North Myrtle Beach/Little River – March 2021
Patrick, of Captain Smiley Fishing Charters, reports that water temperatures in the upper 40s have the incoming tide cycles making water in the creeks gin-clear. The redfish and black drum have dominated the fishing action, with both species being gathered in large schools as part of their winter-time patterns. Look for both species in deep holes in the creeks at low tide, and then around docks on higher tides. Having a little bit of current has been key to the bite on either end of the tides. Carolina-rigged fresh or live shrimp has been the best bet, with action also coming off soft plastic Z-Man baits and Vudu shrimp.
Speckled trout action has been pretty good for anglers fishing live shrimp. Drifting along inshore ledges or targeting the jetties have been the spots to start searching for trout. Anglers sticking to artificial baits are getting strikes on Vudu shrimp and paddle-tail grubs.
Weather has very much dictated what can be targeted this winter, but as it stabilizes, anglers will find plenty more redfish and trout action along the jetties. Shrimp under floats or on a split-shot rig drifted with the current will be producing action going into March.
Bob, of Strange Magic Fishing Charters, reports that the winter bite has been really good some days and not so great on others. The cold, wet weather has put a damper on a lot of the action. However, when you get those warmer days, especially 2-3 days after cold fronts, the action definitely picks up.
Redfish are in large groups back in the creeks. On sunny days, focus on mud flats near deeper holes. The muddy bottom will heat up a degree or two more than the surrounding water and will also hold more bait, hence the redfish. The surrounding holes don’t have to be tremendously deep, so look for 4-6’ depths near these flats. Rigging weedless Gulp and Z-Man soft plastics or cut mullet, shrimp, and mud minnows will generate action. The redfish are spooky at this time of year, so a stealth approach is key. On the cloudier/windy days, target the holes, as these will be warmer.
Black drum are also around and will congregate near structure. Docks with some moving water are great places to throw some fresh shrimp on a Carolina rig or jig head. Since the trash fish are gone, you’ll know it is a drum bite, and this will be a slow methodical tap. With the water being cold, it’s important to allow the fish to eat prior to setting the hook.
Speckled trout are being caught in small numbers. Jig heads rigged with Gulp or Z-Man baits seem to work best. Scent is not nearly as important as it is with redfish, since trout are mostly visual feeders. Oyster shell banks on the ICW near drop-offs and creeks with deeper holes and wind protection are the best areas to target.
Flounder are still out in their ocean winter haunts and will make their return to the estuary when the water warms up into the mid-60s. Be mindful that most fish are condensed in a small percentage of the waterways, and with all winter fishing, fishing slowly is key.
Larry, of Voyager Fishing Charters, reports that anglers look forward to weather changes allowing more days on the water. Bottom fish species have been the target to look forward to as anglers run deep (120’+) to find conditions where the fish want to bite. A variety of large black sea bass, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and grunts are currently providing a majority of the action.
Grouper activity is expected to pick up as slightly warmer water temperatures pick up over the next month or so.
Gulf Stream trolling trips are targeting blackfin tuna and wahoo. As weather stabilizes, more anglers will be making the long run to the temperature break.
Brayden McMullan (left) and Blake Stone with a 40 lb. king that was caught on a live bluefish while fishing out of Ocean Isle.
Cherry Grove Pier is closed for the winter and will reopen in spring.
Calvin, of Apache Pier, reports that bottom rigs have been producing most of the action, with catches of whiting and croaker. This should remain the trend over the next few weeks, as cooler water temperatures hover along the beaches.
Bluefish should be arriving around the end of March, as long as the weather stabilizes. Bottom-rigged baits will be best for targeting this first wave of blues.
