Planning a Myrtle Beach fishing charter is easier when you know what’s biting and when. Use this month-by-month guide to match your dream catch with prime time on the South Carolina coast. Whether you’re booking inshore flats trips or bluewater adventures, this seasonal cheat sheet keeps your expectations—and tackle—dialed in.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Spring (March–May)
Why go: Warming water ignites both inshore and offshore action. Spanish and king mackerel invade nearshore reefs, while red drum and trout chew in the creeks. Offshore, mahi and wahoo start patrolling temperature breaks.
Book this if you want: Variety. A mixed-bag day with steady rod bends.
Charter tip: Ask your Myrtle Beach fishing charter about combo trips—troll in the morning, bottom-fish midday.
Summer (June–August)
Why go: Peak tourism + peak pelagics. Mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and even marlin roam the Gulf Stream. Inshore, flounder and sheepshead keep coolers full during dawn and dusk bites.
Book this if you want: Bluewater glory or family-friendly inshore half-days before the heat sets in.
Charter tip: Secure dates early; top Myrtle Beach fishing charters fill up fast.
Fall (September–November)
Why go: Perhaps the locals’ favorite. Big bull reds move to jetties and inlets, trout school up, and kings stack on structure. Offshore wahoo hit hard as water temps drop.
Book this if you want: Fewer crowds, stellar inshore action, chunky kings.
Charter tip: Bring layers—cool mornings, warm afternoons.
Winter (December–February)
Why go: Quiet ramps, clear water, and schooled-up reds on sunny flats. Sheepshead pick at pilings, and black drum cooperate.
Book this if you want: Technical sight-fishing, peaceful marsh scenes, budget-friendly off-season rates.
Charter tip: Go light—fluorocarbon leaders, small jigs, stealthy presentations matter.
Matching Trip Type to the Calendar
Inshore Charters: Year-round, but spring and fall produce the largest numbers and size classes. Winter sight-fishing is a niche thrill.
Nearshore Charters (0–15 miles): Spring–fall for Spanish/king mackerel, cobia, and reef species.
Offshore/Deep Sea: Late spring through early fall for mahi, wahoo, billfish; bottom fishing remains solid most months (subject to regs).
Regulation Reminders
Seasons and bag limits change—snapper-grouper complex species often have short openings.
Circle hooks are required for many offshore natural-bait fisheries.
Slot limits apply to red drum—keepers are carefully measured.
Your captain keeps you legal, but savvy anglers ask ahead so they know the plan.
How to Use This Calendar
Pick your target species. What’s on your bucket list?
Find the peak months. Use the table above for timing.
Match a charter type. Inshore vs. offshore vs. combo.
Book early for prime windows. Especially May–September weekends.
Ready to Lock in the Bite?
With the right timing, a fishing charter Myrtle Beach experience can be pure fireworks. Tell your captain what you’re after, circle the dates on this calendar, and let the tides, temps, and migrating schools work in your favor. Tight lines all year long!
