North Myrtle Beach September 1, 2011
Capt. Steven Johnson with a wahoo that bit a purple/black Ilander on top of a ballyhoo near the 100/400 while he was fishing with Capt. David Cutler of Low Country Charters.
Mark, of Shallow Minded Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that the fishing has been a bit hit-or-miss since Irene’s passage, but anglers are finding some action in the wake of the storm.
The big red drum bite was turning on at the Little River jetties before the storm, and the fish likely haven’t gone far. Live and cut menhaden or mullet are top baits for the big reds.
Some large tides lately have had red drum feeding in flooded grass flats in the area, where soft plastic baits, chunks of crab, and other baits will tempt them to bite.
Some flounder have also been biting at the jetties, and anglers have been hooking decent numbers of flatfish inshore as well. The action’s been good while drifting through the channels off the Calabash River and around Coquina Harbor. Live finger mullet are fooling the flatfish. A few larger bluefish (3-4 lbs.) and a striped bass also surprised anglers around Coquina Harbor this past week.
Some speckled trout have also been feeding in the Calabash River, and anglers are hooking them on live shrimp under popping corks.
Patrick, of Capt. Smiley’s Fishing Charters, reports that the water is clearing and inshore action is picking up in the area after the storm. Anglers are catching plenty of smaller “rat” red drum, ladyfish, and some flounder in the Calabash River. Live shrimp are producing most of the action, and they’ve been very easy to come by in the local creeks at lower tides lately.
The rat reds and some flounder have also been feeding in Dunn Sound, around the Little River Crossroads, and in the Ocean Isle canals, where live shrimp are also the ticket to action.
Large red drum are showing up around Little River Inlet, and the rising tides produce the best chances of hooking one of the big reds. Live and cut menhaden and crabs are the best baits.
Steve, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that anglers are catching some sea mullet and pompano while bottom fishing with shrimp.
A few flounder are falling for live shrimp and mud minnows under the pier.
Sheepshead are feeding around the pilings, and they will take an interest in live fiddler crabs or barnacles.
There’s plenty of bait in the water, and some spanish mackerel and bluefish have been around feeding on it. Gotcha plugs and gold hook rigs are top choices for both fish.
Prior to the storm, the red drum and spadefish bite was solid from the pier, so anglers may see those fish return in the coming days as well.
