It is not easy to know how to use a fishing rod or where to fish if you’re a beginner. You may find yourself in many difficult situations that you have to overcome. Fishing in the rain can be a great or bad idea. Here are some tips to help you fish in the rain.
Fishing in the Rain
Your fishing strategy will be influenced by the climate. You also need to consider other factors like where you fish and what kind of fish you want. It is important to understand how weather influences your experience of fishing in Myrtle Beach. This will help you maximize your chances for success.
How do you fish when it rains
Anglers often have a hard time deciding whether to fish in rain or poor conditions. It can be a source of joy for some anglers, but it can also be a sign that they are failing, which can cause confusion for those not experienced. We will explain why, but don’t be alarmed.
Morning surface water temperatures are around 83 degrees inshore around Little River, and on the beach side the water is very clear.
More calm days have made fishing outside the creeks accessible again, and Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the Spanish mackerel bite has been pretty outstanding. Fish can be caught anywhere nearshore that there are pods of bait (and usually birds diving on them), but probably the best fishing has been out by the jetty rocks. Live chumming and then casting out live baits has been working really well for nice fish up to the 3-5 pound range, and they have found the hook-up ratio is better hooking the baits through the tail. You can also cast topwater lures at the fish which is a blast.
Bluefish and small cobia can also be caught out at the nearshore reefs, but the flounder fishing has been really good out there.
Inshore the flounder patterns are about the same, but the big news is that starting this Thursday you can keep one flounder per day out of North Carolina waters for the month of September. All summer the flounder population has been excellent in the Tar Heel State, but every fish has had to be released, and so this is an exciting opportunity.
Inshore the usual early fall patterns for redfish are working, and Captain Smiley reports that you can catch fish around docks, oyster beds and downed trees. While you can certainly get into an area where there are more very small redfish regardless of bait, in general it seems like live shrimp are getting more little bites while cut mullet are catching bigger fish.
Out at the jetty rocks the big breeder-sized redfish have moved in, and you can catch them on live or cut menhaden or mullet.
Trout have not been especially prolific yet but if you drift with live shrimp you will find them.
The ocean is beautiful right now and so it’s no surprise that Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that they have had four or five king mackerel in the last few days and also jumped some tarpon. For now they are catching pretty good numbers of mostly smaller flounder, trout and Spanish mackerel while eating-sized whiting have been fairly abundant.
Artificial lures are very effective, but there are times when live bait is best. These include weather conditions, tides, species options, angler experience, and even the ability to catch fish.
Live bait is used on a Myrtle Beach fishing charter
You may not realize it, but live bait can require more skill than casting lures. It is easier to throw the lure farther and it is more comfortable for the angler to be in close contact with the lure. Casting with live bait is more difficult because the bait is light.
Line management is another aspect anglers often struggle with when using live bait on a Myrtle Beach fishing charter. This means managing the line and catching a bite, as well as the slack. This is true whether you are free-lining your bait behind your boat or fishing it under a popping Cork. Bottom fishing is more difficult.
Captain Smiley Fishing Charters use top live baits
Shrimp is my favorite live bait on our fishing charters. There are many reasons why this is so. You can find shrimp at any bait shop. It is relatively easy to keep them alive. You can utilize shrimp in a number of different ways. Last but not least, almost every saltwater game fish species is eager to snag a live shrimp.
A live bait fish is the other type of live bait we utilize when fishing on Myrtle Beach. Although there are many types of bait fish, I only use a few. These are pin fish, grunts, and white bait that we primarily use for live bait fish for Myrtle Beach inshore fishing charters.
In the warmer months, white bait (also known as shiners) is abundant in Myrtle Beach waters. Larger baits can be fished along shorelines, in the structures in the passes and at other spots that are good for large snook. For the common species like snapper, trout and mackerel as well as bluefish, ladyfish and jacks, smaller baits are ideal for inshore fishing.
Pilchards (also known as scaled Sardines) and threadfin Herring (also known as greenbacks or threadies) are the main types of white bait we have in Myrtle Beach. These fish are usually caught with a cast net on shallow grass flats close to the passes, where they are abundant. They are more difficult to find during cooler months. You can catch pinfish and grunts with a cast net or with small hooks baited by shrimp or squid.
Fishing with live shrimp aboard a Myrtle Beach fishing boat
Live shrimp, as mentioned previously, are an excellent fishing bait. They can catch almost every species of fish that swim in Myrtle Beach waters. There are many different fishing techniques and rigs that we use to fish with live shrimp. It all depends on the species targeted as well as current conditions.
Free-line fishing a live shrimp is probably our favorite method of fishing. Deep grass flats and passes are two types of spots I fish most often. A sinker will add too much weight to the shrimp, while a flat will keep it from floating too high in the water column. A shrimp that is hooked through the head and swimming in the middle water column is the best presentation.
Popping corks are the best choice for fishing in water less than 5 feet deep. Popping corks are noisy floats that suspend shrimp three to four feet above the ground. This puts them right in the strike zone. The float pops when it is shaken sharply. The sound mimics the feeding of fish and attracts other fish to it. They will then see the shrimp and grab it. This is a very effective method, especially for spotted sea trout.
Fishing live bait on a Myrtle Beach fishing charter requires that you fish deeper waters, and this is usually done around a structure.
Live bait fish can also be productive
It is difficult to argue that chumming live bait fish in the summer months is not the most effective fishing method that is used in Myrtle Beach. A cast net is used by the guide or angler to catch hundreds of small bait fish. For flat species, baits between 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches are ideal. Redfish and snook prefer larger baits. Some guides fish only this way, but I’m not one of them. This technique is used when the bait is plentiful and easy to catch.
Our fishing guides are experienced with the optimal bait to use based on the waters, time of year and the type of fish you ae after. Call us today or book online for a fishing experience you will remember for a lifetime.
Morning surface water temperatures are around 82 degrees inshore around Little River, and with less wind the last few days water clarity is picking up.
With a couple of calmer days Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that they have been able to get out to target the Spanish mackerel around the inlet. If you chase the birds you will see the fish feeding on small pods of glass minnows or menhaden, and you can cast topwater plus or castings jigs at them. Bluefish in the 18-20 inch range are also mixed in with the Spanish mackerel.
Inshore fishing is still pretty good for a wide variety of species including redfish, trout, croaker and more. Live shrimp and mud minnows have been working in holes in the creeks as well as around oyster beds and grass lines.
The black drum fishing has finally slowed down, and while there are still some fish at the Tillman docks it’s not like it was a couple of weeks ago.
There are also big drum at jetties, and they have been caught on the bottom with live menhaden. Sharks are also mixed in.
You can also float live shrimp off the rocks for trout.
The flounder fishing continues to be outstanding, although inshore it’s best on the North Carolina side where it’s strictly catch-and-release. Small live menhaden, live finger mullet and mud minnows are all working.
With the cleaner water the king mackerel fishing has turned on off the Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625), and they report a 28-pound fish today, another good one lost and a 16-pound fish yesterday. Other than that the bite has been a little spotty with small flounder and occasional croaker, whiting and sharks.
Fishing charter can be very exciting. Sometimes it is so important to get away from the hustle bustle of daily life with good friends. A fishing charter is the best way to get away from it all. You can make it a regular thing or something that is unique. Whatever the case, you want to pick the right charter so you can have your perfect day on the water.
But wait! But you can’t go it alone! It is important to choose the right charter, especially for your first trip. We have helped hundreds of thousands of anglers book their trips. Myrtle Beach Fishing Charter can help you choose a captain, pick the boat, and secure that perfect photo op experience.
Private fishing trips to Myrtle Beach are a great way to have an unforgettable experience. We even have everything planned for you! There’s no need to worry about the details. We have a lot to cover, so let’s get going!
You are missing out if you’ve never gone fishing. Charter fishing trips are a unique experience that can help you relax and get away from city life. It will also allow you to forget your stress and work deadlines for a few hours. Fishing can be something you look forward to every day, or it can be something you do once in a while to help you de-stress.
Whatever you do, it is important to organize your trip and find the right fishing charter in Myrtle Beach. You may be confused about how to do this. This article will help you to understand the process before you launch your boat on the water or cast your first line.
Many people find fishing exciting. Fishing can be enjoyed as a hobby, sport, or career, no matter your level of experience. You might consider upping the difficulty of your fishing charter trip if you are able to spend hours grabbing your rod with no problem, in hopes that you catch fish.
Guide To Fishing Charter Boats
You may also want to cast your line along the shore or bay, but chartering a boat can take you out on an adventure into the open ocean. It can seem intimidating at first, especially for people who haven’t tried it before, but the excitement and joy you get will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
Before you set out on your voyage to catch fish and sail the oceans, it is important that you are familiar with the rules of fishing charter boats. Continue reading to learn what you should and shouldn’t do for your next fishing trip.
Morning surface water temperatures are around 84 degrees inshore around Little River, and until yesterday there had been rough wind and therefore muddy water every day for some time.
After too many days of too much wind, yesterday Captain Patrick “Smiley” Kelly (843-361-7445) reports that the wind finally laid down and they had some outstanding fishing. On the low to incoming tide they caught black drum, redfish, flounder, trout, croakers, sharks and more. They were fishing up in the creeks with live shrimp and finger mullet around grass banks and 5-foot holes.
While the trout and redfish have been a little spotty at times, the black drum have really turned on. At the Tillman docks they are catching tons of slot-sized fish as well as giants up to 40 or 50 pounds on fresh cut or live shrimp. There are also big reds in the area.
When you can get out there there have also been some big drum at jetties, and they have been caught on the bottom with live menhaden. Sharks are also mixed in.
You can also float live shrimp off the rocks for trout.
The flounder fishing continues to be outstanding, but the asterisk is that inshore it’s best on the North Carolina side where it’s strictly catch-and-release. Small live menhaden, live finger mullet and mud minnows are all working.
In South Carolina the Caudle Reef is still the best place to catch flounder, and there are also tons of Spanish mackereland some bluefish out there.
Until yesterday the water has been extremely dirty off the beaches, but Cherry Grove Pier (843-249-1625) reports that just today it has cleared up and already they are catching Spanish mackerel and had a king in the rigs today. They have also been catching spot, whiting and croaker fairly consistently.
You will have many questions if you’ve never tried inshore fishing. What should you do if the storm hits your boat? What should you do if your stomach is aching? These are questions that often pop up and have a valid reason. People often feel anxious about their first trip because they are far away from home.
Are these questions running in your head? You’re in the right place! We will address common questions regarding inshore fishing in Myrtle Beach in this article:
What You Should Know About Inshore Fishing
What should I do if seasickness strikes?
Some people can withstand motion sickness. Others might be more susceptible. You might be concerned about how to deal with seasickness while fishing. There are many remedies.
First, eat only light foods. Avoid oily and greasy foods such as bacon, pancakes, and other fried foods. Avoid acidic foods such as oranges. They can cause nausea. Avoid alcohol consumption during and prior to the trip if you enjoy drinking. To help with motion sickness, you can bring an over-the-counter medication.
How long does a fishing trip last?
Fishing trips can take anywhere from 4 hours to several days. It all depends on what package you select. The average inshore fishing trip takes between eight and ten hours for day trips, and three to four days for extended trips.
What happens when it rains?
Weather is unpredictable. You should not be concerned about the possibility of the boat sinking in a storm. These fishing charter boats are comfortable and designed for safety. The captain of the boat can ensure everyone is safe and comfortable on the charter boat.
If the storm was really severe, captains and crew would know to stay at sea.
What is the distance to inshore fishing?
People who go charter fishing often ask the captain how far the boat will go for an inshore fishing trip. This question is usually asked for two reasons. It could be because they are afraid of the water. They might also be excited to catch game fish in the blue, clear sea. No matter the reason, most boats will go at least fifteen miles offshore to catch inshore fish.
What should I bring?
If you wish to bring back fillets, we recommend that bring a ziplock bag. Don’t forget to bring some drinks, lunch, snacks and sunscreen.
What are the services offered?
All you need for saltwater fishing including rod, reels, bait, tackle and a fishing license. Great service and fish cleaning with a great attitude
Why and what should I tip the captain
Crew members receive tips and a daily wage, just like waiters or waitresses. While tips are not mandatory, it is customary for crew members to be tipped 20% for excellent service.
Is it for one person or the entire group?
Our prices page lists the price for the entire group. Your group can include up to six people. We do not allow you to be grouped with others because this is a private charter. The captain will be the only person in your group.
Can I have more people than 6?
No, we cannot take more than 6 people, regardless of whether they’re fishing. This is not our policy, but it is the way that U.S. Coast Guard gives licenses to private charters.
This type of license is used by most private charters. You can charter multiple boats if you have more than 6 people. We can help organize multiple boats for large groups.
If we have only a few people, can we share a chart with another group?
Split fishing charters in Myrtle Beach have been tried in the past, but 90% of the times they didn’t work out. Split charters can lead to the cancellation of one party and the ruining of your plans.
There is also the possibility of being paired up with someone who has different goals or ideas than you. You might find yourself in a situation where your group is fighting for their lives, and you can sit back and watch.
We have had to deal with these situations on split trips so we decided to concentrate exclusively on private charters. We can provide the best service possible to make your trip unforgettable. You can book a private charter by yourself and you will catch all the fish.
Why choose Captain Smiley Fishing Charters LLC. ?
We believe you should give us a shot because we love fishing. Fishing is our full-time job. We have no side jobs, and we did not wait to retire to make fishing our full-time career. Deep sea fishing can only be a full-time job if you are able to fish every day that the ocean conditions permit.
We understand the importance of being customer-friendly. We enjoy seeing people have fun on their fishing trips with our company. While out on the water, we offer guidance and encouragement. We have many repeat customers and excellent reviews because of this.
Fourth, we believe we are the best. Although this is an bold statement, we believe that no one offers a better charter fishing experience than us. We are looking forward to having the chance to prove it.
Inshore fishing is something that our young children can do. Which trip would you choose?
Families with children fishing trips are a joy for us. It is so much fun and fulfilling to be able to guide a child in fishing, and give them a lifetime of love for this ocean.
We want our younger children to have a fun day. We ensure that the forecast calls for calm to mild seas. You can choose one of our port excursions if the seas are too rough. Deep sea fishing can cause motion sickness. Parents don’t like to see their children feel so miserable. We have found that many children are able to deal with motion sickness much better than adults.
When bringing children with you, it is important to be flexible about what fish to catch. We recommend that kids use smaller rigs if they are not able to fish for big trophy fish. This will allow them to drop down and catch sea bass, snappers, trigger fishes, grunts, and other fish.
Many parents believe that a full-day trip is too long for their children. In reality, the parents are always tired before the children. It’s like a day at the amusement parks. The kids get tired and fall asleep, and the parents get a rest.
Can we be sure to catch fish?
While we can guarantee our efforts, fishing is still fishing. We cannot control the many factors the ocean presents. Our Captains are excellent and catch fish almost every time. We want everyone to have an unforgettable experience. That’s why we guarantee that we will never stop trying to make it happen!
Are we allowed to choose the type of fish we want?
We will do our best to catch the species you desire. However, it is always better to allow the captain to take you fishing for the hot species. We love to catch everything, and we love to hear the drag scream as well as see the rods bend. We think every fish is amazing!
Do you always catch fish?
We usually catch many nice fish on every trip, whether it is a full-day or a half-day. Although we don’t often get skunked, it happens. That is why fishing is not called catching. Weather permitting, our captains fish almost every day so that we know where the best place to catch fish. We are full-time captains so we talk to each other daily about the best fishing spots. We will tell you honestly what fishing was like on a fishing trip and what you can expect to catch.
The Takeaway
You have nothing to worry about on your inshore charter. Everything will be taken care of, from your health to your fishing experience. These worries will disappear once you are out on the open water fishing for game fish, and maybe a trophy. You might find yourself booking another charter to enjoy the same experience again.
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Do you want to charter a fishing boat? For the ultimate fishing experience, we can arrange inshore fishing trips! Book your Fishing Charter today with Captain Smiley Fishing Charters LLC.!
Tips for Fishing in Rain
Artificial lures are very effective, but there are times when live bait is best. These include weather conditions, tides, species options, angler experience, and even the ability to catch fish.
Live shrimp, as mentioned previously, are an excellent fishing bait. They can catch almost every species of fish that swim in Myrtle Beach waters. There are many different fishing techniques and rigs that we use to fish with live shrimp. It all depends on the species targeted as well as current conditions.
Guide To Choosing A Fishing Charter
Tips For Your Dream Charter Fishing Trip
What you need to know about fishing charter boats
Common Questions about Inshore Fishing