June Fishing Report for Myrtle Beach: Inshore & Deep-Sea Fishing 🎣
June marks the start of summer in Myrtle Beach, bringing warm temperatures, abundant baitfish, and excellent fishing opportunities both inshore and offshore. With longer daylight hours and steady water temperatures, June is a great month for anglers targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, king mackerel, mahi-mahi, and more.
Inshore Fishing in June
Redfish (Red Drum)
- Where to Find Them: Marshes, grass flats, docks, and oyster bars
- Best Baits: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and soft plastics
- Best Times: Early morning and late evening to avoid mid-day heat
- Fishing Tip: Redfish often school up around oyster beds—use a popping cork rig to get their attention.
Speckled Trout
- Where to Find Them: Creek mouths, grass lines, deep holes, and jetties
- Best Baits: Live shrimp, topwater lures, and suspending jerkbaits
- Best Times: Sunrise and sunset for aggressive feeding
- Fishing Tip: On calm mornings, topwater lures like a Zara Spook can trigger explosive strikes.
Flounder
- Where to Find Them: Sandy drop-offs, inlets, and creek mouths
- Best Baits: Live mud minnows, finger mullet, and Gulp! Swimming Mullet
- Best Times: Incoming tide, when baitfish move into shallow areas
- Fishing Tip: Flounder will often hold near structure—drag your bait slowly along the bottom.
Black Drum
- Where to Find Them: Dock pilings, oyster beds, and deep holes
- Best Baits: Fiddler crabs, fresh shrimp, and cut blue crab
- Fishing Tip: Use a Carolina rig with a slow presentation to entice bites.
Deep-Sea Fishing Highlights
June is a fantastic month for offshore fishing, with warm Gulf Stream waters bringing in pelagic species. This is prime time for mahi-mahi, tuna, king mackerel, wahoo, and sailfish.
Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish) 🐬
- Where to Find Them: Weed lines, floating debris, and temperature breaks offshore
- Best Baits: Rigged ballyhoo, brightly colored trolling lures
- Fishing Tip: When you catch one, keep it in the water—others will often follow.
Yellowfin & Blackfin Tuna 🐟
- Where to Find Them: Deepwater ledges and offshore temperature breaks
- Best Baits: Cedar plugs, chunk bait, vertical jigs
- Fishing Tip: Look for diving birds and bait schools to locate feeding tuna.
King Mackerel 🐟
- Where to Find Them: Nearshore wrecks, reefs, and trolling lanes
- Best Baits: Live pogies, cigar minnows, and spoons
- Fishing Tip: Slow-troll live bait near structure for the best results.
Wahoo ⚡
- Where to Find Them: Deep offshore ledges and drop-offs
- Best Baits: High-speed trolling lures and rigged ballyhoo
- Fishing Tip: Troll at 12-16 knots for an aggressive bite.
Snapper & Grouper
- Where to Find Them: Reefs, ledges, and deep wrecks
- Best Baits: Live pinfish, squid, cut cigar minnows
- Fishing Tip: Use a fish finder rig to keep bait near the bottom structure.
Best Baits and Lures for June Fishing
Fish Species | Best Live Bait | Best Artificial Lures |
---|---|---|
Redfish | Live shrimp, cut mullet | Soft plastics, paddle tails |
Speckled Trout | Live shrimp, finger mullet | Topwater plugs, jerkbaits |
Flounder | Mud minnows, finger mullet | Gulp! Swimming Mullet |
Black Drum | Fiddler crabs, shrimp | Scented soft plastics |
Mahi-Mahi | Live baitfish | Brightly colored trolling lures |
Tuna | Fresh chunk bait | Cedar plugs, vertical jigs |
King Mackerel | Live pogies, cigar minnows | Trolling spoons, dusters |
Wahoo | Rigged ballyhoo | High-speed trolling lures |
Weather & Water Conditions in June
- Water Temperature: 72°F to 82°F, depending on location
- Tide Movements: Moving tides (incoming or outgoing) provide the best bite
- Wind Patterns: Offshore winds can change daily—check forecasts before heading out
Fishing Regulations & Licensing
Before you go fishing, follow South Carolina fishing regulations:
- Redfish: 2 per person, slot size 15-23 inches
- Speckled Trout: 10 per person, minimum size 14 inches
- Flounder: 5 per person, minimum size 15 inches
- Black Drum: 5 per person, slot size 14-27 inches
- Mahi-Mahi: 10 per person, no minimum size
- King Mackerel: No daily limit, minimum size 24 inches fork length
- Wahoo: No daily limit, minimum size 24 inches fork length
A South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. You can purchase one online at SCDNR.
Tips for a Successful June Fishing Trip
- Fish early and late – Fish are most active during low-light conditions.
- Use live bait when possible – Natural baitfish like shrimp and mullet produce the best results.
- Target structure – Fish hold near docks, reefs, and rock formations.
- Vary your retrieval speed – Different fish prefer different lure movements.
- Check weather conditions – Wind and tides play a big role in fish activity.
June is an outstanding fishing month in Myrtle Beach, with redfish and trout thriving inshore and mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo active offshore. Whether you’re fishing from the beach, a boat, or a deep-sea charter, this is the perfect time to hook into some trophy fish.
For the latest conditions, check with local bait shops or visit online fishing reports. Tight lines and happy fishing this June! 🎣
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