North Grand Strand (SC) Fall Fishing Report – Updated December 19

December 19
Inshore water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand have dropped to around 47 degrees, and with gin clear water, mild conditions and a still-very strong bite it can be one of the most satisfying times of the year to fish around Little River.
The inshore redfish bite has been strong for nice fish on the smaller end of the slot, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that his boat has been catching a lot of 15-18 inch fish. Chiefly they are catching them in shallow water 2-3 feet deep for a couple of hours each side of low tide. Gulp! as well as cut shrimp on a ¼ ounce jighead have both been working well. The bigger redfish can still be found in the Inlet around the jetties, but with such a good bite inshore it’s been hard to leave.
The trout bite is still excellent, and on moving tides around ledges in 6-8 feet of water Patrick’s boat has been catching impressive numbers of trout (as well as some very nice ones) on live shrimp, Vudu Shrimp, and Mirrolures.
Black drum have also been caught on the same pattern as the trout with either live or cut shrimp.

Jay A’Hern
Angler’s Headquarters (www.AnglersHeadquarters.com)
P.O. Box 50225
Columbia, SC 29250
jay@usfishingreport.com

1. December 1
   Inshore water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand have dropped into the lower to mid-50s, and with mild air temperatures/ improving clarity this is one of the most pleasant (and productive) times of the year to fish the Little River area.
   The trout bite continues to be outstanding, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that most of the fish are keepers in an impressive 15-20 plus inch range. The fish bite better on moving tides, and current running along the ledges in 6-8 feet of water offers the best conditions. An assortment of artificial lures have been working well, with Vudu Shrimp probably the best and most popular right now but Gulp!, Zman, Trout Tricks and other baits also working. Of course live shrimp will also produce, and some fish are still being caught on top on Spooks.
   When anchored up and casting at a spot drifting live shrimp behind the boat in the current is working.
   There are also plenty of black drum being caught along the ledges on the bottom. They are eating shrimp, and some small, undersized sheepshead are also mixed in.
   Occasional redfish have been mixed in with the catch, and most of these have been over the slot. They are usually being caught in shallow water on the bottom with live shrimp or live mullet. The Little River Inlet jetties have also been a hot spot on the outgoing tide for spottails and black drum.
   Lots of small flounder, mostly undersized, have been caught on ¼ ounce jigheads with Gulp! curly tail grubs and Vudu Shrimp.

Jay A’Hern
Angler’s Headquarters (www.AnglersHeadquarters.com)
P.O. Box 50225
Columbia, SC 29250
jay@usfishingreport.com