What types of fish can I catch in August along the Grand Strand? That question is at the top of nearly every angler’s mind before booking a summer trip, and the short answer is that August is one of the richest fishing months of the year for North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Little River, and nearby coastal waters. Warm water pulls in Spanish mackerel, red drum, flounder, sharks, and even Gulf Stream species like mahi-mahi, giving both beginners and experienced anglers plenty of action to choose from. Therefore, the best trip type for you depends mostly on how far offshore you want to travel and how much time your group has available.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Inshore and backwater trips target red drum, flounder, spotted seatrout, and sheepshead in August.
- ✓Nearshore charters commonly find Spanish mackerel, bluefish, tarpon, and coastal sharks.
- ✓Offshore and Gulf Stream trips can reach king mackerel, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna.
- ✓Warm water temperatures in August, often in the upper 80s Fahrenheit, drive strong feeding activity.
- ✓Licensed captains adjust each trip around tides, bait movement, and seasonal patterns rather than guesswork.
What Types of Fish Can I Catch in August?
In short, August fishing near the Grand Strand typically produces red drum, flounder, spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, sharks, and Gulf Stream species such as mahi-mahi and wahoo, depending on which type of trip you choose. Consequently, the honest answer to “what types of fish can I catch in August” is not a single species list but rather a range of options tied to how far offshore you travel.
Inshore waterways, such as the Intracoastal Waterway, stay warm and active all month. Meanwhile, nearshore and offshore waters bring different species into range as bait fish migrate along the coast. As a result, captains typically ask about your group’s experience level, available time, and comfort with boat motion before recommending a specific route. Our detailed guide to fish species near Myrtle Beach breaks this down further by trip type.
Inshore and Backwater Species to Expect in August
Inshore fishing, sometimes called backwater or inland fishing, takes place in coastal creeks, marshes, estuaries, and the Intracoastal Waterway rather than open ocean. In August, red drum (also known as redfish) are especially active around oyster beds and grass flats as they feed heavily before cooler months. Flounder, spotted seatrout, and sheepshead round out a typical inshore catch this time of year.
According to Wikipedia’s overview of red drum, this species is found from the Gulf of Mexico through the mid-Atlantic and tends to favor shallow, brackish water, which matches the creeks and marshes around Cherry Grove and Murrells Inlet closely. In addition, these protected backwater areas are ideal for families and beginners because the water stays calm and boat rides are shorter. Our August inshore fishing report tracks these patterns week by week.
What Fish Are Biting Near Myrtle Beach in August?
Near Myrtle Beach specifically, anglers most often report Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and tarpon in nearshore waters during August, along with steady inshore action on red drum and flounder. Because bait schools move closer to shore in warm water, nearshore trips can produce fast, repeated strikes without a long boat ride. For a broader seasonal breakdown, see our Myrtle Beach fishing report for August.
Nearshore and Offshore Fish Species in August
Nearshore trips typically stay within a few miles of the beach, targeting Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and coastal sharks. Offshore and deep-sea trips, on the other hand, travel further to reach structure and wrecks where king mackerel, amberjack, and barracuda tend to hold. Water temperature plays a major role here; the National Data Buoy Center, operated by NOAA, has historically recorded nearshore Atlantic water temperatures along the Carolina coast reaching the low-to-mid 80s Fahrenheit during August, which keeps warm-water species active and feeding aggressively.
Specifically, king mackerel tend to school around live bottom areas and artificial reefs, while amberjack prefer deeper wrecks. As a result, offshore trips generally require more travel time but often reward anglers with larger, harder-fighting fish. You can compare species across trip types in our deep-sea fishing species guide.
Gulf Stream and Shark Fishing Opportunities
Gulf Stream trips travel the farthest, reaching the warm current described on Wikipedia’s Gulf Stream page as a powerful Atlantic current that carries tropical water northward. In August, this current can bring mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna within reach of longer offshore trips, though catch quantities and species availability are never guaranteed and depend heavily on the day’s conditions.
Shark fishing, meanwhile, is particularly popular in August because warm shallow water attracts blacktip and spinner sharks close to shore. Above all, licensed captains follow responsible catch-and-release practices for most shark species. For general species regulations along South Carolina’s coast, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources publishes current size and bag limits that licensed captains follow on every trip.
“August is one of the most forgiving months on this coast. Warm water pulls almost every species we chase into range at some point, which is exactly why we tailor each trip to what the group actually wants to catch.” — Captain Keith Logan, North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters LLC
August Fish Species by Trip Type
Because trip type largely determines which species you can target, the table below compares typical August catches and trip lengths across the charter options offered along the Grand Strand.
| Trip Type | Common August Species | Typical Trip Length |
|---|---|---|
| Inshore / Backwater | Red drum, flounder, spotted seatrout, sheepshead | 3–4 hours |
| Nearshore | Spanish mackerel, bluefish, tarpon, coastal sharks | 4–6 hours |
| Offshore / Deep Sea | King mackerel, amberjack, barracuda | 6–8 hours |
| Gulf Stream | Mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna | 8–10+ hours |
| Shark Fishing | Blacktip, spinner shark (catch and release) | 3–4 hours |
How to Choose the Right August Fishing Charter
Choosing between these options can feel overwhelming at first. However, breaking the decision into a few clear steps makes it manageable for any group.
- Define your group’s experience level. Consider whether your party includes young children, first-time anglers, or seasoned fishermen, since this shapes which trip type will keep everyone comfortable and engaged.
- Decide how much time you want on the water. Inshore trips run three to four hours, while Gulf Stream trips can last most of the day, so match the trip length to your schedule.
- Choose a trip type based on target species. If you want redfish and flounder, pick an inshore charter; if you want mahi-mahi or tuna, plan for an offshore or Gulf Stream trip instead.
- Check your group size against boat capacity. Inshore boats typically hold up to six guests, while select larger boats accommodate up to fifteen, and multiple boats can be coordinated for bigger parties.
- Book online or contact the charter directly. Confirm availability and departure details through an online reservation system, or call or text the charter to get help selecting the best trip for your dates.
For a closer look at technique and gear choices that improve results in warm summer water, our guide on how to catch bigger fish near Myrtle Beach covers practical tips for both inshore and offshore anglers. You can also review current trip options and book a private August charter directly through our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of fish can I catch in August near North Myrtle Beach?
In August, you can typically catch red drum, flounder, spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, sharks, and Gulf Stream species like mahi-mahi, depending on your trip type. Inshore trips favor redfish and flounder, while offshore and Gulf Stream trips reach species like king mackerel and mahi-mahi.
What is the best time of day to fish in August?
Early morning trips are generally most productive in August because water temperatures are cooler and fish feed more actively before the midday heat sets in. That said, tides often matter more than the clock, so captains adjust timing around moving water.
How much does an August fishing charter cost?
Pricing varies by trip type, boat size, and trip length, since inshore trips are shorter while Gulf Stream trips require more fuel and time. The most accurate way to get current pricing is to check availability directly through the online booking system.
How long does a typical August fishing trip take?
Inshore and shark trips usually last three to four hours, nearshore trips run four to six hours, and offshore or Gulf Stream trips can last eight hours or more. As a result, groups with limited time often prefer inshore or nearshore options.
What is inshore fishing, and how is it different from offshore fishing?
Inshore fishing, sometimes called backwater or inland fishing, takes place in protected creeks, marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Offshore fishing, in contrast, travels several miles or more into open ocean water to reach wrecks, reefs, or the Gulf Stream.
Do I need a fishing license for a charter trip?
No, required fishing licenses for charter guests are included with the trip. Guests do not need to purchase a separate license before boarding a private charter.
What is the Gulf Stream, and why does it matter in August?
The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that flows along the Atlantic coast, carrying tropical water northward. In August, this current brings species such as mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna within reach of longer offshore charters.
What mistakes should beginners avoid on an August fishing charter?
Beginners often underestimate sun exposure and skip motion-sickness precautions, both of which can shorten an otherwise great trip. Wearing reef-safe sunscreen, staying hydrated, and eating a light meal beforehand generally make the experience more enjoyable.
Can kids and beginners fish in August?
Yes, inshore and nearshore trips are well suited for families, children, and first-time anglers because the water is calmer and hands-on instruction is included. Captains typically tailor the pace and technique to match the group’s comfort level.
What should I bring on an August fishing charter?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, light snacks, and water are recommended, since fishing gear, bait, and safety equipment are already provided. In particular, non-slip shoes are helpful for longer offshore trips.
Is August a good month for shark fishing?
Yes, warm shallow water in August draws blacktip and spinner sharks close to shore, making it a strong month for shark fishing trips. Most shark encounters are catch-and-release, giving anglers an exciting fight without harming the population.
What’s the difference between nearshore and deep-sea fishing?
Nearshore fishing stays within a few miles of the beach and targets species like Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Deep-sea fishing travels farther offshore to reach wrecks and structure holding king mackerel, amberjack, and other larger species.
How many people can join a private August charter?
Inshore boats generally accommodate up to six guests, while select larger boats hold up to fifteen. For bigger groups, multiple boats can be coordinated so the whole party can fish together.
Are specific fish bites guaranteed in August?
No, fishing opportunities vary daily based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns, so specific species and catch quantities are never guaranteed. However, experienced captains adjust the plan throughout the trip to maximize your chances.
How do I book a fishing charter in North Myrtle Beach?
You can book a private trip directly through the online reservation system, or call or text the charter for help choosing the right August trip. Staff can recommend a trip type based on your group’s experience, goals, and available time.
In summary, the answer to what types of fish can I catch in August depends largely on which trip type fits your group, from redfish and flounder in protected creeks to Spanish mackerel nearshore, and mahi-mahi or tuna out toward the Gulf Stream. Because tides, water temperature, and bait movement shift constantly, experienced licensed captains remain the best resource for matching your trip to the day’s conditions. Whether you are traveling with children, planning a corporate outing, or chasing a personal-best catch, choosing a private charter built around your group’s goals will give you the strongest chance of a memorable August trip along the Grand Strand.