Last Updated on December 20, 2022 by Capt. R.C.

The beaches from North Myrtle Beach to Georgetown come to life in the Fall and Early Winter. Seasonal changes trigger migrations of various species, which includes bait and its predators. We found a nice day to get out there on a West wind.

 

Redfish, Bluefish

It is a beautiful sight when you hit a flat calm ocean this time of year, but it takes some patience to cruise around until you find something. We found Bluefish crashing large schools of glass minnows under flocks of seagulls. There was also a school of large redfish a little further off the beach. Catching both species on topwater baits really made the day!

 

a picture of Nearshore Winter Scouting Report with Harvest Moon Fishing Charters

 

The Bluefish were mostly staying deep, and it seemed like they had a hard time getting the glass minnows pushed to the surface. Once we caught a couple reds, they also retreated to deeper water. After wondering around a little more, we decided to hit the jetties.

 

Trout at the Murrell’s Inlet Jetties

a picture of Nearshore Winter Scouting Report with Harvest Moon Fishing Charters

This was a scouting trip, so I try to focus on not focusing on what I would normally do. That’s the reason for ‘scouting’ after all…to learn and find something new. I decided to scan the jetties around places I do not normally fish. It did not take very long before the scope showed something that looked worth checking out.

I normally focus on using artificial baits when on scouting missions, so I tossed an artificial shrimp in the area where I marked fish. The first cast produced a ‘thump’ that made me wonder what it could be. On the second cast I was ready, and BOOM, hooked up with a nice Speckled Trout!

I went on to catch several more fish as the water poured over the rocks with the falling tide. These trout were staged up, catching their prey as it came over the rocks. As the rocks came out of the water, the bite turned off. I probably would have gotten in to double digits had I gotten there closer to the top of the tide.

 

Even though our business can be slow this time of year, scouting trips like this help me stay on top of my game. If you are going to be a professional fishing guide, it is important to be versatile. Trying things out of the normal routine helps add new strategies to your arsenal.

December inshore fishing is something you don’t want to miss, if you find yourself visiting South Carolina! Be sure to book your inshore charter with a local guide who grew up fishing here. Come experience our waters like a local. Give me a call, or book online today, so I can provide an experience to meet your needs.