Welcome to Myrtle Beach, where the waters are as full of life as the town itself. Here, fishing isn’t just about what you catch; it’s about the stories you bring back, the quiet sunrises, and the friendly nods from fellow anglers sharing the shoreline or the waterways.
In these parts, the waters change with the seasons, each offering a different scene. You’ve got the inshore waters – places like Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, and the Santee Delta. They’re not just spots on a map; they’re where the local lifeblood flows, where you can see more than just fish beneath the surface.
Fishing here is about knowing the waters, understanding the seasons, and respecting the fish. It’s about the anticipation of spring, the rush of summer, the calm of fall, and the quiet of winter. It’s about the fight of the red drum, the chase of the mackerel, the stealth of the trout, and the surprise of whatever else decides to bite.
This guide is your local companion through the fishing seasons of Myrtle Beach. It’s not just about what’s biting when; it’s about the whole experience – the early mornings, the patient waits, the sudden thrills, and the good stories to tell. So, let’s dive in. The waters are waiting, and so are the fish.
Spring Season
Spring a time when our waters start to buzz with life, offering a bounty for anglers. Whether you’re casting your line inshore or venturing a bit further out into the nearshore waters, each month brings its own set of opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect during these vibrant months.
March: The Stirring of the Waters
As March rolls in, the inshore waters begin to wake up from the winter slumber. It’s a subtle start, but for those who know where to look, the rewards are generous.
Inshore
- Red Drum: These fighters are waking up and ready to put up a good tussle.
- Speckled Trout: Always a delight, they’re starting to make a more consistent appearance.
- Flounder: A bit shy this early, but they’re around if you’re patient.
- Black Drum: Sturdy and reliable, they’re a staple catch in these parts.
- Sheepshead: The barnacle crunchers are starting to show up around structures.
- Bluefish: Providing some early season action with their aggressive bites.
Just a bit further out, the nearshore waters are slowly coming to life, offering a different set of opportunities for those willing to venture a bit beyond the breakers.
Nearshore
- Spanish Mackerel: Quick and feisty, they’re starting to cruise the nearshore waters.
- Cobia: If you’re lucky, you might spot an early arrival towards the end of the month.
- Bluefish: Making their presence known both inshore and nearshore.
April: The Waters Warm Up
April is when things really start to heat up. The inshore waters are full of life, and the nearshore waters offer a rich playground for those seeking bigger challenges.
Inshore
- Tarpon: Early arrivals are rare, but they start to tease us with their presence.
- Sharks: Bonnethead, Blacktip, and Atlantic Sharpnose start making the inshore waters interesting.
Nearshore, the action is picking up, with a few new faces joining the mix.
Nearshore
- King Mackerel: Late in the month, these regal fish start to make a showing.
- Black Sea Bass: A staple that’s always welcome on any angler’s line.
May: The Prelude to Summer
May is when the inshore waters are a hive of activity, and nearshore becomes an angler’s playground.
Inshore
- Tarpon: Sightings are becoming more common, and the anticipation is building.
- Sharks: The waters are lively with Bonnethead, Blacktip, Atlantic Sharpnose, and the occasional Bull Shark making appearances.
The nearshore waters are not to be outdone, offering an exciting range of species.
Nearshore
- Amberjack: Late in the month, these powerful fish start to challenge anglers looking for a serious fight.
So there you have it, a snapshot of what you can expect from the spring months here in Myrtle Beach. Whether you’re inshore chasing the reliable red drum or speckled trout, trying your luck with the early tarpon, or nearshore battling the spirited Spanish Mackerel or the challenging Amberjack, spring here is a celebration of fishing. Remember, each day on the water is unique, and the fish you’ll encounter can vary. But one thing’s for sure, the adventure is always waiting. So grab your gear, and I’ll see you out there!
Summer 2024
Dive into the heart of the summer fishing season in Myrtle Beach! This period offers a rich array of species, promising every angler a memorable experience. Let’s break it down month by month, area by area.
June: The Kickoff to Summer
Inshore Fishing (Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Santee Delta, etc.)
- Red Drum: Feeding aggressively in the shallows.
- Speckled Trout: Active, especially during cooler parts of the day.
- Flounder: Abundant, with larger specimens being caught.
- Black Drum: A steady catch around structures.
- Sheepshead: Nibbling on crustaceans around piers and rocks.
- Bluefish: Offering fast-paced action.
- Sharks: Including Blacktip, Bonnethead, and Atlantic Sharpnose providing an added thrill.
Nearshore Fishing
- Spanish Mackerel: In peak season, offering thrilling chases.
- King Mackerel: Starting to make a strong showing.
- Cobia: Frequently spotted around reefs and wrecks.
- Sharks: Including Blacktip, Spinner, Bull, and occasional Tiger Sharks stirring the waters.
July: The Midsummer Surge
Inshore Fishing
- Tarpon: Making their majestic presence known.
- Red Drum: Continually active, especially around dawn and dusk.
- Speckled Trout: Best caught in the early mornings.
- Flounder: Still plentiful, with some of the best catches of the season.
- Black Drum & Sheepshead: Consistently found around structure.
- Bluefish: Keeping anglers on their toes with their aggressive bites.
- Sharks: Variety increases with more Blacktip, Bonnethead, and occasional Bull Sharks.
Nearshore Fishing
- Barracuda: Offering challenging and exciting catches.
- King Mackerel & Spanish Mackerel: Both in full swing, attracting anglers with their speed and fight.
- Sharks: The diversity peaks with Hammerhead, Tiger, Blacktip, and Bull Sharks.
- Jack Crevalle: Often found in schools, providing intense action.
August: The Summer Climax
Inshore Fishing
- Tarpon: In their prime, offering unforgettable battles.
- Red Drum, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Bluefish: All continue to provide consistent action.
- Sharks: The inshore waters are teeming with Blacktip, Bonnethead, Atlantic Sharpnose, and occasional larger species like Bull Sharks.
Nearshore Fishing
- Mahi Mahi: Bright and fast, a prized catch for any angler.
- Sailfish: A rare but thrilling catch, offering a pinnacle fishing experience.
- King Mackerel & Spanish Mackerel: Continue to provide high-energy fishing.
- Sharks: Including Hammerhead, Tiger, Blacktip, and Bull Sharks, making every trip an adventure.
- Amberjack: Known for their strength and stamina, offering a challenging fight.
Each species offers a unique fishing experience, promising both excitement and variety. Whether you’re inshore seeking the stealthy flounder or the mighty tarpon, or venturing nearshore for the acrobatic mahi mahi or the formidable sharks, Myrtle Beach’s waters are ready to deliver an unforgettable summer season. Happy fishing!
Fall Fishing 2024
As the heat of summer starts to fade, fall brings its own unique fishing experiences to Myrtle Beach. The waters cool down, and the fish behavior changes, offering a new set of challenges and opportunities for anglers. Let’s dive into the autumn months and see what the waters around Myrtle Beach have in store.
September: The Transition Begins
Inshore Fishing (Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Santee Delta, etc.)
- Red Drum: Starting their fall feeding frenzy.
- Speckled Trout: Begin to be more active as the water cools.
- Flounder: Still abundant, particularly at the start of the month.
- Black Drum: A reliable catch around structures.
- Sheepshead: Continually found nibbling around piers and rocky areas.
- Bluefish: Offering energetic fights.
- Sharks: Blacktip, Bonnethead, and Atlantic Sharpnose are still around, adding excitement to inshore trips.
Nearshore Fishing
- Spanish Mackerel & King Mackerel: Their numbers begin to dwindle, but they’re still around for a good chase.
- Sharks: Including Blacktip, Spinner, Bull, and occasional Tiger Sharks, continue to be a highlight for nearshore anglers.
October: The Heart of Fall
Inshore Fishing
- Red Drum: Feeding aggressively in preparation for winter.
- Speckled Trout: Their activity increases significantly, making them a prime target.
- Flounder: Start to migrate, but you can still catch the late movers.
- Black Drum & Sheepshead: Consistent catches around structure.
- Bluefish: Continue to provide fast-paced action.
- Sharks: The numbers start to decrease, but you can still find Blacktip and Bonnethead in the inshore waters.
Nearshore Fishing
- False Albacore: Fast and furious, they provide thrilling light tackle action.
- King Mackerel: Still around, offering a strong fight.
- Sharks: The variety starts to decrease, but encounters with Blacktip, Bull, and occasional Hammerhead Sharks can make any trip memorable.
November: The Cool Down
Inshore Fishing
- Red Drum & Speckled Trout: Both are highly active, offering some of the best inshore fishing of the year.
- Black Drum & Sheepshead: Continue to be a reliable catch, especially around structures.
- Bluefish: Their presence starts to fade as the waters cool.
Nearshore Fishing
- False Albacore: Their speed and fight continue to attract anglers.
- Sharks: The cooler waters mean fewer sharks, but you might still encounter a Blacktip or Bull Shark on a lucky day.
Fall in Myrtle Beach is a season of change, reflected in the shifting patterns of our marine life. It’s a time when the waters cool, the crowds thin out, and the fishing takes on a more serene, yet equally rewarding, pace. Whether you’re inshore, enjoying the active red drum and speckled trout, or nearshore, chasing the last of the king mackerel or the swift false albacore, fall fishing is a chapter in the Myrtle Beach angling story that you wouldn’t want to miss. Here’s to tight lines and good times on the water this fall!
Winter
As the chill of winter settles over Myrtle Beach, the waters quiet down, but don’t be fooled—there’s still plenty of action for those willing to brave the cooler temperatures. The winter months offer a unique fishing experience, with fewer anglers on the water and a different set of species to target. Let’s cast into the winter waters and see what’s biting.
December: The Winter Welcome
Inshore Fishing
- Red Drum: Still feeding actively, especially in shallow, sun-warmed waters.
- Speckled Trout: One of the stars of winter, biting well in the cooler water.
- Black Drum: A reliable catch, often found around oyster beds and structure.
- Sheepshead: Continues to be a consistent catch, particularly for those with a knack for crab baits.
Nearshore Fishing
- False Albacore: Early in the month, they provide some fast-paced action.
- Sharks: The colder water means fewer sharks, but species like the Bonnethead are still around.
January: The Heart of Winter
Inshore Fishing
- Red Drum & Speckled Trout: Continue to be the main attractions, with some of the best trout fishing of the year.
- Black Drum & Sheepshead: Steady catches can be had, especially on the warmer days when the water temperature rises a bit.
Nearshore Fishing
- Whiting & Black Sea Bass: Provide consistent action when the weather permits trips further out.
- Sharks: Mostly absent, but an occasional Blacktip might surprise you.
February: The Late Winter Thaw
Inshore Fishing
- Red Drum: Begin to become more active towards the end of the month, especially in the shallow, sun-warmed waters.
- Speckled Trout: Continue to be a prime target, with some large specimens caught.
- Black Drum & Sheepshead: For the patient angler, these species offer a rewarding challenge.
Nearshore Fishing
- Whiting & Black Sea Bass: Continue to be the mainstay, providing solid action on most days.
- Sharks: Still sparse, but the waters are starting to stir as we move towards spring.
Winter in Myrtle Beach might be cooler and quieter, but the fishing can be just as hot as any other season. It’s a time for peaceful waters, the thrill of the catch, and the beauty of the coast in its most serene state. Whether you’re inshore seeking the hardy red drum and the elusive speckled trout, or nearshore pulling up whiting and black sea bass, winter fishing is a unique experience that offers its own rewards. Bundle up, get out there, and enjoy the winter waters and the quiet thrill they offer. Happy winter fishing!
Setting Sail with Myrtle Beach Guide Service
As we wrap up our seasonal journey, remember that the true essence of fishing in Myrtle Beach unfolds on the water, rod in hand, with the horizon as your companion. And there’s no better way to dive into this adventure than with Myrtle Beach Guide Service, expertly helmed by Captain Jordan Pate.
At Myrtle Beach Guide Service, we’re not just about the catch; we’re about crafting a fishing experience that resonates with the soul of the angler. Whether you’re navigating the shallow waters aboard our 18′ flats boat, exploring the diverse inshore habitats on the versatile 23′ Sportsman Tournament, or chasing the big game in nearshore waters with the robust 25′ Hoog Center Console, our fleet is your gateway to an unforgettable fishing narrative.
Specializing in Shallow Water Sight Fishing, Saltwater Fly Fishing, Inshore, and Nearshore Fishing, Captain Jordan Pate and his team are committed to guiding anglers of all skill levels. Myrtle Beach Guide Service is your connection to the pristine stretches of coastline, the rich history lining the inlets, and the vibrant aquatic life that makes Myrtle Beach an angler’s sanctuary.
From the majesty of the Tarpon to the steadfast nature of the Redfish, the playful dance of the Speckled Trout to the exhilarating hunt for Sharks, our targeted charters are meticulously crafted to align with both the seasonal patterns and your personal angling aspirations. So, whether you’re seeking the quiet thrill of fly fishing, the family-friendly joy of surf fishing, or the adrenaline rush of battling a Shark, Myrtle Beach Guide Service, led by Captain Jordan Pate, is your compass to a true fishing adventure.
The journey doesn’t end when the season fades; it’s just the beginning. Cast your line with Myrtle Beach Guide Service and let the stories unfold.
