April 1
Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River are in the mid-60s, and the water is still pretty clear.
It’s turning into a good spring on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand, and after a hiatus in the reports due to some telephone issues that kept us from connecting Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the action for both trout and redfish is strong. Inshore they are drifting the ledges and grass lines with live shrimp under a slip float rig when the tide is up, and at the jetties they are catching fish with the same set-up. They are also catching mainly redfish on cut shrimp or Gulp! baits around docks, bulkheads, oysters and other structure at the beginning of the outgoing tide.
Black drum are also being caught around docks on fresh cut shrimp.
Smaller flounder are just beginning to show up, but so far only a handful of them.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that right now the catch is limited to whiting and croaker, but they have seen their first keeper flounder as well as some smaller ones. The blues and Spanish mackerel should not be far off.
At the 3-Mile Reef, Captain Smiley reports that they are catching some really nice-sized weakfish bouncing white Gulp! baits with a chartreuse tail on a 3/8 ounce jighead. False albacore and bonito are also easy to spot under the birds. Even though they don’t stay up for long, they are a lot of fun to target on light tackle throwing small silver spoons or trolling Clarks Spoons.
February 23
Water temperatures range from about 48-50 degrees, and after recent weather the water is fairly dirty inshore. Out at the jetties there is some pretty blue water.
Winter fishing continues to be strong on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they are still doing very well with the redfish and black drum inshore. Fish are highly schooled up, and they can be found around deep holes in the creeks on low tide and dock pilings on higher tides. Current remains essential and the slack tide on either end has not been good. Live shrimp (available at Perry’s in Murrell’s Inlet) or fresh cut shrimp have been working very well, and they are also picking up some redfish on Vudu shrimp and Zman baits.
The trout fishing has been a little slower inshore, but Captain Smiley reports that a few have been caught inshore around channels and oyster beds on live shrimp. However, the better trout fishing has been in the clean water out at the jetties. Live shrimp on a slip float or on a split shot rig and a #4 hook, live minnows and even Gulp! baits are all working. However, as with inshore the current must be moving for the jetties to produce.
Redfish can also be picked up at the jetties.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) is closed for renovations.
February 5
Water temperatures are about 49 right now, and particularly on the incoming tide water conditions are gin clear in the creeks.
It continues to be a really good time for fishing on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they are still doing very well with the redfish and black drum. Fish are highly schooled up, and they can be found around deep holes in the creeks on low tide and dock pilings on higher tides. However, you need some current to catch fish as the slack tide on either end has not been good. Live shrimp (available at Perry’s in Murrell’s Inlet) or fresh cut shrimp have been working very well, and they are also picking up some redfish on Vudu shrimp and Zman baits.
The trout also continue to bite pretty well, and Captain Smiley’s boats have been catching them drifting the ledges or out at the jetties. Live shrimp are still the ticket for catching trout, although they will also hit Vudu Shrimp and paddletail grubs.
It’s been so rough that getting offshore has been pretty much impossible, but when conditions improve redfish and trout should still be out at the jetties. They can be caught fishing shrimp under a slip float or on a split shot rig and a #4 hook. Again, you need current moving in either direction for the ledges or the jetties to be productive.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) is closed for renovations.
January 21
Water temperatures have ranged from about 48-52 over the last week, and water conditions are gin clear in the creeks.
Despite the really cold temperatures, the fishing has been excellent on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that if you have some good spots the redfish and black drumare very willing to eat. Fish are highly schooled up, and they can be found around deep holes in the creeks on low tide and dock piling on higher tides. However, you need some current to catch fish as the slack tide on either end has not been good. Live shrimp (available at Perry’s in Murrell’s Inlet) or fresh cut shrimp have been working very well.
The trout have also been biting pretty well, and Captain Smiley’s boats have been catching them drifting the ledges or out at the jetties. Live shrimp have been the ticket for catching trout, although they will also hit Vudu Shrimp and paddletail grubs.
Out at the jetties anglers can also pick up redfish fishing shrimp under a slip float, and fish can also be caught on a split shot rig and a #4 hook. Again, you need current moving in either direction for the ledges or the jetties to be productive.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) is closed for renovations.
January 6
Water temperatures are in the upper 40s and lower 50s and water conditions are gin clear in the shallows when there isn’t a bunch of recent rain.
On some parts of the South Carolina coastline artificial lures are out-fishing live bait, but on the north end of the Grand Strand Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that there are plenty of trout to be caught – if you have live shrimp. It is very hard to get bites on artificial lures. With shrimp trout seem abundant, including some big fish up to 20 plus inches, and the jetties seem to be holding the most trout.
Creek mouths close to the inlet are also holding trout, as are creek mouths close to the ocean. However, the main run of the ICW is a trout desert.
Redfish are in a typical winter pattern, and they are up shallow feeding on the low incoming tide – especially if you can catch a low tide in the warmer part of the day. The best place to look for them is in the potholes and surrounding ditches with 2-4 feet of water where they will school up. Casting pretty much any artificial lure will work but Gulp! or small paddletail grubs have been really good.
In holes, around deeper docks, and at the jetties there are also plenty of black drum that can be caught on live or fresh dead shrimp. There have been good numbers of fish in the 17-19 inch range.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) is closed for renovations.
December 20
Water temperatures are in the lower 50s, but the water has not yet gotten to its typical gin clear winter color.
Even though the weather has been pretty tough recently, when they can get out on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that inshore fish are settling into winter patterns. They have caught some really big trout on artificial lures recently, with fish around drops in the IntraCoastal. The jetties are also holding good numbers of trout. However, if you really want to slay the trout live shrimp (available at some area stores) are hard to beat.
The redfish are also getting into their winter patterns, and the best time to catch them is on the low to rising tide when they are bunched up in big groups in deeper potholes in the shallows. You can still catch some on the higher tides but they aren’t grouped up as well. Gulp!, fresh cut shrimp, or live mud minnows will all work.
If you fish with fresh cut shrimp you will also catch some black drum in the same areas, and they are also schooled up around shell beds and docks. At times the black drum will group up very tightly.
In the surf, Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they are catching a few croaker, whiting, and spot but overall the fishing is entering a slow period.
November 19
Water temperatures did fall into the 60s but then heated back up to 70, but it finally looks surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand have dropped backed into the 60s for good. With the recent king tides, wind and rain clarity is low. Bait is just starting to leave the creeks.
The last couple of days have finally seen more seasonal weather on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that water temperatures started out so warm that things are still running a couple of weeks behind.
The trout bite slowed down as temperatures got warm, but as temperatures drop they are looking for the action to get very hot and the best is almost certainly yet to come. The strongest pattern is drifting shrimp suspended under a float, and the incoming tide has fished the best. Trout are around ledges, areas with current, grass lines and covered oyster shells. Look for fish in about 6 feet of water.
Redfish are being caught on the same pattern as the trout, but they are also catching fish shallower around docks and structure with jigs fished on the bottom. However, live shrimp is still the best bait for reds.
The black drum are also biting pretty well but they are generally hanging a little deeper. The best place to fish for them is around ledges on the incoming tide.
In the surf, Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they are catching redfish and black drum, a few flounder, croaker, whiting, and the last of the pompano. While spot are not running there are a few around.
While there are probably plenty of fish to be caught out at the jetties, it has been so rough that Captain Smiley’s boat has stayed inside the inlet.
October 23
Surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand have risen to 74 degrees. Particularly on the incoming tide the water is a pretty blue color. While finger mullet remain abundant in the creeks and menhaden are thick off the beach, shrimp are still hard to come by.
The redfish action has been outstanding for the last couple of weeks, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that inside the creeks they are catching lots of smaller reds, a bunch of 18-23 inch fish, and some up to 26 inches. Spots are tide-dependent, and on lower tides they are fishing holes in the creeks while on higher tides they are fishing around grass and oysters. The best baits have been live finger mullet on a jighead, but Gulp! shrimp are also working.
The flounder fishing is still pretty good, but right now they are catching more short fish and lower numbers of keepers. Live finger mullet and Gulp! baits are both working.
On the incoming tide they are catching black drum on fresh cut shrimp fished around docks and certain oyster beds that the fish seem to like.
The trout fishing continues to be off, and it seems likely that this is the result of a couple of factors. First, shrimp are still hard to come by and so floating live shrimp around has not been as much of an option. Second, temperatures have not dropped yet. They did catch a nice trout on finger mullet today, perhaps a sign of good things to come.
In the surf, Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that whiting and croaker are both biting well, and there have been a few black drum too. But by far the most exciting action is with the king mackerel, and in the past two weeks more than 70 fish have been caught. In the last two days 17 have been landed! A few Spanish mackerel are also around although they have slowed off the pier.
While smaller redfish are biting inshore, the fishing for bigger drum has been pretty good in the inlet and off the beaches. Fish from 30 to 40 plus inches have been caught around the rocks, in holes in the inlet and following the schools of menhaden down the beach. Some of these schools are half an acre or more and if you drop baits into them you will pick up drum and sharks. They are usually just outside the breakers in 5-20 feet of water and the pelicans will point you to them.
There has also been some outstanding Spanish mackerel fishing in the inlet, with many of the fish 2-3 pounds and better. It’s as simple as looking for the diving birds and then casting spoons to them, and you can also troll or cast Mirrolures at the Spanish.
October 7
Surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are about 72 degrees. While mullet are abundant, shrimp are small and hard to catch right now.
The strong fishing that started this summer is extending into the fall, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that despite the occasional slower trip overall the fishing has been very good.
This has been an excellent year for redfish, and as expected at this time of year there are tons of small reds in the 15-17 inch range around. They are being caught on live mullet on a 3/8 ounce jighead or cut shrimp. The outgoing tide has been the best fishing around oyster beds or creek mouths.
There are bull reds in the inlet, but either the fishing is just getting started or the action is going to be a little spotty this year. Cut mullet are working the best and you can’t miss the boats that are fishing around the rocks or in holes.
While the flounder fishing is closed again in North Carolina, they are catching lots of fish in South Carolina waters on finger mullet. Fishing deep holes in the creeks on the incoming tide has been the best pattern.
Black drum have also been biting very well on the incoming tide using cut shrimp around docks and drops.
Perhaps because of the absence of shrimp the trout season has not really kicked off yet, but the few fish they are catching have been oversized. They are coming on topwater plugs and finger mullet.
September 10
Surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand remains about 86 degrees. The creeks, inlets and surf are full of finger mullet.
As the mullet run heats up the fishing is getting even better on the north end of the Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that this past week the catches of redfish have been pretty exceptional. On high tides they are catching fish around grass lines, while on the low to incoming tide the best action has been around docks, bulkheads and rocks. The fish are really concentrating on mullet right now and so live finger mullet have been the best bait.
Right after the North Carolina flounder season opened up they were catching a high percentage of better fish, but now that the season has been open for a little while more short fish are being landed. Still the flounder fishing has been pretty good on finger mullet, with the best catches coming on lower water in deep holes.
While trout can also be picked up on finger mullet, the best action has come floating live shrimp around oyster and drops on the incoming tide. Target 6-8 feet of water.
There have not been a lot of black drum caught but some have been biting on live shrimp fished around docks.
While Captain Smiley has spent more time inside the inlet, out at the Little River jetties there have been loads of sharks, redfish and trout caught around the rocks. Spanish mackerel are also thick, and anglers are catching them either throwing topwater lures or light-lining with live mullet.
There have been no reports of big red drum showing up yet, but any time now they should arrive. The bulls will be caught in the middle of the main channel in the inlet or against the rocks. While mullet will work live menhaden are usually tough to beat.
In the surf, Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that whiting, bluefish and flounder have been biting. A few spots are being caught but they are not really running yet. A king mackerel was landed this morning and plenty of nice Spanish mackerel are being caught.
August 25
Surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are about 86 degrees and water clarity is typical for summer. On some rainy days the water stays dirty, but generally it’s clean on the incoming and dirty on the outgoing. The creeks are filled with shrimp and mullet.
It’s been a phenomenal summer of fishing on the north end of the Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that even as the tourist season begins to (slightly) drop off the fishing will only get better and better.
The headline species right now is the flounder, and after a year where flatfish on the North Carolina side of the border were closed to harvest we are currently in a month-long window where fish in both Carolinas can be kept. The fishing has been excellent over sandy bottoms on finger mullet, and the key is working the deeper holes as long as the tides will allow.
The redfish action has also been nothing short of spectacular, with fish being caught around docks and holes on live finger mullet or cur mullet.
You will pick up some trout fishing with finger mullet, but the best way to target specks is with live shrimp under a popping cork. On higher tides fish along grass lines and over oyster beds, while on the outgoing tide you should target ledges in 6-8 feet of water.
The black drum remain prolific all over the shallows, but docks have held by far the most fish in the last few weeks. There are still lots of small fish around, boding well for the future, but more 14-20 inch fish have been caught recently too. Fishing cut shrimp on low tide has been the ticket.
In the surf, Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they have seen a lot of croaker, whiting, stingrays, ribbonfish and sea robins recently. While there have not been any king mackerel lately, some nice-sized Spanish have been landed. There were also some good flounder last week.
While you can catch flounder in the creeks or in the surf, the best flounder fishing is at nearshore reefs like the Caudle Reef two and a half miles out. If you work live finger mullet around the edges you can pick up some doormats, and there is also a mixed bag of bluefish, small black sea bass, small cobia, sharks and Spanish mackerel.
July 24
Surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are about 85 degrees and water clarity varies. Some inshore areas are dirty while the ocean is fairly clear today.
Despite the heat Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that inshore fishing has been pretty good, with most species still biting in the usual places. Trout are being caught on live shrimp drifted around drop offs or any type of structure such as oyster beds. With the heat fish are more likely to be in 6 plus feet of water.
Redfish are being caught fairly shallow in the IntraCoastal Waterway and the creeks. On higher stages of the tide they are being caught around grass lines, while on lower tides they are oriented to oyster shells. Cut and live mullet as well as fresh cut or live shrimp are all working. Redfish can also be caught around docks.
There are also some big 30 plus inch fish being caught in the inlet on cut or live mullet or menhaden. The fish are in 20-30 feet off the ends of the rocks.
Some flounder are being caught casting at creek mouths or drop-offs with live mullet or Gulp! swimming minnows.
The black drum remains prolific all over the shallows, around docks, drops offs, oyster beds, and in holes – but almost all of the fish have been undersized. The population should be very strong in a year or two.
In the surf, Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that fishing has been a little slow in the heat, and there has not been a lot of bait around. A few whiting, ribbonfish, small spadefish and sheepshead have been caught, but bluefish, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel have all been absent.
Perhaps the most entertaining fishing has been taking place nearshore recently, and Captain Smiley reports that about two and a half miles offshore at the Jim Caudle Reef they have been catching a mixed bag of species. Plenty of nice flounder and small cobia are around, and there are also a variety of sharks and plenty of bluefish. Trolling Clarks Spoons on #1 planers around the tide lines and sea buoys there are lots of Spanish mackerel to be caught, and off Hog Inlet has been particularly good.
June 30
Ocean surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are about 80 degrees. The water is clearing up nicely.
Even as it gets hot they are catching a mixed bag north of Myrtle Beach, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that most of the inshore species are biting despite the heat.
Trout are being caught on live shrimp drifted around shell banks on the incoming tide in the creeks, while redfish are being caught shallow in the IntraCoastal Waterway and the creeks. On higher stages of the tide they are being caught around grass lines, while on lower tides they are oriented to oyster shells. Cut and live mullet as well as fresh cut or live shrimp are all working. Redfish can also be caught around docks.
While the action has been best just across the border in North Carolina, there are some nice flounder being caught casting into deep holes, around dock pilings and near shell beds. Fish can be caught on Gulp! or live minnows/ mullet on ¼ ounce jigheads.
The black drum are prolific all over the shallows, around docks, and in holes – but almost all of the fish have been undersized. The population should be very strong in a year or two.
In the surf, Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they have not caught any king mackerel or Spanish for about a week, but as the water has cleared they should be around all next month. They have had some very nice flounder over 20 inches caught in the last day or two, and whiting and spots are also being caught.
At the jetties there are some large drum over 30 inches and sharks which can be caught towards the ends of the rocks. They will eat cut bait or chunks of crab.
Nearshore Captain Smiley reports that there are some kings just off the beaches, and there are also plenty of Spanish mackerel. Spanish can be caught trolling Clarks Spoons on #1 planers around the tide lines and sea buoys. Sharks are everywhere.
Blue water fishing has again been limited since there has been so much wind over the last two weeks.
June 15
Inshore surface temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are around 78 degrees. With the Waccamaw River flooded for the last week the water has been darker, and a new round of rain will probably keep it that way.
There are good summer fishing conditions north of Myrtle Beach, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the big four inshore species are all biting well.
Inside the creeks trout and redfish are eating live shrimp fished against the grass. The rising tide and the beginning of the outgoing have been best, and cut mullet fished against the grass is also working well for redfish.
Small black drum are also being caught around docks, shell beds, and downed trees on live or cut shrimp. Lower stages of the tide have fished the best.
The flounder action has been good on live mullet or mud minnows, and artificial baits such as white Gulp! jerk shad fished on a 3/8 ounce jighead have also been effective. Both trolling and casting have been working.
The jetties have also been productive, with trout, redfish and black drum and being caught on live shrimp.
In the surf, Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that the king mackerel fishing has been phenomenal. Last Wednesday an incredible 13 fish were caught, and over the weekend an additional 8 or 9 fish were landed. The usual suspects of bluefish, whiting, and a few spots are also around.
Nearshore Captain Smiley reports that there are tons of spadefish on the reefs, and there are also cobia around. They have caught some big fish over 36 inches dropping live pinfish down on the bottom.
Spanish mackerel can also be caught trolling Clarks Spoons on #1 planers around the tide lines and sea buoys.
Blue water fishing has been limited since there has been so much wind over the last two weeks, and in the king mackerel tournament this weekend most boats stayed close to shore.
May 28
Inshore surface temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are in the mid-70s. The water was pretty clear before the tropical storm, but now it has gotten muddy.
There have been some pretty good catches to the north of Myrtle Beach in this mild May, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they have been doing very well for black drum and redfish around docks on the outgoing tide. Fresh cut shrimp have been the ticket.
While Captain Smiley’s boat has not been there as much as a couple of weeks ago, the Cherry Grove area is still producing flounder. His boat has been catching lots of flounder fishing on the bottom for redfish with jigs. If you want to target flounder drifting live menhaden or mud minnows on moving tides will work.
In the surf, Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they are catching whiting, a few spots, and a few bluefish on the bottom with cut bait. However, dirty water has hurt the fishing and kept some of the more popular species away.
Captain Smiley has also fished a lot out at the Little River jetties, where a mixed bag of trout, Spanish mackerel, redfish and lots of bluefish have all been caught on live shrimp floated beside the rocks. The incoming tide has fished best.
Nearshore, there have been cobia, amberjack, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel caught trolling.
Offshore the dolphin bite is still pretty good when anglers can get out, and there are still yellowfin tuna around as well as some wahoo. A sailfish was released last week.
May 13
Inshore surface temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are in the upper 60s to 70 degrees and the water is overall very clear.
The flounder bite continues to be very good on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the Cherry Grove area is still producing. Big schools of menhaden have showed up off the beaches and in the creeks, and there are plenty of perfect bait-sized fish of about 4 inches. Drifting on moving tides has been working well.
Redfish are still being caught in shallow creeks, and while there are some trout around live shrimp is the key to catching them. For now the creek shrimp are still a little too small for bait, but any day now they should be big enough as that usually takes place by the second week of May. A few are being caught on mud minnows, but it is has been so windy that artificials have been difficult to fish.
The inshore catch has often been anchored by black drum on the shorter end of the keeper slot, and these are biting well on fresh cut shrimp. Fish can be caught in shallow creeks around any area with a deeper hole or some sort of structure such as a dock or downed tree. Holes with cover are ideal. The best fishing has been on the outgoing tide down to the bottom and then dead low.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they are catching bluefish and keeper-sized Spanish mackerel as well as whiting and smaller flounder. With water temperatures hitting 71 any day now king mackerel should arrive.
The jetties have been a little slow for sheepshead but there are always redfish and black drum out there.
Weakfish are all over the nearshore reefs and there are some small black sea bass and a few Spanish around. The menhaden have gotten thick and so very soon the cobia should arrive.
Offshore the dolphin bite has been very good and there are also a lot of yellowfin tuna around. Wahoo fishing has also been good on calm days like today when you can get offshore.
April 30
Surface temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are in the upper 60s. The Cherry Grove area is very clear because of the lack of river inflow, while Little River is darker because of the freshwater.
The flounder continue to headline inshore fishing on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that he has been fishing in the Cherry Grove area because the bite has been so good up there. He has mainly been fishing the outgoing tide, but the key has been drifting big live baits for bigger fish. Mullet, small spots and pinfish have all been working well. If you know where the good holes are you can also slow down and fish larger artificials. Gulp! jerkshad and Vudu Shrimp are both working.
There has also been a good black drum and redfish bite, with the best action coming on fresh cut shrimp fish fished in deeper holes with structure in the creeks. The lower outgoing tide has been best.
In the Little River area they are also finding fish back in very shallow creeks with 3-4 foot potholes on low tide.
There have not been a lot of anglers pursuing trout, but the action is much better with live shrimp if you can get them.
Captain Smiley has not fished the jetties but reds and black drum are there if you hit them right.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that some big whiting and nice keeper black drum have showed up, and just this week bluefish and Spanish mackerel have arrived. There have also been a few keeper flounder. With water temperatures hitting 68 it should not be long until king mackerel arrive.
At the nearshore reefs Spanish, blues and weakfish are all around, and king mackerel are also showing up. There have already been some reports of cobia on the south end of the Grand Strand and it should not be more than a week or two until they arrive within a few miles of the beaches.
In 60-100 feet of water they are wearing out the dolphin.
April 15
Surface temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are around 66 degrees in the surf.
The biggest change inshore this week is with the flounder, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that more fish are starting to show up in Cherry Grove. The most popular way to target them is trolling or drifting Carolina rigs or even double rigs with live mullet or mud minnows, but you can also spot-lock on a hole and cast.
However, the biggest change this year is that instead of there being 100 boats out there targeting them the fishing pressure is way down and so the flounder are getting a little break.
They are still catching some nice trout, and this bite should only get better in the next few weeks. Fish can be caught at low tide around oyster beds or on the Intracoastal Waterway ledges, and at higher tides they can be caught along the grass lines. The key to catching trout remains live shrimp, although DOA shrimp are producing a little better than they were.
There are also some nice trout being caught at the jetties on the outgoing tide, as well as redfish. There are also plenty of reds shallow around structure such as docks, as well as mixed in with the trout along ledges in the ICW or over shell beds. There are still some schools of redfish on the flats.
Black drum fishing is getting better, with more keepers starting to show up. They can be caught on cut shrimp around docks or other structure.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that rising ocean temperatures have improved the bite, and they are getting good numbers of whiting and they have also had a couple of runs of bluefish. So far they have been small, but as water temperatures stabilize and rise there will be more mature blues and better numbers. They have also had some small flounder caught, but the good fish should not be far behind them. There have been some good keeper-sized Spanish mackerel already, but that bite will also get better. Expect black drum to start to show up, and king mackerel should appear by about May 1.
There are menhaden schools starting to show up at the jetties, and nearshore at the 3-Mile Reef weakfish are plentiful and can be caught on 3/8 ounce jigs with white and chartreuse Gulp! Fish are running up to 5-6 pounds, and they will of course take natural baits too. There are also tons of bluefish and some Spanish that can be caught trolling Clarks spoons, and birds are diving everywhere.
April 1
Inshore surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are in the upper 60s, but the water is fairly dirty.
Just as public boat ramps have closed and it has become possible only to access the waterways and beaches from private access points, Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that spring fishing has gotten really good. In fact it is better than normal for the season.
They are catching some nice trout and, while they have been doing the most fishing on low tide around oyster beds or on the Intracoastal Waterway ledges, at higher tides they can also be caught along the grass lines. The key to catching trout has been live shrimp, which can be netted in the deep holes with taped nets, and they are making a night-and-day difference. You can catch 1 or 2 fish on DOA shrimp in a spot, but when you cast out a live shrimp you realize just how many fish there are.
There are also some nice trout being caught on live shrimp at the jetties on the outgoing tide, as well as redfish. There are also plenty of reds shallow around structure such as docks, as well as mixed in with the trout along ledges in the ICW or over shell beds.
Black drum are also very plentiful, but even though there are some keepers overall fish are on the small side. They can be caught on cut shrimp around docks or other structure.
A few flounder are also showing up in the Cherry Grove area as they start to migrate back.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that ocean temperatures are down to 61 degrees but good numbers of whitingas well as pufferfish, rays and small sharks are being caught. Before temperatures dropped some bluefish had showed up and they should return once temperatures rise again.
At the jetties bluefish are starting to be caught in good numbers, while nearshore black sea bass and sheepshead are still strong. After being abundant last week the false albacore have disappeared, but as soon as some clean water gets blown back in they should be just a few miles out again.
March 27
Inshore surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are around 63 degrees, and the water is clear.
Spring inshore fishing is getting good in the Little River area, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the trout fishing in particular has been strong. Inshore they are catching some nice trout around oyster beds on the outgoing tide, and there has also been some good fishing on the low to rising. The jetties have also picked up. While live shrimp have been generating the biggest fish, DOA, Vudu and Gulp! baits have all been working.
In the creeks there have been some good redfish and occasional black drum caught in the potholes, with the best action coming at low tide. There have also been some early flounder caught in the same areas.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that water temperatures are about 60 degrees, and for now the catch mainly consists of juvenile whiting, croaker, dogfish, skates and a few bluefish. Once the water heats up 5 more degrees the blues should be wide open.
At the jetties bluefish are starting to be caught in good numbers, while nearshore bonito, black sea bass, and sheepshead are still strong. There has also been some excellent action targeting false albacore, fishing with diamond jigs and also on the fly, just a few miles out.
March 13
Inshore surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand have reached the upper 50s, and the water is still fairly dingy.
As water temperatures have warmed fishing has picked up in the Little River area, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the bite for both redfish and trout has turned on. Both species are being caught on lower stages of the tide both rising and falling, and they are mixed together in the same shallow potholes in the backs of creeks. Finger mullet, mud minnows, Gulp! and Vudu Shrimp are all working.
While clarity is not really good enough for traditional sight-fishing, you can locate the fish when you see them pushing water. When you do actually see them in super shallow water it is usually too late to catch them.
Black drum are likely to be found around docks where they will take cut shrimp on moving tides going in or out. They have been a nice 17-18 inches. Some redfish have also been found around docks.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that water temperatures are about 55 degrees and only a few whiting are being caught.
Black sea bass fishing is still good about 30 miles offshore.
February 27
Inshore surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are around 50 degrees, and the water is not particularly clear.
The redfish bite has gotten really good on the north end of the Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they are catching very good numbers of fish. There have been a lot of fish in the middle of the slot, as well as some that are pushing 30 inches. The population seems very strong.
On low tide the best pattern has been making long casts to very skinny water in areas where anglers can see reds pushing water. The best bait has been cut shrimp on a 3/8 ounce jighead, good for long casting. Cast ahead of the school and let the bait sit as the fish approach.
On higher stages of the tide anglers need to fish docks, bulkheads in the Intracoastal Waterway, or other structure. There are also fish that head up in the grass on high tide, but they are more difficult to locate and get to bite. Black drum are mixed in with the reds around structure.
Trout fishing has gotten tougher, but a few fish have been caught on the ledges in the ICW with Vudu Shrimp. Last March the bite got good at the jetties, and so look for the action to pick up there soon.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that the catch still mainly consists of whiting, dogfish, and the occasional croaker. In the ocean water temperatures are around 54 degrees, but when they hit 60-62 then first bluefish, then Spanish mackerel and then flounder will arrive. Last March there was an excellent bluefish run.
At the nearshore reefs there are abundant sheepshead and black drum, but it does take some work chumming to activate the schools and keep the small black sea bass at bay. Fiddler crabs have been the best bait.
The black sea bass bite in about 70 feet of water remains strong.
February 14
Inshore surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are around 54 degrees, while back in the rivers it can get warmer. After all the rain conditions are murky.
Inshore the fishing is a little spotty, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that redfish are definitely the best thing going. Fish can be caught way back in the creeks as well as shallow in the Intracoastal Waterway, and they are ranging from 16-27 inches.
The combination of cold snaps and recent rain seems to have put off the trout bite, but if you really work at it you can pick up on or two here and there.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that the catch still mainly consists of whiting and dogfish.
At the nearshore reefs there are abundant sheepshead and black drum, but it does take some work chumming to activate the schools and keep the small black sea bass at bay. Fiddler crabs have been the best bait.
Almost certainly the best thing going has been the black sea bass bite, and in about 70 feet of water there has been an awesome bite. The fishing has been so good that they are culling keepers, and on a recent trip they threw back everything below 15 inches.
January 31
Inshore surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are around 52 degrees. The water is stained in areas and at times because of the rain and wind, but it generally clears quickly.
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks on the north end of the Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that temperatures went from the 60s to 48 in about a week. After it got super cold fishing got very tough, but now that temperatures have rebounded it has gotten better again.
Trout have started biting again in 4-6 feet of water, particularly where there is a good dropoff. If you can get live shrimp that is the best bait, but they are still biting DOA shrimp well. Moderate stages of the tide when there is some current but not too much have been fishing the best. When the tide is very slack or ripping the bite gets tougher, perhaps because the fish want some movement but do not want to have to expend too much energy.
There are also some black drum being caught around shell banks, particularly where there are drop offs. Shrimp are hard to beat.
At the nearshore reefs there are abundant sheepshead, and if you have the right baits such as fiddler crabs they will eat. There are also abundant black sea bass in 50 plus feet of water, although the keeper ratio is much better in 60 plus feet.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that the catch still mainly consists of small whiting and dogfish.
January 16
Inshore surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand have risen into the high 50s and even low 60s. The water is a dirty green in some areas.
The fishing was better on the north end of the Grand Strand before temperatures rose and the water dirtied up, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they are still doing pretty well for redfish. There are fish shallow in the creeks and in the IntraCoastal Waterway, and even though true sight-fishing has gotten tough they can see the fish pushing water and making a wake. The best pattern has been fishing lower stages of the tide along shelly areas of the bank, and mud minnows, cut mullet, and Gulp! baits have all been working.
The trout bite is still fairly strong, and they are catching fish along the banks in areas where the water drops off a bit. There are also some fish being caught deeper in holes, such as areas where a shallow flat drops off to 5-6 feet. Overall 3-6 feet is the best depth to look. The bite has been better on mid-tide moving in either direction, and live shrimp, mud minnows, DOA, Gulp!, Vudu Shrimp and Trout Tricks are all working.
When they are fishing cut shrimp on the bottom some black drum have been picked up in the creeks over shelly areas. There have been keeper-sized fish, but on the shorter end of the slot.
With very warm weather some small flounder have also been caught in the creeks.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that the catch mainly consists of whiting and dogfish right now.
December 20
Inshore surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand have dropped into the lower 50s, to about 51-53 degrees. The water is super clear.
It’s gotten pretty cold, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the trout bite is still really hot. For the past couple of weeks the trout fishing has been excellent pretty much everywhere – from the jetties to the ledges and drops in the ICW to deeper sections of shallow creeks. A good depth to fish is 3-5 feet down in 8-10 feet of water.
With fish at that depth one good way to target them is with a slip bobber, and a few area bait stores can still provide live shrimp. Artificial lures will work well, too, and sometimes fish are biting DOA shrimp just as well as the real thing.
Tide has not seemed to matter very much, as long as there is moving water in any direction. At slack tides the fish turn off.
The fishing should stay good for a few more weeks until water temperatures get very, very cold.
On lower stages of the tide there has been good fishing for redfish and black drum at low tide in shallow water. Fish will get in deep pot holes in the shallows. Gulp!, fresh cut shrimp, or live mud minnows will all work.
There have been lots of small ten-inch flounder around but the big ones seem to have left.
November 20
Inshore surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand have dropped into the lower 60s. The water is still murky.
This is the about the best time of the year to fish in the Little River area, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that it’s a no-brainer to target trout right now. Last year at this time they were catching a bunch of fish in the 13-inch range, while this year the average size is an impressive 18 inches with plenty of fish in the 20-25 inch range (almost always released). There is a really good population of fish around.
Captain Smiley’s boats are mainly targeting the ICW, but they are also catching fish in the shallow creeks. Fish are off ledges, in deeper holes, and around oyster beds beside grass; they are as shallow as 2 feet and down to about 10-12. Tide does not seem to matter as long as there is moving water in either direction. Live shrimp, DOA Shrimp, Vudu Shrimp, and Trout Tricks are all working.
There are also redfish and black drum around in the same areas, although most of the redfish have been small in the 15-18 inch range. There are not a lot of 20-27 inch fish. The black drum are mainly in the 18-20 inch range, and they will eat live or cut shrimp. The reds will eat anything, and some of the bigger trout are also being caught on minnows.
They are still picking up some short flounder.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they are still having some nice black drum caught off the pier as well as good numbers of whiting and croaker.
October 31
Inshore surface water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand still range from the mid-70s on up. With water temperatures still very warm the water has not yet cleared, and there are prolific mullet around as well as plenty of shrimp if you know where to look.
Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that even with persistent warm temperatures a strong fall bite is in place, but just in time for his 3rd Annual Inshore Slam and Festival temperatures are about to drop. This should kick-start an even better fall bite as inshore species realize that they need to feed up as the days are numbered before the bait leaves the creeks. With flounder harvest banned in North Carolina anglers will be competing for the best aggregate weight of trout and redfish, with over $3,000.00 on the line for first place. The event will take place out of Cricket Cove Marina, and proceeds will benefit the Humane Society. Sportsman’s Choice Marina is the headline sponsor.
The trout bite has really picked up, and the best fishing is taking place on the low to rising tide around ledges and drops. On higher tides the fish are doing well around grass and oyster beds. Live shrimp, Zman baits, and Vudu Shrimp have all been working.
Trout have also been feeding well at the jetties, mostly on live shrimp floated under a cork around the rocks.
There is good action for redfisharound ambush points, oysters and docks, and fish are also being caught around the same drops where the trout are feeding. It is hard to find an area that only has one species right now, and reds are also out at the jetties.
For redfish cut mullet, cut shrimp and artificial lures are all working.
Bull red drum can still be found, but the bite is not as good as it was a few weeks ago.
Black drum are in the same areas as the reds, although they are less likely to shy away from a strong current. Docks, ledges and rocky bottoms all hold black drum with cut shrimp the best bait right now.
A few flounder are still being picked up.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that with water temperatures still a very warm 74 degrees fishing has been good. This past weekend a number of king mackerelwere caught, and they have also had Spanish mackerelandbluefishcaught off the pier. Bull red drum over the slot have also been released, as well as black drum including some legal fish. There have also been pompano, whiting, and a few spots caught. With water temperatures still very warm this cold front should not push the fish out because water temperatures have so far to go before fish leave.
October 17
Inshore surface water temperatures in the morning on the north end of the Grand Strand are still in the mid-70s. There are finger mullet around but off the beaches menhaden are the most prolific baitfish.
Fall fishing is good on the north end of the Grand Strand, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) predicts that in the next week or two it will approach its peak and we will be into some of the best fishing of the year.
Bull red drum are still being caught in the inlet on live, fresh cut or even frozen menhaden, and they will also eat mullet or most any other live or fresh cut bait. The incoming tide has been the best time to target them, and high slack tide has also been good.
There are lots of fish at the jetties, and while they can be caught right by the rocks the better way to catch (and land) them is to fish in cleaner holes out from the rocks with 25-30 feet of water. The other way to catch them is to run the beaches and fish around menhaden balls.
With water temperatures still warm blacktip and bull sharks are still thick, and so Captain Smiley suggests a big 6/0 circle hook and beefy tackle so that you can get the fish in quickly. No one wants to see a bull red drum struggling on the end of a line become shark bait.
Smaller reds can also be caught casting live mullet or live shrimp on a split shot rig or under a float into the jetty rocks, and there have also been plenty of 12-17 inch redfish caught inshore around grass and oyster beds. Cut shrimp, live shrimp, finger mullet and Gulp! baits are all working for inshore reds. There are still some big redfish inshore but the 12-17 inch range has been most prolific.
The trout bite is improving but it’s still not as good as it should get. Right now trout are being caught on live shrimp fished along inshore drops and oyster beds in areas with moving current. They are also being caught with shrimp fished on a split shot rig at the jetties.
There has been good flounder fishing around the jetties with mullet fished around the rocks. Nearshore reefs like the Jim Caudle Reef have also had some nice ones.
Black drumfishing is getting better with fresh cut shrimp. The Tillman Docks are still holding fish and a Carolina rig fished on the bottom in 15-20 feet of water on moving tides continues to work. There are also plenty of good fish being caught around ledges and docks in the IntraCoastal.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, whiting, and a few spots have been caught off the pier. There have also been some large red drum out of the slot caught.
September 30
Inshore surface water temperatures in the morning on the north end of the Grand Strand are in the low 80s. There are still massive schools of finger mullet in the IntraCoastal Waterway and its tributaries.
Bull red drum remain about the most exciting game in town on the north end of the Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that more and more reds are in the inlet and off the beaches.
There are lots of fish at the jetties, and while they can be caught right by the rocks the better way to catch (and land) them is to fish in cleaner holes out from the rocks with 25-30 feet of water. The other way to catch them is to run the beaches and fish around menhaden balls. Since the fish are around menhaden they really only want to eat pogies right now.
In addition to the fishermen sharks have realized that the bull reds are thick, and so Captain Smiley suggests a big 6/0 circle hook and beefy tackle so that you can get the fish in quickly. No one wants to see a bull red drum struggling on the end of a line become shark bait.
There have also been some really big reds inshore, and this week Captain Smiley’s boat landed a 42-inch fish on a topwater plug! There are also plenty of redfish that run from under 15 inches to about 28, and these fish are very common. They can be caught on mullet fished on a ¼ ounce jighead, and they are around grass and oyster beds on the outgoing tide.
Small trout have started to get plentiful, although in the next few weeks the bite should get much better for big fish. Right now trout are being caught on live shrimp fished along drops inshore in areas with moving current, and they are also being caught with shrimp fished on a split shot rig at the jetties.
The flounder fishery will remain closed to harvest in North Carolina for the foreseeable future, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that south of the border there is still very strong flounder fishing. The key to catching fish is still fishing in places where there is an abundance of mullet and current, be that on the flats, around grass, etc. Tide does not seem to make a huge different as long as mullet and current are present. Both finger mullet and Gulp! baits are working well.
There is also still good black drumfishing with fresh cut shrimp. The jetties are improving for black drum, and at the Tillman Docks fishing on the bottom with a Carolina rig in 15-20 feet of water on moving tides is still working. There also continue to be good catches in Bonaparte Creek in 5-10 feet of water.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they have had excellent king mackerel fishing off-and-on for the last ten days. As of this afternoon 4 fish had been caught today and 8 yesterday! Beyond the kings standard fare including red drum, black drum, whiting, pompano, and bluefish have been caught this week.
September 20
Inshore surface water temperatures in the morning on the north end of the Grand Strand are around 81 degrees. There are still massive schools of finger mullet in the IntraCoastal Waterway and its tributaries, but it remains a little hard to find shrimp.
The biggest news this week is that the bull red drum have started biting, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they are catching 35-40 plus inch fish. There are basically two ways you can catch them. There are lots of fish at the jetties, and while they can be caught right by the rocks the better way to catch (and land) them is to fish in cleaner holes out from the rocks with 25-30 feet of water. The other way to catch them is to run the beaches and fish around menhaden balls. Since the fish are around menhaden they really only want to eat pogies right now.
Inshore fishing remains excellent, and while the flounder fishery is still closed to harvest in North Carolina on both sides of the border Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that there is still very strong flounder fishing. The key to catching fish is still fishing in places where there is an abundance of mullet and current, be that on the flats, around grass, etc. Tide does not seem to make a huge different as long as mullet and current are present. Both finger mullet and Gulp! baits are working well.
Besides the bulls, inside the creeks there are plenty of redfish that run from under 15 inches to about 28 inches, and these fish are very plentiful. They can be caught on mullet fished on a ¼ ounce jighead, and they are around grass and oyster beds on the outgoing tide.
There is also still good black drumfishing with fresh cut shrimp. At the Tillman docks fishing on the bottom with a Carolina rig in 15-20 feet of water on moving tides is still working. There also continue to be good catches in Bonaparte Creek in 5-10 feet of water.
Trout action is still not as good as it will be soon, but some fish can be caught at the jetties on the falling tide. Live shrimp fished on a split shot rig or under a floating cork are the best bait.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they have had good catches of red drum, black drum, whiting, pompano, and bluefish. Most of the reds are below the slot but a few are keepers. When there is some clear water Spanish mackerel are around.
September 13
Inshore surface water temperatures in the morning on the north end of the Grand Strand are around 83 degrees. There are massive schools of finger mullet in the IntraCoastal Waterway and its tributaries, but it is a little hard to find shrimp.
The flounder fishery is closed to harvest in North Carolina, but on both sides of the border Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that there is still excellent flounder fishing. Yesterday his boat caught a fish that was almost 6 pounds as well as some 3-pounders. The key to catching fish is still fishing in places where there is an abundance of mullet and current, be that on the flats, around grass, etc. Tide does not seem to make a huge different as long as mullet and current are present. Both finger mullet and Gulp! baits are working well.
The redfish population seems to be in excellent shape, with a good number of fish and a broad range of sizes being caught. Inside the creeks there is one group of fish that runs from under 15 inches to about 28 inches, and these fish are very plentiful. They can be caught on mullet fished on a ¼ ounce jighead, and they are around grass and oyster beds on the outgoing tide.
There is a second, bigger group of fish in the 25-35 inch range that can be caught out at the jetties on cut bait or live mullet. Again, these fish are biting best on the outgoing tide.
There has also been some good black drumfishing with fresh cut shrimp. At the Tillman docks fishing on the bottom with a Carolina rig in 15-20 feet of water on moving tides has been working. There have also been good catches in Bonaparte Creek in 5-10 feet of water.
Trout action is not as good as it will be soon, but some fish can be caught at the jetties on the falling tide. Live shrimp fished on a split shot rig or under a floating cork are the best bait.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they have had good catches of whiting, pompano, and black drum. There are some small red drum and some in the slot being caught, as well as Spanish mackerel. A few small bluefish are around.