The waters off Myrtle Beach are home to some of the most exciting saltwater game fish on the East Coast. From inshore favorites like red drum and spotted seatrout to offshore giants like mahi-mahi, tuna, and sailfish, South Carolina offers incredible year-round fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
At Myrtle Beach Sport Fishing, we target a wide variety of saltwater species found throughout the Grand Strand, nearshore reefs, wrecks, and Gulf Stream waters. The following fish species are commonly found in South Carolina waters, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
Fast-moving schooling fish commonly targeted near beaches, reefs, and bait schools during warmer months.
One of the premier trolling species along the South Carolina coast, especially during spring and fall migrations.
Cobia are highly sought-after migratory fish known for powerful runs and incredible table fare.
A favorite bottom fishing species commonly found on reefs and offshore wrecks.
Atlantic spadefish are popular summertime reef fish known for hard fights and excellent eating.
Aggressive predators frequently caught near bait schools, piers, and nearshore waters.
Greater amberjack are powerful reef fish targeted on offshore structures and artificial reefs.
Gray triggerfish are popular reef species known for excellent flavor and strong fights on light tackle.
One of the most colorful and exciting offshore fish species found in Gulf Stream waters off Myrtle Beach.
Powerful pelagic predators targeted during offshore trolling trips.
Smaller than yellowfin but extremely fast and aggressive, blackfin tuna are common in warmer offshore waters.
Known for blistering speed and razor-sharp teeth, wahoo are one of the most prized offshore game fish in South Carolina.
Sailfish are one of the fastest fish in the ocean and an unforgettable catch for offshore anglers.
Legendary big game fish occasionally encountered in deep offshore waters of the Atlantic.
South Carolina offshore waters hold several snapper species including red snapper, vermilion snapper, gray snapper, and silk snapper.
Popular grouper species include gag grouper, scamp grouper, Warsaw grouper, and speckled hind.
A powerful coastal shark species commonly targeted during shark fishing charters.
Frequently found in nearshore waters and popular for light tackle action.
Scalloped hammerheads are occasionally encountered offshore during warmer months.
Large apex predators occasionally found off the South Carolina coast.
One of the fastest sharks in the ocean and a prized offshore catch.
Fishing in Myrtle Beach changes throughout the year, giving anglers opportunities to target different species each season. Spring and fall bring excellent king mackerel and cobia fishing, summer offers prime mahi-mahi and tuna action offshore, while redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum can be targeted inshore throughout much of the year.
The South Carolina coast supports hundreds of marine species, making the Grand Strand one of the top fishing destinations on the East Coast.
