North Myrtle – March 5, 2015
Mark, of Shallow Minded Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that red drum have been feeding in some of the area’s shallow backwaters for much of the winter, and anglers may still be able to find some on skinny-water flats and in the creeks on warm, sunny days.
The fish will soon begin moving out into the ICW, where they’ll take up residence alongside black drum at ICW structure like the Sunset Beach Bridge and area docks and piers. Fresh shrimp and other smelly baits fished still on the bottom are the best bets for anglers trying to hook either drum species early in the year.
Mike Martin, of Oak Island, with a speckled trout he hooked on a Rapala Clackin’ Rap while fishing an Oak Island canal.
Anglers typically see some speckled trout begin to show around the area in March, with the Little River Swing Bridge and Coquina Harbor likely places to begin the hunt. Soft plastic shrimp imitations like Vudu and D.O.A. baits are top choices for the specks this time of year, but a variety of other artificials can often prove effective as well.
Another option for anglers fishing on calm days is targeting sheepshead at structure within 10 miles of the beachfront like the Little River Offshore Reef. Cut clams are excellent baits for the sheeps, and chumming the structure with some crushed clams is often a great way to get them in a feeding mood.
Larry, of Voyager Fishing Charters, reports that not much has been happening over the winter, but trips will soon resume and anglers have plenty to look forward to.
Fishing nearshore structure within 10 miles of Little River should produce plenty of action with black sea bass, gray trout, bluefish, and dogfish. All will fall for a wide variety of baits on light bottom rigs.
Anglers should see the first appearance of the Atlantic bonito at some point towards the end of March or early April around some of the same nearshore structure. Trolling small spoons or working metal casting jigs will connect anglers with the hard-fighting tuna relatives.
Out towards the Gulf Stream, bottom fishermen will find action with beeliners, grunts, triggerfish, snapper, cobia, and more, primarily on squid and cut and whole fish baits.
Steve, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that anglers have been hooking some small sea mullet and croaker all winter, and the action continues now that the water’s rebounded to the mid-40’s from the cold snap last week. Dogfish and skates have also been taking an interest in anglers’ bottom rigs.
As temperatures climb and spring wears on, larger sea mullet and more variety should show up.
