Myrtle Beach Fly Fishing Guide

Capt Jordan Pate
Captain Jordan Pate - Fly Fishing Guide since 2010

Just to the South of Myrtle Beach lies one of the largest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the East Coast which provides true back country style fishing for anglers wishing to Fly Fish. The primary target for fly fisherman in the Myrtle Beach area are Red Fish, which can be caught year around. Each season presents different fishing techniques and strategies to effectively target red fish on fly. In the Winter months, the water clarity is exceptional and large schools of redfish begin to school up in the shallow creeks and bays. Spring fishing can also be very productive, however this is perhaps the most challenging time of year for red fish as Springtime often brings windy conditions. During the Summer months, we target redfish around the lower part of the tide cycle in the early mornings to avoid the mid day heat. We also offer afternoon Flood Tide trips which occor about every two week in the Summer months.  Fly Fishing on the flood tides gives anglers an excellent opportunity to sight fish to tailing redfish as they actively feed on crabs, and shrimp. As water temps begin to cool in the Fall months, redfish begin to feed aggressively on the large amount of shrimp that are in the shallow estuaries and this is the time of year where they are most aggressive and willing to take a fly.

Our equipment consists of 7wt, 8wt, and 9wt outfits from Orvis, TFO, and St Croix. Nearly all of our fly fishing charters are out of the 16ft Flats Boat which allows us to reach fish in shallow water. All flies are hand tied by Captain Jordan Pate who puts local knowledge of red fish behavior into each fly pattern he ties. While all fly fishing equipment is provided, anglers are welcome to bring their own equipment.

Other species we will target while Fly Fishing in Myrtle Beach are speckled trout, spanish mackerel, tarpon, cobia, sharks, false albacore and just about anything that swims in our water that is willing to eat a fly.

Flyfishing for Redfish

Redfish are the most abundant gamefish for fly fisherman, which can be caught year around in the Myrtle Beach area. In the Winter months, the water clarity is exceptional and large schools of redfish begin to school up in the shallow creeks and bays. Spring fishing can also be very productive, however this is perhaps the most challenging time of year as Springtime often brings windy conditions. During the Summer months, we target redfish around the lower part of the tide cycle in the early mornings to avoid the midday heat. We also offer afternoon Flood Tide trips which occur about every two weeks in the Summer months.  As water temps begin to cool in the Fall, redfish begin to feed aggressively on the large amount of shrimp that are in the shallow estuaries and this is the time of year where they are most aggressive and willing to take a fly. 

The majority of our fishing occurs in and around WInyah Bay and to the South near the Santee Delta and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Nearly all of the redfish we do with fly fishing clients takes place in shallow water, sometimes less than 12inches deep where some of the best sight fishing occurs. 

Polorized sunglasses are required on all fly fishing trips. While we provide top of the line equipment and custom tied flies for our clients, we certainly encourage folks to bring their own gear. Depending on the conditions, a 7wt 8wt, or 9wt with floating line will get the job done when fly fishing for redfish in South Carolina. 

Flyfishing for Tarpon

Tarpon begin to show up along the coast of South Carolina in May however the best fishing begins in the middle part of June and will last thru mid-October.

During the early season when tarpon begin to arrive in South Carolina, we focus most of our efforts on the beaches and around inlets. As fish begin to settle into a pattern, we’ll often find groups of tarpon miles up river where they can be caught in brackish water. Tarpon have a very wide playing field so be prepared to fish in 2ft of water, or 20ft of water, clear or dirty water. This is part of what makes tarpon fishing in South Carolina so much fun. 

When tarpon fishing, we outfit our clients with 10wt, 11wt, or 12wt rods depending on the conditions. In addition to polarized sunglasses, we also encourage our clients to bring their personal rods.

Other Fly fishing Info

Other species we will target while Fly Fishing in Myrtle Beach are false albacore, cobia, sharks, speckled trout, tripletail, mackerel and ladyfish. These fish are more seasonal so ask your guide about what is available during your visit. 

A good pair of polarized sunglasses are required when fly fishing. Your guide will provide all the necessary equipment and flies depending on the target species. Our clients are welcome to bring their own equipment but we ask that you coordinate with your guide about what to bring.

Costs depend on the time spent on the water, pricing and other details can be found on the Rates page

Start your Myrtle Beach FLy Fishing Adventure!

843-608-8307