North Myrtle Beach/Little River – October 25, 2018
Patrick, of Captain Smiley Fishing Charters, reports that fishing was phenomenal after both of the recent big storms passed through the area, but it has since tapered off just a little bit. The recent cold front certainly had a positive affect on the action, though. The water is still around 72 degrees, and once the temps drop down into the sixties, fishing will improve even more.
Flounder, red drum, and trout are all being caught inshore, and while the reds are measuring between 15-23”, almost all of the flatfish and specks have been throwbacks. Gulp shrimp and finger mullet fished on 1/4 oz. jig heads have accounted for most of the action. At low tide, fishing oyster beds and deep holes has produced bites.
Out at the inlet, cut pogies on 6/0 circle hooks have been bringing in some great bull reds.
Ken, of Fin and Feather Light Tackle Fishing Charters, reports that speckled trout fishing is picking up, with massive fish coming in now that the weather is getting cooler. The top of the incoming tide and the first few hours of the outgoing tide, especially in 4-7’ of water, have been the best time and place to look for a big speck, with Vudu shrimp on a popping cork and small MirrOdines getting a lot of attention. Mood ring and shrimp po-boy Trout Tricks on a 1/8 oz. jig head have also been bringing in a lot of fish.
Flounder and red drum are still being caught in the creeks. Most of the flatfish have been between 13-15”, though fish up to 17” are being caught as well. Sticking to oyster beds on the falling tide with root beer-colored DOA soft plastics has brought in the drum, which have mostly been in the 16-22” range.
William Barber, Sr., of Seven Lakes, NC, with a wahoo caught while fishing with his son, William Barber, Jr. The fish fell for a cigar minnow on a Big Nic Mac-a-Hoo in 180′ of water near the Blackjack Hole.
Keith, of Low Country Fishing Charters, reports that big redfish have remained the most popular target over the past two weeks due to their presence around the Little River jetties. Chunks of menhaden on Carolina rigs have proven to be the best bait.
On days when it’s too windy to hit the jetty, slot-sized reds can be found in the backwaters, where they are falling for mullet and live shrimp. The shrimp will also attract speckled trout when floated under a popping cork. Black drum have been seeking out shrimp as well, and a few flounder have been picked up, but not in any significant numbers.
Oyster shells and grass have been the go-to locations for all four species.
Within a mile of the beach, kings in the 15-25 lb. class will fall for pogies that are either slow trolled or drifted.
Bob, of Strange Magic Fishing Charters, reports that fishing has slowed down again after Hurricane Michael, as there has been a huge influx of freshwater. Look for saltier water closer to inlets and any other saltwater source. Redfish and trout will be swimming there, and they can be caught with a variety of artificials ranging from Gulp pinned to jig heads, to MirrOlures, to shrimp imitations. Remember to keep colors bright in the muddy water, and add a little Pro-Cure to your baits in order to put off some scent.
Black and red drum will also go for fresh shrimp on a Carolina rig or jig head. Structure is key to finding both species of drum.
Flounder are still around and have been hungry, hitting Gulp baits and the normal go-to mud and mullet minnows. Look around creek mouths, especially on the falling tide.
Tony Bowling and Stinky Fulwood, of the Reel Dysfunctional,with a stingray caught in the Lockwood Folly Inlet.
Larry, of Voyager Fishing Charters, reports that there are plenty of fish to be caught offshore, but the wind has made for choppy seas. The 25 mile range has been a great place to not only troll for king mackerel, but to pull some grouper, amberjacks, and a good combination of other fish from the bottom.
Overnight trips in the 50 mile range have resulted in full boxes of beeliners, triggerfish, grunts, porgies, and a mixed bag of other common bottom species.
Daytime trips to the 45 mile range have had the same results, with the addition of big gag and scamp grouper.
Again, the choppy seas have made for tough but productive trips out.
Morgan, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that the fishing action has slowed down a little bit due to harsh winds and rough conditions, but overall the last few weeks have been highly productive for pier anglers.
There has been 5-6 king mackerel come over the rails. In addition, some big red drum in the 38” range have been landed.
Whiting, croaker, black drum, and bluefish have also been common.
