January Fishing Report Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — What’s Really Biting Right Now
- Matthew Long
- Jan 6
- 4 min read
If you’re rolling into Myrtle Beach this month wondering, “Is winter even worth it for fishing?”, the answer is a confident yes. January might look quiet on the surface, but underneath that calm water? Everything is happening.
Winter fishing here is all about consistency. Predictable patterns. Clear water. Big trout. Schooling reds. Calm mornings where the marsh feels like it’s breathing slow and steady. Let’s break down exactly what’s biting, where the fish are holding, and what the conditions look like right now, backed by trusted local intel and research.
Murrells Inlet in January: Cold, Clear, and Reliable
January brings a rhythm to the Grand Strand. While air temps hover in the mid-50s and nights dip into the 40s, the water temperature usually settles around the low 50s°F, sometimes dipping into the upper 40s during cold spells.
Cooler water does one beautiful thing:
It concentrates fish.
Winter patterns mean reds, trout, flounder stragglers, and drum tuck into reliable spots:
Creek mouths with strong flow
Deep bends and channels
Oyster bars
The jetties when the tide picks up
Slow down your presentation and you’ll stay in the strike zone. Winter fish are hungry, they just refuse to chase a track star.
What’s Biting Right Now (Inshore)
Speckled Trout (Hot Right Now)
January is prime time for big specks. Carolina Sportsman reports that this is when the heaviest trout stack up around creek mouths and the jetties.
They love:
Slow suspending lures
Soft plastics with a subtle twitch
Live shrimp (if you can get it)
If you find one trout, stay put. Winter specks often pack tightly.
Redfish (Schooling Up — Very Strong Bite)
Cold weather pushes reds into large, tight groups. Look for:
Mudflats on sunny days
Shallow creeks at low tide
Deeper pockets when the temperature drops overnight
Use:
Cut mullet
Soft plastics dragged slowly
Scented baits
They want easy calories, not a chase.
Black Drum (Steady Action)
Black drum stay active all winter.
Find them:
Around oyster bars
At the jetties
In deep creek bends
Shrimp + cold water = a drum’s love language.
Flounder (Still Possible — But Slowed)
Most flounder head offshore for winter, but you’ll see the occasional holdover around deeper channels. While rare, a January flounder always makes someone’s day.
Offshore Fishing in January (When Weather Allows)
Winter offshore fishing can be outstanding, if weather cooperates. With cold fronts moving fast, your safest move is going out with a local captain who understands the winter windows.
When the ocean lays down, look for:
Bottom Fishing (Excellent)
Expect:
Black sea bass
Vermilion snapper
Triggerfish
Porgies
Grunts
Offshore structure is very productive this time of year.
Weather Factors to Watch This Month
January’s bite depends heavily on:
Post-front cooldown: Fish drop deeper for 24–48 hours
Sunny days: Reds warm on the mud flats
Clear water: Fish get spooky, downsize leader
Incoming tide: Fantastic for trout around the jetties
Low tide: Ideal for spotting redfish schools
Learn these rhythms and January becomes your secret weapon.
Best Times to Fish in January
Winter fish follow the sun.
Your best windows:
Late morning to early afternoon
Two hours before low tide (reds)
Incoming tide at the jetties (trout + drum)
Day before a cold front hits
This alone can double your catch rate.
Captain Matt’s Winter Tip of the Month
“If you think you’re working your lure slow… slow down another 50%. Winter fish are hungry, not hyper.”
FAQ: Murrells Inlet January Fishing
1. Is January good for fishing in Murrells Inlet?
Yes, one of the strongest winter months for inshore fishing. Trout, redfish, and drum stay active in predictable patterns all month long.
2. What’s biting in January?
The main species are: • Speckled trout • Redfish • Black drum • Occasional flounder Offshore: sea bass, triggerfish, vermilion snapper, porgy.
3. What’s the water temperature?
Typically 44°F to 59°F in January, averaging low 50s. Cooler water means concentrated fish and slower presentations.
4. When is the best time of day to fish?
Late morning through early afternoon, especially at low tide for reds and incoming tide for trout.
5. Do I need live bait?
Not required, winter fish respond beautifully to slow soft plastics, scented baits, and cut mullet.
6. Can I fish offshore in January?
Yes, on weather-safe days. Reef fishing can be excellent for sea bass and snapper species.
7. Is winter good for beginners?
Absolutely. Calm water, less boat traffic, and predictable fish behavior make this a perfect season for new anglers and families.
Ready to Fish? Book Your January Charter
About Captain Matt – Your Local Murrells Inlet Expert
Captain Matt isn’t just running a boat, he’s spent decades learning the tides, channels, flats, and offshore structure of Murrells Inlet the same way most people learn their living rooms. With thousands of hours on the water and a reputation for calm, patient teaching, he brings a level of experience that newer captains simply can’t replicate.
He specializes in reading seasonal patterns, finding fish when the conditions get tough, and giving anglers of every skill level a chance to experience the inlet at its best. If there’s a winter redfish school tucked onto a muddy flat or a stack of sea bass sitting tight on a wreck, he knows exactly how to put you on them.
More importantly? He runs his trips with safety, clarity, and transparency, the things that actually make or break a day on the water. Families, beginners, repeat guests, and serious anglers trust him because he blends deep technical expertise with down-to-earth hospitality.
Credentials at a glance: • U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain • Decades of year-round fishing experience across the South Carolina coast • Specializes in inshore redfish/trout + offshore bottom fishing • Known for clear safety briefings, patient coaching, and honest communication • Local knowledge honed through thousands of hours navigating Murrells Inlet tides, creeks, reefs, and jetties
Fishing with Captain Matt means you’re not guessing, you’re learning from someone who knows this water like it’s home.
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