September Recap: The fishing in Myrtle Beach held up strong through September 2024, riding the wave from August. Red drum were the stars of the show, with the bite staying hot. Lower water temperatures kept the red drum active, and local fishermen have been landing some huge bulls along the Grand Strand.
If you want to go bull redfish fishing this year, start marking your calendar—the peak season for bull reds is coming up just around the corner in late October.
This past month, the Speckled Trout bite made a strong comeback after a sluggish August, thanks to the heavy rain that temporarily slowed things down. But now that the freshwater’s been flushed out of the estuaries, sea trout are schooling up and feeding like there’s no tomorrow.
Some fishermen around the Grand Strand have noted a slight increase in king mackerel activity nearshore, especially on days with clearer water and moderate winds. As usual, the kings have been taking a liking to live bait, especially menhaden and blue runners.
Flounder fishing has been solid this month, too. Whether you’re sticking to inshore fishing spots like Murrells Inlet or hitting the nearshore reefs, there’s been no shortage of catches.
Focus on the edges where the flatfish like to hang out, especially near grass lines and oyster beds, and keep your bait close to the bottom where they’re lurking. A slow bounce of a jig tipped with live bait like finger mullet or mud minnows can be deadly.
The tarpon fishing in Myrtle Beach had its ups and downs in September. While the mullet run brought some excitement, with baitfish drawing in a few late-season tarpon, the heavy rains and turbulent weather conditions impacted the usual fishing patterns. The stormy weather stirred up the water, making it murky and disrupting the baitfish that tarpon feed on.
With less food and rougher conditions close to shore, the tarpon moved farther offshore, away from their typical migration route. This meant that even during the peak of the mullet run, tarpon fishing was more challenging than usual. Fishermen who were out on the water early in the morning or late in the evening had the best chances of hooking into one, but overall, the tarpon bite was less reliable.
This time of year also brings a few surprises. Sharks are still patrolling the waters, with blacktips and spinners showing up closer to shore, especially around dusk. As the temperatures start to cool down to winter temperatures, the shark fishing will start to taper off, but October and November are great times to head out on shark fishing trips.
As fall rolls on, there’s a lot to get excited about on Myrtle Beach fishing charters. The bull reds are about to hit their stride, the speckled trout bite is getting stronger, and there’s still a chance to hook into a shark. Let’s take a look at the fishing report for the month of October.
What’s Biting in Myrtle Beach This Fall?
October 2024
As we move into October, things are heating up even more. The Bull Red Drum action is set to peak later this month, so if you’re looking for a trophy-sized catch, now’s the time to get out there. Big Reds are concentrated around the inlets and nearshore wrecks, and they’re hungry.
Speckled Trout will continue to school up, especially as the water cools down further. Look for them around the grass flats and creek mouths where they’re chasing shrimp and small baitfish. A live shrimp under a popping cork is a good setup that’ll bring plenty of bites.
By the time October rolls around, the cobia fishing in Myrtle Beach is winding down. They’re mostly heading south, chasing warmer waters. You might catch a few late movers in October, but don’t count on consistent cobia action.
Now on the other hand, Flounder will remain a strong target through October. As they prepare to move offshore for their spawning run, they’ll be feeding aggressively. Keep working those inshore channels and nearshore reefs, and you’ll have a good shot at landing some.
The shark fishing in Myrtle Beach stays solid through both October and November. As the water cools down, the bigger sharks like sandbars, blacktips, and spinners come in closer to shore. Fall is a great time to target them since they’re feeding more aggressively before the winter lull. If you’re targeting sharks, use heavy tackle and big, oily baits like chunks of fish or whole mullet. Just be aware that by the end of November, the shark activity will start to slow as the water gets colder. So, hit the water earlier in the fall for your best shot at landing a big one.
October marks the beginning of cooler fall weather in Myrtle Beach. Daytime highs average around 76°F, while nighttime lows dip to about 55°F. This is a noticeable drop from the summer heat, making it a comfortable time for fishing. Rainfall is moderate, with about 3.9 inches typically spread over six days, so you might want to pack some rain gear just in case. The water temperature remains relatively warm, starting at around 74°F early in the month and cooling to the upper 60s by the end, still great for fishing.
November 2024
November is all about red drum and speckled trout. With the Bull Reds hitting their stride in October, they’ll still be around in good numbers into November, especially in the deeper holes and channels. But as the water cools further, the focus shifts more toward slot-sized Redfish in the creeks and backwaters. They’re perfect for light tackle and will readily take a variety of baits, from live shrimp to soft plastics.
Speckled Trout fishing is also at its peak in November. As temperatures drop, these fish become more concentrated, and the bite gets even better.
Target them in deeper holes and around structure, and don’t hesitate to switch up your bait if you’re not getting bites. Artificial lures like paddle tails and topwater plugs can be deadly this time of year.
Flounder will have largely moved offshore by November, but you can still find a few stragglers in the inshore waters. If you’re lucky enough to catch one, it’s likely to be a good-sized fish.
By November, things cool down even more. The average highs along the Grand Strand are around 67°F, with lows falling to 48°F. The water temperature drops further to an average of 66°F. Rainfall decreases slightly, with around 3.3 inches for the month, and the wind picks up a bit, though it’s still generally mild compared to other coastal areas. November also brings shorter days, with about 10 hours of daylight, so you’ll want to plan your trips accordingly.
While the shark fishing is good in October and November (especially early November) it starts to taper off as the water gets colder as we head into December.
Book a Myrtle Beach Fall Fishing Trip
Ready to get away from the crowds and experience the best saltwater fishing South Carolina has to offer? Our Myrtle Beach fishing charters are built for anglers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re into sight fishing or fly fishing, targeting fish inshore or nearshore, we provide everything you need—quality gear, fishing license, and even fish cleaning. You just show up ready to fish!
With a wide range of species to target, including red drum, speckled trout, flounder, sharks, and more—you’re in for a solid day on the water. Book your trip now—and let’s go fishing!
