January 20

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River are about 51 degrees and after recent rains clarity has dropped. 

With water temperatures normal for this time of year, Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that fish are in pretty stable, typical winter patterns. 

You can find the redfish on the shallow flats where you can locate them visually, either looking for tails or torpedo movements in the water. Often they are super shallow seeking protection from dolphins. 

The best time to target the flats redfish is generally the low to rising tide and Gulp! baits are working very well as well as are live finger mullet.  If you are fishing for flats reds at higher tides then cut bait along the grass edges is often the best way to target them.  There are also some good fish being caught in holes back in the marsh.  These could be four- or five-foot depressions, usually at creek bends, which are surrounded by very shallow water.   

There are also plenty of redfish out at the rocks as well as around docks, where they are mixed in with black drum. Both species will take fresh cut shrimp. 

The trout fishing varies depends on where you are fishing, and the smallest trout are being caught in the IntraCoastal Waterway right now.  The better inshore fish are in quiet backwater channels. Many of these backwaters are man-made, as where they were dug out for houses or other structures. There are also some trout being caught in the same type of holes in the creeks where you can find redfish. 

But the biggest trout are still being found out at the jetties where they are wintering for now. 

Moving tides are still fishing the best and live shrimp under a popping cork are impossible to beat. Trout Tricks and Gulp! new penny shrimp are also working. 

There is inconsistent action on the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) for small whiting and croaker. 

January 6

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River are about 56 degrees and the water is pretty dirty. 

Because of high winds and big tides the water is not as clear as normal at this time of year, but other than that Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports fish are in pretty normal winter patterns. 

The redfish are well into their winter cycle and you can find them on the shallow flats where you can locate them visually, either looking for tails or torpedo movements in the water. Often they are super shallow seeking protection from dolphins. 

The best time to target the flats redfish is generally the low to rising tide and Gulp! baits are working very well as well as are live finger mullet.  If you are fishing for flats reds at higher tides then cut bait along the grass edges is often the best way to target them.  There are also some good fish being caught in holes back in the marsh. 

There are also plenty of redfish out at the rocks as well as around docks, where they are mixed in with black drum. Both species will take fresh cut shrimp. 

The trout fishing varies depends on where you are fishing, and the smallest trout are being caught in the IntraCoastal Waterway right now.  The better inshore fish are coming in the same type of holes in the creeks where you can find redfish or in quiet backwater channels. Many of these backwaters are man-made, as where they were dug out for houses or other structures. 

But the biggest trout are still being found out at the jetties where they are wintering for now. 

Moving tides are still fishing the best and live shrimp under a popping cork are impossible to beat. Trout Tricks and Gulp! new penny shrimp are also working. 

There is inconsistent action on the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) for croaker, whiting, small flounder and pufferfish.

December 22

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River are about 55 degrees and the water is clear. 

We are in a season where fish can be very responsive to weather conditions, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that on cold days they can get pretty lethargic. On warmer days they will be more active and feed better. 

This can be particularly true for redfish, which are well into their winter cycle. They are on the shallow flats where you can locate them visually, either looking for tails or torpedo movements in the water. Often they are super shallow seeking protection from dolphins. 

The best time to target the redfish is generally the low to rising tide and Gulp! baits are working very well as well as are some natural baits.  If you are fishing for flats reds at higher tides then cut bait along the grass edges is often the best way to target them.

There are also plenty of redfish out at the rocks as well as around docks, where they are mixed in with black drum. Both species will take fresh cut shrimp. 

The trout fishing has faded a bit in the IntraCoastal Waterway, and the best way to target them is either to fish in the inlet or in the quiet backwater channels. Many of these backwaters are man-made, as where they were dug out for houses or other structures. 

Moving tides are still fishing the best and live shrimp under a popping cork are hard to beat. Chartreuse Vudu Shrimp are also working well. 

There is inconsistent action on the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) for croaker, whiting and pufferfish.

December 16

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River are about 57 degrees and the water is pretty clear. Out in the inlet on the incoming tide there is beautiful blue water coming in.  

Trout are all over the place right now, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they are catching them in the backs of creeks, on the ledges in the Intracoastal Waterway, and out at the jetties. Many of them are undersized but there are also plenty of better ones mixed in. Moving tides are still fishing the best and live shrimp under a popping cork are hard to beat. Chartreuse Vudu Shrimp are also working well. 

Out at the jetties they are picking up plenty of sheepshead on live shrimp while trout fishing, and if you want to target them specifically use fiddler crabs. 

The redfish and black drum are also biting pretty well in the shallower creeks, where the largest trout also seem to be, and on the incoming tide they are doing well with fresh cut shrimp around structure. Reds will also take Gulp!

There are also some big schools of redfish in the Intracoastal. 

There is inconsistent action on the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) for croaker, whiting and pufferfish.

December 2

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River are about 58 degrees and the water is pretty clear. In skinny water it appears to be gin clear.   

It’s been really good inshore fishing for black drum and redfish on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they are catching both species with fresh cut shrimp fished on the bottom in the Intracoastal Waterway. Fish are related to docks in about 7 feet of water as well as oyster beds, and on lower tides the reds are schooled up in only 1-2 feet of water around the ICW. They are very spooky and so casting artificials to them is tricky, but you can cast a piece of cut mullet nearby and wait for them to eat it. 

The trout fishing is still really good in the area and Captain Smiley reports that the larger fish seem to be in the Intracoastal. Moving tides are important with the incoming fishing best. Live shrimp are the best bait, but a DOA Shrimp, Trout Trick or Vudu Shrimp will also catch fish. 

There are still plenty of small flounder around. 

It’s getting to be that time of year where it’s spotty fishing on the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and they are still having some times where the whiting fishing is really good but other days when they barely bite. They are also picking up some small black drum, flounder, croaker and perch.

November 19

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River dropped to about 54 degrees.

The trout fishing is still on fire on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that it doesn’t get much better than this. The best fishing continues to be on the low to rising tide, but they will also bite on the outgoing. Overall having some current is still key, whichever way it is moving, and on the slack tide fish usually don’t feed much. 

The trout are still around shell beds near the edge of spartina grass in about 6 feet of water in creeks off the IntraCoastal. Live shrimp have been working the best, but it’s also a good time to try out different artificial lures since the fish are feeding so well. DOA shrimp and chartreuse-colored Vudu Shrimp have also been good.

The action for redfish has also been strong in the creeks, and – while the fish will also take live bait – Gulp! in new penny colors has been working really well. 

The flounder fishing is still pretty good on both sides of the state line. The best action has come on flats with live mullet or Gulp! baits.  

Big black drum are still being caught on shrimp or crab baits around oyster beds and docks, especially off the Tilghman docks. 

It continues to be wide open whiting fish on the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and they are also catching small croaker, a few spots and some nice pompano. They are also picking up the occasional flounder.  

Conditions are still so windy that it has limited fishing at the nearshore reefs, but there should be bluefish, big red drum and some flounder on the bottom.

November 12

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River dropped to about 59 degrees but have now rebounded to about 62. 

This is the prime time for trout fishing on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that catches have been really good. The best fishing continues to be on the low to rising tide, but they will also bite on the outgoing. Overall having some current is still key, whichever way it is moving, and on the slack tide fish usually won’t bite. The trout are still around shell beds near the edge of spartina grass in about 6 feet of water in creeks off the IntraCoastal. Live shrimp have been working the best, but chartreuse-colored Vudu Shrimp have also been good. 

The action for redfish has also been good in the creeks, and – while the fish will also take live bait – Gulp! in new penny colors has been working really well. In the inlet they are catching some fish over the slot. 

The flounder fishing is still pretty good on both sides of the state line. The best action has come on flats with live mullet or Gulp! baits.   

Big black drum are still being caught on shrimp or crab baits off the Tilghman docks. 

While the Spanish mackerel have disappeared, Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they are in the middle of a really good whiting run. They are also catching some croaker, pompano, and slot-sized red and black drum. 

Conditions have been so windy that it has limited fishing at the nearshore reefs, but there should be bluefish, bid red drum and some flounder on the bottom.

November 4

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River are 68 degrees and on the incoming tide the water is a pretty blue. 

The trout fishing is picking up on the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the best fishing has been on the low to rising tide but the outgoing has also fished pretty well.  Having some current has been key, whichever way it is moving.  The fish have been around shell beds near the edge of spartina grass in about 6 feet of water in creeks off the IntraCoastal. Live shrimp have been working the best, but paddle tail Bass Assassins or Vudu Shrimp have also been good. 

There have also been some redfish in the same areas. 

The flounder fishing has been really good recently, and they have been catching a bunch of 15-23 inch fish on both sides of the state line. The best action has come on flats with live mullet or Gulp! baits.   

Big black drum are being caught on shrimp or crab baits off the Tilghman docks. 

At the jetties there are trout around as well as smaller redfish in the rocks, but the cold front has probably pushed many of the larger red drum out. However, there are undoubtedly still some that will take live or cut menhaden. 

It’s been a pretty outstanding bite for Spanish mackerel off the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), which reports that anglers are limiting out on 12-16 inch fish jigging. They are also catching decent numbers of pompano, bluefish, croaker, whiting, spots and small flounder. 

At the nearshore reefs there are lots of small Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and some flounder on the bottom.

October 20

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River are 74 degrees and bait including mullet is everywhere.   

Fall fishing has arrived to the north end of the South Carolina coast, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that while the numbers are not here yet they have caught some very large trout including the 28-inch, 8-pound fish pictured below. Live shrimp are the ticket and more trout will soon arrive.

While the flounder bite has been decent on finger mullet on a Carolina rig, the inshore redfish action has been very good around the grass lines with mullet or shrimp. Bluefish can also be caught on the inside, and throwing topwater plugs can make for some very exciting action. 

With the mullet also prolific at the jetties and in the surf you can catch reds about everywhere, and they are catching some nice bull reds surf fishing with cut bait. There are also some smaller reds in the rocks at the jetties that will eat finger mullet, while the bigger drum seem to be staying a little further off the rocks. Fishing menhaden on a Carolina rig has been the best way to catch these bulls.

There are also a bunch of bluefish in the inlet and around the jetties smashing finger mullet, and Spanish mackerel are hit-or-miss in the same areas. 

The surf is just starting to clear up again, and Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they have had a few king mackerel this week as well as lots of Spanish mackerel jigging. There have also been some nice pompano caught as well as a few spots, but they are not really running yet. 

Surf temperatures off the pier today are 73 degrees. 

At the Jim Caudle Reef they are catching nice flounder on live finger mullet, and there are also a bunch of 18-20 inch bluefish around. 

October 7

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River are 78 degrees. 

While much of the action has been in the inlet, Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that with a ton of bait around the inshore fishing has also been strong the last week or so. While you have to release fish caught in North Carolina waters, there has been some good flounder fishing with live finger mullet on a Carolina rig.  In the Intracoastal Waterway they are also catching some good redfish on cut mullet or live ones, and on lower tides they are also catching shallower redfish on the flats.  At higher tides they are locating them around structure like docks in the Intracoastal or along grass edges.  

The big black drum that were around last week have vacated, but there have been smaller ones in the same 15-20 foot areas inside the main channels. Shrimp or crabs will work. 

Inshore the trout fishing has still not really turned on, but floating live shrimp along the ledges has been decent. There have also been some fish caught at the jetty rocks. 

In the surf the fishing has been outstanding recently, and Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that in the last 24 hours as the water has gotten dirtier the spots have been biting furiously. Every day this week they have had king mackerel, usually after lunch time, and the Spanish mackerel have also been biting well.  They have also picked up plenty of whiting, bluefish, and even a few red drum. 

Surf temperatures off the pier today were also 78 degrees. 

In the Little River Inlet they are still catching red drum in the 30-40 plus inch range even though the bite has been a little more up-and-down, and cut menhaden have been key this week. The fish have been towards the end of the rocks or in some of the well-known 30-foot holes. 

With acres of mullet still around at times Captain Smiley also reports that along the beach or right outside the inlet there are still lots of big Spanish mackerel around chasing the mullet. You can catch them on big topwater plugs or live chumming with mullet and then doing a bait-and-switch!

Even though he hasn’t been offshore this week, at the Jim Caudle Reef there should still be lots of flounder as well as bluefish and Spanish mackerel.

September 29

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River are about 77 degrees. 

It’s a really good time to fish in the Little River area, and from inshore to the inlet to the beaches to nearshore it’s getting to be a strong fall bite. Perhaps the most exciting bite is in the Little River Inlet, and big red drum in the 30-40 plus inch range are being caught. The incoming tide has been the best time to fish and live or cut mullet and menhaden will both work. 

Further inshore they are also catching redfish and very good numbers of black drum in a little deeper water inside the main channels, typically in 15-20 feet.  Both species will take shrimp and crabs, while the live menhaden or mullet will catch redfish. 

On lower tides they are also catching shallower redfish on the flats, while at higher tides they are locating them around structure like docks in the Intracoastal or along grass edges.  

The trout bite inshore has been decent with live shrimp fished under a float along the ledges, and fish can also be caught on slip floats at the jetties. 

There’s not a lot of change in the flounder fishing, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that live mullet on the bottom as well as Gulp! baits are both working. 

For the last few days the fishing off Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) has been very strong, and yesterday they had three king mackerel caught as well as some big Spanish mackerel on the king rigs – including a 6 pound 2 ounce fish! They are also catching some smaller Spanish jigging. Today the water was a little dirtier, but it should get back to clear very soon.

Occasional keeper flounder and drum are being caught, as well as some whiting, spots, and croaker. However, the fall run of these species has not started in earnest.

Surf temperatures off the pier today were 79 degrees.  

Unsurprisingly considering the catches at the pier, Captain Smiley reports that along the beach or right outside the inlet there are lots of big Spanish mackerel around chasing the mullet. You can catch them on big topwater plugs or live chumming with mullet and then doing a bait-and-switch!

At the Jim Caudle Reef there are lots of flounder as well as bluefish and Spanish mackerel.

September 17

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River have dropped in the upper 70s. 

The North Carolina flounder season ended this week, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the brief season was a mix of good days and bad days. Now that they are back to only fishing South Carolina waters for flounder they are having similar, patchy success – but there are definitely still some fish to be caught. 

Probably the best thing going inshore is the redfish, and using live finger mullet they are catching lots of 18-30 inch fish.  On lower tides they are catching fish on the flats, while at higher tides they are locating them around structure like docks in the Intracoastal or along grass edges.  

The trout bite inshore has been decent with live shrimp fished under a float along the ledges, and while Pat has not targeted them out there they should also be at the jetties. 

It’s getting to be an exciting time in the surf, and Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that in the last 24 hours they have had a couple of king mackerel and some large Spanish mackerel on the king rigs. They are catching some smaller Spanish jigging. The only flounder caught recently have been small, while whiting, croaker and a few spot are around. 

With mullet going down the beach there are also lots of 2-5 pound Spanish mackerel on the shoals near the jetties.  They can be caught on live bait or any walk-the-dog style topwater plug. There are also some big drum in the inlet that can be caught on cut mullet, cut bluefish or live mullet on the bottom.

One good way to fish is to put out baits on the bottom and then cast for Spanish.

There are also some tarpon at the jetties. 

September 2

Inshore surface water temperatures around Little River have dropped to about 82 degrees and with all the wind clarity has dropped. 

Because the north end of the South Carolina Grand Strand pushes up against the North Carolina border, when it makes sense Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) likes to fish both sides of the state line. With the opening of the two-week flounder season in North Carolina this week, this was one of those times he likes to target North Carolina state waters. Howver, even though they caught a lot of fish most were in the 14-15 ½ inch range and getting a 16-incher was rare. 

Probably the best place to target bigger flounder is at the nearshore reefs, but conditions have been so rough this week that wasn’t really possible. 

Note that effective July 1 SC flounder regulations changed, with a new limit of 5 fish per person (from 10) and 10 per boat (from 20). The minimum size moved to 16 inches (from 15). 

The hottest bite continues to be for redfish, and the best action continues to come on higher tides when fish are feeding on large schools of finger mullet in and around the edges of the grass. Naturally the best bait is mullet, and if you find areas where the redfish are feeding the bite can be really strong. Sometimes you want to put baits inside the grass, and sometimes the fish are feeding just along the outside the grass line. 

They have also caught some redfish around docks, and there have also been some trout around the docks too. Trout are also being caught on live shrimp fished under a slip float out at the jetties. Fish are often about ten feet off the rocks.

Before the storms fishing was very good off the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), but when the storm came through on Tuesday the water got dirty and the fishing really dropped off. They had one king mackerel at the beginning of the week, but since then the catch has only been a few croaker and whiting.  

It’s been too windy to get offshore this week.