Saltwater Fishing Trends
South Carolina marine recreational fishing regulations
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North Grand Strand
Inshore: Captain Smiley Fishing Charters (843-361-7445) reports that April is sometimes an unpredictable month, but usually there is good fishing for trout and redfish as temperatures warm and fish metabolism speeds up. Fishing live shrimp under a cork will work for both species, and redfish (as well as black drum) will eat fresh cut shrimp around docks. This month the flounder will also return and by the end of the month there should be decent numbers of legal fish to be caught.
Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that this month flounder will arrive as well as bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Redfish and trout were scarce in March but should show up this month, and the bite for sheepshead and black drum should be strong in April. Whiting never really leave but the bite should improve as temperatures warm and more fish move into the surf zone.
Nearshore: Captain Smiley Fishing Charters reports that at least for the early part of April weakfish should still be found at the nearshore reefs, and bluefish and Spanish mackerel should also arrive this month.
Most detailed North Grand Strand Updates
South Grand Strand
Inshore: Captain Caleb Hartley (843-241-7706) reports that March was a fair month on the Grand Strand and this month the fishing should pick up further. Keeper flounder will arrive, the resident redfish and trout should feed better, and some large migratory trout should start to show up. All will eat shrimp, mud minnows, and finger mullet as well as a range of artificial lures. Also look for more big sheepshead and black drum to show up around inshore structure.
Nearshore: Captain Caleb Hartley reports that this April weakfish and possibly Atlantic Bonito will pass through and Spanish mackerel will show up to stay.
Most detailed Southern Grand Strand Updates
Georgetown
Inshore: Captain Greg Holmes (843-241-0594) reports that by the end of March redfish were already breaking out of their big winter schools and spreading out, and during April the bite should get much better. To locate the fish you need to follow the still-scarce bait, especially early in the month, and reds will be wherever there are mullet, shrimp, or fiddler crabs. Then, when crabs begin molting, that will become their main food source. Trout will also feed better this month, and even though live shrimp are hard to beat they will also take artificial baits like Zman shrimp. Flounder will also get more prolific, and by the end of March a few had already arrived.
Charleston
Inshore: Captain Rob Bennett (843-367-3777) and Captain Addison Rupert (843-557-3476) report that in April warmer temperatures should fully move the redfish off of their winter flats pattern as they break up into smaller groups. With temperatures rising and fiddler crabs coming out of hibernation tailing activity should accelerate at high tide, and fish will also start to set up around docks. Some of the best sheepshead action of the year will also take place around deeper docks or the jetties if you dangle fiddler crabs, and bigger trout should continue to arrive inshore in preparation for the spawn. They will eat live shrimp fished along grass lines but also take artificials.
Surf and pier: Folly Beach Pier (843-762-9516) reports that April fishing is temperature-dependent, but at some point this month the fishing should really turn on. Large bluefish and trout should arrive early and eventually a smorgasbord of species including black drum, sheepshead, whiting, croaker, and more will all be feeding. By the end of the month it’s time to start looking out for Spanish and king mackerel.
Nearshore: Captain Rob Bennett (843-367-3777) reports that when water temperatures hit the low 60s action at the reefs usually takes off. Soon weakfish and bluefish should arrive and then Spanish mackerel and bonito.
Most detailed Charleston updates
Edisto Island
Inshore: Captain Ron Davis Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that in April it will be probably the worst time of the year to catch redfish on the flats, in part because they will be feeding on very small bait. The creek reds will be more reliable, and trout should also be caught in the creeks even as they begin to transition out. When water temperatures hit about 65 degrees then trout will start to set up for their spawn in the main rivers. This is among the best months of the year for catching big sheepshead inshore around docks, while mainly smaller black drum will be around. This month flounder will continue to trickle back inshore as they were already arriving in late March.
Nearshore and offshore: Captain Ron Davis Jr. reports that at the nearshore reefs a variety of species including sheepshead, black drum, weakfish, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel will be caught this month, while offshore the bottom fishing will be very strong. In the first part of April, wahoo will make up the main part of the offshore catch, but the last few years the best dolphin bite has coincided with late Aprildge.
Most detailed Edisto Island Updates
Beaufort
Inshore: Captain Tuck Scott (843-524-5250) and Captain Patrick Kelly (843-962-3503) report that in April redfish will be almost completely broken out of their tight winter schools on the flats, although there will continue to be docks that hold good numbers of fish. While redfish can be a little finicky, cut mullet will be a good bait for reds this month as will live shrimp. As temperatures continue to rise they will feed more and more on fiddler crabs, and tailing activity should get better and better on high water. Trout fishing will also improve in April in moving water, with small live shrimp, mud minnows, and grubs all working. Topwater activity for trout and reds should also start this month during low light periods. This month, many of the larger sheepshead that have moved offshore will return inshore, where they can be caught around docks and other structure on fiddler crabs. By the latter part of the month some cobia should arrive and perhaps other migratory species such as bluefish, ladyfish and more.
Most detailed Beaufort Updates
Hilton Head
Inshore: Captain Kai Williams (843-816-7475) and Captain Trent Malphrus (843-301-4634) report that April can occasionally be unpredictable for inshore fishing around Hilton Head, but typically the trout bite will significantly improve this month as fish move shallower and feed more. The last couple of years the redfish bite has also improved as more bait arrives. At times both trout and reds will be mixed together, but generally look for redfish to be relating to still or slower-moving water around structure while trout will be in faster-moving water near grass lines, current rips, and points. Mud minnows and shrimp will work for both species.
Nearshore: Captain Kai Williams reports that at the nearshore reefs and hard bottom areas the sheepshead and black drum fishing should stay good well into April, while migratory species like bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and cobia should also arrive. Weakfish should also be around throughout the month.