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 drum fishing 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.

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

The River Sweep and Blessing of the Fleet Event was a huge success this year! I would like to thank Seacoast Anglers Fishing Group for helping out this year and adding the Blessing of the Fleet. Over 20 boats attended the Blessing, it really was a nice way to start The River Sweep and for some the Fishing Season. It is really neat seeing people come together for this event, young and old. We really do live in a special place and are blessed to have such a positive community.

We are starting to put a dent in the trash problem in our Marshes is some good news!! There still are several problem areas but we are seeing improvements!! Next event we will put crews in the more problems areas and keep a regular maintenance on the islands we have cleaned.  I truly thank all who came out to volunteer and also the ones behind the scenes who provided some funding and support. This is true Aloha!!

Well on the fishing front… I feel like we are just now starting to make the turn on some hot intracoastal fishing. Flounder fishing has definitely improved the last few days as well as Speckled Sea Trout. I am starting to notice bait such a glass minnows and pogies. The marsh is starting to wake  up and the gamefish are as well.

Fishing Charters are in full gear. Please call ahead to book your trips. I am getting booked up and really want to get my regular customers out!! Call now!! Sometimes I’m out so much I have a hard time keeping up with the cyber part of this business. Keep on Smiling my friends!!