Every Fall, something amazing happens in Myrtle Beach. It’s not the sort of thing you see on a postcard, but for those who know, it’s even better. When the air starts to chill just a bit and the water cools, the mullet decide it’s time to pack up and move south for the winter. And it’s the signal for every fish with an appetite to “come and get it.”
This phenomenon, known as the Fall Mullet Run, sees vast schools of mullet traveling along the coast—from the Carolina coast all the way down to Florida. Their migration triggers a feeding frenzy among predatory fish like tarpon, sharks, flounder, and more—all drawn to the abundance of mullet.
It’s a perfect opportunity to experience some of the best fishing of the year—with the chance to land a big one higher than usual.
What’s Biting During the Fall Mullet Run?
During early September through October, fishing along South Carolina’s Grand Strand is at its peak, with a variety of species biting in full force. As the water starts to cool, you can find success targeting different fish, from flounder hiding along the bottom to red drum cruising the shallows. King mackerel and Spanish mackerel also become more active, chasing baitfish near the surface, while speckled trout start to feed aggressively in anticipation of the cooler months ahead. Sharks remain a constant presence, especially in deeper waters, providing a challenge for those looking to hook into something big and toothy.
But the real highlight of the fall season—and what we’re here to talk about—is the Fall Mullet Run along the coast of Myrtle Beach, when several nearby towns and specific fishing spots become hotspots for fishermen targeting a wide variety of fish species. Here’s who shows up to the party:
- Tarpon – The Silver Kings of the Atlantic, these are the big guys, the ones that can make even professional fishermens’ hearts skip a beat. They jump, they dive, and boy, do they fight. Fishing for them requires sturdy tackle. Heavy rods and strong lines are a must, because some of these beasts can put up fights that last for hours. During the mullet run in Autumn, tarpon are primarily going to be chasing baitfish, which is the perfect time to target them. They use both the surf’s turbulence and deeper channels to ambush schools of mullet, but often breach the surface during their attacks.
- Red Drum – Reds hit hard and don’t give up without a proper tussle. They love shallow waters and are often found around marshes and estuaries during the mullet run. Using live bait like mullet or crab can be very effective.
- Speckled Trout – During the mullet run, speckled trout take full advantage of the buffet of baitfish that sweeps through their turf. So as you see the mullet schooling up and dashing through our coastal waters, the trout are not far behind. Anglers in the know can cash in on this frenzy by hitting up spots where currents draw the baitfish, using lures that mimic the look and dance of a mullet. This is a good time for targeting speckled trout, as they’re more aggressive and less cautious than usual.
- Spanish Mackerel: These speed demons chase lures like there’s no tomorrow. Light tackle is usually sufficient, as these fish typically weigh under 10 pounds, but don’t let their size fool you—they will give you a run for your money with their quick moves and sharp turns. Trolling with shiny spoons or feathered jigs can be particularly effective.
- Sharks: Yes, sharks. They come sniffing around for an easy snack. Sharks are always around where there’s a meal to be had, and during the mullet run, they’re more active close to shore. They rely on the confusion created by the migrating schools of mullet and can often be caught using larger chunks of bait or lures that mimic injured fish. Species like the blacktip and spinner sharks are common, and they can be targeted from shark fishing charters or by surf fishing.
- Flounder: These guys are the sneakiest of all. Lying flat on the ocean floor blending in, they wait for just the right moment to ambush the mullet passing overhead. During the Run, their predatory instincts are heightened, and their usual stealth mode shifts to active hunting, making them more likely to strike at live bait or lures that mimic a struggling mullet. Focusing on areas where mullet are likely to pass, like channels and drop-offs, can be effective. Using techniques that keep the bait near the bottom increases the chances of attracting these ambush predators, turning the mullet run into a perfect time for landing some of the biggest and most aggressive flounder of the season.
- Cobia: During the autumn run, cobia can be found cruising along the coastal waters, often near inlets and over sandy bottoms or near structures like reefs and wrecks where rays and sharks might be feeding. The chaos of the mullet run provides the perfect cover for cobia to ambush their prey and grab a quick meal, and their association with larger predators makes these areas ideal for targeting.
Tip: Live bait such as mullet is particularly effective during the run. Hooking a live mullet through the lips or back allows it to swim naturally, attracting nearby tarpon. Keep your bait near the edges of moving schools of mullet where tarpon are likely to hunt. If live bait isn’t an option, large streamers, soft plastic lures, or plugs that mimic the appearance and movement of mullet can also be successful. Casting into or just beyond a school and retrieving in a manner that mimics a fleeing or injured fish can trigger strikes from tarpon. For fly fishermen, large, flashy streamers that imitate baitfish patterns are effective.
Areas to Fish During the Mullet Run
When the mullet head south, they transform areas along the Atlantic shoreline from the Carolinas to Florida into fishing hot zones. Timing is everything—to really take advantage of the mullet run, you’ll want to zero in on areas where the conditions funnel these baitfish into dense packs, drawing in a host of hungry predators. Here are some of the more notable fishing spots along The Grand Strand to think about:
Myrtle Beach
When the mullet decide it’s time to head south, Myrtle Beach becomes the center of the fishing universe—or at least it feels that way. As the main stage for the Fall Mullet Run, the beaches and piers are packed with fishermen from dawn till dusk, and the excitement in the air is thicker than the Lowcountry humidity.
This isn’t just a few schools of mullet, it’s miles of them, and with the mullet come the predators. Tarpon, the “silver kings” roll in, and our other local kings—king mackerel, that is—aren’t far behind, slicing through schools of mullet with precision. It’s a fish-eat-fish world out there, and Myrtle is the main stage.
Murrells Inlet
Fishing trips in Murrells Inlet offer a slightly more peaceful, but no less exciting, mullet run experience.
The jetties are famous for not just the quantity of fish but the variety. Red drum and flounder use the mullet as cover, ambushing the unwary and giving anglers a real challenge.
Pawleys Island
During the Run at Pawleys Island, Bluefish and Spanish mackerel make their appearances, darting through the water, fast and flashy, giving a good fight. As the mullet schools move along the coast, red drum (redfish) take advantage of the abundant baitfish, especially in the shallow waters around Pawleys Island. They tend to hang out around marshes, estuaries, and near structures where they can ambush mullet passing by.
Santee Delta
The waters are packed not just with mullet but with all those that follow: sneaky sharks looking for an easy snack, and jack crevalle making quick work of the slower mullet.
Red drum (reds) and speckled trout join the frenzy, taking advantage of the abundance of baitfish. Flounder lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing unsuspecting mullet that drift too close, while tarpon patrol the deeper channels, ready to explode on a baitfish.
McClellanville
Fishing during the mullet run here feels more like participating in a time-honored tradition than a sport. The fish—red drum, sharks, even the occasional tarpon—seem to know the game, playing along with just enough challenge to keep things interesting.
Georgetown
Georgetown is where all paths cross during the mullet run. The harbor is busy, and the fish are active.
It’s a strategic spot where you can see tarpon taking to the air and king mackerel cruising by, all while sharks patrol the deeper waters. Flounder lie in wait on the bottom, ready to ambush unsuspecting mullet.
Strategic Fishing Spots During the Mullet Run
- Inlets – As mullet travel, inlets act like nature’s own fish corrals, squeezing vast schools into narrower channels. This not only makes the mullet more accessible but also ramps up the feeding frenzy among predator fish. Targeting these areas can significantly increase your chances of a successful catch. When fishing inlets, focus on the points where currents merge or where the inlet forms a bottleneck. These strategic spots often host the most intense action, as predatory fish exploit the restricted escape routes for baitfish.
- Jetties – These structures offer a double benefit during the mullet run. Firstly, they provide physical barriers that redirect the paths of swimming mullet, naturally concentrating the schools. Secondly, jetties are rich in marine life and offer excellent hiding spots for ambush predators. Casting near the rocky outcrops or along the sides where the water churns and mixes can be particularly effective. Using lures that mimic injured mullet or casting live bait into the turbulent waters near jetties can entice strikes from species like flounder, red drum, and bluefish.
- Piers – Like jetties, piers provide structure that attracts both baitfish and predators. The key to successful pier fishing during the mullet run is to observe where the schools of mullet tend to congregate or pass through. Often, the areas just beyond the breaking waves beneath piers are hotspots for predatory activity. Long casts towards these zones with topwater lures during dawn or dusk can be especially productive.
Tip: Don’t ignore the deep water right around the pier pilings, as larger predators might lurk there to take advantage of the mullet being washed around by the currents.
How to Catch Mullet for Bait
If you’re aiming for the larger predators that are drawn by the mullet, you might naturally want to use live mullet as bait, capitalizing on the natural feeding frenzy to attract the bigger fish.
To target them, the best technique is usually using cast nets. The dense schools make them easy targets for netting multiple fish at a time.
Cast nets are circular nets with weights distributed around the edges. When thrown correctly, the net spreads out in a circular shape and sinks rapidly to the bottom, trapping anything caught underneath.
Using a cast net requires some technique and practice. The key is to throw the net in such a way that it fully opens before hitting the water, maximizing the area covered.
Fishermen will often stand knee-deep in the surf or on a pier, watching for signs of a school—ripples on the surface, jumping fish, or darker shadows moving through the water. Once a school is spotted, a well-timed and accurately aimed throw can capture dozens of mullet in a single cast.
Tip: Lures that mimic the size and movement of mullet can also be effective, especially for kingfish and tarpon.
The Bottom Line
The fall mullet run in Myrtle Beach isn’t just another day on the water—it’s the main event. It’s that time of year when everything lines up just right, and the fish know it. You’ve got mullet darting south in thick schools, and every predator with a hunger follows suit.
For those of us who love to fish, it’s like nature’s way of saying, “Here’s your chance.” Whether you’re knee-deep in the surf, casting from a pier, or cruising along the jetties, there’s nothing else like it.
The mullet are running, the fish are biting, and the only thing left to do is show up and see what you can pull out of the water. So don’t miss out—get out there and see what bites!
Myrtle Beach Guide Service
Ready to fish the fall mullet run? Give us a shout or send us a text message—and we’ll get you set up for a great day on the water.
Reserve a spot on one of our fishing charters and get ready for some of the best fishing of the year. Get in touch or book your trip today!