Myrtle Beach March Fishing Report

Myrtle Beach March 2025 Fishing Report: Inshore & Offshore Action 🎣

March marks the beginning of spring fishing season in Myrtle Beach, with warming waters bringing more active fish both inshore and offshore. As baitfish return to the coastal waters, anglers can expect strong bites from redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum inshore, while king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, and snapper start showing up offshore.

 Inshore Fishing in March

As the water temperatures rise into the 50s and 60s, fish start feeding more aggressively. The warmer days will increase baitfish activity, making it a great time to target inshore species.

Redfish (Red Drum) 🐟

• Where to Find Them: Shallow marshes, oyster beds, and docks
• Best Baits: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and soft plastics
• Fishing Tip: Look for schools of redfish tailing in shallow water on warmer days.

Speckled Trout 🐠

• Where to Find Them: Creek mouths, grass lines, and deep holes
• Best Baits: Vudu Shrimp, MirrOlure suspending baits, and live shrimp
• Fishing Tip: On calm mornings, try topwater lures for explosive strikes.

Flounder

• Where to Find Them: Near drop-offs, inlets, and docks
• Best Baits: Mud minnows, finger mullet, and Gulp! Swimming Mullet
• Fishing Tip: Drag bait slowly along the bottom to trigger bites.

Sheepshead 🦴

• Where to Find Them: Bridges, rock piles, jetties, and docks
• Best Baits: Fiddler crabs, barnacles, and shrimp
• Fishing Tip: Use a small hook and fish close to structure for best results.

Black Drum

• Where to Find Them: Deep holes, ledges, and oyster beds
• Best Baits: Fresh shrimp, cut blue crab, and fiddler crabs
• Fishing Tip: Use a Carolina rig with a slow presentation to attract bites.

 Offshore & Deep-Sea Fishing in March

March is an exciting month for offshore anglers as the Gulf Stream brings in tuna, wahoo, king mackerel, and snapper.

Wahoo ⚡

• Where to Find Them: Deep offshore ledges and temperature breaks
• Best Baits: High-speed trolling lures and rigged ballyhoo
• Fishing Tip: Troll between 12-16 knots to trigger an aggressive strike.

Yellowfin & Blackfin Tuna 🐟

• Where to Find Them: 40+ miles offshore in deepwater ledges
• Best Baits: Cedar plugs, chunk bait, and vertical jigs
• Fishing Tip: Look for diving birds and surface bait schools to locate feeding tuna.

King Mackerel 🐠

• Where to Find Them: Nearshore wrecks and artificial reefs
• Best Baits: Live pogies, cigar minnows, and spoons
• Fishing Tip: Slow-troll live bait near structure for best results.

Snapper & Grouper

• Where to Find Them: Natural reefs, deep 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 March Fishing

 Weather & Water Conditions in March

• Water Temperature: Mid-50s to low-60s°F
• Tide Movements: Incoming and outgoing tides are the best times to fish
• Wind Conditions: Can be unpredictable—check weather forecasts before heading offshore

 Fishing Regulations & Licensing

Myrtle Beach falls under South Carolina’s saltwater fishing regulations. Here are some of the most important limits:

• 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
• Wahoo: No daily limit, minimum size 24 inches fork length

A South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. You can get one online at SCDNR.

 Expert Tips for a Successful March Fishing Trip

• Fish during tidal movement – Slack tides can slow the bite, so focus on incoming or outgoing tides.
• Use light tackle for finicky fish – When targeting trout or sheepshead, a lighter leader and hook can increase bites.
• Check water temperatures – Warmer areas (like shallow flats) heat up first and attract fish earlier in the season.
• Look for baitfish activity – Seagulls and pelicans diving into the water indicate baitfish presence, meaning predatory fish are nearby.
• Adjust tactics based on conditions – Cloudy days? Try brighter lures. Clear water? Use natural-colored baits for a stealthy approach.

March is a transition month in Myrtle Beach, bringing better fishing conditions and more active fish. Whether you’re targeting redfish and trout inshore or heading offshore for tuna and wahoo, there’s plenty of action to enjoy.

For the most up-to-date information, check with local bait shops or online fishing reports. Tight lines, and good luck fishing this March! 🎣