Little River fishing charters continue a proud tradition, as this is the oldest town on the entire Grand Strand. Even though it's very close to popular tourist locations like Myrtle Beach, the lack of hustle and bustle makes for a much more personal experience. Not only is the fishing top-notch, but you'll see a variety of native and exotic birds, as well as inquisitive Dolphins to keep you entertained on the local waterways.
Known For
Little River may be little, but it's got a rich history. What started off as a fishing village and trading port ended up as the host of numerous cultural events and entertainment venues. These include the Blue Crab Festival, Shrimp and Jazz Festival, Little River Oktoberfest, and more besides. Even George Washington paid a visit, spending a night in Jeremiah Vereen's cabin.
The Intracoastal Waterways and ample backwater creeks cocooning the Little River community provide a nourishing habitat for gamefish of all shapes and sizes. There are plenty of keepers to go around throughout the entire year.
Where to Fish
Flounder and Bluefish dominate the tidal creeks as soon as early spring, later on migrating to the area's abundant inlets and sounds. Following suit, the coveted Redfish schools infest the neighboring rivers and inlets during the prolific fall season. Come wintertime, expect massive Stripers and Speckled Trout to show up at the creek mouths.
Among the numerous fishing spots available, Little River Inlet sticks out in the best way possible. Anglers from all over will be lining up to cast their lines in these bountiful water. The local jetties are the place to go for anyone who's a fan of Redfish, Trout, or Flounder.
The nearshore reefs, sunken wrecks and live rock bottoms play host to a wide range of rod-bending bruisers such as Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, Barracuda and Cobia. Nocturnal fishing excursions for Seabass and several Shark species are proving increasingly popular as well.
If offshore sportfishing is what really gets you going, Little River charters can more than provide. The Gulf Stream honey holes are inhabited by several world-renowned pelagic species, including Dorado, Wahoo, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin and more. Come on down in early summer, and they'll really give you a run for your money!
Fishing Techniques
Early winter is a great time to be fishing inshore. The waters will be clear, giving you a great opportunity to practice your sight casting. Local anglers like using topwater plugs and live Shrimp when going after Trout. The latter is also great when stalking big Reds as well. When it gets a bit warmer, charters will start running special Flounder trips. This is a great way to spend a warm summer evening, be sure to check it out.
Expeditions into the deep blue, on the other hand, usually involve a mixture of trolling and bottom fishing. A proper bluewater trip means a trip to the edge of the Continental Shelf, which is some 50 miles away from shore. A 12 hour trip is the norm, so make sure you have the time to spare. Vertical jigs are a standard part of the arsenal for going up against bottom feeders like Snapper. As for pelagics like Tuna and Wahoo, put on some skirted Ballyhoo, sit back, and watch the show.
Need to Know
Rules and regulations
Any and all anglers over the age of 16 will need to have a saltwater fishing license with them. If you've booked a trip with a charter operator, they will take care of all licenses for you.
Budget
The going rate for an inshore/nearshore charter in Little River is around $100 per hour. It will vary depending on how many people are going fishing and what kind of boat you're after, but not by much. Offshore trips are more expensive, mainly due to much more fuel being spent on outings to the bluewater. Entry-level offshore trips hover on the $1200 mark, but be prepared to spend as much as $1800 for a stay at the Continental Shelf.
Directions
Little River itself is less than two miles away from the border with North Carolina. Highway 17 goes straight through the town and is your main route from both east and west. Hwy 17 runs right next to Grand Strand Airport in Atlantic Beach, some 10 miles away from Little River.
Anglers visiting Little River can look forward to some big fish, be it inshore or offshore. Come on down and see for yourself. And stick around for the festivals afterwards!