July 21 2010 "Man It Has been a Hot Summer"

Wish I could say the fishing is off the charts but it has not. We have been hitting some hot air and water temperature and it has the fishing a bit slow. Some positive news is we have had some better fishing the last few days. The wind let up today and we managed some speckled trout, redfish and flounder. I have been using allot of Live shrimp and Gulp shrimp lately. It really seems as that the artificals will out fish the live shrimp. It will keep you in the zone and keep the smaller fish away. Pinfish will just about drive you nuts some days. I suggest getting out early this time of year and beat the heat. Charters are super busy , so please book before you arrive here at the beach. If you are here now give me a shout and I kind find a good guide for you. See you out there!

June 19 2010 " Best Fishing I have Seen this Summer."

That's Right!! Fishing has been steady this week. Trout bite has turned on strong out at the Jetties and on the inside. Fishing with live shrimp is the way to go but don't discount your favorite artificals. Curly tails and paddle tails have been getting that electric bite if that is the way you like to fish. It sure is allot of fun! Redfish and small Black Drum have been super steady as well on live shrimp. Pop it corks has made some spots really fire off with trout and really seems to work well with young anglers, give it a try. Fishing business is super busy this year so please book your charters early. See you soon!

June 5 2010 " Fishing For A Living"

Had a great time last weekend on my trip to Islamorada Florida. I chose to fish fly only down there and went for Tarpon. I found out how much fun this is and so very difficult. The Tarpon were moving up and down the flats from the Gulf to the Atlantic. We sight fished a few thousand fish and only had two bites. Might not sound good to you that we did not land one but it was the most fun fishing I think I have ever had. I did break out my seven weight and caught a assortment of trout an ladyfish.

As for on the home front the fishing is great! Catching flounder, redfish and trout. Gulps and curly tail grubs really has put in on the flounder for me this week. I really enjoy casting jigs for fish and experimenting with different patterns. It's really easy to do, just use a 1/4 oz jig and any soft or scented plastics out there and cast them around until you find one that works. Your best bet is Berkley Gulps. Gang I hear this stuff about special jig heads but it does'nt really matter. Find some that wont break the bank.

Live shrimp can be caught now in your cast nets but are small in size. They do work...believe me on that. Good luck out there. Hey, summer charters are super busy so please reserve early!!

May 27 2010 " Windy Fishing this Week and High Tides"

I can't say it was the best fishing nor can I say the worst. Catching lots of small flounder mixed with some keepers. Jigging gulps and casting live mud minnows has been doing the job. Redfish bite was super dooper on Monday and the rest of this week has been slack. I believe the fish were heavy feeding in the grass because of afternoon high tides. When we have tides higher than five feet plus the fish get it on in the grass feeding heavy on fiddlers. This year we have tons of tailing tides so if anyone is interested in sight fishing redfish in the grass let me know. Trout bite was not that great either this week but better weather is on the way. Dixie Chicken Tournament is this Saturday and I suppose it will be a great  turn out as always. As for me I am heading south to Islamorada to tangle with a Tarpon on my 11 weight Fly Rod. Gosh I hope it all comes together. I will let you know how it went when I get back! Peace and safe fishing for tournament anglers this Saturday!

May 22 2010 " Awesome Spring Time Fishing"

I must say the fishing this past week has been incredible. Catching has been the game with great results. Redfish, Flounder, Trout and Blues.......its on folks. If you are having trouble catching fish now there might be a problem. I will try my best to help you out with this report but if you decide that you need some on the water training give me a shout. I carried a customer yesterday that has been with me several times and hit it right on the head. He mentioned it was a better deal going with me then to have his own boat." It's true." Dockage...insurance..gas tackle... just walk into West Marine or Bass Pro and you can drop $100 bucks.

Well like I said its not real tough for bites now but this has been the most effective thing I have been doing. Light tackle...... 1/4 oz jigs with any live bait you prefer,artificals or even flies. I prefer Berkley Gulps... right now over anything out there. Give it a try.. cast them everywhere you like and know where some fish hang out.. That simple...

May 14 2010 " Let the Games begin!"

 Fishing this week has been outstanding! Redfish have been the best catch for most of the week until today. We caught flounder at every spot we stopped. The flounder for the most part were small but kept things really interesting. We caught all our fish using a 1/4 oz jig with a Berkley Gulp shrimp pattern. Seemed like about every color pattern was working for us. I went out in  my bait skiff earlier in the week and caught a couple hundred live shrimp that lasted me for only four charter trips. We really put it on the trout , redfish and Black drum . Looks like I wont be able to make it shrimping until later next week. I really don't think you can go wrong out there if you half way know what you are doing and just keep it simple. Being a new member of Crickett Cove Marina I notice allot of members with some unusual fishing techniques that they might of used somewhere else. Hey change is good. Give me a shout if you are interested in learning how to fish Little River.

May 8 2010 " Nice Trout Bite"

I had the pleasure of fishing with a couple cool kids the past couple of days. Loren Nixon of North Myrtle Beach and Sam Moody  of Wilmington North Carolina came out to get there fish on. Loren and Sam are step brothers who have common interests. ALL water stuff.... surfing, fishing ,boating and whatever involves getting wet. I sure thought of myself at there age and noticed that not much has changed at all. We all three had allot in common. Loren came with me Friday afternoon after school in my new customized shrimp catching rig. We managed to catch some nice white and spotted shrimp that we would keep alive for the following morning. Stoked at all the shrimp we caught we later meet up with Sam at Snooky's  and talked about our game plan for the next morning. It being Saturday we new we had to leave the dock at first light to beat everyone to the punch. The fishing has been incredible for flounder in Cherry Grove so I new most of the local fishermen would be there.... bumper to bumper. It doesn't bother me at all to get away from crowed fishing so we headed for Tubbs Inlet. The trout bite was not the best in the world but it was allot better then I have seen in the past several months. Live Shrimp and gulps were the way to go. We managed to catch  couple small flounder as well as bluefish. The time spent today with these to young watermen was a awesome experience that I am sure not to forget. I really look forward to the next adventure with them.

April 29 2010 "Windy Week"

Fishing for the most part has been up to Par. This week was one of those.."When is it ever going to stop  blowing weeks." You sometimes just have to grin and bear it. We had some great catches of redfish, flounder, black drum but still a lack of speckled trout. I figured with the wind the way it was on most trips we would just dead stick some soft shell crabs and wait it out. It paid off for the most part. When we would find breaks we would pop it cork live shrimp or jig Berkley gulps. The gulp baits were working especially for flounder. Most flounder were small but a few keepers have been caught. The largest of the week was caught by Chris Mincey. He landed a 22 inch fish jigging the spicey sugar glow shrimp  aka Gulp. I just picked that one up this week to try and it really seems to work. I love it when we learn a new trick on a charter!!

April 24 2010 " Redfish and Soft Shell Crab"

Redfish bite has been amazing this week. Tom Patterson from Raliegh North Carolina  lands a 35 inch red  with soft shell crab. The bait can be sometimes hard to find but really pays off. Just cut the soft crab into small chunks and hook carefully on a 4/0circl hook and let soak in your favorite hole. It shouldn't be long before the reds sniff it out. Black drum and sheepshead love it too. Trout bite has been a little off for me. Live shrimp on a pop it cork or D.o.a will work fine. Seems like there is still a bunch of small trout around but I am sure a big one is sure to come. See you out there.

April 17 2010 " Spring Time Fishing"

  Looks like thing are coming around here around Little River. Redfish are  being found in the shallows and intracoastal waterway. This time of year the redfish love Blue Crab and small pieces soaked in your favorite spot will get you great results. Soft crabs are the best but really pricey bait unless you can catch them yourself. Gulp baits have been working as well catching redfish flounder and trout. Trout bite seems to be off this year with only small fish being caught. D.o.a fished on a pop it cork or jigged radically will lure specks for you. Flounder are being caught on mud minnows either drifting or casting. I prefer casting artificals for flounder keeps you busy and also you can target specific areas such as oyster bars and drop offs to keep you in the zone. Have fun out there ! Come out and let's enjoy the great fishing and awesome weather!

Dec. 4 2009 " My Favorite Time to Fish"

Shallow water fishing now is so much fun. Redfish are up shallow now so it time for me to fish my 17 foot Key West Stealth Boat. Made a trip today with Orvis Flyshop Manager and Instructor Jan Peele. We scouted out some great flats for redfish. They were about everywhere we looked. Jan can really put it on the fish. We were using a tappered sinking line and shrimp patterns. Reds were boiling out of the water. It is really exiting to see redfish pushing water. At one time half there bodies were exposed in a fool bore feeding frenzy. Jane hooked a few small 15 to 17 inch fish and polished of the trip with a nice 24 inch fish. I must say I had a couple dozen live shrimp and tossed them out there for a instant hook up. Everytime I casted the shrimp out there I would hook up With the biggest being 27 inches. Because of this special fishery I can only accomadate two anglers. Give me a call and I will time a half day trip around the perfect tide to catch them up. Peace Capt. Smiley

October 13 2009 "Big Red Drum"

Did not get that magic bite today but we caught a couple nice Big Bull Drum. The bite the day before was just awesome and I knew on that rising tide the big one's would bite again. We had been catching some over forty inches and those fish really will give a person a fit. The two we caught today were  37" and put on a nice fight. Mullet have been the goto bait out there as well as live shrimp. Live shrimp have been attracting smaller reds in the creeks as well as speckled trout. The inlet is showing some nice Pompano and  whiting and are excelllant eating. Sorry gang but my camera is out of order for now. I will have to order a new cord for it so I can download my pictures on my computer. I will chat with you soon.

Sept.9 2009 "That Time of Year"

Weather is starting to cool but fishing is really hot. The Little River Inlet has been full of life. Big Drum are out and about and feeding on the huge schools of mullet that traditionally hang around this time of year. Cast net several dozen and drop them on the bottom and it will be fish on! If the inlet isn't to your cup of tea the intracoastal is teaming  with fish as well. Trout redfish and flounder are spread out all over. Give me a call and get in on some of the action.

July 30 2009 "Backwater Fishing"

Had some great fishing the last few days. Live bait or artificials seem to work equally. Berkley Gulp baits on light jigs will draw a bite of just about all inshore species of fish. Live bait such as shrimp and finger mullet are the natural ways to go. Black Drum   have made a great showing as well as the redfish. Smaller trout are around and mixed with some nice size croakers. Looking forward to the rest of the summer with my repeat clients this AUG. See you soon.

July 11 2009 " Summer Mixed Bag"

All kinds of stuff to catch out there now. Live shrimp is always your best bet this time of year. Float them or sink them and the fish if they are there, will crush'em. The backwaters is were I really like to hang out this time of year. I like to get away from all the boat traffic and hit some of my favorite honey holes. I have ventured out to the Jetties a few times this week on the in coming tide and have found there to be a mixture of fish. Big Ladyfish are out there thick and are a blast to catch on light tackle. We scored a nice Pompano that weighed 6 pounds. I think that is one of my favorite fish for fight and for eating. Hey gang I have been super busy and I hope I can get you in on a trip when you come down. Please book early.

June 26 2009 " Oh So Good!!"

Its been super steady  in the Intracoastal waters. Had a awesome half day trip hooking up to countless redfish. Black drum really made a showing as well. Live shrimp on a pop-it cork really got the bite we needed. Please book your charters early. I am super busy now. Have a great summer!! I know I am.

June 9 2009 "Summer Time Redfish"

I must say the last couple of days have been pretty incredible. Shallow water redfish is my favorite way to fish. Calm water, casting jigs with artificals and live shrimp this is how we do it! Light rods ,light line ,can it get any better? The roads less traveled are always the route I like to go. Come on out and join me for a half day summertime adventure.

May 15 2009 " Heading out  Tomorrow to Catch Some Waves"

A much needed surf trip is going to be under way tomorrow morning. I really thank you all for your support with the passing of my Father. He will be missed in so many ways. He always made time to take me fishing!!! I will be out until May 23rd but will still be able to respond by e mail. Fishing has been great lately. Book a trip for you and your kids... It will make a  difference.

April 12 2009 " Sunrise Service"

Easter Sunday Fishing today was incredible. Great sunrise along with the fish on.Redfish and Black Drum really made the day. Finally a nice break in the weather. Peace

April 10 2009  "April Wind"

Fished everyday this week and my face and lips feel like there going to fall off. The wind has blown and blown. The weather so far has been really wacky around here. Fishing has been kind of on and off.  Seems like the best bite around now is Black Drum. Trout have been showing up but most have been small except for a nice 5 pound fish caught early in the week. Redfish are hit and miss, wack em one day none the next. Charters are  booking fast for the next few weeks so please book before you come. I could not help but to put the sunrise picture up. It was really amazing to watch this morning.

March 24 2009 "Trout Fishing"

Look's like the trout fishing has kicked in for 09.. It has been a little late this year but today it was the catch of the day. The fish were way undersized but still it was great to see some action on trout for this year. Black Drum and Spot Tails are still biting well in the creeks. Cut shrimp and blue crabs are  the way to go.

March 21 2009 "I'm Stoked"

That's right, I am so stoked spring has arrived. I must say winter fishing this year was great but the cold weather I am over. The weather the last few days I can deal with year round. If you are interested in booking a charter now is a great time to fish. Redfish is still the staple . Redfish caught on light tackle are so much fun to enjoy a day of fishing. Trout are starting to show up  as well as flounder. Trout fishing is one of my favorite fish to catch, jigging for these guys can be electric. April bookings are looking great so please book before you come down. Looks like Easter break will be busy around here. Let's go fishin!!!

March 12 2009 "Winter Puppy Drum"

Fished a half day charter today in search of redfish. Had some good luck with some 16 to 18inch puppy drum. These little guys on ultra-light tackle are allot of fun to catch. On the way to the dock I stopped off at the Miss Regina Shrimp Stand in Little River and grabbed a couple off pounds of fresh shrimp. I figured if I didn't have a good trip out fishing I would eat my bait instead. Got set up with my charter and rigged some spit shot rigs and a few gulp jigging outfits. Out on the water I had a couple of guys jigging gulps and another fishing the fresh bait. Well the fresh bait won today. Changing your tactics can get a bite if you believe the fish are there. We even hooked a couple of crabs and then used those for fresh bait... The redfish and black drum could not resist.

I will be at the Bass Pro Weekend for some fishing seminars. I was scheduled for 4 pm Sat. and Sun. but I had to change it to 10am. See you there if you have the time.

Feb.24 2009 "High Winds And Chilly Temps"

I have not been out the past few days because of high winds and cold air temps. I guess I would never make a good ice fisherman but that's o.k with me. Made it out a few times last week and caught a few but didn't break any records by any means. Redfish are still very abundant in the shallows and should stick around for awhile. Look's like great weather the next couple of days and I plan to make it out.  I will be up at the Bass Pro Shop this Saturday @ 4PM offering a free fishing seminar. If you interested in this fishery it might be a good idea to visit. I usually offer more information on a eye to eye  level than thru e- mail or this report. See you there..

 Feb.12 2009 " Low Tide"

Went out for a half day trip today to check out the super low tide. Dave Duppstadt came out to try his luck with the winter redfish action we have been having. I told him going down the river ,we should  stalk the fish today, wading because it will be super shallow were we will be fishing. Dave was all for it. He chose ultra-light tackle while I went for my fly rod. The bite was a little slower than expected but we caught some nice reds anyhow one of which was on the fly!

Feb.11 2009 " Yes We Catch Fish In Winter Time"

I guess the title speaks for itself. Had a great afternoon in the shallows today. Water temps are good, and the fish had some great energy today.

Feb. 6 2009 " Bass Pro Shop Seminar"

Hey I will be at the Myrtle Beach Bass Pro Shop this weekend hanging out and talking  fish with kids. Bring your young anglers this weekend at 12 pm Sat. and Sun. I will be pointing out local fish that we all can catch. Come see the super grand  fish tank and learn  about the environment and all the cool fish that live in it. It also looks like next week is going to be awesome  time to book a half day charter. Tide and temps look very promising for a great redfish trip. Give me a call to book.

Feb. 2 2009 " Clouser Minnow"

Left the dock with only my fly rod and scored a nice redfish. Using a combo of sinking line and a clouser minnow seemed to do the job. Fly fishing around Little River is a different and truly effective way of catching Inshore Species. I will be offering fly fishing trips this year for those interested. These trips are limited  for one or two anglers. I must admit I do have allot to learn but I feel I will always be learning, Thats's what makes this sportfishing thing so much fun.

January 30 2009 "Winter Fishin."

Slid out for a half day trip this afternoon and  got into some nice redfish. Started out fishing docks and the ever Famous Sunset Beach Bridge with no such luck.  I new as the tide would get right and I could slide into my honey holes and put it on  em. Yep... they were there like clock work. Stealth and no how is super important now. Nice to see water temps back up in the area.... 50 degrees.

January 29 2009 "Fishing in the Lowcountry"

Local Tim Kemp and myself went down to Beaufort South Carolina to hang out with a old time friend named  Capt.Steve "Beeker" Roll.  Capt. Steve run Seas So Shallow Charters and has it dialed in on the Redfish. It sure was nice to be his guest and get away from Myrtle Beach for a couple of days of fishing. People always ask what I do for a vacation? We scored on some nice Reds down there and plan on heading back down in the spring for the awesome Cobia Bite that goes on around there. I am heading out on a charter tomorrow and will fill you in for my next report. Anyone interested  in fishing down in Beaufort give Capt. Steve a call and check out his site seassoshallow.com 843 2523882. Check out the pics...

JAN.5 "Myrtle Beach Boat Show"

Gang I will be at the Myrtle Beach Boat Show this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I will host a seminar on Inshore Fishing the Grand Strand. Come  check it out if you have the time. Seminar times are 3pm on Friday, 11am on Saturday and  Sunday at 3pm. Oh yea the fishing is still right on. Check out the pics of my most recent trip. Looks like the tide will be right this Saturday afternoon for a half day trip. Get a buddy together to share the cost and let's give it  try. Shallow water redfish is the going thing this time of year.

December 24- 27 2008 "Jolly Season"

Words can't describe the energy of the ocean but I  guess I have to try. This Christmas season was definitely one to remember. Schooling Reds really get the prize. I'm looking back on this year now and I think it was one of the most exciting years I have had, "The fishing was amazing". I often get asked " It must be hard to deal with the public". I'm hear to tell you " I love the the public and especially love the ocean." Thanks to all of you ! Check out the pictures of the last few trips out.

December 12 2008 "The Challenge of the Wind"

I knew going into it yesterday that it was going to be a challenge today. The weather prediction was right with heavy winds  and overcast conditions. It was the kind of Sunday morning when hanging at house is the thing to do but I opted  to wet a line with Bryan Coggeshell. I knew the tide was right so we gave it a shot. We did a trolling motor ,push pole combo to get to the flats. We could not see any fish today with the wind stirring up the bottom and causing ripples on top. We decided just to fish shallow but deep holes in the creeks and had some success. I really have the fly fish bug now and left the dock with only the fly rod. Bryan chose light spinning with Gulp Jerk baits.  I personally to not have much luck with the fly but I think pushing myself into this is the only way to learn. Check out the pictures of some nice fish Bryan landed.

December 15 "Redfish on the Fly"

 I have been out the last couple of days keeping up with the great shallow water fishing that is going on. Fly fishing is a awesome way to catch these guys in the shallow water. Today I only managed to land one redfish being 25 inches. I hooked three others but could not get a good hook set . I have been using a eight weight rod and reel with floating line. I must admit I have allot work to do with my cast  but things are improving. The types of flies I have been using are sinking. Flies that resemble a  buck tail. Small shrimp patterns are also great to cast to fish. A fairly steady retrieve  along the bottom will  make reds react. Fly fishermen are welcome to come out and enjoy the great weather and fishing that's going on.

December 9 2008 "Creeks are Full of Redfish"

If you are interested in shallow water redfishing you need to get out there. The Creeks in our area are full of schooling reds. It really is pretty awesome seeing large schools of redfish in super shallow water. The fish are schooled up in all different sizes and can be found in about all the creeks around Little River. Some creeks will just have a few that hang around the shell pockets and others will have schools of a hundred plus fish. I really do believe it is the most I have ever seen around our area. If you plan to fish on your own be prepared to be super stealthy. Push Poling is necessary. If the fish get spooked at all you might as well move on. Iuse a 17 foot Key West Stealth that gets the job done.

November 26  2008 "Thanksgiving Reds"

It has been a little cold lately but it has not stopped the usual red hot fishing. Redfish are located about everywhere around Little River. I have been using the molting gulp shrimp and the new penny jerkbait for the best action. If you can get ahold of some live shrimp you will be golden. Speckled Trout are thick at the Inlet, Live shrimp under a bobber will out fish anything out there. It seems to be that way every year around Nov and Dec. D.oa shrimp or Bett's Halo shrimp are great alternatives to live bait and can be super productive. but like I said "Live Shrimp are a killer" Lookin back on my previous reports I guess you can kind of figure out what is the best bait around these parts. Don't put away your pole just yet. Dec. is a super month to go light tackle fishing!

October 14 2008 "Week in Review"

Get your tail out there and fish. This is the best time to fish our area. Jetties are full of Reds, Trout and Blues. The super shallows are producing reds and seems to get better day by day. ICW fishing has been great as well with Redfish, Larger Flounder and a unusual amount of keeper Black Drum. The weather has been a bit nippy the last few mornings and  have left the dock when it heats up. Fishing the Falling tide  seems to be best. I have been keeping it simple with live shrimp and Gulp Shrimp. Run and gun is the way to fish. I only hang at a spot for a short while ,if I am not getting bites. You can really hammer fish now when you find them. Do not be afraid to ditch the boat and wade. You might be really surprised.

October 17 "Research"

Had just a super day. Great Fall temps make for pleasant fishing. We first hooked up to a small redfish and then a black drum.  Moved to the next spot and hammered a few specks on artificials.  Moved out to the Inlet and hooked a Large Drum that got away. Landed a smaller drum and a few Gray trout. That's it in a nut shell.

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