By Chris Carbone, Seacoast Anglers Association

AUGUST 4, 2009 LITTLE RIVER, SC ― Windy conditions have made it very hard to get out and catch fish even though they are there. The weather has been hot and beautiful but nasty as far as the seas are concerned. Some anglers have been able to pick and choose their windows of opportunity but most have to go when they can or not at all.

Even the charter boats have told me they have stayed at the dock more than once the last couple weeks.

Having said that, I hear reports of King Mackerel in the 50-100 ft. range to be excellent this year. You have a good chance of catching a 30-pounder in the mix of 15-20 pounders. This may be due to rough seas which seem to improve the King Mackerel fishing. The predators don’t seem to shy away from your lure as much when the ocean is kicking up out there. The same can be said for Spanish Mackerel, Dolphin, Amberjack, Cobia, Barracuda, and all sorts of Sharks.

King Mackerel are here near the beaches and over the local reefs as well. There are a number of King Mackerel rigs available and most are for dead bait like cigar minnows or ballyhoo which is what most anglers use. Check with your local tackle store to find out what to use.

As usual, Kings can be found at the 390/390, 410/510, Christina Ledge, the Jungle, Myrtle Beach Rock, the Sherman, and Little River Offshore Reef in South Carolina
and at the reefs & rocks in North Carolina.

Spanish Mackerel are here and anglers are catching them near shore and in up to 50’ of water. Use Clarkspoons and troll about 5-6 mph. The ones that are the most successful this season have been putting Berkeley Gulp bait on the hook as well. The Spanish Mackerel have been chasing bait so look for activity on top. They are mixed with some nice Bluefish.

Bonito have been a rare catch according to reports but if you hook into one, it will be a treat as they are good fighters.

Where ever there is structure, there are Sea Bass! The Caudle Reef , the LR Offshore Reef, the 390/390 and Christina’s Ledge are reportedly producing keeper size Seabass as well as the Atlantic Ledge. Look for any structure on your fishfinder and it will likely produce Seabass. Use squid or Fish-Bites for bait. Along with the Seabass will be Triggerfish, White Grunt and Sheepshead which are all good eating fare. Kids love this kind of fishing as they catch fish all day long!

Spadefish are there as well. They like just about any kind of cut bait but prefer jelly balls. Use as little hardware as possible as they are spooky and use a small
Eagle Claw wide bend hook. (# 4 or smaller).

Spotted Seatrout have been caught in the creeks and the ICW. Big Speckled Seatrout are a lazy bunch and tend to hang out near depressions, points, sandbars, oyster beds, etc. in the creeks. Docks provide safe haven for the big solitary Trout and attract pinfish, mullet and needlefish among other baitfish. Other hot spots that hold Trout are bridges, jetties and docked boats. Some marinas hold Trout this time of year.

They seem to like fast moving water with two hours either side of low tide being best. Live shrimp are in the creeks so be prepared by bringing your castnet in the boat or banks. Hang shrimp on a short leader (about 12- 15 inches) under a small float and make sure the shrimp is moving. Very light tackle and NO noise is what it takes. Be gentle pulling them in... they have tender mouths and use a net to land them for that reason.

Red Drum are being caught in Dunn Sound, Bonaparte’s Creek and the ICW between Calabash Crossroads and the Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge. According to the charters, they have been catching huge Red Drum in and around the Little River Jetties. Again, live bait is best. Use live minnows or small mullet. Anchor up near structure, use the lightest sinker for the current and work the cast near the structure.

The Flounder bite has been widespread. You are just as likely to catch one offshore as in the creeks or around the jetties. Dunn Sound, Bonaparte’s Creek, the creeks in Cherry Grove are producing nice keepers. Using Gulp baits or live mud minnows or mullet works. When using live bait, remember to match the size of the minnow to the hook. Most hooks should be Eagle Claw Wide Bend or Kahle hooks, size 2 or 4. Flounder will be in the ICW as well, so try there.

Black Drum and Croaker are at the mouths and sides of the creeks. Reportedly some of the bigger ones are in the ICW whenever a creek empties into it. They are catching them off the piers as well. They eat most any cut bait on a #4 hook.

Catfish are in the ICW being caught with some in the 5-6 lb. range. Most have been caught from Barefoot Landing to the Little River Swing Bridge. The anglers that
have been catching them are slow drifting at the top or bottom of the tide. Don’t forget... if you fish there you have to have a SC Freshwater Fishing License!

Sharks are everywhere and are fun to catch and release and even some - the Atlantic Sharpnose and the Black Tip - are great to eat. Be sure to check the regulations concerning Sharks before you put them in the boat.

Anglers are catching Pompano, Sheepshead, Black Drum and Flounder from Cherry Grove Pier as well.

Stop Wishin’...Go Fishin.’

If you have info on the local fishing, email THE ANCHOR at SeacoastAnglers[at]aol.com and let us know.

The SAA August Fish report is brought to you, in part, by Marine Service Center, West Marine, Eugene Platts Seafood Market, Boats US and Coggeshall’s Marine.