The Best Fishing Seasons in Myrtle Beach: A Guide to Year-Round Angling
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is known for its beautiful coastline, thriving marine life, and great weather. Whether you’re an avid angler or a casual fisherman, the area offers ample opportunities to cast your line throughout the year. With various fish species migrating and local conditions shifting, understanding the best fishing seasons can enhance your experience on the water. Here’s a guide to the different fishing seasons in Myrtle Beach.
Spring (March to May): A Time for Transition
As the weather warms, Myrtle Beach enters one of the most exciting fishing seasons. Spring is the time when many fish species start to migrate back toward warmer waters, and you’ll find plenty of action in the surf and nearshore waters.
- Species to Target:
- Red Drum (Redfish): Spring is prime time for red drum, which are abundant in the area. These fish are especially active as they prepare for spawning.
- Flounder: As the water warms, flounder become more active, particularly in the inshore waters. It’s a great time to target these tasty flatfish.
- Sheepshead: Known for their strong bite, sheepshead are also common during the spring months, especially around structures like piers and jetties.
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a variety of species while taking advantage of the beautiful mild weather.
Summer (June to August): Peak Season for Coastal Fishing
Summer is Myrtle Beach’s peak fishing season, attracting anglers from all over the world. Warm waters bring a variety of species close to shore, and the action is fast-paced, particularly for those interested in offshore fishing.
- Species to Target:
- Mahi-Mahi (Dorado): Summer months are perfect for catching mahi-mahi. These vibrant fish are often found offshore, making summer the ideal time for deep-sea fishing.
- King Mackerel: This fast and aggressive predator makes a splash in the summer months, especially for offshore anglers.
- Cobia: Known for their fighting spirit, cobia are a favorite summer catch, often found near buoys, structures, or schools of baitfish.
If you’re into big-game fishing, summer provides an unforgettable experience with the chance to reel in some large, trophy fish.
Fall (September to November): A Time for Trophies
As the summer heat fades, fall brings excellent fishing opportunities in Myrtle Beach. Many fish species are feeding heavily before the winter months, providing anglers with fantastic action, particularly in the cooler waters.
- Species to Target:
- Redfish: Fall is another excellent time for redfish, which tend to school up as they prepare to migrate.
- Black Drum: Black drum are plentiful in the fall, often found in the estuaries and tidal creeks. They put up a strong fight and are a great catch for anglers of all skill levels.
- Spanish Mackerel: Fall marks the end of the Spanish mackerel’s season, so you’ll want to take advantage of this time to catch these fun, fast fish.
Fall’s cooler weather and less crowded waters make it a great time to fish while enjoying the beauty of the changing seasons.
Winter (December to February): A Quiet Yet Rewarding Season
Winter might seem like the off-season for fishing, but don’t be fooled! While fewer anglers are out on the water, there are still opportunities to reel in some impressive catches during the colder months.
- Species to Target:
- Black Drum: Winter is one of the best times to catch black drum, particularly along the inshore areas, as they feed in the cooler waters.
- Sheepshead: These fish are still around in the winter, especially near piers and structures, where they take advantage of the reduced competition for food.
- Trout: Winter is a great time for trout fishing in the inshore areas, where the fish are more concentrated in deeper water.
Though the weather can be chillier, fishing in the winter allows you to enjoy the quieter side of Myrtle Beach’s waters while still catching some great fish.
Year-Round Fun in Myrtle Beach
No matter what time of year you visit Myrtle Beach, there’s always something to look forward to on the water. Whether you’re fishing from the pier, casting off the beach, or heading out on a deep-sea adventure, the fishing seasons offer a wide variety of species to target. So grab your rod and reel, and head to Myrtle Beach for an unforgettable fishing experience year-round!