Early May Myrtle Beach Fishing – South Carolina Coastal Fishing Guide

Discover the wealth of fishing opportunities available in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina’s coastal waters during early May. This guide offers insight into the best fishing spots, the most popular catches, and useful tips for both offshore, nearshore, and inshore fishing.

Exciting Species Biting Across the Coast

Early May presents an abundance of opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill levels. The variety of fish species caught during this period is remarkable, making it an excellent time to cast a line in the beautiful Myrtle Beach, South Carolina waters.

Flounder: The Early Arrival

Surprisingly, flounder made an early appearance around the Cherry Grove and North Myrtle Beach area, delighting anglers with their presence. Captain Keith Logan with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters reported that his clients have been catching around 20 flounder per trip, along with other species. He expects the flounder fishing to remain strong through at least the end of May.

Inshore Fishing: Redfish and Speckled Trout

In addition to flounder, other popular inshore species like redfish and speckled trout are also biting. Anglers can have great success targeting these species during the early May season. Live Shrimp is the ticket for both the redfish and speckled sea trout.

Sheepshead: The Jetties’ Delight

Sheepshead is another popular inshore species that anglers can target around the jetties during early May. They are often found near structures, like bridge pilings, docks, and jetties, where they feed on crustaceans. Fiddler crabs and barnacles make excellent bait for sheepshead. Anglers should use a Carolina rig with a small, strong hook to increase their chances of success.

Grouper Season Kicks Off

The grouper season started on May 1st, and anglers have been thrilled with the catches so far. North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters has had successful trips to the Gulf Stream, using bottom fishing techniques with cut bait. The grouper season is anticipated to continue providing fantastic opportunities for offshore anglers.

Nearshore Fishing: Spanish Mackerel and Sharks

Spanish mackerel have been another popular target for anglers fishing nearshore, particularly around the Murrells Inlet area. The hot Spanish mackerel bite has been just off the beaches. Additionally, local anglers have been catching a good number of Sharks.

Black sea bass and bluefish are two more species that thrive in the nearshore waters of the Grand Strand during early May. Black sea bass can be found around reefs and wrecks, where they feed on small fish and crustaceans. Anglers can use squid, shrimp, or cut bait on a bottom rig to entice these fish. Bluefish, on the other hand, are aggressive feeders and can be found chasing schools of baitfish near the surface. Trolling spoons or casting metal jigs are effective techniques for targeting bluefish.

Offshore Fishing: Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) and Wahoo

For those seeking an offshore adventure, tuna, dolphin (mahi mahi) and wahoo are popular targets during early May fishing Myrtle Beach charters. Both species are known for their acrobatic displays and powerful runs, making them an exciting catch for any angler. Trolling with ballyhoo, skirted lures, or artificial squid can yield successful results. Anglers can also try using planers or downriggers to cover different depths in the water column.

Little River: Redfish, King Mackerel, and Grouper

Anglers have been experiencing great success at the Little River jetties and offshore. At the jetties, anglers have been catching numerous redfish, including some impressive bull reds. Offshore trips have yielded cobia, king mackerel, and grouper catches.

Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina: Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Tailing Redfish

Captain Keith Logan has been guiding anglers to exciting catches of speckled trout, redfish, and black drum. Clients have enjoyed the thrill of catching tailing redfish, while others have experienced the excitement of topwater bites on Heddon Spooks. Black Drum has been very active with fresh shrimp on the bottom.

Promising Outlook for the Rest of May

As the weather continues to warm up, the fishing conditions are expected to improve even further. Anglers can look forward to an even more diverse range of species biting and more thrilling fishing experiences along the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina coast.

Essential Tips for a Successful Fishing Experience

To increase the chances of a fruitful fishing trip, consider these valuable tips:

• Consult local fishing reports: Stay up-to-date with the latest fishing reports in your target area to identify the best spots and the most active species.
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions: South Carolina’s coastal weather can be unpredictable during early May. Pack appropriate clothing and gear to stay comfortable and safe.
• Hire a local guide: If you’re new to the area or inexperienced, consider hiring a local fishing guide like Captain Keith Logan with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters to help you navigate the waters and maximize your chances of success.
• Practice catch and release: To preserve the local fish populations and the environment, practice catch and release when possible. Make sure to handle the fish gently and release them as quickly as possible.

By following these tips and targeting the right species, anglers can enjoy an unforgettable early May fishing experience along the Grand Strand coast.