North Myrtle Beach/Little River – March 21, 2019
Patrick, of Captain Smiley Fishing Charters, reports that inshore water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are in the high 50s/low 60s. Clarity is good, but snot grass is showing up early, so be prepared to clean off a lot of hooks.
Slot redfish and keeper black drum are being caught on the incoming tide in very shallow water that features 2-5’ potholes. Fresh cut shrimp is the bait of choice to target both species.
Trout are being caught inshore on the falling tide around oyster beds, where they are striking mud minnows and shrimp, but the best trout bite is undoubtedly out at the Little River jetties. Fish up to 10 lbs. and in the 27-30” range are being caught, and live shrimp has been the best bait. Drift the shrimp along the rocks under a slip bobber on the outgoing tide, and adjust the depth until you find where the fish are holding.
Redfish can also be picked up in the inlet.
Ken, of Fin and Feather Light Tackle Fishing Charters, reports that big speckled trout were the main story over the winter and they continue to be, with fish anywhere from 15-27” being caught in the marshes and around the jetty rocks. Trout Tricks on 1/8 oz. jig heads accounted for most of the bite, though the occasional Vudu shrimp has gotten attention on higher water, especially back in Dunn Sound and near Cherry Grove.
The occasional redfish is also coming in, with upper-slot reds happily chewing at the jetty rocks. Floating shrimp has been the best tactic for these fish.
Black drum have been holding on area docks and biting cut shrimp, and sheepshead averaging 1-3 lbs. (though as big as 6 lbs.) are eating barnacles and fiddler crabs on the jetty rocks.
Flounder are starting to show up in the creeks, where Carolina-rigged mud minnows fished in lighter current areas (such as the edges of the marsh grass) have been getting bites from 14-16” fish. Artificials are usually effective this time of year as well. As March turns to April, bigger flounder will move in, and the fantastic springtime bite will be in full swing.
Sarah Hazelton shows off a 14″ speckled trout that hit a Vudu shrimp while fishing inshore around Sunset Beach.
Bob, of Strange Magic Fishing Charters, reports that the trout bite has been fantastic over the winter months, probably due to the warmer-than-usual weather. Most of the fish have been small, but multiple fish days have been common. White Gulps pinned to jig heads have been working well, as have chartreuse Gulps on popping corks or plain jigs.
Flounder have been showing up, falling for the same baits that have been attracting the trout. With the water getting warmer by the day, it won’t be long before the flounder return en masse from their winter haunts in the ocean.
Red and black drum have also been around, though the bite has been more hit or miss. Again, warmer weather will help turn the bite on. For now, fresh shrimp will increase your chances of drawing a strike.
Debbie Strange proudly displays a 27″ red drum that she enticed with fresh shrimp near Sunset Beach while fishing with her husband, Capt. Bob Strange, of Strange Magic Fishing Charters.
Larry, of Voyager Fishing Charters, reports that Atlantic bonito are starting to show up off the beach, and half-day trips to the 8-10 mile bottom have been producing black sea bass and porgies.
Out in the 38 mile range, bottom fishing in 90’ of water has resulted in big catches of black sea bass, grunts, big porgies, and a handful of amberjacks. Plenty of American red snapper have been caught and released as well.
Perry, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that the pier fishing season has opened with some whiting, croaker, blowfish, and skates.
