Early summer along the coast of Myrtle Beach offers a prime opportunity for fishermen targeting spotted sea trout, also known as speckled trout. These fish are prized for their fight and tasty meat, making them a popular target for inshore fishermen. Found in shallow estuaries, creeks, and grass flats, spotted sea trout thrive in areas where they feed on abundant schools of baitfish. As the water warms, they move into these inshore zones, providing fishermen with an exciting challenge. Identifiable by their silvery scales and distinctive dark spots, they require a strategic approach to catch. Understanding seasonal factors such as tide cycles, water temperatures, and the best baits and gear is key to success. Fishermen who adjust their techniques to these conditions can experience some of the best trout fishing Myrtle Beach has to offer.
Seasonal Changes in the Inshore Waters of Myrtle Beach
In early summer, the inshore waters around Myrtle Beach start to warm up, which brings a lot of changes to the fishing environment. Water temperatures rise, usually hitting the low to mid-80s, making it the perfect time to target spotted sea trout. The warmer water draws fish into shallower areas, where they are easier to find and catch.
The tide plays a big role, too. With two high and two low tides each day, the water moves in and out, changing the fishing conditions. During high tide, the fish move closer to shore to feed, while low tide can expose flats and structures that are usually submerged. The best times to fish are typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the water is cooler, and the fish are more active.
This time of year also brings more baitfish into the area, which gets the trout feeding heavily. As the season gets busier, you’ll find more fishermen on the water, but the consistent weather and good fishing conditions make it an exciting time to be out there.
Best Inshore Locations for Spotted Sea Trout in Early Summer
Flats
Shallow flats are prime areas for spotted sea trout in early summer. These flats, found near tidal creeks and estuaries, are abundant in food and shelter for trout. As the tide rises, the flats become submerged, bringing trout closer to shore to feed. Fishing is often most productive around high tide when the flats are flooded, allowing trout to move in and out of these areas. Grass flats are ideal for their structure and baitfish, while mud flats warm quickly, drawing in trout looking for food.
Oyster Bars
Oyster bars are a top spot for trout fishing, providing natural structure that attracts smaller fish and crustaceans, which in turn draw trout. During high tide, these bars are submerged, creating excellent feeding conditions for trout. When the tide drops, parts of the bars are exposed, but the surrounding waters still hold fish, particularly in deeper areas.
Tidal Creeks
Tidal creeks offer productive fishing, especially when the tide is moving. Rising water brings in baitfish, which draws trout into the shallows to feed. Low tide can concentrate fish in the deeper parts of the creeks, making it easier to target them along bends and edges. These creeks are especially active in early summer when trout are feeding heavily.
Channel Drop-offs
Drop-offs, where shallow flats meet deeper channels, are favorite spots for trout. These areas provide access to both feeding grounds and deeper water for safety. Early summer is an ideal time to fish these spots as trout move closer to shore to feed on abundant baitfish, making drop-offs highly productive.
Baits and Lures for Early Summer Trout
Lures
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Soft Plastics: Small paddle-tail swimbaits and shrimp imitations. Colors like white, chartreuse, and pink work well.
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Topwater Lures: Poppers or walking baits are effective for early morning or late afternoon fishing. Quick, erratic twitches followed by pauses create surface commotion.
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Jigs: Light jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) paired with soft plastic tails. Bounce or retrieve slowly along the bottom or near drop-offs to mimic injured prey.
Bait
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Live Shrimp: A top choice for attracting trout, especially when fished in areas with plenty of shrimp.
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Small Mullet: Effective for larger trout, particularly in shallow, inshore waters.
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Live Menhaden or Pinfish: These small baitfish are ideal for attracting larger trout, especially when fished in deeper water.
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Dead Shrimp and Cut Bait: If live bait isn’t available, dead shrimp or cut pieces of mullet and menhaden can still attract trout when fished near structure.
Fishing Gear and Techniques for Early Summer Trout
Fishing Gear
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Rod: 7 to 8-foot medium-action spinning rod for sensitivity and strength.
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Reel: 2500 to 3000 size spinning reel, perfect for light lures and trout-sized fish.
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Line: 10-15 lb braided line for sensitivity and durability.
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Leader: 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility and prevent break-offs.
Techniques
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Slow and Steady Retrieve: Keep your lure near the bottom or along structure, retrieving slowly to mimic the movement of baitfish.
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Twitching with Topwater Lures: Use sharp, quick twitches to create erratic movements, especially in the morning or evening when trout feed near the surface.
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Fishing the Tides: Focus on shallow areas during incoming tide and deeper channels during outgoing tide to match trout’s feeding behavior.
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Drift Fishing: Let your bait drift naturally with the current in tidal creeks or flats to mimic prey movement and cover large areas.
Additional Tips
Adjust your leader based on water clarity. Use a lighter leader for clear water and a heavier one for murky conditions. Vary your retrieve speed; if a slow, steady retrieve isn’t working, try faster jerks or pauses to mimic an injured baitfish. Focus on early mornings, late afternoons, and overcast days when trout are most active. If fishing with others, spread out and try different depths or casting areas to cover more water and increase your chances of finding the fish.
Your Early Summer Trout Fishing Experience
Early summer along the coast of Myrtle Beach offers some of the best fishing opportunities for spotted sea trout. With rising water temperatures, abundant baitfish, and active fish, this season presents an exciting challenge for fishermen. By understanding the seasonal changes, targeting the right spots, and using the appropriate gear and techniques, you can greatly increase your chances of a successful catch. Fishing the flats, casting topwater lures at dawn, or drifting live bait through tidal creeks, Myrtle Beach provides an unforgettable fishing experience.
To make the most of your time on the water, Myrtle Beach Guide Service is here to ensure you have a successful and enjoyable trip. Our expert guides are familiar with the local waters and can provide all the insights and equipment you need. Let us take the hassle out of your fishing experience, so you can focus on enjoying the action and reeling in your catch. Book your guided fishing trip with us and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water.
