April 24
Inshore water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand are around 68-70 degrees, and the water has gotten dirty.
Even though catches have been pretty consistent, Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that there have been some difficult fishing conditions with the wind during this transitional fishing season.
The best thing going right now is probably the flounder fishing in the Cherry Grove area, which has gotten really good. Cherry Grove is the typical hot-spot during this period on the north end of the Grand Strand, and this year is no exception. Drifting live mud minnows on a Carolina rig around the tide cycle is working as long is there is current.
In the Little River area the best pattern has been fishing docks in 5-6 feet of water for both redfish and black drum. The best time to fish is the lower stages of the tide when there is still a little current, and on windy days anchoring at docks provides a fishable pattern. Fresh cut shrimp and live shrimp will catch both species, while mud minnows will work for the reds. Crabs will probably also work for both species although Captain Smiley’s boats have not tried them.
The trout bite has slowed down substantially, with up-and-down temperatures a likely culprit. Once temperatures stabilize it should get better again.
At the jetties sharks are thick, and Captain Smiley’s boats have caught Atlantic sharpnose and even a small bull shark.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that fishing is starting to get really good off the pier, and lots of small bluefish are being caught. Small Spanish mackerel are also showing up, and they have also gotten whiting and occasional flounder. One flounder has been big enough to keep so far.
On days when you can get offshore Captain Smiley reports that nearshore at the 3-mile Caudle Reef weakfish, small bluefish, trout, and small black sea bass are around.

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

April 2

Inshore water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand range from about 57 to 58 degrees, while the ocean is around 61.  Overall the water is still pretty clear. 

Fishing in the Little River area is excellent, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that their main focus continues to be trout.  Not only are they extremely plentiful, but when there are lots of huge fish in the 25-30 inch range being caught it’s hard not to focus on the gators! 

The key for catching the biggest fish has been drifting out at the jetties with live shrimp, which are still available at Captain Crumb’s Outpost off 501 in Myrtle Beach.  They are consistently catching the big ones floating live shrimp down the rocks on either the incoming or outgoing tide as long as there is some current.  They are fishing the bait 5-8 feet down on a suspended cork right off the rocks.  Some nice redfish in the 24-28 inch range are also being picked up this way.  

Inside the creeks they are also catching trout on live shrimp as well as mud minnows, with the best action coming over either shelly or sandy bottoms on the low to rising tide. Gulp and Vudu Shrimp are also working, and about anywhere you stop you can catch lots and lots of small trout.  There are also some good ones inside the creeks, and unlike the ocean fish they seem pretty happy with live baits or artificials. 

They are also picking up some nice reds inside the creeks, particularly in deep holes with 5-12 feet of water.  

Black drum are feeding pretty well around docks on live or cut shrimp, but since they aren’t as finicky cut shrimp is the more cost-effective choice. They are also being found around drop-offs in the ICW, with the best action coming in five feet of water or less. You need current whether coming in or going out.  

A few flounder are being caught, and about each trip they seem to get one keeper.  Very soon they should be plentiful in the Cherry Grove area, the first place they show up each year.  

Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that in the last few days they have been doing really well for whiting, and there have also been some bluefish caught.  Last weekend there were a fair number of trout caught off the pier. 

Nearshore Spanish mackerel are starting to show up as well as bluefish and dogfish.  At the 3-mile Jim Caudle Reef black sea bass are becoming prolific.

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