Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Coastal Inshore Fishing Forecast: April 2023

Spring is finally here, and along with it comes an abundance of fishing opportunities along the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina coast. As the water temperatures begin to rise, the fish species move into the shallows to feed, offering an exciting adventure for both novice and seasoned anglers. In April 2023, the fishing forecast is looking promising with a mix of inshore, nearshore, and deep sea fishing opportunities, where redfish and sharks take center stage. Here are some top fishing spots and techniques that will help you make the most of your Myrtle Beach fishing trip.

Inshore Fishing

In April, the marshes, creeks, and estuaries of South Carolina offer a bountiful harvest of inshore fish species, including redfish aka red drum, speckled trout, black drum, and flounder. Redfish can be found on oyster bars, grassy flats, and creek mouths on a rising tide. Live bait like shrimp and mullet can be especially effective, as well as soft plastic lures that mimic these natural food sources. Speckled trout can be found in deeper holes and channels within the marshes. Use a popping cork with live shrimp or artificial lures that mimic baitfish to entice these aggressive predators. Flounder start to show up in April as they move from offshore waters to inshore feeding grounds. Focus on sandy bottoms near structures, such as oyster beds or docks, using live bait or soft plastic lures bounced along the bottom.

Nearshore Fishing

The nearshore waters off the coast of South Carolina offer a challenging variety of fish species, which can test even the most skilled anglers. The Cobia, known for its dark lateral stripe and impressive size, is a top contender. Try sight fishing with live eels or brightly colored jigs near buoys and channel markers during the warmer months to increase your chances of hooking one. Spanish Mackerel, with their iridescent blue and silver bodies, are another common catch in these waters. Using small, shiny spoons or fast-moving lures with a trolling technique will entice these speedsters to strike. The Flounder, a master of camouflage, can be found lurking near sandy bottoms and structures like wrecks and artificial reefs. Gently bouncing a live mud minnow or finger mullet along the seafloor can prove irresistible to these flat, elusive predators.

Tarpon and Shark Fishing

April marks the beginning of the tarpon and shark fishing season along Myrtle Beach, South Carolina coast. Tarpon start to migrate northward, making their way into inlets and estuaries. Live or cut bait, such as mullet or menhaden, can be effective for targeting these silver giants. Sight-casting with artificial lures can also be successful, particularly when tarpon is spotted rolling on the surface. Sharks are abundant in the nearshore waters of South Carolina in April. Species such as blacktip, spinner, and bull sharks are commonly caught by anglers. Use heavy tackle and fresh-cut bait to entice these powerful predators. Remember to practice safe catch-and-release techniques when handling sharks to ensure their survival.

Book a Fishing Charter with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters

April 2023 promises a diverse and thrilling fishing experience along the South Carolina coast, with abundant opportunities to catch a wide variety of fish species in the waters off of Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grover, Little River, and Murrell’s Inlet. To make the most of your coastal fishing adventure, consider booking a trip with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters. Their expert local guides will ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience on the water, tailored to your preferences and for all ages and skill levels. Don’t miss the excitement of inshore, nearshore, offshore, Gulf Stream, and big-game fishing this April; book your Myrtle Beach, SC fishing adventure with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters today!

Diagram:

Here’s a diagram to help illustrate some of the different fishing techniques mentioned in the article:

• Redfish – Live shrimp/mullet or soft plastic lures around Oyster bars, grassy flats, and creek mouths.
• Speckled trout – Popping cork with live shrimp or artificial lures around Deeper holes and channels within the marshes.
• Flounder – Live bait or soft plastic lures around Sandy bottoms near the structure.
• Cobia – Sight fishing with live eels or brightly colored jigs around Nearshore buoys and channel markers.
• Spanish Mackerel – Small, shiny spoons or fast-moving lures with a trolling technique at 7 knots with a number 1 or 2 planner.
• Tarpon – Live or cut bait such as mullet or menhaden or artificial lures around the Inlets and estuaries.
• Sharks – Heavy tackle and fresh-cut bait In the nearshore waters of Little River, South Carolina

We hope that this article has provided you with some useful insights into the best inshore and deep sea fishing spots in the Grand Strand and techniques to use when fishing along Myrtle Beach, South Carolina coast in April 2023. With the right techniques and a little bit of luck, you can make your next fishing adventure a truly unforgettable experience.