The inshore waters around Myrtle Beach come alive during the summer months with a wide mix of species that cater to all skill levels. Going on a fishing charter in this region during summer gives you access to some of the most consistent and rewarding inshore action anywhere on the East Coast. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to target when summer fishing inshore of Myrtle Beach.
Red Drum
Red Drum are the bread-and-butter inshore species in this region and are available year-round, but summer fishing offers peak activity in shallow water. Known by locals as Redfish, Spottail Bass, or Channel Bass, they thrive in creeks, marsh edges, grass flats, and oyster-lined channels.
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Best tactics: Use live or cut bait such as mullet, menhaden, or shrimp. Artificial lures like soft plastics and gold spoons are also productive, especially in skinny water.
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What to expect: Sight casting to tailing redfish in flooded grass during high tides is one of the most exciting experiences you’ll find on a summer charter.
Tarpon
Summer brings the arrival of Tarpon, the ultimate gamefish for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime challenge. These giants show up in small numbers, but Myrtle Beach is home to pockets of fishable migration that experienced charter captains know how to locate.
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Where to find them: Deeper holes in the inlets, near river mouths, and along large bait schools in the near-inshore surf zone.
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Presentation: Large live mullet or menhaden fished on heavy spinning gear or conventional tackle. Hookups are rare, but when it happens, you’ll never forget it.
Flounder
Flounder are a prime summer species thanks to their abundance and high-quality meat. These ambush predators settle into sandy channels, creek mouths, and structure-laden drop-offs.
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Technique: Drift fishing with finger mullet, mud minnows, or soft plastics on jigheads is the go-to approach.
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Why they’re popular: Aside from being tasty, Flounder can be targeted with light tackle, making them perfect for beginner anglers, kids, or anyone who enjoys consistent bites.
Speckled Trout
Although available year-round, Speckled Trout remain highly active through summer mornings and cooler tide cycles. Their willingness to hit artificial lures makes them a favorite for light tackle anglers.
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Ideal conditions: Look for moving water, especially at dawn or dusk. Specks favor grassy points, oyster bars, and deep bends with good current.
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Lures and baits: Topwater plugs at first light are thrilling. After sunrise, switch to soft plastics, twitch baits, or live shrimp under popping corks.
Cobia
Cobia push closer to the beaches and inlets in the summer, especially during calm, clear weather. While more common offshore, they are often found cruising just outside inlets and over near-inshore sandbars, making them accessible on longer inshore charter runs.
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Tactics: Sight casting to cruising fish with live bait or large bucktail jigs. Keep a dedicated rod ready at all times.
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Fighting style: These powerful fish often dive straight to the bottom and will test both gear and angler. Many summer trips land surprise cobia even while targeting other species.
Sharks
Shark fishing is a crowd-pleaser in Myrtle Beach, especially in summer when warm water draws in a variety of coastal shark species like blacktips, bonnetheads, Atlantic sharpnose, and sandbars.
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Where and how: Anchor near inlets or in deeper channels and use chum to attract sharks. Heavy spinning or conventional tackle with cut bait (mullet, jack, bonito) works best.
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Experience level: These fish offer a fun, hard-pulling fight for anglers of all ages and are often targeted on family trips.
What Makes Summer Inshore Fishing in Myrtle Beach Unique
Summer fishing in Myrtle Beach is defined by variety. The blend of species allows captains to customize trips to suit everything from seasoned fishermen looking for tarpon to families hoping to land dinner or see a shark up close. Water temps are at their highest, and baitfish like mullet and menhaden are in full swing, keeping predators highly active.
Additionally, the inshore zones here are scenic and productive, with miles of marshes, tidal creeks, barrier islands, and estuarine backwaters. The variety of habitat means there’s almost always a bite somewhere.
Ready to Get on the Water?
A local charter captain can give you the advantage when it comes to timing, bait selection, and access to the best spots. From Red Drum in the grass to Flounder near the docks, summer inshore fishing in Myrtle Beach has something for everyone.
At Myrtle Beach Guide Service, we specialize in putting anglers of all ages and experience levels on quality fish in some of the most productive inshore waters in South Carolina. Whether you’re chasing trophy Redfish, battling inshore Sharks, or hoping to hook into a summer Tarpon, we’ve got the gear, the knowledge, and the dedication to make it happen.
Book your summer inshore fishing trip with Myrtle Beach Guide Service today and let us show you why our waters are worth the visit.
