Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by Capt. R.C.

This is Harvest Moon Fishing Charters 2023 winter fishing report for Myrtle Beach, SC. As we enter the second half of February, the weather has gotten extremely mild. Yesterday made it in the 80’s, and one cannot help but think that spring is around the corner. What better time to reflect on our winter fishing season?

What was Biting in Myrtle Beach this Winter?

• Redfish
• Speckled Trout
• Striped Bass
• Weakfish
• Black Drum

Strong Start with Redfish and Trout

The speckled trout and redfish bite in Myrtle Beach gave us a strong start last fall with cooler temperatures and clean water. Both species schooled up early this winter, and we were able to take advantage with many double digit days of catching fish. While the weather and moon can still impact the Winter bite, we were able to get on some fairly consistent action.

The redfish schooled up early with a cooler than normal Thanksgiving. We were able to catch over 20 fish on some of our half day fishing trips. We had a warm spell where I got in a solo topwater trip before the hard freeze we saw during Christmas. I was even able to get it on video, and you can check it out here!

The Fall fishing pattern was one of the best in years for speckled trout. We had days of catching 40 plus fish at the peak! As we entered in to Winter, the bite stayed strong until water temps got in the lower 50’s. When the water gets this cold, speckled trout seem to go in to hiding. Many times, you will find that you are catching larger fish that are all alone in shallower water.

Black Drum Provide Consistent Bite in Myrtle Beach

Black drum can be one of the most reliable fish to target during the winter in Myrtle Beach. This tasty species has nice white meat to make a good meal. When you get on a school of black drum, it can really make your day!

Often overlooked, I believe black drum put a great fight! I would even say that, pound for pound, they fight even harder than redfish.

When we are looking for action, black drum are often a reliable target. They can really keep you busy, which can be a winner with children on board. Sometimes they bite quick, so you have to be ready; but numbers can normally outweigh missed fish. Black drum are keen to eat shrimp, squid, and even fishbites.

Winter Weakfish Surprise

Weakfish are known as ‘summer trout’, but we have been catching them this winter. It’s funny that we are having luck with this type of trout while speckled trout (aka ‘winter trout’) have gone in to hiding. The limit is only 1 fish per person; however they can provide steady action that can really make your day!

Weakfish make very good table fare. Their filet’s are white and delicate. I recommend salting them in a bowl with ice, and setting them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. This helps with flavor, and it helps keep the meat firm.

Seeking out the Striped Bass

I have been spending a lot of time targeting stripers this winter. This mysterious species is able to thrive in salt and fresh water; and it is this time of year when they travel up river to spawn.

Since redfish are the primary wintertime targets, our striper fishery has been somewhat untouched. Winyah Bay used to be well known for its striped bass fishing, but it has been ignored over the past 15 or 20 years. I decided that I would put in some work to figure things out this year.

The results I have gotten while targeting striped bass would not lead me to make a hard sell to my customers; however I have enjoyed some successful days. I have even had some days where I caught over 10 stripers all by myself. The problem is it seems like they are never in the same spot, and it has been very challenging to figure out their pattern. They are nomads, but they are still fish; and it is my goal to get a good pattern on them in 2023.

How to Book a Myrtle Beach Fishing Trip

There are a couple options for how you can book your fishing trip with Harvest Moon Fishing Charters.  Call us today, or check out our convenient online booking. We will plan your trip to fit your group’s experience, and the kids will be talking about it the whole ride home.