Getting Frustrated

I just moved back to the Grand Strand area after a decade away. I grew up primarily fishing MI and points South but we’re settling on the North end and I’m anxious to learn the Little River - Shallotte area.
I made a second trip this month with the wife on Sat. and was skunked both times! I’m far from an expert but I’m not used to being completely skunked on more than one trip. Usually would at least trick a few flounder or spottail into biting. Trying to figure what I’m doing wrong.
Sat. the weather was cloudy with storms bypassing. The tide was high and falling. My bait was large (5-6in.) mullet. I focused on creek mouths, deeper holes, and structure in Dunn sound creek and Sheaphead Creek. I tried rattling corks near the grasslines, carolina rigs, and mullet pinned to 1/4oz jig heads.
So, what’s wrong with this picture? Was I fishing the wrong tides, too large of bait, has the rain or previous full moons thrown off the bite?
Any insight or advice appreciated. I’m not looking to hurt the population or steal anyone’s honey holes. My wife and I are primarily CPR fishers, though we’ll keep the occasional trout or flounder. Would just like to have some confidence that when I make the trip, I can put something in the boat.
Feel free to email me privately if you’re willing to help. Thanks, J.Lee


16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120

Well since I don’t fish that area anymore I will share a few of my spots that are well known to everyone but they always seemed to produce. The first is just past the crossroads heading north there is a creek mouth on the right I always fished it from 1 hour before high to 2 hours after high while the tide is incoming fish the grass banks on either side of the creek once the tide starts running out fish the current coming out. The second is the entrance to dunn sound the first 2 docks from 3 hours after high tide to 1 hour past low tide fish the dock to the right from 3 hours after high to low the key is to anchor at the dock and fish out to the middle and up current for trout fish under the floating dock for reds. when the tide hits low move to the other dock basically at the T there is a shell bank that comes off the bank you will be 75 to 100 feet from the dock in the middle fish all around as the trout hold everywhere in there. flounder and reds will be around the dock. I never fished live bait always either voodoo shrimp or gulp swimming mullet. Hope this helps

Thanks harryt2t, I fished the area but possibly too early in the falling tide. Also possibly wrong bait. Was looking for live shrimp but couldn’t find any. Normally go to artificial in the fall but fish live bait when it’s in the creeks. Maybe wrong approach?


16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120

Well I always fish Arties and will swear by them. If I fish live bait I will just have one rod dead sticked off the back of the boat

I catch more fish on artificial than live bait. Get some vudu shrimp and you will not regret it. Best bait around for trout, reds, and flounder. I use them all year. Just fish all tides everywhere and don’t forget about the jetties or the ICW. Jetties have been on fire lately. Very fast paced action on big reds.