North Myrtle Beach August 11, 2011
Ryan Gregory, of J&L Kayak Ecoventures, with an over-slot red drum he caught and released in a Calabash creek after it bit a Saltwater Assassin Shrimp Cocktail soft plastic.
Mark, of Shallow Minded Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that the heat has made the bite a bit hit-or-miss lately. There has been a solid flounder bite out on the Jim Caudle Reef and other nearshore structure, though it’s much better some days than others. Live finger mullet and shrimp are the way to go for the flatties in the ocean.
Drifting through Little River Inlet with live shrimp is still producing some days of solid red and black drum fishing, along with a wide variety of bonus species including bonnethead sharks, ladyfish, gray trout, and more.
Inshore, there are good numbers of smaller red drum and speckled trout feeding in the creeks and around ICW structure. The reds seem to have lockjaw some days, though. Live shrimp are the best baits for both the reds and trout when they’re in a feeding mood.
Patrick, of Capt. Smiley’s Fishing Charters, reports that the fishing’s been a bit tougher over the past week, but anglers willing to work hard are still managing to find some action. Staying on the move and fishing a lot of water is the best way to try and find some active fish.
There are still plenty of flounder feeding in Tubbs Inlet. The best action with the flatfish has been in deeper holes around the inlet at lower tides. Live shrimp, mud minnows, and Gulp baits fished on light jigheads will all tempt bites from the flounder. Pinfish have been prevalent and voracious lately, however, so live shrimp are somewhat tough to fish.
Some smaller red drum are in the same area and will take an interest in the same baits.
Brian Richard, of Shallotte Point, NC, with a 32" red drum that bit a live pinfish near Shallotte Inlet and was released after the photograph.
Black drum are feeding around docks and other structure in the ICW, and they’ll also take an interest in live shrimp.
Anglers drifting along the Little River jetties with live shrimp have been finding fast action with ladyfish, bonnethead sharks, flounder, red and black drum, and more, but strong southwest winds have been hampering the bite on many days lately.
Holly, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that anglers have been catching some sea mullet on bottom rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms.
Some red drum are falling for shrimp and small live baits fished under the pier.
