Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Capt. R.C.
Pawleys Island Fishing Report for April
Pawleys Island, South Carolina fishing is seeing Spring in full swing now that we are halfway through April. We’re seeing increased activity on our fishing charters, with baitfish showing up along the beaches, and Flounder moving in to the creeks. This fishing report will go over what we’re catching, and what you can expect through the rest of April.
Pawleys Island’s Primary Targets for April
- Flounder
- Sheepshead
- Redfish
- Trout
Pawleys Island Sheepshead Report
This is the peak time of year for spawning Sheepshead near Pawleys Island, SC. Our fishing charters have had some pretty good luck, catching around 20 fish on half day trips. Sheepshead are known for stealing your bait, but they tend to bring a little heavier bite during their spawning season. They are also know for being very good table fare, which makes Sheepshead a favorite on Pawleys Island fishing charters.
While the fishing will be worth the trip to Pawleys Island, South Carolina, all the stars need to align for the best outcome. Calm seas are important for having a comfortable trip, but it also helps feel the bite while targeting Sheepshead. The second most important factor is being able to find fiddler crabs, and for that you need semi-warm weather. Couple these two together, and you’ve got the recipe for a fun day of fishing in Pawleys Island.
Spawning Sheepshead are a Springtime favorite!
Pawleys Island Spring Flounder Fishing Report
Pawleys Island, South Carolina may have the best Flounder fishing in the state. Other bodies of water like Little River, Murrell’s Inlet, and North Inlet can also be productive for Flounder fishing, but Pawleys creek might be the overall champion. For some reason, the Flounder love it, and we love fishing for them too!
So far, the Flounder fishing in Pawleys Island has been on par for this time of year. Our clients have been catching Flounder on mud-minnows, both trolling and under a cork, and on a variety of artificial baits. One of the top baits has been the Berkeley Gulp Jerk Shad, in white, on a 1/8 ounce Twistlock from Owner Hooks.
Flounder fishing can be fun for the whole family!
Fishing for Spring Red Drum in Pawleys Island
April tends to be a period where Redfish transition from their Winter patterns, and they feast on all the blue crabs that are shedding their shells. While these two factors tend to make the Red Drum a challenging target, our fishing charters have been seeing some productive fishing. The guests on our Pawleys Island fishing charters have been catching Reds in the same places they are catching Flounder, sticking close to grass lines with mud minnows under a cork. The Reds are also hitting the jerk shad, but we’re also getting a lot of bites on the Z-man Kicker Crabz, which we just started using this year.
As this transition continues, keep targeting places where the Reds might be on the move. Don’t be afraid to leave an unproductive area, because sometimes that is what it takes. When we get closer to May, they will find more of a pattern, and be easier to target.
This group had a beautiful day of catching Spotted Seatrout.
Pawleys Island Trout Report for April
It’s funny how every year is different when you’re operating a guide service in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Last April, we were already having days of catching 20 Spotted Seatrout. It was a funny bite, as the fish were favoring water in the 15-20 foot depth range; however our charter clients got on some very productive fishing!
This year we have been seeing some stubbornly low temperatures through April, but things are warming up as it’s in the mid-80’s today! We are catching some trout, but just haven’t seen the same numbers from last year. I’m expecting that to change after we get past this upcoming full moon. Pawleys Island had a mild winter, so we should have a healthy year for catching some Speckled Trout! We will be targeting them with mud minnows, finger mullet, and artificial baits like the Salwater Assassin Shad in Opening Night. When the live shrimp show up, get ready for some non-stop days of catching fish!