With the excitement of the New Year just past, we look forward to what 2022 has in store! Check out some of the latest information below that will help you in planning your 2022 fishing charter out of Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas.
2022 Fishing Seasons For Myrtle Beach
The best place to start is what you can expect to catch during each season of the year. If your planning is dependant on your vacation time, bucket-list fish species, or weather in the area – the info below will get your time-of-year planning started.
Spring
Spring begins the transition to warmer coastal waters. This is the first part of the year where fishing really changes from that of winter. Popular inshore species begin moving in and out, alongside ample food supply (baitfish).
Species moving in include flounder and blackdrum, species “moving out” is seatrout. But let me explain. They are simply leaving the estuary system for the deeper pockets around the flats. However, they come rushing into the shallow flats to feed – so, they are still a staple of inshore fishing here. If you utilize this knowledge, you will find that fishing for seatrout off drop-offs (nothing huge) on the edges of flats, will find the ‘trout during this time of year – when the shallows look inactive.
If we wrap back around to baitfish moving in, this is your major cue that the inshore and backcountry will start to get highly active – in any case. Redfish are here all winter (see those details below), but more species start making appearances. Like flounder, sheepshead, and blackdrum. But do bear in mind that there is a spring spawning event for redfish that can get you in front of big spawning females.
Check Out For Spring:
Summer
The springtime activity remains in place, but in even more force than previous months. Plus, more appearances by other highly sought-after species. The bait runs will be heavier, and those species that are looking to fill their own bellies will be right in toe. This includes sharks, cobia, and tarpon.
Tarpon start migrating up the east coast of the U.S. in the early spring, down in the Florida Keys. This migratory group of tarpon will be chasing the massive bait runs that also occur up the coast – including the mullet run. In our area, tarpon will start making appearances in May with escalating activity that will peak in August /September. They can stay in the area all the way until October, but they are on the return trip and can really be hit or miss this late in the year.
Check Out For Summer:
Fall
You’d think summer is the end all be all of the fishing seasons, but it is hard to argue that will fall fishing in the area. I explained earlier that tarpon start to become “hit or miss” in the fall, but not early on. Baitfish and mullet get packed inside of the backwater estuaries. Tarpon, redfish, and even sharks are sticking around this all-you-can-eat buffet for as long as they can. In this mix, you will find big reds, aggressive tarpon, and seatrout.
At the same time, shrimp are added to the menu for these species. Shrimp is a favorite of redfish and seatrout, making the area ample with two food supplies that are supporting several species of fish in various ways. And, it can be sort of a frenzy some days, why? Because these species know that cold fronts are coming, and when they get in this mode – the feeding is nonstop.
Combine this with great weather and fewer crowds on the water, Fall is usually a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Check Out For Fall:
Winter
Depending on the onset of the cold and the onset of spring, really changes the specific dates where winter-time fishing is in full effect. But, if we focus on the core of that, you’ll soon find that redfish and seatrout are the mainstays that will be targeted.
What is more interesting about this time of year is that redfish school up in massive groups. Groups of 10 or 50 are not uncommon. The water starts to get really clear, and this makes for the perfect time to sight fish the shallows. Between groups of waving tails (tailing reds, bottom-feeding) and seatrout darting around and smacking the surface, the winter is a sight fisherman’s time to shine.
Check Out For Winter:
Best Bets For A Day of Fishing
While Myrtle Beach is a hugely popular fishing destination or even an add-on for those vacationing there for other reasons – it gets packed on the water. Alongside, there are areas nearby that are better suited for all of this epic fishing we have described so far. The best bet? Take a short drive south and get yourself into Winyah Bay and its coastal waters. Winyah Bay is a massive estuary system/coastal watershed that holds all of the aspects mentioned in this article, all in one place.
While there, the day is more relaxing and the fishing opportunities greater due to reduced boat traffic (in comparison) – which relates to decreased fishing pressure. The usual launch point to land dead center of amazing fishing near Myrtle Beach is Georgetown.
However, some other popular areas include:
Types Of Fishing
We went over species and areas, but within this lies fishing charter types. Is this a family trip? You and the boys? Solo fly fishing adventure? Looking for something different? Charter types can help round out the perfect 2022 Myrtle Beach fishing charter.
Check out:
Family Friendly Fishing Charters (they really all are 😉 )
How about just a relaxing tour? Myrtle Beach River Tours & Myrtle Beach Dolphin Tours
Fish With Us
No matter the time of year, targeted species, who is going, and how we’re doing it – Myrtle Beach Guide Service is the local go-to for all Myrtle Beach visitors looking for a day on the water.
“Captain Jordan Pate is US Coast Guard Certified and has a lifetime of experience fishing the Myrtle Beach area. Captain Jordan works hard to make sure your Myrtle Beach fishing charter is a memorable one.”
Ready To Get Started?
