What comes to mind when you think of a vacation to the coast? If your first thought is fishing, you are not alone. There is nothing quite like spending a day out on the water.
Wait no longer to get a line in the water. Spring fishing is terrific on the South Carolina coast, with its warmer water and longer days. Whether you want serious deep-sea action or a lazy day fishing along the jetties, the next few months offer ample opportunities to reel in some prize fish.
Prime fishing time starts in April. Anglers catch flounder this time of year, along with redfish and speckled trout. Bottom fishing out in the Atlantic brings in grouper, which come in season on the first of May. Snapper and triggerfish are also plentiful offshore, as is the amberjack.
It almost seems like the fish get spring fever, just like we do. Those warmer water temperatures bring them into the shallow waters to feed. Inshore waters come alive. And they’ll hit just about any bait you put out there. For trout and reds, use live bait, lures, and flies. Cobia starts showing up later in the spring.
Bottom fishing can be good, especially on the wrecks. Look to catch sheepshead, sea bass, snapper, grouper, and jacks. These are big fish, which makes them fun to reel in.
Some of the best places to fish are Breach Inlet, the Pitt Street Bridge, Isle of Palms Marina, Shem Creek Park, and the Isle of Palms beach. Just pick up frozen shrimp or mullet at the local tackle shore or fresh shrimp from a seafood market. Be sure to bring along a swoop net and, of course, a bucket for your catch.
Or book an offshore trip with Southern Breeze Charters, Barrier Island Fishing Charters, Sonny Boy Charters, or one of the many other charters that go out from local marinas. An experienced saltwater fishing guide puts you on the fish and helps you create incredible memories on the South Carolina coast.
Be sure you have a South Carolina fishing license, which ranges from $10 for a one-day license to $75 for an annual permit (for non-residents). It’s required for anyone 16 and over.
Book a property, then pack your gear. The fish are waiting