North Myrtle/Little River – July 2026
Greg, of Dave’s Outpost, reports that anglers are having a bunch of success using mud minnows to work the grass banks for flounder.
The red drum bite seems to be picking up, though these fish are scattered all over the place.
A few speckled trout are being caught, but it isn’t a species that anyone is really targeting.
For sheepshead, grab some fiddler crabs and fish the deeper hard structures.
Some spanish mackerel are around, but the bite has been a bit challenging.
From the surf (and piers), the typical mix of croakers, whiting, small sharks, and the occasional pompano are the main targets.
Chris, of Fine Catch Fishing Charters, reports that anglers are finding most of the red drum and summertime trout in the bigger and deeper creek channels and larger creek mouths. They are around structure such as docks and oysters.
Most of the flounder action has been found around creek mouths, sand flats, and shell bottoms. The flatfish will also be holding on grass edges as they wait for some schools of mullet to move down the bank.
Black drum are cooperating for anglers fishing fresh cut shrimp around deeper structure.
On the jetties, a bunch of flounder are staged up around the rocks. A live mullet will be the best bait either on a Carolina rig or jig head.
Some decent speckled trout can be caught around the end of the jetties when throwing some live shrimp up into the rocks.
Anglers headed out to the 3-mile reef can find flounder, with the bigger finger mullet being key to that bite.
Some gray trout are probably around as well, though not too many are targeting them.
Anglers are able to catch spanish mackerel and bluefish by sight-casting around bait balls off the beach.
Buddy, of Captain Smiley Fishing Charters, reports that red drum get really scattered this time of year, so anglers will likely need to bounce around to find a pocket of fish. Look for the reds to hang in deeper channels and creeks and then move up onto nearby flats to feed.
Anglers have been catching a bunch of flounder on live bait—mostly on mud minnows until more finger mullet show up.
Some speckled trout are mixed in.
Smaller black drum (13” class) are holding on hard structure, with fresh cut shrimp being the top bait option.
Anglers headed out to the jetties are finding just about everything from flounder, sheepshead, and black drum, to scattered red drum and speckled trout.
Bob, of Strange Magic Fishing Charters, reports flounder have been around in good numbers, and they’re falling for both live mud minnows and soft plastics, such as Gulp and Z-Man, fished tight to the bottom. The flatfish are more spread out during the higher tides and then concentrate in deeper holes as the water drops out.
Red drum are around in smaller groups (2-3 fish) and are cruising the ICW and smaller creek banks. Anglers will do best targeting structure that breaks things up, such as grass transitioning to shells, marsh drains, or even the presence of birds or bait. These red drum are striking any variation of live mud minnows, live shrimp, or soft plastics.
Some speckled trout are in the same areas, with live shrimp under a popping cork providing the best opportunities.
While anglers can find black drum in the deeper holes in the backs of creeks, these fish are mostly being caught around docks. Fresh shrimp and fiddler crabs on the bottom are the ticket, and there is always the chance to catch a red drum with these same tactics.
Bevan, of Chilly Water Fishing, reports that mahi are sticking around but are scattered, with some fish moving in nearshore.
The black sea bass have pushed out deeper, with 100’ being just the starting point. This range (85-120’) will also produce some vermilion snapper, and both species are hitting cut squid on circle hooks.
For gag grouper, a menhaden or live pinfish is tough to beat. Scamps are around as well, but they are mostly deeper (120-140’) and prefer the live bait offerings.
Larry, of Voyager Fishing Charters, reports that the offshore bottom fish action remains excellent in the 45-50+ mile range, with the shallowest areas being around 110’. The mixed bag of species includes triggerfish, amberjack, big vermilion snapper, cobia, and all of the grouper species (gags, reds, strawberries, and scamps).
The drift lines have been a bit slow, with only a couple smaller mahi and the occasional king taking the bait.
Gulf Stream trollers can expect to find blackfin tuna, mahi, and scattered wahoo.
Anglers looking specifically for king mackerel should be focused on good bottom in the 25-mile range.
Nearshore waters are producing black sea bass and porgies.
Emery Hill, from Lexington, hooked this 38” cobia using a live pinfish for bait. She was offshore of Little River in 58’ of water.
Josh, of Little River Fishing Fleet, reports that mahi fishing has been strong, but these fish are now starting to scatter out.
Bottom fishing has been productive with scamp grouper being the highlight of trips out in the 40-55 mile range.
Mixed in the action are some pinkies (red porgies), white grunts, Key West porgies, vermilion snapper, and hogfish.
Almaco jacks are also plentiful in this range.
Lynn, of Apache Pier, reports that anglers have enjoyed some excellent flounder fishing.
Casting Gotcha plugs and jigs is producing bluefish and the occasional spanish mackerel.
Bottom fish setups with smaller baits such as shrimp, sand fleas, or artificial bait strips are producing a mixed bag of croakers, whiting, spots, bluefish, and even a modest speckled trout or two.
Anglers fishing crabs tight to the pilings have seen an increase in sheepshead catches, and pompano are coming in occasionally.
Ed, of Cherry Grove Pier, reports that bottom fishing with a variety of smaller cut baits is producing a mix of whiting, spots, and bluefish.
Sheepshead are in the mix, with most being caught with crabs or shrimp.
Some keeper flounder are now showing up.
