North Myrtle Beach – April 26, 2018
Ken, of Shallow Minded Guide Fishing, reports that the flounder bite has become very consistent, with a lot more fish being caught than this time last year. Most of the flatties have been around 13-15”, with some 16-17” fish mixed in. Carolina rigs with mud minnows fished on the incoming tide has been very successful for the flounder.
Trout fishing has slowed down a bit, but Trout Tricks in the opening night and mood ring colors are still fooling specks up to 20”.
On higher tides, 16-20” redfish are being landed on chartreuse Vudu shrimp along grass lines adjacent to deeper water and around oyster beds.
Around shell banks and docks there have been some black drum caught, and they’re ranging in size from 14-18”. Fresh shrimp on Carolina rigs, as well as Gulp shrimp on light jig heads, has produced the best action on the black drum.
Patrick, of Captain Smiley Fishing Charters, reports that there has been a good puppy drum bite around the waterway, with shrimp, mud minnows, and Gulp all working on the reds. In addition, a 45” redfish was recently landed in the ICW on blue crab.
Some keeper black drum are around as well, and they’re mainly falling for fresh shrimp on the bottom.
Several smaller flounder have been biting. The key to fooling these fish has been Gulp and mud minnows on 1/4 oz. jig heads.
Leonard Klein, of Sunset Beach, with a 45″ drum that fell for blue crab in the ICW. He was fishing with Capt. Patrick Kelly of Captain Smiley Fishing Charters.
Bob, of Strange Magic Fishing Charters, reports that recent temperature increases in the air and water has heated up the fishing action considerably.
The redfish bite has been steady and is improving, with more upper-slot fish being caught. Mud minnows, shrimp, and jig heads tipped with soft plastics have all proved successful for the red drum. Fishing deep creek holes and banks has been the most productive.
Several black drum are also being caught, and they’re biting on shrimp in the same areas as the redfish. Most of these fish have been between 12-18”.
The flounder bite has slowly started to pick up, and the best bait has been mud minnows. Those targeting flatfish should focus on fishing deep holes and structure. Although most have been smaller, there have been several keeper fish, too.
The trout continue to be scarce, but they are starting to bite again. Throwing artificials like Vudu shrimp or D.O.A.s around shell banks and choke points has produced the most keeper specks.
Keith, of North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters, reports that as the creeks continue to warm, many fish are starting to move around and relocate to deeper water. The red drum bite remains steady, with Carolina-rigged mud minnows being the most productive method. These fish are ranging from lower-slot to upper-slot.
The black drum are also eating, and they’re falling for fresh shrimp on Carolina rigs in deep holes around the waterway. Many of these fish have been keeper-sized.
A few undersized flounder have been caught as well, mainly on mud minnows. These fish can be found in deeper creek holes.
The occasional trout can still be hooked, with one recent report of a 24” fish. Mud minnows and artificials around creek mouths and holes can be used to fool the specks.
Timmy Sheridan, of Charlottesville, with a trout and flounder that fell for Trout Tricks near Cherry Grove. He was fishing with Capt. Ken Salos of Shallow Minded Charters.
Larry, of Voyager Fishing Charters, reports that full day bottom fishing trips to the Gulf Stream have been very productive. In around 110’ of water, dropping down squid and cigar minnows has produced good numbers of beeliners, vermillion snappers, American reds, triggerfish, and amberjacks.
Half day trips have landed plenty of keeper king mackerel and big bonita while trolling around the Atlantic ledge. Cigar minnows and spoons have fooled these fish.
Outside of Little River Inlet, the spanish mackerel are starting to appear.
Also, bottom fishing between 5-8 miles with cut squid has brought up sea bass after sea bass.
Ronnie, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that water temperatures are around 63 degrees, and the fishing should heat up as the water does.
Anglers have connected with several nice whiting, along with some croakers. Both species are coming mainly on shrimp.
A few bluefish have also been caught, and they’re falling for cut bait and mullet.
Some flounder are being landed, but most have been undersized.
