North Myrtle Beach – March 3, 2016
Mark, of Shallow Minded Guide Fishing, reports that fishing has been pretty consistent during the winter months with catches of trout, red drum, and black drum. Dunn Sound, the Little River jetties, and Sunset Beach Bridge have been some of the best spots to fish as of late.
The Z-Man trout trick on a 1/8 oz. jig head has been very effective this year in getting the trout to strike.
As far as the drum (both red and black), live mud minnows as well as Gulp baits worked slowly on 1/4-1/8 oz. Mission jig heads have been a good way to get them to bite.
This past January was a particularly good month for trout. Even though the bite has calmed down just a bit, action has still remained consistent, and that’s a good sign for things to come.
With warmer temperatures already in the forecast and the resulting rising water temperatures, be ready for the fishing to heat up as well.
Lane Harris, from Lake Wylie, S.C., with a 22″ Black Drum that was caught on a piece of cut shrimp off a dock in the Shallotte River.
Larry, of Voyager Fishing Charters, reports that there has been some good sea bass action, as well as plenty of dogfish. Boats are looking forward to starting Gulf Stream trips at the end of March.
Beeliners, sea bass, grunts, cobia, triggerfish, and porgies should all be in the mix, and with the arrival of May, grouper season will be back in gear.
Also look for bonito to make their annual spring showing at nearshore structure sometime in the beginning of April.
Carson Lee (age 10) landed his first redfish, 23”, while fishing off the Little River jetties while using a live mud minnow.
Steve, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that the pier has been open and bottom fishermen have been connecting with some croakers, whiting, and black drum. Cut shrimp has been the go to bait this time of year.
The water temperature is currently 54 degrees, but expect that number to start rising soon with some warmer days in the forecast.
Along with the warmer water temperatures, you can expect the Virginia mullet bite to heat up, and not too long after that the blues and spanish will show up as well.
Danielle Wilson with a 46 1/2” red drum caught off the Little River Inlet. the big red fell for a live pogy.
