trout are still elusive for the time being, but the increasing water temperatures should turn them on shortly.
Keith, of Low Country Fishing Charters, reports that the black drum are biting well on fresh shrimp, and the fish have been decent sized, ranging from 18-20”. Fishing along shell banks and in deep holes has been the key to finding the black drum.
Redfish are in the back creeks, especially in the deeper holes, and they’re falling for shrimp artificials along with live mud minnows.
Good numbers of flounder are being landed around the inlets and at the mouths of creeks. The best method has been using artificials (such as Bluewater Candy jig heads with 3” Gulp shrimp and swimming mullet), as well as live mud minnows.
Nearshore fishing has produced spanish mackerel, bonito, and some small sharks.
The offshore fishing has been great, with strong numbers of king mackerel starting to show up.
Gulf Stream fishing is in full swing, with wahoo, mahi, and blackfin tuna all around.
Brandon Jadin with a 13.2 lb. king mackerel caught while fishing on Cherry Grove Pier.
Larry, of Voyager Fishing Charters, reports that fishing at the Gulf Stream has been phenomenal lately. Anglers have connected with red snapper, scamp and gag grouper, African pompano, cobia, grunts, triggerfish, porgies, and amberjacks. Dropping down squid and cigar minnows has produced the majority of these fish.
Drift lines have generated good numbers of king mackerel, and trolling ballyhoo has brought in wahoo and mahi.
Nearshore trips have also been successful, with plenty of keeper sea bass and spanish mackerel in the area.
Ronnie, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that pier anglers are starting to see higher numbers of fish, along with more variation in species. There are lots of bluefish to be caught, along with several spanish mackerel. Gold hook rigs and Gotcha plugs are producing both spanish and blues.
The whiting bite also remains steady, and they’re biting best on fresh shrimp.
A few flounder have been caught, but most have been undersized fish.
There have been a few black drum coming over the rails, and they are mostly smaller fish as well. Fresh shrimp continues t work best for the black drum.
