Myrtle Beach January Inshore Fishing Report: Clear Waters & Winter Redfish Action

January Inshore Fishing

January offers some of the clearest water conditions of the year, making it a prime month for sight-fishing along the north end of the Grand Strand. Cooler temperatures push fish into predictable patterns, grouping them into winter schools in deeper pockets and around structure.

Key Highlights:
✅ Water clarity is excellent for sight-fishing
✅ Redfish, black drum, and speckled trout are active
✅ Shrimp-based baits work best in cold water

Redfish Behavior in Winter

Redfish tend to group up into large winter schools, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. They prefer:

Shallow mud flats (for warmth on sunny days)
Deeper holes in creeks (to conserve energy)
Docks & structures (for protection from predators like dolphins)

These schools are easy to spot, but getting them to bite can be tricky, as their metabolism slows in colder temperatures.

Best Baits for Redfish

In winter, live and fresh-cut bait is the best choice to entice lethargic redfish.

🎣 Top Baits for Redfish in January:

Fresh-cut shrimp on a jighead (best for dock fishing)
Live mud minnows (works when reds are more active)
Soft plastic paddle tails (great for sight-casting on flats)

Pro Tip: When fish are sluggish, try soaking a bait longer and using smaller hook presentations to trigger a bite.

Black Drum Fishing Tips

Black drum can be found near docks, ledges, and deep holes in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and backwater creeks. They are known for being bottom feeders, so fishing close to the bottom is key.

🐟 Best Baits for Black Drum:

Shrimp (fresh or frozen)
Crabs (small blue crabs or fiddlers)
Clam strips (a hidden gem in cold months)

These fish are a great winter target because they stay active even in colder temperatures.

Winter Trout Fishing

If the water temperature remains in the upper 40s, speckled trout should continue to bite through January. You’ll find them:

In deeper channels of the ICW
Near jetties and rock structures
Sometimes mixed in with redfish on shallow flats

Top Lures for January Speckled Trout:
🎣 Vudu Shrimp – A top-tier artificial bait that mimics real shrimp
🎣 Z-Man Trout Tricks – Soft plastics that work well on light jigheads
🎣 Live Shrimp – The ultimate winter trout bait (if available)

Pro Tip:Slow your retrieve—trout in cold water are sluggish and prefer an easy meal.

How Weather Affects the Bite

Winter storms can bring dirty water and spread fish out, making the bite tougher. However, once conditions stabilize, fish will return to their feeding patterns.

☀️ Sunny Days: Best for sight-fishing redfish on shallow mud flats
🌧️ After Storms: Fish retreat to deeper, calmer waters
🌊 Clear Water: Ideal for artificial lures (trout & redfish)

If you’re planning a trip, check local weather and tides to maximize your success.

Myrtle Beach January Inshore Report: Winter Redfish in Clear Waters

January offers outstanding inshore fishing if you target the right species and adjust to the conditions. Whether you’re chasing winter schools of redfish, bottom-feeding black drum, or trout near the jetties, using the right baits and techniques will lead to success.

For more detailed fishing reports, check out Saltwater Fishing Reports.

🎣 Tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣

Myrtle Beach January Inshore Fishing Report