September Myrtle Beach Fishing Report: Cooling Water, Strong Fall Action
September in Myrtle Beach marks the beginning of fall transition, bringing slightly cooler water temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent fishing opportunities both inshore and offshore. While summer species are still present, early fall movement begins, creating productive conditions for anglers willing to adjust with the season.
Early mornings and tide changes remain the most productive times, and calmer offshore weather windows can still deliver strong pelagic action.
Inshore Fishing in September
Inshore fishing remains productive as fish begin transitioning from summer patterns toward fall holding areas.
Redfish (Red Drum)
Where to Find Them:
Creek mouths, marsh edges, docks, oyster beds
Best Baits:
Live shrimp, finger mullet, cut mullet
Fishing Tip:
Focus on moving water during falling tides as redfish stage near drains and creek mouths.
Speckled Trout
Where to Find Them:
Grass lines, deeper channels, ICW drop-offs
Best Baits:
Live shrimp, topwater plugs (early), suspending lures
Fishing Tip:
Early mornings can still produce topwater action before water temperatures cool further.
Flounder
Where to Find Them:
Inlet areas, sandy drop-offs, channel edges
Best Baits:
Mud minnows, finger mullet, Gulp! Swimming Mullet
Fishing Tip:
Fish slow along the bottom—September is still part of the fall flounder run.
Sheepshead
Where to Find Them:
Bridges, docks, jetties
Best Baits:
Fiddler crabs, shrimp
Fishing Tip:
Light tackle and precise bait placement are key around structure.
Black Drum
Where to Find Them:
Deeper channels, bridge pilings
Best Baits:
Cut crab, shrimp
Fishing Tip:
Fish the bottom during slack-to-moving tide transitions.
Nearshore & Offshore Fishing in September
September can still offer excellent nearshore and offshore fishing, weather permitting.
King Mackerel
Where to Find Them:
Nearshore reefs, bait schools
Best Baits:
Live menhaden, cigar minnows
Fishing Tip:
Slow trolling around bait pods is effective.
Mahi-Mahi
Where to Find Them:
Weed lines, floating debris offshore
Best Baits:
Ballyhoo, squid, trolling lures
Fishing Tip:
Watch for birds working offshore.
Cobia
Where to Find Them:
Wrecks, buoys, bait schools
Best Baits:
Live eels, bucktail jigs
Fishing Tip:
Keep a pitch rod ready when approaching structure.
September Weather & Water Conditions
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Water Temperature: 78–84°F
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Tides: Falling tides productive inshore
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Wind: Variable; calmer mornings best offshore
September Fishing Regulations (SC Snapshot)
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Redfish: 2 per person, 15–23 inches
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Speckled Trout: 10 per person, 14 inches
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Flounder: 5 per person, 15 inches
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Sheepshead: 10 per person, 14 inches
Pro Tips for September Fishing
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Fish early or late to avoid heat
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Follow bait schools
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Take advantage of light winds for offshore trips