Discover the Best South Carolina Fishing Towns

If you are a fishing enthusiast, you have come to the right place. South Carolina boasts some of the best inshore and deep-sea fishing spots in the country, with a diverse range of species and habitats. Whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater fishing, South Carolina has it all. In this article, we will guide you through the top fishing destinations in the state, the best times to visit, and the species you can catch.

Freshwater Fishing in South Carolina

South Carolina has a wide range of freshwater fishing opportunities, from mountain streams to large reservoirs. Here are some of the best freshwater fishing spots in the state:

Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee is one of the most picturesque freshwater lakes in the state, with clear, cold water and beautiful scenery. It is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, trout, and crappie. The best time to fish at Lake Jocassee is from late spring to early fall.

Lake Hartwell

Lake Hartwell is a large man-made lake on the border of South Carolina and Georgia. It is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie. The best time to fish at Lake Hartwell is in the spring and fall when the water temperature is cooler.

Santee Cooper Lakes

The Santee Cooper Lakes, Marion and Moultrie, are two of the largest freshwater lakes in South Carolina. They are home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie. The best time to fish at the Santee Cooper Lakes is from late spring to early fall.

Saltwater Fishing in South Carolina

South Carolina has over 2,876 miles of coastline, providing plenty of opportunities for saltwater fishing. Here are some of the best saltwater fishing spots in the state:

Charleston Harbor

Charleston Harbor is one of the most popular saltwater fishing spots in South Carolina. It is home to a variety of fish species, including redfish, flounder, trout, sheepshead, and black drum. The best time to fish at Charleston Harbor is from spring to fall.

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach is a small beach town located on Edisto Island. It is a popular destination for fishing, with opportunities for surf fishing, pier fishing, and offshore fishing. You can catch a variety of fish species, including redfish, flounder, trout, and shark. The best time to fish at Edisto Beach is from late spring to early fall.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a popular tourist destination and a great spot for saltwater fishing. You can fish from the shore or book a charter boat for offshore fishing. Hilton Head Island is home to a variety of fish species, including redfish, tarpon, cobia, and shark. The best time to fish at Hilton Head Island is from late spring to early fall.

Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet is a small fishing village located on the southern coast of South Carolina, known for its excellent fishing opportunities. With access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing, Murrells Inlet is a great destination for anglers of all levels.

The inlet is home to a variety of fish species, including redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum. Anglers can fish from the shore or rent a boat and venture out into the inlet for a more secluded fishing experience.

For those interested in freshwater fishing, the nearby Waccamaw River offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. The river is known for its scenic beauty and calm waters, making it a great place for a relaxing day of fishing.

In addition to fishing, Murrells Inlet offers a variety of other outdoor activities, including kayaking, boating, and hiking. The area is also home to several excellent restaurants, many of which specialize in seafood.

Overall, Murrells Inlet is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of South Carolina while also enjoying some world-class fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice just looking to try your hand at fishing, this charming coastal village is sure to offer an unforgettable experience.

Garden City

Garden City is a small coastal community located in South Carolina that offers some excellent fishing opportunities for both experienced and novice anglers. The town is situated on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering easy access to both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

The Garden City Pier is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, with many anglers gathering here to cast their lines and enjoy the ocean views. Common catches include redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, as well as larger game fish such as king mackerel and cobia.

In addition to fishing from the pier, visitors can also rent a boat and explore the surrounding waters for a chance to catch a wider range of fish species. The nearby saltwater marshes and inlets are home to a variety of fish, including blue crab, shrimp, and oysters.

Horry County

Horry County is a coastal county located in South Carolina that offers some fantastic fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels. The county is situated on a stretch of coastline that runs along the Atlantic Ocean, providing easy access to both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

One of the most popular fishing spots in Horry County is the Cherry Grove Pier, located in North Myrtle Beach. The pier offers a great vantage point for anglers to cast their lines and enjoy the ocean views. Common catches include redfish, flounder, and speckled trout, as well as larger game fish such as king mackerel and cobia.

For those interested in freshwater fishing, the nearby Waccamaw River offers an opportunity to catch largemouth bass, catfish, and bream. The river is known for its scenic beauty and calm waters, making it a great place for a relaxing day of fishing.

Visitors can also rent a boat and explore the surrounding waters for a chance to catch a wider range of fish species. The nearby saltwater marshes and inlets are home to a variety of fish, including blue crab, shrimp, and oysters.

Horry County is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of South Carolina while also enjoying some fantastic fishing opportunities. With a variety of fishing options and a beautiful coastal environment, this county is sure to offer an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach is a beautiful coastal town located in South Carolina that offers some fantastic fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The town is situated on a stretch of coastline that runs along the Atlantic Ocean, providing easy access to both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

One of the most popular fishing spots in Surfside Beach is the Surfside Pier, which extends 830 feet into the ocean. The pier offers a great vantage point for anglers to cast their lines and enjoy the ocean views. Common catches include redfish, flounder, and speckled trout, as well as larger game fish such as king mackerel and cobia.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a popular vacation destination located on the coast of South Carolina. Known for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly attractions, the area is also home to some excellent fishing opportunities.

Anglers can cast their lines from the shore or rent a boat and venture out into the Atlantic Ocean for a chance to catch a variety of fish species. Common catches include flounder, redfish, and speckled trout, as well as larger game fish such as marlin and sailfish.

In addition to saltwater fishing, Myrtle Beach also offers opportunities for freshwater fishing in nearby lakes and rivers. The Waccamaw River, for example, is home to largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill, and is a popular spot for both recreational and tournament fishing.

For those new to fishing or looking to improve their skills, there are several charter companies and guides in the area who can provide expert instruction and equipment rental. Many of these companies also offer deep-sea fishing trips for a chance to catch some of the larger game fish found in the Atlantic.

Overall, Myrtle Beach is a great destination for anyone looking to combine their love of fishing with a fun-filled beach vacation. With a variety of fishing opportunities and knowledgeable guides to help you make the most of your time on the water, it’s no wonder that Myrtle Beach has become a popular destination for anglers of all levels.

Fishing Charters Near Me

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is a beautiful coastal town located in South Carolina that offers a range of fishing opportunities for both experienced and novice anglers. With access to the Atlantic Ocean and nearby rivers ,North Myrtle Beach is a great destination for a fishing vacation.

Fishing enthusiasts can choose to fish from the shore or hire a charter boat for a inshore or deep-sea fishing excursions. Common catches include flounder, redfish, speckled trout, and even larger game fish such as tuna and marlin. Many charter companies offer half-day or full-day trips, with all equipment and supplies included.

For those new to fishing, there are several fishing guides and charter companies in North Myrtle Beach that offer instruction and equipment rental. These experts can help beginners learn the basics of fishing or help more experienced anglers improve their skills.

Overall, North Myrtle Beach is a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. With a variety of fishing opportunities and a beautiful coastal environment, it’s no surprise that so many people choose to visit this area for a fishing vacation.

Cherry Grove

Cherry Grove is a small community located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, that offers some excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels. The town is situated on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering easy access to both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

The Cherry Grove Pier is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, with many anglers gathering here to cast their lines and enjoy the ocean views. Common catches include redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, as well as larger game fish such as king mackerel and cobia.

In addition to fishing from the pier, visitors can also rent a boat and explore the surrounding waters for a chance to catch a wider range of fish species. The nearby saltwater marshes and inlets are home to a variety of fish, including blue crab, shrimp, and oysters.

Cherry Grove is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of South Carolina while also enjoying some fantastic fishing opportunities. With a variety of fishing options and a beautiful coastal environment, this charming community is sure to offer an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

Little River

Little River is a small town located on the coast of South Carolina that is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The town is situated at the mouth of the Little River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, offering both freshwater and saltwater fishing options.

Anglers can fish from the shore or charter a boat and explore the surrounding waters for a chance to catch a variety of fish species. The Little River is home to redfish, black drum, speckled trout, and flounder while the nearby Atlantic Ocean is known for sharks, king mackerel, spanish mackerel, grouper, snapper and black sea bass.

For those interested in deep-sea fishing, there are several fishing charter companies in Little River that offer half-day or full-day trips. These trips can provide an opportunity to catch larger game fish such as tuna, wahoo, and sailfish, and all equipment and supplies are typically included.

In addition to fishing, Little River offers a range of other outdoor activities, including kayaking, boating, and hiking. The town is also home to several excellent seafood restaurants, many of which feature locally caught fish on their menus.

Little River is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of South Carolina while also enjoying some fantastic fishing opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice looking to try your hand at fishing, this charming coastal town is sure to offer an unforgettable experience.

Species You Can Catch in South Carolina

South Carolina has a diverse range of fish species, both freshwater and saltwater. Here are some of the most common species you can catch:

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are one of the most popular freshwater fish species in South Carolina. They can be found in almost all freshwater bodies in the state, including rivers, lakes

Redfish

Redfish, also known as red drum, are one of the most popular saltwater fish species in South Carolina. They are abundant in Charleston Harbor and other coastal areas, and can be caught year-round. Redfish are known for their hard fight and make for great table fare.

Flounder

Flounder are another popular saltwater fish species in South Carolina. They can be caught in the Charleston Harbor, Edisto Beach, and other coastal areas. Flounder are known for their flat, oval-shaped body and are usually found on the bottom of the ocean. They make for great table fare and are highly sought after by anglers.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are a popular freshwater and saltwater fish species in South Carolina. They can be found in Lake Hartwell and the Santee Cooper Lakes, as well as the coastal waters. Striped bass are known for their hard fight and can weigh up to 50 pounds. They are highly prized by anglers and make for great table fare.

Best Times to Fish in South Carolina

The best time to fish in South Carolina depends on the species you are targeting and the location. However, here are some general guidelines:

Freshwater Fishing

The best time to fish for largemouth bass in South Carolina is from late spring to early fall when the water temperature is warmer. Trout fishing is best during the winter months when the water is colder.

Saltwater Fishing

The best time to fish for redfish and flounder in South Carolina is from spring to fall when the water temperature is warmer. Tarpon fishing is best during the summer months when the water is warmer.

Tips for Successful Fishing in South Carolina

Here are some tips to help you have a successful fishing trip in South Carolina:

Research the Location

Before you go fishing in South Carolina, research the location and the species you are targeting. This will help you determine the best time to go and the equipment you will need.

Get a Fishing License

In South Carolina, you need a fishing license to fish in freshwater and saltwater. You can purchase a license online or at a local tackle shop.

Use the Right Equipment

Make sure you have the right equipment for the species you are targeting. This includes the right rods, reels, and bait.

Check the Weather

Check the weather before you go fishing in South Carolina. High winds, rain, and lightning can make fishing dangerous and uncomfortable.

FAQs

What is the bag limit for saltwater fishing in South Carolina?

The bag limit for saltwater fishing in South Carolina varies by species. You can find the bag limits on the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.

Can I fish at night in South Carolina?

Yes, you can fish at night in South Carolina as long as you have a valid fishing license and follow the state regulations.

Do I need a boat to go fishing in South Carolina?

No, you do not need a boat to go fishing in South Carolina. There are plenty of opportunities for shore fishing, pier fishing, and bank fishing.

Conclusion:

South Carolina is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts, with a wide range of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. From largemouth bass to redfish, there is a diverse range of fish species to catch. Use the tips and guidelines provided in this article to plan your next fishing trip to South Carolina and have a successful and enjoyable experience.