Flounder fever

Four hotspots for spring flatfish

Flounder are plenty active, and plenty hungry, along South Carolina’s coast as May brings stable weather patterns, and a flood of baitfish to inshore waters.

As the water warms, flounder migrate into estuaries and coastal creeks, making them accessible in a variety of locations. Four prime spots for targeting flounder include Murrells Inlet, Charleston Harbor, Edisto Island, and Hilton Head.

Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet is a hotspot for flounder during the spring, with anglers finding success along grass edges and oyster beds, and this inlet is full of both. The back creeks hold plenty of baitfish, and flounder lie in wait near structure where the tide brings food their way. Using live mud minnows or finger mullet on a Carolina rig is a proven tactic here. Anglers often drift along drop-offs and deeper holes, especially as the tide moves out, positioning their bait close to the bottom.

While the Carolina rig is the tried-and-true method for many anglers, a growing number of anglers in Murrells Inlet have abandoned it for a slightly different technique. Capt. Jason Burton of Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters said using live bait on jigheads is considerably easier, results in fewer hangups on structure, and catches flounder just as effectively as Carolina rigs.

It’s a subtle change, but one that Burton said makes a big difference for anglers that spend a lot of time fishing for flounder.

Charleston Harbor

Charleston Harbor is another productive area, where the convergence of freshwater rivers and tidal creeks creates ideal habitat for flounder. Shem Creek and the flats around Drum Island are particularly good spots in May.

Flounder stack up around sandy patches and creek mouths where baitfish move with the tide. Artificial lures like Gulp shrimp or soft plastics rigged on a jighead can entice strikes, especially when worked slowly along the bottom.

The jetties outside the harbor are also productive for flounder anglers with plenty of patience. Casting parallel to the rocks and working the lure or bait back in a painfully slow manner can result in some big flounder, although weeding through bait thieves and a variety of small fish may be necessary.

Edisto Island

Edisto Island’s tidal creeks and marshes provide excellent habitat for flounder throughout the spring. The cuts and drains that empty the marsh flats draw in flounder looking to ambush baitfish. High tide often pushes flounder into these shallow areas, while low tide concentrates them in deeper channels. Drifting or slow-trolling live bait along the creek edges is a productive approach.

The numerous ponds at Edisto can also be productive areas to fish for flounder. Long, soft-plastic lures fished on jigheads around culverts can be an all-day ticket to flounder city on some days. When that’s not working, try the same lures cast along the banks, and “troll” your lures by slowly walking along bank, paying close attention to your line. Bites are often very subtle, and wise anglers will allow the fish a little extra time to get the lure firmly in its mouth before setting the hook.

Hilton Head

Hilton Head offers anglers plenty of opportunities, particularly around the Broad River and its tributaries. Flounder can be found near oyster beds, docks, and grassy points where baitfish gather. Fishing with live bait is effective, but working soft plastics along sandy drop-offs can also yield results. The tidal movement in this area plays a key role, with outgoing tides often triggering feeding activity as baitfish are swept through narrow channels.

Hilton Head Island’s lagoon is another place, often overlooked, for good flounder action. While redfish garner most of the attention from anglers here, plenty of flounder sulk along the bottom, feeding on a variety of baitfish. Your best bet here is to book a trip with Palmetto Lagoon Charters (843-301-4634), but if you’re staying in a home on the lagoon, a DIY trip is always a possibility.

Anglers in kayaks have a leg up in the lagoon, as they can simply cast their lure out, then drift with the current and wind, allowing the lure to slowly creep along the bottom where flounder are lurking.