December 22

Morning surface water temperatures are down into the lower 50s inshore around Little River and the water clarity has been pretty poor. 

There have been some trout caught on topwater lures of all things this week, but with the cold weather coming there’s not a lot of reason to be optimistic about the fishing for the next few days. However, Captain Smiley Fishing Charters (843-361-7445) reports that once we get through this period there should be some good trout fishing based on the last few years in December and January. Ledges and holes should produce, and while a variety of artificial lures will work live shrimp are very hard to beat. Call to confirm but Perry’s Bait and Tackle down in Georgetown usually has them delivered right through the winter. 

This cold weather should push the redfish further up the rivers, and they should get in very tight schools. Gulp! will work for them. 

While the inshore bite for both species is dying out, at the 3 Mile Reef there will soon be good sheepshead and black drum fishing when conditions allow anglers to get out there. Fiddler crabs and live shrimp will work for both species. 

December 15

Morning surface water temperatures are still about 58 degrees inshore around Little River and water clarity is still improving. 

Change is on the horizon with cooler weather coming in, but for now Captain Smiley Fishing Charters (843-361-7445) reports that things are still pretty similar on the north end of the Grand Strand. The trout are around in good numbers and they are still having a lot of fun catching plenty of fish. The number one technique is still floating live shrimp on slip rigs, but you can also catch them on a variety of artificial lures including Vudu Shrimp, Mirrolures, Zman soft plastics and more. The fish are in the same areas off ledges, along grass lines, and around structure. Location depends on tide as you want to find the right rips and current seams. 

While there are smaller trout about everywhere, there are also some bigger fish hemmed up in a few spots. One area everyone knows about is the jetties, but there are also some inshore spots that hold big trout. 

Inshore redfish and black drum are mixed in with the trout, and they can be caught on the same baits. Flounder seem to have totally disappeared, even though typically a few small ones are caught throughout the winter.

If and when temperatures drop redfish will get into big schools, but that has not happened yet. 

December 1

Morning surface water temperatures are still about 58 degrees inshore around Little River and clarity is really improving. 

Numbers of trout have moved into the waters of the north end of the Grand Strand, and Captain Smiley Fishing Charters (843-361-7445) reports that they are having a lot of fun catching plenty of fish. The number one technique has been floating live shrimp on slip rigs, but you can also catch them on a variety of artificial lures including Vudu Shrimp, Mirrolures, Zman soft plastics and more. The fish are in the same areas off ledges, along grass lines, and around structure. Location depends on tide as you want to find the right rips and current seams. 

While there are smaller trout about everywhere, there are also some bigger fish hemmed up in a few spots. One area everyone knows about is the jetties, but there are also some inshore spots that hold big trout. 

Inshore redfish and black drum are mixed in with the trout, and they can be caught on the same baits. Flounder seem to have totally disappeared, even though typically a few small ones are caught throughout the winter.

As temperatures drop redfish should be starting to get into big schools, but from what they are seeing that has not happened yet. It’s a good time to look. 

November 17

Morning surface water temperatures are all the way down to 58 degrees inshore around Little River. 

The fishing has picked up substantially at the top of the Grand Strand this week, and Captain Smiley Fishing Charters (843-361-7445) reports that they are catching trout,  redfish, black drum and even sheepshead. They rate the bite as a solid 7 out of 10.

In general the fish are mixed together in the same areas, and on the rising tide with live shrimp under a slip float they are catching all four species in the Intracoastal Waterway. Sometimes the fish are 10 feet down in 15 feet of water, but the most consistent depth has been 5 feet deep in 6-8 feet. The creeks also have fish but the ICW has been more productive, and downed trees, oyster bars and barnacles growths have all been magnets.

The hook-up ratio is low for sheepshead on this pattern, and so if you suspect you are getting lots of sheepshead bites it’s a good idea to switch over to fiddler crabs.

The grass lines are also concentrating fish, with numbers of trout up against the grass. Black drum can also be caught against the grass or around shallow oyster beds, and redfish can be found in shallow potholes. 

Overall there are far more trout around than just a couple of weeks ago, and it should only get better as more and bigger fish move in. 

November 10

Morning surface water temperatures shot up to 70 inshore around Little River this week.

It’s been some very difficult fishing conditions the last few days at the top of the Grand Strand, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that despite 35 mile per hour gusts they have managed to pull out some redfish, trout and small black drum. The best action for trout has been coming with the bait about 4 feet down over 5-10 feet of water around drops and ledges, and moving water on the incoming tide has been fishing the best.

They are mostly using live shrimp on a slip float rig, but you can also use Vudu Shrimp and an assortment of soft plastics. 

Black drum are in the same areas. 

The reds are also still biting, and particularly on the smaller end of the slot they are catching plenty of reds on the shrimp rig. While they can be found in the same areas as the trout, redfish are more commonly found in small potholes, little feeder creeks, along the edges of grass and around rocks right now. Finger mullet are working well too, and they are also picking up some big trout as well as reds in potholes. 

Reds will also take finger mullet or Gulp! fished on a 3/8 ounce jighead, and particularly when they fish this way on the bottom they are catching some nice keeper flounder. With temperatures actually rising there has been no reason for the flounder to leave this week. Next week may be a different story. 

It’s been too windy to fish the jetties this week, but there should be some bull red drum, good trout and slot redfish at the jetties. There are also sheepshead around. 

November 3

Morning surface water temperatures are still in the lower 60s inshore around Little River. 

It’s definitely trout time at the top of the South Carolina coast, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the fish have arrived right on schedule and now they can be found about everywhere. The best action has been coming with the bait about 4 feet down over 5-10 feet of water around drops and ledges, and moving water on the incoming tide has been fishing the best.

They are mostly using live shrimp on a slip float rig for bait, but you can also use Vudu Shrimp and an assortment of soft plastics. 

There are also black drum in all the same areas. 

There has also been some good fishing for redfish recently, and particularly on the smaller end of the slot they are catching plenty of reds on the shrimp rig. While they can be found in the same areas as the trout, redfish are more commonly found in small potholes, little feeder creeks, along the edges of grass and around rocks right now. Finger mullet are working well too, and they are also picking up some big trout as well as reds in potholes. 

Reds will also take finger mullet or Gulp! fished on a 3/8 ounce jighead, and particularly when they fish this way on the bottom they are catching some nice keeper flounder. But even though there are flounder around in the same areas as the reds, they are not biting as well as this summer. The area just has really good summer fishing for flounder. 

The jetties continue to be slow for big red drum, but they have caught some good trout and slot redfish at the jetties. There are also sheepshead around. 

October 21

Morning surface water temperatures have dropped into the lower 60s inshore around Little River.  

The trout fishing continues to pick up on the north end, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that fish are still not as prolific as they will be in a few weeks but the areas that are holding trout are fishing very well. They are catching fish drifting live shrimp on a #6 treble hook under a bobber, and the best action has been coming with the bait about 4 feet down over 5-10 feet of water.  Moving water on the incoming tide has been fishing the best.

The trout fishing should get better and better then stay good right through December, or even to February with a mild winter.

There has also been some good fishing for redfish recently, and particularly on the smaller end of the slot they are catching plenty of reds on the shrimp rig. While they can be found in the same areas as the trout, redfish are more commonly found in small potholes, little feeder creeks, along the edges of grass and around rocks right now. 

They are also catching lots of black drum on shrimp, and of course the drum will also eat cut shrimp on the bottom.

Reds will also take finger mullet or Gulp! fished on a 3/8 ounce jighead, and particularly when they fish this way on the bottom they are catching some nice keeper flounder. But even though there are flounder around in the same areas as the reds, they are not biting as well as this summer. The area just has really good summer fishing for flounder. 

The action for bull red drum has picked up marginally, and while you can catch some fish in the inlet and around the rocks there are also some drum showing up on the beaches. Anywhere there is a bait ball there could be big drum and they will eat live or cut mullet or menhaden. 

However, it just hasn’t been a banner year for them and they never showed up in the numbers they usually do. 

October 13

Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 60s inshore around Little River.  

While it will only get better in the coming months, Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the trout fishing has really picked up on the north end of the Grand Strand. They are catching fish drifting live shrimp on a #6 treble hook under a bobber, and the best action has been coming with the bait about 4 feet down over 5-10 feet of water. Moving water on the incoming tide has been fishing the best.

For now the trout are only in certain creeks, but over the next couple of months they will get more numerous and widespread. The good trout fishing could continue right through December, or even to February with a mild winter.

They are also picking up black drum the same way, and of course the drum will also eat cut shrimp on the bottom.

Redfish on the smaller end of the slot are abundant, and they are catching plenty of reds on the shrimp rig. While they can be found in the same areas as the trout, redfish are more commonly found in small potholes, little feeder creeks, along the edges of grass and around rocks right now. They will also take finger mullet or Gulp! fished on a 3/8 ounce jighead. 

Unfortunately the bite for bull red drum has slowed down, and even though they are picking up a few fish the numbers are not good. You can fish for hours and only get one or two bites. It seems there just aren’t many around their inlet this year, and generally for most species the jetties have been less productive than usual recently. 

The pattern is the same, and 20-30 feet is a general target depth. Sometimes they will be in holes, sometimes they will be near the rocks, and sometimes they will be a little out from the rocks.  A lot depends on the stage of the tide.  Cut or live mullet or menhaden are all good baits.  

Results from a big king mackerel tournament were also a little slow, and with 300 boats fishing only 17 kings were weighed in. 

October 6

Morning surface water temperatures are in the upper 60s inshore around Little River.  

There’s a lot of damage and clean-up required after the storm, but feeling very fortunate to be back on the water so soon Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that inshore the fish are feeding very well. Small finger mullet are prolific, and fishing them on a 3/8 ounce jighead they are slaying the slot-sized redfish, flounder and even picking up a few trout. Oyster bars have been a good place to look but fish are generally pretty spread out in the creeks and Intracoastal Waterway and feeding well. 

The bite for bull red drum has not been fantastic but most of the time it has been pretty steady, and they are getting some giant 40 plus inch fish.  Fish in the Little River inlet can be in a lot of different spots, but 20-30 feet is a general target depth. Sometimes they will be in holes, sometimes they will be near the rocks, and sometimes they will be a little out from the rocks.  A lot depends on the stage of the tide. Basically you just have to keep moving around until you find them, but sit in a spot long enough to see if the fish are there and feeding. 

Frozen menhaden are working well, and the big mullet that are freely available off the beaches will also work. Cut bait is usually good after a storm.

 

 

The small gag grouper are still around from one end of the coast to the other (see the Hilton Head report for a picture) and Captain Smiley reminds fishermen that they should be released with care!

September 29

Morning surface water temperatures are around 76 degrees inshore around Little River, and there are a ton of shrimp and finger mullet in the creeks. In the ocean the big mullet are running.   

It was a good week for fishing at the top of the Grand Strand, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that yesterday when the wind started to gust a little and they could tell a storm was coming the bite began to slow. After the storm the fishing should get hot again. 

The flounder fishing has been good for most of the past week, and the North Carolina season will close to harvest again on Saturday. However, the bite on this side of the line has also been pretty good. Fish are mainly in the main creek channels and around the mouths of smaller creeks, and 3-8 feet has been the target range. The rocks in the inlet have also held some fish. 

Mullet and Gulp! are both working. 

Black drum have also been plentiful, and on the outgoing tide they are catching fish around oyster bars and docks. Live and fresh cut shrimp are both working. 

The big bull red drum have been a little hit-or-miss in the inlet, but they can be caught around the rocks on mullet or menhaden. Slot reds have not been great either, but they are in the usual places and especially creek mouths. Live shrimp, cut mullet, and live finger mullet are all working. 

Trout have been slow. 

Inshore there have been a surprising number of small gag grouper, and even though they usually only get 3 or 4 all year they are catching a couple most places they stop and 10 or so per day. They are in the creeks in shallow water.  Release them with care because they still have a lot of growing to do!  

Despite the weather Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that today they have been catching a lot of spot, croaker and whiting. Last Sunday they had three kings and there are plenty of Spanish being caught every day the water is clear. There is a lot of life close in right now. 

Nearshore out at the Caudle Reef there have been abundant flounder, and Spanish mackerel are also around.  

September 15

Morning surface water temperatures are around 80 degrees inshore around Little River, and with some torrential storms this week the water is a little dirty. 

The mullet run continues to provide all the excitement a fisherman can handle along the Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that because the fish are so amped up and keyed on mullet right now they are able to catch both trout and redfish throughout the day on topwater lures. The Intracoastal is full of bait and predators, and cut mullet is working really well for redfish around the edges as well. You can also find redfish around docks, oyster beds and downed trees, and there continue to be a lot of young-of-the-year fish around. 

Trout are being caught in current rips and areas with cleaner, moving water. With a lot of the shrimp flushed out of the creeks after heavy rains they have been harder to get and so in truth it’s hard to compare the trout bite on shrimp and mullet, but mullet are certainly working. 

Mullet is also the bait of choice for flounder, and halfway through the keeper window in North Carolina they continue to get lots of big fish. Flounder are also biting in South Carolina but numbers are not as good. 

With lots of mullet around there should be a ton of Spanish mackerel at the jetties, but some days they have been surprisingly absent. Fortunately the bluefish seem to be around most of the time and are providing a lot of good action. 

Out at the jetty rocks the big breeder-sized redfish have also moved in, and you can catch them on live or cut mullet (and menhaden). 

Once again conditions have fallen apart the last few days as the water has gotten dirty off Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), but earlier in the week the Spanish mackerel fishing was really good. They had one five-pounder on a Spanish rig, while nothing has been biting on the king rigs lately. They have also had a few spots, croaker, whiting and short flounder. 

The surf is about 82 degrees. 

September 8

Morning surface water temperatures are around 82-83 degrees inshore around Little River, and most of this week conditions have been calm. 

The mullet run is underway along the Grand Strand, but with the brief window where you can keep a North Carolina flounder open right now Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that it’s been hard to focus on much else. For a while now they’ve know just how many big ones were living in North Carolina waters, and that was proven this week when they caught a 24-incher!   Mud minnows, finger mullet, live shrimp, Gulp!, Vudu Shrimp and more will all catch fish.

With calm conditions, they have also still been able to get after the Spanish mackerel and the bite has been pretty outstanding. Fish can be caught anywhere nearshore that there are pods of bait (and usually birds diving on them), but probably the best fishing has been out by the jetty rocks.  Live chumming and then casting out live baits has been working really well for nice fish up to the 3-5 pound range, and they have found the hook-up ratio is better hooking the baits through the tail. You can also cast topwater lures at the fish.  

Inshore the usual early fall patterns for redfish are working, and Captain Smiley reports that you can catch fish around docks, oyster beds and downed trees. While you can certainly get into an area where there are more very small redfish regardless of bait, in general it seems like live shrimp are getting more little bites while cut mullet are catching bigger fish.

Out at the jetty rocks the big breeder-sized redfish have moved in, and you can catch them on live or cut menhaden or mullet.

Trout have not been especially prolific yet but if you drift with live shrimp you will find them.

The last couple of days the water got dirty and so the fishing on the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) fell apart, but before that the fishing was pretty good for Spanish mackerel and spot. Today they did have a cobia just under the limit but under than that it has gotten pretty slow. 

Bluefish and small cobia can also be caught out at the nearshore reefs, but the flounder fishing has been really good out there. 

August 30

Morning surface water temperatures are around 83 degrees inshore around Little River, and on the beach side the water is very clear. 

More calm days have made fishing outside the creeks accessible again, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the Spanish mackerel bite has been pretty outstanding. Fish can be caught anywhere nearshore that there are pods of bait (and usually birds diving on them), but probably the best fishing has been out by the jetty rocks. Live chumming and then casting out live baits has been working really well for nice fish up to the 3-5 pound range, and they have found the hook-up ratio is better hooking the baits through the tail. You can also cast topwater lures at the fish which is a blast.  

Bluefish and small cobia can also be caught out at the nearshore reefs, but the flounder fishing has been really good out there. 

Inshore the flounder patterns are about the same, but the big news is that starting this Thursday you can keep one flounder per day out of North Carolina waters for the month of September. All summer the flounder population has been excellent in the Tar Heel State, but every fish has had to be released, and so this is an exciting opportunity. 

Inshore the usual early fall patterns for redfish are working, and Captain Smiley reports that you can catch fish around docks, oyster beds and downed trees. While you can certainly get into an area where there are more very small redfish regardless of bait, in general it seems like live shrimp are getting more little bites while cut mullet are catching bigger fish.

Out at the jetty rocks the big breeder-sized redfish have moved in, and you can catch them on live or cut menhaden or mullet.

Trout have not been especially prolific yet but if you drift with live shrimp you will find them.

The ocean is beautiful right now and so it’s no surprise that Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they have had four or five king mackerel in the last few days and also jumped some tarpon. For now they are catching pretty good numbers of mostly smaller flounder, trout and Spanish mackerel while eating-sized whiting have been fairly abundant. 

August 18

Morning surface water temperatures are around 82 degrees inshore around Little River, and with less wind the last few days water clarity is picking up. 

With a couple of calmer days Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they have been able to get out to target the Spanish mackerel around the inlet. If you chase the birds you will see the fish feeding on small pods of glass minnows or menhaden, and you can cast topwater plus or castings jigs at them. Bluefish in the 18-20 inch range are also mixed in with the Spanish mackerel. 

Inshore fishing is still pretty good for a wide variety of species including redfish, trout, croaker and more. Live shrimp and mud minnows have been working in holes in the creeks as well as around oyster beds and grass lines. 

The black drum fishing has finally slowed down, and while there are still some fish at the Tillman docks it’s not like it was a couple of weeks ago. 

There are also big drum at jetties, and they have been caught on the bottom with live menhaden. Sharks are also mixed in.

You can also float live shrimp off the rocks for trout. 

The flounder fishing continues to be outstanding, although inshore it’s best on the North Carolina side where it’s strictly catch-and-release.  Small live menhaden, live finger mullet and mud minnows are all working.

With the cleaner water the king mackerel fishing has turned on off the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and they report a 28-pound fish today, another good one lost and a 16-pound fish yesterday. Other than that the bite has been a little spotty with small flounder and occasional croaker, whiting and sharks.  

August 4

Morning surface water temperatures are around 84 degrees inshore around Little River, and until yesterday there had been rough wind and therefore muddy water every day for some time. 

After too many days of too much wind, yesterday Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the wind finally laid down and they had some outstanding fishing. On the low to incoming tide they caught black drum, redfish, flounder, trout, croakers, sharks and more.  They were fishing up in the creeks with live shrimp and finger mullet around grass banks and 5-foot holes.    

While the trout and redfish have been a little spotty at times, the black drum have really turned on. At the Tillman docks they are catching tons of slot-sized fish as well as giants up to 40 or 50 pounds on fresh cut or live shrimp. There are also big reds in the area. 

When you can get out there there have also been some big drum at jetties, and they have been caught on the bottom with live menhaden. Sharks are also mixed in.

You can also float live shrimp off the rocks for trout. 

The flounder fishing continues to be outstanding, but the asterisk is that inshore it’s best on the North Carolina side where it’s strictly catch-and-release.  Small live menhaden, live finger mullet and mud minnows are all working. 
In South Carolina the Caudle Reef is still the best place to catch flounder, and there are also tons of Spanish mackerel and some bluefish out there. 

Until yesterday the water has been extremely dirty off the beaches, but Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that just today it has cleared up and already they are catching Spanish mackerel and had a king in the rigs today. They have also been catching spot, whiting and croaker fairly consistently. 

July 22

Morning surface water temperatures are still around 83 degrees inshore around Little River, and between high winds and rain the water is even muddier. 

The biggest change this week at the top of the South Carolina Grand Strand is the black drum fishing, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the fish are all over the place and feeding. With their excellent sense of smell black drum prefer dirty, moving water and it is showing! Fish can be found around docks, in potholes, and around drop-offs, and they will eat both live shrimp and fresh cut shrimp. 

The flounder action continues to be pretty remarkable, and while a lot of the best fishing has been just across the border on the North Carolina side, where you have to release all the fish, they are also doing very well in the Cherry Grove area. Small live menhaden, live finger mullet and mud minnows are all working. 
It’s been almost impossible to get offshore but the Caudle Reef is probably still the best place on the South Carolina side to catch flounder. 

The redfish bite has been pretty good way up the rivers fishing cut bait on the bottom, and fish are also in shallow potholes back in the creeks.  However, the trout bite is still a little off. 

Sharks are also providing a lot of action soaking baits at the sand bars.

Once again high winds and muddy water has put the Spanish and king mackerel off this week, but Cherry Grove Pier(843-249-1625) reports that they are getting lots of flounder with a few keepers as well as a few trout. Croaker and whiting have been fairly abundant. 

As noted the nearshore reefs have flounder, and trolling for Spanish mackerel would be good at the north end of the Grand Strand if they could get out.  Pulling #1 planer boards with Clarks Spoons at about 6 knots is the best bet. You can also cast small silver spoons when you find the fish. The key is to look for the menhaden balls and glass minnows and they will be nearby. 

July 14

Morning surface water temperatures are around 83 degrees inshore around Little River, and after a ton of rain the water is very muddy. 

With all the rain and dirty water it’s honestly been a pretty tough week for fish at the top of the South Carolina coast, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that better-than-expected flounder action has gotten them through it. A lot of the best fishing has been just across the border on the North Carolina side, probably because you have to release all the fish but also where the water has been a bit cleaner. They have been catching some pretty incredible numbers, and with the kids’ camp the 8-10 year olds have been catching 20 fish per trip the last few days! Some of the flounder are very small but they have run up to 20 inches in the last four days. Live mullet and small menhaden are both working very well.

In South Carolina the Cherry Grove area has also been good. However, three miles offshore at the Caudle Reef is probably the best place on the South Carolina side to catch flounder. 

The redfish bite has been pretty good way up the rivers fishing cut bait on the bottom, and fish are also in shallow potholes back in the creeks.  However, the trout bite has been tough with the full moon, and with so much freshwater finding and keeping shrimp alive has been tricky. The trout definitely want shrimp right now. 

Sharks are also providing a lot of action soaking baits at the sand bars.  

Muddy water has put off the king mackerel this week, but Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that when the water is not too dirty they are still getting big flounder up to 5 ½ pounds. A few blues and Spanish are also around, as well as plenty of whiting and croaker. They have jumped a few tarpon this week but no one has been able to get one to the pier. 

As noted the nearshore reefs have flounder, and trolling for Spanish mackerel also continues to be good at the north end of the Grand Strand. They are catching the fish pulling #1 planer boards with Clarks Spoons at about 6 knots.  You can also cast small silver spoons when you find the fish. The key is to look for the menhaden balls and glass minnows and they will be nearby. 

July 1

Morning surface water temperatures are around 82 degrees inshore around Little River. Bait is now pretty abundant in the creeks. 

Trolling for Spanish mackerel continues to entertain families and clients at the north end of the Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they are catching the fish pulling #1 planer boards with Clarks Spoons at about 6 knots.  Tou can also cast small silver spoons when you find the fish. The key is to look for the menhaden balls and glass minnows and they will be nearby. 

There are also sharks underneath which provide a lot of action, and they are also catching sharks soaking baits at the sand bars.  

The flounder fishing is still really good, and this week they have also been catching a lot of flounder drifting (aided by the trolling motor) along the rocks at the jetties. Live mullet have been working very well. Tubbs Inlet is still producing a ton of fish over 16 inches, and the action is also pretty good in Cherry Grove where you can keep the big ones. 

“Peanut pogies” (small menhaden) are also working. 

 The other big three inshore species have all slowed down a little this week. They are still catching some small trout on Gulp! around oyster beds and creek mouths, and during the heat of the day the best place to look is in deep holes. The bigger trout should still be out at the jetties where the best way to target them is drifting live shrimp around the rocks on moving tides. You will also pick up redfish this way, and you can also still catch reds in shallow potholes back in the creeks on the low to rising tide. Live mullet, pinfish and Gulp! can all work. There are also redfish around docks. 

There are also some black drum inshore that can be caught on cut or live shrimp.   

It makes sense that the flounder are biting at the jetties this week, because Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that ever since mullet showed up in the ocean they have been killing big 3- and 4-pound flounder off the pier! Spanish have been a bit hit-or-miss, and they haven’t had a king in 10 days, but there have been some tarpon caught off the pier including one yesterday. It’s been a phenomenal year for tarpon, capped off by the day they caught 10!  Bluefish, whiting, spot and croaker are all around as well. 

At the nearshore reefs there are some flounder which will take finger mullet or live menhaden, but the cobia have left the reefs and wrecks. Small black sea bass are abundant and there are a bunch of sharks. 

June 24

Morning surface water temperatures are around 81-82 degrees inshore around Little River. Bait is now pretty abundant in the creeks. 

The Spanish mackerel continue to provide a lot of excitement at the north end of the Grand Strand this week, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that false albacore have joined the party and are also a lot of fun. They are catching both species pulling #1 planer boards with Clarks Spoons at about 6 knots, and you can also cast small silver spoons when you find the fish. The key is to look for the menhaden balls and glass minnows and they will be nearby. There also sharpnose sharks underneath which provide a lot of action. 

The flounder fishing is still really good, particularly in North Carolina, and in Tubbs Inlet they have been catching a ton of fish over 16 inches. The action is also pretty good in Cherry Grove where you can keep the big ones.  

Drifting has been about the best way to catch fish, and when you get a bite opening the spool and giving the fish time to eat is the preferred technique. You can also cast and jig with a grub or minnow on a 3/8 ounce jighead. 

The Cherry Grove area also has a fair number of black drum, and Dunn Sound is also full of them right now. You can catch drum on cut or live shrimp.   

They are still catching some small trout on Gulp! around oyster beds and creek mouths, and during the heat of the day in deep holes. However the bigger trout are being caught at the jetties drifting live shrimp around the rocks on moving tides. You will also pick up redfish this way, and you can also still catch reds in shallow potholes back in the creeks on the low to rising tide. Live mullet, pinfish and Gulp! can all work. There are also redfish around docks. 

It’s been another strong week of fishing off Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and each day they are averaging a couple of king mackerel. They are also getting some Spanish on the king rigs as well as casting Gotcha plugs, and there have been a bunch of keeper flounder this week. They are also catching an assortment of whiting, croaker and spots. 

At the nearshore reefs there are some flounder which will take finger mullet or live menhaden, and there are also some small cobia at the reefs and wrecks. Small black sea bass are also abundant and there are a bunch of sharks. 

June 17

Morning surface water temperatures are around 82-83 degrees inshore around Little River. Bait is now pretty abundant in the creeks. 

The most exciting fishing at the top of the coast this week has been trolling for Spanish mackerel, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that pulling #1 planer boards with Clarks Spoons at about 6 knots they are really catching them. The key is to look for the menhaden balls and glass minnows and the Spanish will be nearby. There also sharpnose sharks underneath which provide a lot of action. 

The flounder fishing is still really good, particularly in North Carolina, and in Tubbs Inlet they have been catching a ton of fish over 16 inches. The action is also pretty good in Cherry Grove where you can keep them.  

Drifting has been about the best way to catch fish, and when you get a bite opening the spool and giving the fish time to eat is the preferred technique. You can also cast and jig with a grub or minnow on a 3/8 ounce jighead. 

The Cherry Grove area also has a fair number of black drum. 

This week they have caught a few more trout on Gulp! around oyster beds and creek mouths, and during the heat of the day in deep holes. You can also still catch redfish in shallow potholes back in the creeks on the low to rising tide. Live mullet, pinfish and Gulp! can all work. There are also redfish around docks. 

It’s been an another excellent week of fishing off Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and yesterday they caught five king mackerel! The day before they had a 35-pound fish. They are also getting some Spanish on the king rigs as well as casting Gotcha plugs, and there have been some keeper flounder and trout today. They are also catching an assortment of whiting, croaker, spot and bluefish.

At the jetties the action has been pretty good for trout and redfish drifting live shrimp under a cork just off the rocks. Moving tides have been best. 

At the nearshore reefs there are some flounder which will take finger mullet or live menhaden, and there are also some cobia at the reefs and wrecks.  Small black sea bass are also abundant.

June 10

Morning surface water temperatures are around 81 degrees inshore around Little River. Bait is now pretty abundant in the creeks. 

Even as it gets hot there has been some pretty good inshore fishing, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the flounder are probably the best thing going.  Drifting in the Little River Inlet has been about the best way to catch fish, and when you get a bite opening the spool and giving the fish time to eat is the prefered way to catch them. You can also cast and jig with a grub or minnow on a 3/8 ounce jighead. 

Probably the best flounder fishing right now is in North Carolina’s Tubbs Inlet where you can’t keep them, but you have to be careful with the sand bars to avoid getting stuck. The Cherry Grove area has also been pretty good and has a fair number of black drum as well. 

The few trout that are around are mostly very small, but you can still catch redfish in shallow potholes back in the creeks on the low to rising tide. Live mullet, pinfish and Gulp! can all work.  They are also redfish around docks. 

There are also plenty of croaker and small black drum around inshore that will take shrimp or Fish Bites. 

At the other end of the size range there have also been a lot of giant bull sharks in the Intracoastal that will eat a range of cut baits. 

It’s been an incredible week of fishing off Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and in addition to the usual suspects of whiting, croaker and a few spots they have had a nice run of bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and even a couple of king mackerel this week. But the most exciting action came on Tuesday when they jumped 10 tarpon on the pier!

Just off the beaches you can cast heavy silver jigs and catch abundant false albacore, and even though this oily fish isn’t good table fare they make for excellent shark bait! You can also troll for Spanish mackerel with Clarks Spoons and #1 planers, and if you see a good wad of them you can cast. 

At the nearshore reefs there are some flounder which will take finger mullet or live menhaden, and there are also abundant blues and Spanish mackerel. There are also some cobia at the reefs and wrecks. 

May 25

Morning surface water temperatures are around 74 or 75 degrees inshore around Little River. Shrimp have flooded inshore and they are now easy to catch in a cast net.  

Fishing conditions have been good again this week, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that when they were targeting the big 40-plus inch red drum which have been abundant in the Intracoastal Waterway they were getting broken off too frequently. They switched over to wire leaders, and while it has not slowed down the bull red bite they have also been catching the sharks which were cutting their lines. They caught a 6-foot bull shark in the ICW this week! Cut mullet or ladyfish are both making excellent baits. 

The pattern for smaller redfish is still the same, and they can be caught in shallow potholes back in the creeks on the low to rising tide. Live mullet, pinfish and Gulp! can all work.  They are also catching plenty of fish around docks. 

Around shallow sandbars in less than three feet they are also still getting a mix of ladyfish, trout and bluefish on light tackle again this week. The key has been having moving water with a good current, and casting silver spoons with a fast retrieve has been the best technique. Trout can also be caught at the jetty rocks on live shrimp.

There are also still some black drum being caught on live or fresh cut shrimp on ledges, and they will also take fiddler crabs fished around structure. There are plenty of sheepshead that have returned inshore around the rocks but some days it’s hard to weed through the little ones. Still, there are keepers.   

The flounder fishing continues to get more spread out, and they are catching fish in deeper holes and over sandy bottoms. The fish are filtering out into all the creeks and inlets, and they can also be caught around docks and oyster beds. In addition to live bait, Gulp! new penny, white or chartreuse shrimp are all working. At times it seems like Gulp! is better than live bait. 

The water is clearing up nicely by the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and as a result they are having some good fishing this week. They had a king mackerel yesterday and then a tarpon(!) today, and the Spanish mackerel continue to bite really well on spoons and plugs. They are getting keeper flounder most days and there are plenty of whiting and croaker to keep people happy. Water temperatures in the surf are 78 degrees top and bottom.

At the nearshore reefs there are plenty of Spanish mackerel and bluefish around which can be caught casting or trolling spoons. There are also tons of small black sea bass.

May 20

Morning surface water temperatures are in the mid-70s inshore around Little River. 

With calmer conditions there have been better fishing conditions this week, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they have had some exciting inshore opportunities this week. In the Intracoastal Waterway 40-plus inch red drum have showed up, and they are catching them on a Carolina rig with cut ladyfish or mullet. There are also plenty of Atlantic sharpnose sharks around which are giving good action

Redfish can also still be caught in shallow potholes back in the creeks on the low to rising tide. Live mullet, pinfish and Gulp! can all work.  

Around shallow sandbars in less than three feet there have also been a mix of ladyfish, trout and bluefish caught on light tackle this week. The key has been having moving water with a good current, and casting silver spoons with a fast retrieve has been the best technique. Trout can also be caught at the jetty rocks on live shrimp which are becoming more widely available. 

There are also still some black drum being caught on live or fresh cut shrimp on ledges, and they will also take fiddler crabs fished around structure. There are plenty of sheepshead that have returned inshore around the rocks but some days it’s hard to weed through the little ones. Still, there are keepers. 

The flounder fishing is getting better as fish start to spread out more, and they are catching fish in deeper holes and sandy bottoms. The fish are starting to filter out into all the creeks and inlets, and they can also be caught around docks and oyster beds. In addition to live bait, Gulp! new penny, white or chartreuse shrimp are all working. 

The storm two nights ago temporarily dirtied the water off the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), but before (and likely after) that it has been a really good week off the pier. They have had two kings and plenty of people have been limiting on 12-18 inch Spanish mackerel to go along with lots of mid-sized bluefish. They have had a few flounder over 16 inches to go along with lots of short fish, while decent numbers of pompano, whiting and croaker are being caught.   

Water temperatures are 75 degrees in the surf. 

At the nearshore reefs there are plenty of Spanish mackerel and bluefish around which can be caught casting or trolling spoons. There are also tons of small black sea bass. 

May 12

Morning surface water temperatures are around 69 degrees inshore around Little River. 

The conditions have been tough for fishing this week, as Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that 25-30 mile per hour winds have been super challenging.  They are still catching some fish but they are really, really having to work for them.  

There are still some redfish in shallow potholes back in the creeks on the low to rising tide. Live mullet, pinfish and Gulp! can all work.  For trout the key is still having live shrimp, available at Perry’s in Murrells Inlet or Dave’s Outpost in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. They are biting along the ledges in the IntraCoastal Waterway or around the rocks at the jetties. There are also redfish at the rocks.

There are also still some black drum being caught on live or fresh cut shrimp on the same ledges where the trout are located, and they will also take fiddler crabs fished around structure. There are plenty of sheepshead that have returned inshore around the rocks but some days it’s hard to weed through the little ones. Still, there are plenty of keepers. 

There are some flounder being caught in the Little River area, but by far the best action continues to be in Cherry Grove.  Cherry Grove has a smaller inlet which confines the

fish and gives them less room to roam, and so they are much denser. Drifting live mullet or mud minnows is working but Vudu Shrimp are also effective. 

Unsurprisingly the action has also really slowed on the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and while they were catching really good numbers of Spanish mackerel before they are only getting a very few since the water conditions got bad. They are also getting the very occasional whiting and croaker, but overall the fishing is just poor. 

If someone could get out there, at the nearshore reefs Spanish mackerel and blues should both be plentiful. They can be caught casting small spoons and Gotcha plugs. 

May 4

Morning surface water temperatures are around 71 degrees inshore around Little River. 

The fishing has been strong recently at the top end of South Carolina’s coast, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that inshore they catching lot of redfish in shallow potholes back in the creeks on the low to rising tide. Live mullet, pinfish and Gulp! are all working.

The trout fishing is also pretty good but the key is still having live shrimp, available at Perry’s in Murrells Inlet or Dave’s Outpost in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. They are biting along the ledges in the IntraCoastal Waterway or around the rocks at the jetties. They are also picking up some redfish at the rocks.

There are also some black drum being caught on live or fresh cut shrimp on the same ledges where the trout are located, and they will also take fiddler crabs fished around structure. There are plenty of sheepshead that have returned inshore around the rocks but some days it’s hard to weed through the little ones. Still, there are plenty of keepers. 

There are some flounder being caught in the Little River area, but by far the best action continues to be in Cherry Grove. Cherry Grove has a smaller inlet which confines the

fish and gives them less room to roam, and so they are much denser. Drifting live mullet or mud minnows is working but Vudu Shrimp are also effective. 

There’s been some exciting fishing at the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and last week they had the first king mackerel of the year while this week has been an excellent week for Spanish mackerel and bluefish. They are getting tons of 16-19 inch Spanish, while bluefish are a range of sizes up to 3 or 4 pounds. Today the water has gotten muddy and so they are only catching whiting and croaker, but when it clears the Spanish should turn back on. They are also getting some keeper flounder. 

Speaking of Spanish and blues, at the nearshore reefs both species are plentiful. They are being caught casting small spoons and Gotcha plugs, and when the weather is calm enough to get offshore the action is hot. 

April 21

Morning surface water temperatures have made it into the low to mid-60s inshore around Little River, and there has been a lot of wind again this week. 

Despite some unfavorable fishing conditions, Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that there has actually been some very good fishing over the past two weeks. 

The trout fishing has been good both inshore and at the jetties, and inshore they are catching fish arounds drop-offs in the Intracoastal Waterway. Live shrimp, Vudu Shrimp and Gulp! are all working but the key has been getting in some current. 

At the jetties they are also catching redfish, and inshore the fishing has also been good for reds in 3-4 foot potholes back in shallow creeks. Fish can also be found around docks. The low to rising tide has been best.  

There are also black drum being caught on cut shrimp around the rocks, and they will also eat live shrimp. You can also pick up some sheepshead on live shrimp, and both species will of course eat fiddler crabs. The low to rising tide has again been best. 

Perhaps the most exciting development has been the return of the flounder, and in pretty much all the rivers they are starting to flood back in. Mud minnows or Gulp! baits will both work. If you want to find the best concentrations of flounder the Cherry Grove area is hard to beat. 

Bluefish are also everywhere from the creeks to the jetties and beyond. Almost all of the fish are 18 inches and below. 

Things continue to pick up at the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and the exciting development is that they are now catching a ton of keeper Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Croaker, whiting and a few sharks are also around. They are also getting some flounder but so far they have all been small. Reds and trout have not arrived. 

At the nearshore reefs they are catching lots of weakfish on jigs by bumping the structure. You can also catch them on chartreuse and white Gulp! shrimp patterns or most any live bait. 

Spanish mackerel fishing is also very good with casting spoons, and when the weather allows there is very productive fishing. You will also encounter a lot of blues fishing this way.  

April 8

Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 60s inshore around Little River and with big winds and rains again this week the water has been pretty stirred up.

It’s been impossible to get away from wind and rain at the top of the South Carolina Grand Strand, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports they have made the best of it and gotten in some good fishing. They have been able to dodge the wind dock hopping along the Intracoastal Waterway around Little River, and with either live or fresh cut shrimp they are picking up some redfish. At higher tides the fish seem to move up on the docks. 

The flounder have also started, including some keepers, and the reports from Cherry Grove indicate that they are showing up there early in good numbers like they usually do.

They are also picking up some trout drifting shrimp inshore around oyster shells and drops, but if you get into bluefish immediately switch over to metal spoons or you can run through a lot of expensive bait! They are also catching some trout on the rocks at the Little River jetties on moving tides with live shrimp under a slip float. 

Things continue to pick up at the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), with croaker, whiting, lots of bluefish from 6-14 inches and keeper Spanish mackerel running up to the 15-inch range. They are also getting some flounder but so far they have all been small. Reds and trout have not arrived. 

Wind has made it almost impossible to get offshore but at the nearshore reefs there should be weakfish and Spanish. The Spanish are also being caught trolling Clarks Spoons right off the beaches. 

April 1

Morning surface water temperatures are in the low 60s inshore around Little River and with big winds and rains the water has been pretty stirred up. 

Unpleasant weather conditions have made for some tough days at the top of the South Carolina Grand Strand, but Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that when they have been able to get out there has been some good fishing. 

Lots of 18-20 inch bluefish have showed up recently, and if they are fishing for trout with live shrimp and start catching blues they immediately switch over to metal spoons like Hopkins Spoons or something similar to conserve precious live bait. They are also catching some redfish inshore in the marshes and Intracoastal, but they aren’t seeing the huge schools that were around in the colder months. There are also some random striped bass being caught in the ICW but that action has slowed down. 

A few early flounder are being caught in the Intracoastal and Captain Smiley expects the Cherry Grove area marshes to really turn on first like they do every year.

Things continue to pick up at the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and in addition to whiting they are now getting lots of small bluefish, croaker and a few early keeper Spanish mackerel. 

Perhaps the best area bite is coming in the Little River Inlet for trout by floating live shrimp under a slip float off the rocks on moving tides. There are also lots of blues at the jetties as well as some redfish. 

Since the Spanish and weakfish have showed up around Murrells Inlet they should get to the reefs at the top of the coast very soon if they have not already. Again, wind has limited nearshore fishing.