Pawleys Island Fishing Reports

June is here, and things are heating up on Pawleys Island! Early summer fishing is in full swing, with water temperatures rising and large schools of mullet and menhaden flooding the back bays—bringing hungry predators in their wake. Big sharks and bull drum are actively feeding under bait pods along the beaches, as well as around deep-water rips and ledges.

For large red drum, live bait on Carolina rigs and sizable bucktail jigs have been the most productive. These trophy fish represent our spawning stock, so careful handling is essential. When targeting bull drum with bait, I rely on heavy-action rods paired with 5000–6000 series reels. My preferred rig includes a short 6-inch leader, 4–6 ounces of lead, and an 8/0 circle hook. Circle hooks are crucial—they help prevent gut hooking these magnificent fish and ensure a safer release.

pawleys island fishing

Flounder and Speckled Sea Trout Report

The Flounder fishing the creeks and back bays have been red hot. When Flounder Fishing I prefer mud minnows and artificial lures like Berkley Gulp baits. I rig live or gulp baits on a 1/4 oz jig head and work the baits around oyster points and creeks mouths. I use my sonar a good bit while flounder fishing looking for drop offs and ledges along the bottom. Sea Trout fishing has been hit or miss due to the fresh water from last weeks rains. The fresh water should flush out to the Ocean in after a few tide exchanges. Sea trout are sensitive to salinity changes so I keep and eye on the tide charts and current weather data. Keep an eye out for our long awaited tailing tides and get after those tailing Redfish on the flats. Summer is the best time to catch tailing Redfish on the flats. Check back for more Pawleys Island Fishing Reports.

Huge Redfish