You might know it as the ultimate vacation spot in the States, but this coastal South Carolina city has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. If you dare to embark on a Myrtle Beach deep sea fishing adventure, you’ll find out just what we’re talking about. The “Golf Capital of the World” has everything you need for a thrilling vacation – and then some!
Around 14 million people visit this stunning city every year, thanks to its amazing beaches (the Great Strand, anyone?), delicious seafood, and exciting outdoor activities. Deep sea fishing is one of them, and will give you the ultimate adrenaline rush. There’s so much lurking in the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean that you’ll find yourself mesmerized by its mysterious beauty.
If you’re looking for your next deep sea fishing experience, keep reading. We’ll cover everything you need to know about fishing the Atlantic out of Myrtle Beach. By the end of this article, you’ll know enough to pack your bags and hop on a boat!
What can I catch?
So, you’re thinking about a Myrtle Beach deep sea adventure. Chances are you’re wondering what fish you’ll be able to catch. Luckily, we’ve made a list of top targets off the coast of South Carolina, so keep on reading!
Snapper/Grouper
A deep sea adventure isn’t just about big game fish – you can also target big and tasty bottom feeders. Snapper and Grouper are really popular targets in the area, all thanks to their delicious taste. They put up an amazing fight as well. With the waters off the coast of Myrtle Beach teeming with reefs, you’ll have a great time targeting any one of these creatures.
Red Snapper has to be the favorite out of the bunch, and when the season’s open – it’s a free-for-all. With specimens in the 10–20 lb range being the average catch, moving further away from shore will see you battling some massive ones! As for Groupers? Gag, Black, Warsaw, and Red are all in the cards, all equally satisfying to reel in and put on the table.
Amberjack
Another popular target for any angler looking to do some bottom fishing out of Myrtle Beach, Amberjack fishing can get really productive in these waters. With numerous artificial reefs created as habitats for a variety of species, it’s not hard to see why Amberjack love roaming these waters.
The average Amberjack come in at 20–40 pounds, but they can get a lot bigger than that. These fish are aggressive feeders, and they tend to gorge on any bait that you throw at them. If you’re looking for prized Amberjack, the best time to go after them is early spring through May, while they get a lot pickier in the summer months.
Mahi Mahi
Some of the most interesting fish you can catch in the area, Mahi Mahi are ferocious fighters. While you can find some smaller specimens swimming close to shore at times, the real fun starts when you go past the 15-mile mark. They start getting bigger, more aggressive, and more beautiful.
You can find them in the waters close to the Gulf Stream, and you can target them all year round. That being said, the peak season is during the summer months, when local fishermen head out in search of this striking creature. The most photogenic fish out there will give you an amazing fight, and an even better selfie. Not to mention it’s perfect on the grill!
Tuna
Moving on to even bigger fish, there’s hardly a more popular offshore target than Tuna. With a variety of Tuna species gracing the waters off the coast of Myrtle Beach, you’ll be able to target some Tuna whenever you decide to head out. Bluefin are the biggest of the group, ranging from 300–500 pounds, with chances of even bigger varieties. Visit during the spring months to go after this beast.
Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna tend to be very popular due to the thrill of the chase. They start turning up in spring, but you’ll find that the best bite is in summer, with Blackfin Tuna coming closer to shore. You won’t have to look far for these pelagics, and once you hook ‘em, they’re a joy to do battle with. Use natural baits like ballyhoo and mullet along with an artificial lure to get them to bite.
Billfish
One of the most highly revered fish families, Billfish are a force to be reckoned with. In the offshore waters of South Carolina, you’ll find Sailfish, as well as White and Blue Marlin. During the summer months, all of these beasts tend to move from the Gulf Stream closer to shore, making it possible for you to catch prized specimens just 10 miles from shore.
If you’ve set your sights on Sailfish, try trolling weed lines and natural reefs, with ballyhoo and mullet as bait. Using a small artificial lure or colored skirt ahead of the bait can be very effective. As for Marlin, they tend to like bigger bait. Rig large mullet, ladyfish, or ballyhoo to skip across the surface or swim, and you’ll surely get their attention. Get ready for the fight though – their leaps are legendary!
And More!
There’s a lot more fish that call these waters home, and they can all be a joy to target on a deep sea fishing trip in Myrtle Beach. Some of these are Barracuda, Wahoo, King Mackerel, and Cobia, which are all prized targets.
How to Deep Sea Fish in Myrtle Beach
Depending on what fish you’d like to go after, you’ll be using different techniques to get them on the boat. Let’s take a look at how you can explore the deep waters off the coast of Myrtle Beach.
Bottom Fishing
If you head out of Myrtle Beach on a boat, chances are you’ll at least make a stop at one of the reefs and sink a line to test your luck. The waters of South Carolina are lined with reefs, so you won’t have to look far. There are many species roaming around, so you can target Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and Cobia on your bottom fishing trip.
Bottom fishing is interesting because you can try out many different techniques that fall under this umbrella term. If Snapper’s what you’re after, anchoring is the way to go. And if you’re fishing in the really deep waters where the monsters live, deep dropping is the name of the game. You can get sizeable Grouper varieties this way.
Hands down the best bait for bottom fishing here is cut squid. But you can use a variety of other baits like cigar minnows and sardines for Red Snapper and Grouper. Grouper also love biting into live or cut Vermillion Snapper.
Trolling
Everyone loves trolling! And why wouldn’t they? Cruising the open waters with multiple lines in the water and wind in your hair is one of the most productive ways to reel in some big fish. Not to mention how enjoyable a day spent this way is. If you’re after some of the prized pelagic species found off the coast of Myrtle Beach, this is the way to hook them.
And with the Gulf Stream at your fingertips, there’s hardly a better place to explore while trolling. Big Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Marlin, and Tuna are all in the cards here. The best time to head out is during the summer when you can get a mixed bag. Pilchard, ballyhoo, and Bonito strips are all great bait choices. If you want some extra fun, troll over reefs and wrecks, as it can be even more productive.
When to Go
Deep sea fishing in Myrtle Beach can be productive all year round, so when should you go on this adventure? The answer depends on what you’re looking to catch. Spring is great for bottom fishing and it can offer a range of species, including Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack.
The summer months get really busy, as this is when deep sea fishing is at its best. Local anglers and visitors alike head to the blue waters to do some productive trolling. Mackerel, Barracuda, Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna… they’re all waiting to gorge on your bait. In fall, you can get Amberjack and Mackerel pretty close to shore, while winter doesn’t produce a lot of fish, but can still give you a fun experience.
Anything else?
The only thing that’s left to figure out is what the rules and regulations are when it comes to Myrtle Beach deep sea fishing. The most important thing is licensing. Anyone aged 16 or over needs to have a South Carolina fishing license on them. But if you’re fishing aboard a fishing charter, you don’t have to worry as your captain will take care of it.
One more thing to keep in mind is open seasons. Some fish species are heavily regulated and have specific open seasons, like Red Snapper for example. Bag limits are another part of the fishing regulations. The best way to make sure you’re following all the rules is booking a charter with a reputable captain.
Deep Sea Never Looked so Pretty
There you have it, your own deep sea fishing guide for Myrtle Beach. It’s one of the most exciting things you can do on the water, and the waters off the coast of this tourist hub are the perfect place for your new adventure. The reefs are stunning, the waters run deep, and the fish are feisty – everything a deep sea angler looks for!
Have you been deep sea fishing in Myrtle Beach before? How was it? Let us know all about it in the comments below, or ask any questions you might have. We love to hear from you!
