April Fishing Report for Myrtle Beach: Inshore & Deep-Sea Fishing 🎣
April marks a turning point in Myrtle Beach fishing, as the water continues to warm and more species become active. Whether you’re targeting redfish and trout inshore or heading offshore for wahoo and tuna, April offers excellent opportunities for anglers. With spring in full swing, fish are feeding aggressively, making this one of the best months to fish both inshore and offshore.
Inshore Fishing in April
April is one of the best months for inshore fishing in Myrtle Beach, as baitfish and shrimp return to the estuaries. Warmer temperatures mean more feeding activity, especially for redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum.
Redfish (Red Drum)
- Found in marshes, grass flats, and near docks
- Best baits: Live shrimp, cut mullet, soft plastic swimbaits
- Best times: Early morning and late afternoon
- Fishing Tip: Redfish move into shallower waters as temperatures rise, making them easier to spot.
Speckled Trout
- Prefers deep holes, creek mouths, and grassy banks
- Best baits: Live shrimp, topwater lures, MirrOlure 52MR
- Best times: Dawn and dusk
- Fishing Tip: Look for birds diving, which often indicates baitfish and feeding trout.
Flounder
- Starts showing up in bigger numbers in April
- Best baits: Live mud minnows, finger mullet, Gulp! Swimming Mullet
- Best locations: Creek mouths, docks, sandy drop-offs
- Fishing Tip: Slowly drag soft plastics along the bottom to trigger bites.
Black Drum
- Found near bridge pilings, rock jetties, and oyster beds
- Best baits: Fiddler crabs, fresh shrimp, cut blue crabs
- Fishing Tip: Use a Carolina rig to keep bait close to the bottom where black drum feed.
Deep-Sea Fishing Action
April is a prime month for deep-sea fishing off the coast of Myrtle Beach, with wahoo, tuna, and mahi-mahi becoming more active. Bottom fishing also remains strong for snapper and grouper.
Wahoo Fishing
- One of the top targets offshore in April
- Best baits: High-speed trolling lures, rigged ballyhoo
- Fishing Tip: Troll between 12-16 knots for the best results.
Yellowfin & Blackfin Tuna
- Found in deeper waters near temperature breaks
- Best baits: Cedar plugs, chunk bait, vertical jigs
- Fishing Tip: Look for diving birds and floating debris to locate schools of tuna.
Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish)
- Start appearing offshore as the water warms
- Best baits: Rigged ballyhoo, brightly colored trolling lures
- Fishing Tip: Fish around weed lines and floating objects where mahi gather.
Bottom Fishing: Snapper & Grouper
- Found on reefs, ledges, and deep wrecks
- Best baits: Live pinfish, squid, frozen cigar minnows
- Fishing Tip: Use a fish finder rig to keep bait near the structure.
Best Baits and Lures for April Fishing
| Fish Species | Best Live Bait | Best Artificial Lures |
|---|---|---|
| Redfish | Live shrimp, cut mullet | Soft plastics, paddle tails |
| Speckled Trout | Live shrimp, finger mullet | Topwater plugs, jerkbaits |
| Flounder | Mud minnows, finger mullet | Gulp! Swimming Mullet |
| Black Drum | Fiddler crabs, shrimp | Scented soft plastics |
| Wahoo | Rigged ballyhoo | High-speed trolling lures |
| Tuna | Fresh chunk bait | Cedar plugs, vertical jigs |
| Mahi-Mahi | Live baitfish | Brightly colored trolling lures |
Weather & Water Conditions in April
- Water Temperature: Ranges from 60°F to 70°F
- Tide Movements: Best fishing during incoming and outgoing tides
- Wind Patterns: Can be unpredictable—check forecasts before heading offshore
Fishing Regulations & Licensing
Before heading out, be sure to follow all South Carolina fishing regulations:
- Redfish: 2 per person, slot size 15-23 inches
- Speckled Trout: 10 per person, minimum size 14 inches
- Flounder: 5 per person, minimum size 15 inches
- Black Drum: 5 per person, slot size 14-27 inches
- Mahi-Mahi: 10 per person, no minimum size
- Wahoo: No daily limit, but must be at least 24 inches fork length
A South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Get yours online at SCDNR.
Tips for a Successful April Fishing Trip
- Fish early and late – Fish are more active during low-light conditions.
- Use natural baits – Live shrimp, mullet, and crabs are top choices.
- Check water temperature – Warmer waters bring better bites.
- Be patient with flounder – Give them a few seconds to eat before setting the hook.
- Troll at different speeds – Helps locate active offshore fish.
April is an outstanding month for fishing in Myrtle Beach, offering a mix of inshore and deep-sea opportunities. With redfish, trout, flounder, wahoo, tuna, and mahi all biting, now is the time to hit the water.
For the latest conditions, check with local bait shops or visit online fishing reports. Tight lines and happy fishing this April! 🎣
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