Best Times & Seasons to Fish Myrtle Beach (Complete Guide)

Myrtle Beach is an often overlooked fishing destination, but it can actually offer some of the best fishing in the Carolinas throughout the year. Knowing the best time of year to fish these rich waters can make a huge difference.

The best time to fish Myrtle Beach waters is mid-spring through the end of August for mahi mahi, cobia, and redfish. The best time to catch tarpon and speckled trout is summer with the action weakening in September.

Fish SpeciesBest Season to Fish in Myrtle Beach-Waters
Mahi MahiMay through August is the best season for Mahi Mahi in Myrtle Beach.
CobiaMarch through August is the best season for cobia in Myrtle Beach.
TarponThe best season is June through September.
Spanish MackerelSpanish mackerel bite best in the summer months until the end of August.
Red DrumMarch through August is the best season for redfish in Myrtle Beach.

If you love fishing Myrtle Beach can be a great place for your fishing adventure. All you have to do is get together your fishing gear and visit the location at the right time.

seatrout caught by an angler
Image courtesy of Capt. Crumb’s Fishing Charter (Myrtle Beach) & Fishing Booker

Best Times to Fish Myrtle Beach

It is highly essential to know the best time to fish Myrtle Beach. Many anglers feel it is a bit less important to know the right time to fish. They assume fish are always present, and all they need to do is get their fishing gear and catch as many fish as they want.

Little did they know that certain seasons favor some fish species. Fishing during this season provides the angler the surest chance to catch them.

Fishing during the season that does not favor the fish species can bring little or no success. So, you need to know the best times to fish Myrtle Beach.

The best time to fish at Myrtle beach is during summer. You can also fish the waters during winter and spring, as these seasons support most of the fish species in Myrtle Beach.

Visit the waters of Myrtle Beach from May through November to experience top-notch and memorable fishing activities.

You also need to know the best time of the day to fish the waters of Myrtle Beach. The best times to fish the waters of Myrtle Beach are early in the morning or mid-day.

The fish are most active during the cool times of the morning and evening. You should make sure you fish the waters at the appropriate time to cap all of your fishing with pronounced success.

Recommended Fishing Charters in Myrtle Beach

These Myrtle Beach-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing ChartersType of Fishing Offered
Fisher Of Men ChartersInshore & Offshore
Chilly Water FishingInshore & Offshore
Lucky Strike ChartersInshore & Offshore
Tails Up Guide ServiceInshore & Offshore
Fish Hook III ChartersInshore & Offshore
Fish On ChartersInshore, Nearshore, Offshore, Billfish
Flying Fish Charters SCInshore & Offshore
Palmetto Fishing ChartersInshore & Offshore
Party Time Charters Inshore, Offshore, Billfish

Myrtle Beach Species Breakdown: Best Time

There are numerous fish species you will find in the waters of Myrtle Beach, SC. These fish species grace the waters of Myrtle and forever call on the attention of many anglers and fish enthusiasts. Visiting Myrtle Beach gives you sure access to varieties of fish species that can make your day.

For a complete breakdown of the best fishing spots in Myrtle Beach and nearby Murrells Inlet, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Beaufort, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in South Carolina, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Let’s check out fish species you can find in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Red Drum

The red drum is one of the favorite fish species of most anglers. These fish species come in abundance and are pretty much available all through the year. They are a bit easy to catch as they will easily take your bait and also a bit difficult to reel in as they will put up a fight.

Fishing red drum in Myrtle Beach brings loads of fun, especially when fishing during the spring and summer.

These two seasons are the best times to catch the red drum as these are the most active times of the fish. You should set out to fish the red drum from March through August. You can, however, also be a bit successful when you fish for them during the autumn season.

You have to target the time red drums take the most bite, which is when you should fish for them. Red drums tend to take the bite the most before the sun heats up. So, you should set out to fish for the red drums early in the morning.

When fishing for red drums, you have to look for the best fishing location or spot. Going to the appropriate fishing spot reduces the troubles you are meant to encounter.

If you intend to catch the red drum, some of the best places to visit are the oyster bars, shallow bays, and the creeks.

Cobia

The cobia is also another popular fish species you will find in the waters of Myrtle Beach. These fishes are particularly famous to anglers due to their relentless fighting spirit. They are also aggressive eaters and will take anything you throw at them, including the bait.

Cobias are excellent fish species that you can find in Myrtle Beach. The best season to find and catch the cobia is during spring down to summer. You should set out to catch these fish from March through August for the best fishing result.

One of the best times to catch the cobia fish species is during the early hours of the morning. You should pick up your fishing gear and set out to enjoy your fishing day by gracing it with a nice catch. You can also fish for cobias in the evening till dark in the night.

Fishing cobias can be super nice, especially if you know the appropriate place to make a good catch. One of the best places to catch cobias in Myrtle Beach is beyond the breakers from the beach to Pawleys island. You can also visit several other places to give a good shot at your cobias.

Tarpon

Every angler wants the tarpon on his/her list of fishing trophies. The acrobatic fish, also known as the silver king, is one of the hardest fighting fish species you will find in Myrtle Beach.

An average tarpon can weigh about 100 pounds, providing tons of tasty meat and table price for the angler.

The best season to catch the tarpon in the waters of Myrtle Beach is during the summer. Fishing for tarpon during June through September can bring more yield than you might expect. Give your fishing endeavor a spike of success by fishing during the right season.

Tarpon fishing is best done in the early morning hours before the sun starts heating the waters. It is also possible to make a great catch when fishing in the evening after sunset. You can experience high fishing success by fishing for tarpon at the right time of the day.

You can find an abundance of tarpon fish in the waters 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach. One of the best places to find abundant tarpon is the Santee delta.

You can also find many tarpon and varieties of other species of fish in Winyah bay or Cape Romain. Enjoy your fishing activities in Myrtle Beach, Sc.

Mahi Mahi

It is not uncommon to see anglers fishing and displaying their mahi-mahi as their fishing trophy. The mahi-mahi, also known as the common dolphin, is a surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in the waters of Myrtle Beach. They provide tasty meat as well as fetch a good price at the market.

The best time to fish the mahi-mahi is from May to August. Fishing from spring through summer can assure more fishing success when catching mahi-mahi in Myrtle Beach. You can enjoy your mahi-mahi fishing during the spring down to summer and create an interesting memory.

Early in the morning is the best time to go fishing in the waters of Myrtle Beach. Mahi is a pretty fast fish and is most active in the morning. They are also biting during the morning, creating a high tendency of taking your bait and bringing you success.

There are several places you can fish Mahi-mahi in Myrtle Beach. One of the places you can visit is the Jim caudle reef, where you get access to lots of mahi-mahi. You can give yourself a memorable fishing experience by fishing Mahi Mahi in Myrtle Beach, SC.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish the Georgia Coast, please check out this helpful article.

Spanish Mackerel

There are different species of mackerel, and one of the popular ones graces the waters of Myrtle Beach; the Spanish mackerel. The Spanish mackerel is one of the perfect choices of fish species for anglers. They love to move in a group, increasing the chance of fishing success.

The best times to fish the Spanish mackerel are from June through August. Summer provides the best conditions to give your fishing skills a chance over the Spanish mackerel. Set out to fish Myrtle Beach during summer to have a chance against the Spanish mackerels.

The routine feeding time for Spanish mackerel is the same as most fish species; dawn and dusk. If you want to make a good catch of the Spanish mackerel, you will have to fish them during this time. Set out early in the morning or late in the evening to catch your Spanish mackerel.

You can find and fish the Spanish mackerel at different places in Myrtle Beach. You can visit the Myrtle beach rocks or the jetties to increase your chance of catching the Spanish mackerel. You can also check out the Pawley’s reef to catch as many Spanish mackerel as you can.

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic to create your combo.

Best Time of the Day to Fish Myrtle Beach

The best time of the day to go fishing in Myrtle Beach, SC, is early in the morning. You can also set out for fishing during mid-day as these are the times that can assure you the most fishing success. Enjoy your fishing adventures by choosing the right time to fish in Myrtle beach.

Myrtle Beach Fishing & Tidal Impacts

The tides are also something you should consider when fishing in the waters of Myrtle beach. Most fish species are usually active during the high tides, making it the best time to catch them. Target your fish during the high tides to record more success.

wahoo caught
Image courtesy of Careyon Charters (Murrells Inlet) & Fishing Booker

Storms & Myrtle Beach Fishing 

The storm is also an important factor that affects fishing. Some fish species become more active after a storm, while some get disturbed and stressed due to the storm.

The active ones will make a good catch while the stressed ones retreat to the deepest part of the water to rest. You have to know the fish you want to catch and how they react to storms.

Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Myrtle Beach?

One of the best times you can fish in Myrtle Beach, SC, is during the winter. There are many fish species in Myrtle Beach that are most active during the winter. These fish will make a good catch and trophy for your fishing adventures.

Night Fishing in Myrtle Beach

Night fishing can provide you with one of the best fishing results in Myrtle Beach. The night gives you access to different varieties of fish. You can make a good catch by preparing your fishing gear and setting out to fish at night.

Shore/ Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons

Surf fishing is a common fishing practice done in Myrtle Beach. Some anglers focus only on surf fishing, and they have made a tremendous success from it.

You can also enjoy the blessings of shore fishing and make your fishing adventure in Myrtle Beach the most memorable one.

Top 5 Fishing Spots in Myrtle Beach, SC

There are several fishing spots you can find in Myrtle Beach, SC. Here are some of them;

  • Pawleys Island: Pawleys Island is about 20 miles south of town. It is a perfect location for catching several fish species. Explore your fishing abilities at Pawleys Island.
  • Pier 14: This is one of the fishing spots most anglers want to visit. It houses varieties of fish species and provides numerous fishing resources for anglers. You can visit this location and make a good catch.
  • Jim Caudle Reef: The Jim Caudle reef covers about 30 feet of water, making it one of the largest artificial reefs in South Carolina. You can visit this reef to explore your fishing abilities and make some nice catches.
  • The Gulf Stream: The gulf stream is one of the most popular fishing spots in Myrtle Beach, SC. It also houses varieties of popular fish species and gives one of the best fishing experiences.
  • Apache Pier: The Apache pier is one fishing spot you should visit when on a fishing trip in Myrtle Beach, SC. You can give your fishing skills an upgrade by visiting the Apache pier to fish.

Booking Charters in Myrtle Beach

Charters are one of the essential elements that spice a fishing trip. Eliminating the stress and troubles of transportation can provide you with the most memorable fishing trip you can have. And a good way to take away this stress is by booking a charter in Myrtle Beach.

Booking a charter in Myrtle Beach does not only provide you with transportation benefits but also with tons of benefits for your fishing activities.

Booking a charter can also make your fishing activities easier by providing you with numerous fishing resources. Enjoy your fishing activities in Myrtle Beach by booking a charter.

Best Seasons to Go

Booking a charter to Myrtle Beach is what many anglers dream of, and they find a way of fulfilling their fishing dreams. You can also fulfill your fishing fantasies by booking a charter to Myrtle beach during the appropriate season.

The best season to book a charter to Myrtle Beach is during summer or spring. You can also book your charter during the winter season, depending on your motive for visiting the place. Book a charter anytime from May through November and enjoy your fishing trip to Myrtle Beach, SC.

Myrtle Beach can be a very busy place to visit, mostly during summer. The summer is one of the busiest seasons in Myrtle Beach. It is the season where several anglers from different parts of the world visit Myrtle beach for numerous purposes.

Morning vs. Afternoon

It most times comes as a debate when picking the best time of the day to go for a charter. You start weighing the pros and cons of booking your charter for the morning and the afternoon. You end up picking the best for you, which might not be the best choice for another person.

You can book your charter in Myrtle Beach in the morning or afternoon, depending on what suits you best.

As an angler, one of the best times to book a charter is in the morning, as this is the time most fish are active. As a tourist, you might want to consider booking your charter for the latter part of the day.

It is quite easy if you are an angler and also wants to enjoy some tourist experience. All you have to do is book a charter that takes you through the day (including morning and afternoon). Whichever one you choose, you can be sure of enjoying your charters to the fullest.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Hilton Head, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish for redfish in South Carolina, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the fishing in Myrtle Beach, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

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