May Fishing Report for Myrtle Beach

May Fishing Report for Myrtle Beach: Inshore & Deep-Sea Fishing 🎣

May is one of the best months for fishing in Myrtle Beach, as rising water temperatures bring an abundance of fish inshore and offshore. Whether you’re targeting redfish in the marshes, flounder in the inlets, or mahi-mahi offshore, May offers fantastic opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. With the arrival of summer baitfish, fish are actively feeding, making this a prime month for fishing.

 Inshore Fishing in May

May brings increased inshore fishing action as fish become more aggressive. Warmer water temperatures mean that baitfish, shrimp, and crabs are abundant, leading to an active bite for redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum.

Redfish (Red Drum)

• Found around marshes, oyster bars, docks, and creek mouths
• Best baits: Live shrimp, cut mullet, soft plastics on jigheads
• Best times: Morning and evening when temperatures are cooler
• Fishing Tip: Sight fishing is easier in clear water—look for tails on the surface.

Speckled Trout

• Found in grass flats, creek mouths, and deep holes
• Best baits: Live shrimp, topwater lures, MirrOlure suspending baits
• Best times: Dawn and dusk, especially on a moving tide
• Fishing Tip: Fish around bait schools and target areas with some current movement.

Flounder

• Found in inlets, creek mouths, and sandy drop-offs
• Best baits: Live mud minnows, finger mullet, Gulp! Swimming Mullet
• Best times: Incoming tide when baitfish are moving
• Fishing Tip: Let the flounder eat before setting the hook to ensure a solid hookup.

Black Drum

• Found near docks, bridge pilings, oyster beds, and rocky structures
• Best baits: Fiddler crabs, fresh shrimp, cut blue crab
• Fishing Tip: Use a Carolina rig with a slow presentation on the bottom.

 Deep-Sea Fishing Highlights

May is an exciting month for deep-sea anglers, as pelagic fish become more active offshore. Warm waters bring mahi-mahi, tuna, king mackerel, and wahoo within reach, while bottom fishing remains strong.

Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish) 🐬

• Found near weed lines, floating debris, and temperature breaks
• Best baits: Rigged ballyhoo, brightly colored trolling lures
• Fishing Tip: Keep a spinning rod ready—when you catch one, others often follow.

Yellowfin & Blackfin Tuna 🐟

• Found near deepwater ledges and offshore temperature breaks
• Best baits: Cedar plugs, chunk bait, vertical jigs
• Fishing Tip: Look for diving birds and floating debris, which indicate tuna activity.

King Mackerel 🐟

• Found along nearshore wrecks, reefs, and trolling lanes
• Best baits: Live pogies, cigar minnows, spoons, and dusters
• Fishing Tip: Slow-troll live bait near temperature breaks for the best results.

Wahoo ⚡

• Found in deeper waters along offshore ledges and drop-offs
• Best baits: High-speed trolling lures, rigged ballyhoo
• Fishing Tip: Troll at 12-16 knots for an aggressive bite.

Bottom Fishing: Snapper & Grouper

• Found near reefs, ledges, and deep wrecks
• Best baits: Live pinfish, squid, cut cigar minnows
• Fishing Tip: Use a fish finder rig to keep bait close to the bottom structure.

 Best Baits and Lures for May Fishing

 Weather & Water Conditions in May

• Water Temperature: Ranges from 68°F to 78°F, depending on location
• Tide Movements:Moving tides (incoming or outgoing) are best for most species
• Wind Patterns: Offshore winds can be unpredictable—check forecasts before heading offshore

 Fishing Regulations & Licensing

Before you go fishing, be sure to 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, must be at least 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 May Fishing Trip

• Fish early and late – Fish are more 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.

May is a prime fishing month in Myrtle Beach, with a mix of inshore and offshore action. Whether you’re after big redfish in the marshes or fast-running mahi offshore, this month offers some of the best fishing opportunities of the year.

For the latest conditions, check with local bait shops or visit online fishing reports. Tight lines and happy fishing this May! 🎣