March 15
Inshore water temperatures on the north end of the Grand Strand have dropped into the low to mid-50s, and the water is still gin clear.
Even though water temperatures are heading in the wrong direction, Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that redfish are in very shallow water feeding. With a stealthy approach via trolling motor his boat has caught some nice 15-27 inch fish for two hours on each side of low tide. The reds are very shallow, with some in 1 foot of water or less and others in 4-5 foot deep potholes. On the low tide mud flats you can see them pushing up a wake or creating mud clouds, and they are usually in the same areas as large mullet. Gulp! or mud minnows on a ¼ ounce jighead have been working great.
There have also been some black drum caught on the low to rising tide in about 6 feet of water on ledges or docks along the main river. Fresh cut shrimp and crabs have been working well.
Fishermen are reminded that, as a precautionary measure, the SCDNR is asking anglers to practice catch and release of all spotted seatrout through the end of September. To read the full news release click here.

Jay A’Hern
Angler’s Headquarters (www.AnglersHeadquarters.com)
P.O. Box 50225
Columbia, SC 29250
jay@usfishingreport.com