September 18
Inshore water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand remain in the mid-80s and there is a ton of freshwater inflow from the Waccamaw. Post-hurricane water conditions are very dirty, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the storm does appear to have blown some shrimp out of the creeks. However, there are still plenty of shrimp and mullet around and overall the creeks are full of life.
While there is some flooding on the northern end of the South Carolina coast, the storm does not seem to have negatively affected the fishing. They were biting before Florence, and back on the water today that was still the case.
The redfish bite is excellent, and Captain Smiley’s boats have found good numbers of 17-25 inch fish up shallow in 1-3 or 4 feet of water. Tide does not seem to matter, and last week they bit very well on high tide while today they were biting well on the low to rising. Live shrimp, live mullet and Vudu Shrimp have all been working well. There has also been a topwater bite throughout the day.
On the incoming tide trout can be caught in moving water along drops in the ICW, with the best action in 4-10 feet of water. Live shrimp and Vudu Shrimp under popping corks have been working well. Remember that SCDNR is asking anglers to practice catch and release of all spotted seatrout through the end of September. To read the full news release click here.
Black drum can also be found in the same areas and will take live or fresh cut shrimp. The outgoing has been best for black drum.
Flounder fishing has been excellent for an hour or two both sides of high tide. Fish have been in creek mouths and along oyster beds, but the best fishing has actually been down the gut of fairly good-sized creeks. Live mullet and Gulp! baits have both been working.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that the water is very dirty, but the good news is the pier is fine after the storm and reopened yesterday. Fishing should improve as the water clears.