North Myrtle Beach August 16, 2012
Ken Cutbush, of Lumberton, NC, with a 28.5" red drum that bit a chunk of sardine in Little River Inlet.
Mark, of Shallow Minded Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that the solid mixed bag fishing in Little River Inlet continues, where anglers drifting live shrimp along the bottom are connecting with speckled and gray trout, red and black drum, sea mullet, pompano, flounder, bluefish, bonnethead sharks, and more. The rising tides have been producing the best action.
Spanish mackerel are also feeding around the inlet, particularly on falling tides. Anglers can spot the fish chasing bait on the surface, and then cast lures like MirrOdines with light wire leaders to get in on the action.
There was a good speckled trout bite in Tubbs Inlet last week (with good numbers of fish around 18”). Live finger mullet on Carolina rigs were fooling the specks.
There are also plenty of black drum and smaller “rat” reds feeding around the docks in the inlet, and both will pounce on a live shrimp.
There’s been hit-or-miss action with larger red drum around the Sunset Beach Bridge, with live finger mullet and shrimp both producing results. The fish haven’t been feeding there all the time, but it’s worth giving the spot 15-20 minutes before moving on if nothing’s happening.
Patrick, of Capt. Smiley’s Fishing Charters, reports that the inshore fishing around Little River has been consistent lately, with a variety of fish feeding in many spots throughout the area.
Taylor, Mike, and Casey Miller with a 43 lb. king mackerel Casey landed 18 miles off Shallotte Inlet in 60' of water after it struck a skirted cigar minnow.
The red drum action’s been best in Tubbs Inlet, around Sunset Beach Bridge, and in Bonaparte Creek. Live and Gulp shrimp on jigheads are producing most of the action with the reds.
Some bonnethead sharks and more red drum are feeding in Little River Inlet, where live shrimp, finger mullet, or menhaden will attract their attention.
Fishing docks and other structure in the ICW has been producing mixed bag action with speckled trout, sheepshead, flounder, and red and black drum. Again, live and Gulp shrimp on jigheads are fooling the majority of the fish.
Michael, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that anglers are catching good numbers of spot and sea mullet along with a few pompano while bottom fishing with shrimp and bloodworms from the pier. A few red drum are also biting the bottom rigs.
Some flounder are feeding under the pier and taking an interest in live shrimp and mud minnows.
The water is 85 degrees.
