April Myrtle Beach Fishing Report: Spring Fishing Picks Up

April brings more stable weather and noticeable increases in activity.

Inshore Fishing in April

Redfish

Where: Flats, creek mouths
Best Baits: Shrimp, mullet

Speckled Trout

Where: Grass lines, channels
Best Baits: Live shrimp, soft plastics

Nearshore Fishing in April

• King mackerel begin appearing

• Cobia sightings increase late month

April Conditions

• Water Temp: 65–72°F

• Fishing Quality: Good

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Monthly Overview

April marked a noticeable improvement in overall conditions compared to March. Water temperatures continued to rise steadily, particularly in shallow inshore areas during extended warm periods. Weather patterns became more predictable, with fewer strong cold fronts and longer stretches of stable conditions.

Water clarity improved across most backwater systems, especially following calmer weather windows. Nearshore conditions also benefited from increased stability, though wind remained a limiting factor on some days. Overall fishing pace during April was steadier and more consistent, particularly in protected waters.

Inshore & Backwater Report

Inshore and backwater areas showed expanded fish movement throughout April. Fish were observed holding along a mix of deeper structure, channel edges, and transitional zones leading onto adjacent flats. As the month progressed, activity became less concentrated in winter holding areas.

Tidal movement continued to influence results, with stronger moving tides producing more consistent observations. Afternoon warming periods often coincided with increased activity in shallower areas, particularly during consecutive days of stable weather.

By late April, fish positioning reflected typical early spring distribution rather than winter-style holding patterns.

Nearshore Report

Nearshore opportunities improved modestly during April as weather windows became more frequent. Sea conditions allowed access to nearshore structure on more days compared to March, though timing remained important.

Bait presence increased gradually throughout the month, contributing to more consistent nearshore observations during calm periods. Activity tended to occur in shorter windows rather than sustained patterns, but overall accessibility was improved.

Wind shifts and passing fronts still limited some outings, reinforcing the need for flexibility when planning nearshore efforts.

Offshore / Deep Sea Notes

Offshore conditions during April showed early signs of seasonal transition, though extended offshore access remained weather-dependent. Calm periods allowed limited offshore activity, but sustained windows were still inconsistent.

General offshore observations aligned with historical early spring trends, with increasing signs of movement but without the consistency typically seen later in the season. Offshore effort remained moderate, reflecting improving—but not yet peak—conditions.

Species Observations (What’s Showing Up)

During April, commonly encountered species included:

• Red drum and black drum across inshore and backwater systems

• Sheepshead around nearshore and inshore structure

• Early seasonal species appearing more regularly during stable weather stretches

Encounters were more consistent than March, particularly during the second half of the month, as water temperatures and clarity stabilized.

What Changed During the Month

The most significant change during April was the broader distribution of fish across inshore areas. Early in the month, activity remained somewhat tied to deeper structure. By late April, fish were observed utilizing a wider range of depths and locations.

Improved weather stability reduced abrupt shifts in conditions, allowing fish to settle into more predictable patterns. Water clarity improvements also supported increased daytime activity in shallower zones.

How This Month Fits the Season

April represents the early establishment of spring fishing patterns in the Myrtle Beach region. While remnants of winter behavior can still appear during brief cool spells, overall conditions begin to align more closely with typical spring distribution.

This month often sets the foundation for the more consistent inshore and nearshore activity commonly observed in May.

Planning Forward

Historically, May brings greater consistency and broader opportunities as water temperatures continue to rise and weather patterns stabilize further. Nearshore access typically improves, and inshore activity becomes less dependent on short warming windows.

As always, conditions remain influenced by weather variability rather than calendar timing alone.

For those planning future trips, reviewing seasonal fishing resources and Myrtle Beach fishing charters can help place current conditions into a broader regional context.