July Myrtle Beach Fishing Report

July Myrtle Beach Fishing Report: Hot Weather, Hotter Bites! ☀️🎣

July brings prime fishing opportunities in Myrtle Beach, with warm waters teeming with activity both inshore and offshore. Whether you’re fishing the backwaters for redfish and flounder or heading offshore for king mackerel and mahi-mahi, this month offers some of the best action of the year.

Inshore Fishing in July

As water temperatures hover around 80-85°F, fish become more active in the early mornings and late evenings when it’s cooler. Midday bites slow down, so plan accordingly.

Redfish (Red Drum) 🐟

• Where to Find Them: Shallow grass flats, docks, and creek mouths
• Best Baits: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and soft plastics
• Fishing Tip: Try fishing the shaded areas under docks where redfish seek relief from the heat.

Speckled Trout 🎣

• Where to Find Them: Deeper channels, drop-offs, and grass lines
• Best Baits: Live shrimp, topwater plugs, and suspending baits
• Fishing Tip: Early morning and sunset topwater action is incredible this time of year!

Flounder 🥢

• Where to Find Them: Near inlets, sandy drop-offs, and docks
• Best Baits: Mud minnows, finger mullet, and Gulp! Swimming Mullet
• Fishing Tip: Slowly drag the bait along the bottom to attract strikes.

Sheepshead 🦴

• Where to Find Them: Bridges, jetties, and rocky structures
• Best Baits: Fiddler crabs, barnacles, and shrimp
• Fishing Tip: Use a small hook and fish close to pilings where sheepshead feed.

Black Drum

• Where to Find Them: Deeper holes, oyster bars, and bridges
• Best Baits: Fresh shrimp, cut crab, and clams
• Fishing Tip: Slack tide is the best time to fish for black drum around structure.

 Nearshore & Deep-Sea Fishing in July

July is a fantastic month for offshore fishing, as large pelagic species move into the Gulf Stream. Nearshore reefs also see a lot of action.

King Mackerel (Kingfish) 👑

• Where to Find Them: Wrecks, reefs, and nearshore structure
• Best Baits: Live menhaden, cigar minnows, and slow-trolled spoons
• Fishing Tip: Fish early in the morning for the best chance at a trophy king.

Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish) 🐬

• Where to Find Them: Gulf Stream, weed lines, and temperature breaks
• Best Baits: Rigged ballyhoo, squid, and flashy trolling lures
• Fishing Tip: Look for floating debris—mahi love to gather under structure.

Wahoo ⚡

• Where to Find Them: Deep ledges and temperature breaks offshore
• Best Baits: High-speed trolling lures and rigged ballyhoo
• Fishing Tip: Troll between 10-16 knots to trigger aggressive strikes.

Snapper & Grouper 🐠

• Where to Find Them: Deep reefs, ledges, and wrecks
• Best Baits: Live pinfish, squid, and cut cigar minnows
• Fishing Tip: Use a heavy bottom rig to keep your bait near the structure.

 Best Baits & Lures for July Fishing

 July Weather & Water Conditions

• Water Temperature: 80-85°F
• Tide Movements: Incoming and outgoing tides are best for fishing
• Wind Conditions: Afternoon sea breezes pick up, making early morning the best time for fishing

 Fishing Regulations & Licensing

Myrtle Beach follows South Carolina’s saltwater fishing regulations. Here are some key rules:

• Redfish: 2 per person, 15-23 inches
• Speckled Trout: 10 per person, 14 inches minimum
• Flounder: 5 per person, 15 inches minimum
• Sheepshead: 10 per person, 14 inches minimum
• Black Drum: 5 per person, 14-27 inches
• King Mackerel: 24-inch fork length minimum
• Mahi-Mahi: No daily limit, but responsible harvesting is encouraged
• Wahoo: No daily limit, minimum size 24 inches fork length

A South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Purchase one online at SCDNR.

 Pro Tips for a Successful July Fishing Trip

✔️ Fish early or late – The morning and evening bite is better due to cooler water temperatures.
✔️ Use live bait when possible – Live shrimp, menhaden, and finger mullet will outperform artificial lures in hot summer waters.
✔️ Target deep holes at midday – If you fish during the heat of the day, look for deeper holes where fish stay cooler.
✔️ Pay attention to tide changes – Moving water brings in baitfish, making it the best time to catch predators.
✔️ Check for weed lines offshore – Floating weeds attract mahi-mahi, tripletail, and other pelagic fish.
✔️ Use heavy tackle offshore – Mahi and wahoo are strong fighters, so gear up with at least 30-50 lb test line.

July is one of the most exciting months for fishing in Myrtle Beach, offering a mix of inshore, nearshore, and deep-sea action. Whether you’re casting from a pier, fishing in the backwaters, or heading 40 miles offshore, there are plenty of fish to catch this month.

For the latest updates, check local bait shops or online fishing reports. Tight lines, and good luck fishing this July! 🎣🔥