Deep Sea Fishing in Myrtle Beach: The Complete Guide

by Dillon Patterson Article Publisher

You might know it as the ultimate vacation spot in the States, but this coastal South Carolina city has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. If you dare to embark on a Myrtle Beach deep sea fishing adventure, you’ll find out just what we’re talking about. The “Golf Capital of the World” has everything you need for a thrilling vacation – and then some!

Around 14 million people visit this stunning city every year, thanks to its amazing beaches (the Great Strand, anyone?), delicious seafood, and exciting outdoor activities. Deep sea fishing is one of them, and will give you the ultimate adrenaline rush. There’s so much lurking in the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean that you’ll find yourself mesmerized by its mysterious beauty.

If you’re looking for your next deep sea fishing experience, keep reading. We’ll cover everything you need to know about fishing the Atlantic out of Myrtle Beach. By the end of this article, you’ll know enough to pack your bags and hop on a boat!

How to Deep Sea Fish in Myrtle Beach

Depending on what fish you’d like to go after, you’ll be using different techniques to get them on the boat. Let’s take a look at how you can explore the deep waters off the coast of Myrtle Beach.

Bottom Fishing

If you head out of Myrtle Beach on a boat, chances are you’ll at least make a stop at one of the reefs and sink a line to test your luck. The waters of South Carolina are lined with reefs, so you won’t have to look far. There are many species roaming around, so you can target Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and Cobia on your bottom fishing trip.

Bottom fishing is interesting because you can try out many different techniques that fall under this umbrella term. If Snapper’s what you’re after, anchoring is the way to go. And if you’re fishing in the really deep waters where the monsters live, deep dropping is the name of the game. You can get sizeable Grouper varieties this way.

Hands down the best bait for bottom fishing here is cut squid. But you can use a variety of other baits like cigar minnows and sardines for Red Snapper and Grouper. Grouper also love biting into live or cut Vermillion Snapper.

Trolling

Everyone loves trolling! And why wouldn’t they? Cruising the open waters with multiple lines in the water and wind in your hair is one of the most productive ways to reel in some big fish. Not to mention how enjoyable a day spent this way is. If you’re after some of the prized pelagic species found off the coast of Myrtle Beach, this is the way to hook them.

And with the Gulf Stream at your fingertips, there’s hardly a better place to explore while trolling. Big Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Marlin, and Tuna are all in the cards here. The best time to head out is during the summer when you can get a mixed bag. Pilchard, ballyhoo, and Bonito strips are all great bait choices. If you want some extra fun, troll over reefs and wrecks, as it can be even more productive.

When to Go

Deep sea fishing in Myrtle Beach can be productive all year round, so when should you go on this adventure? The answer depends on what you’re looking to catch. Spring is great for bottom fishing and it can offer a range of species, including Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack.

The summer months get really busy, as this is when deep sea fishing is at its best. Local anglers and visitors alike head to the blue waters to do some productive trolling. Mackerel, Barracuda, Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna… they’re all waiting to gorge on your bait. In fall, you can get Amberjack and Mackerel pretty close to shore, while winter doesn’t produce a lot of fish, but can still give you a fun experience.

Anything else?

The only thing that’s left to figure out is what the rules and regulations are when it comes to Myrtle Beach deep sea fishing. The most important thing is licensing. Anyone aged 16 or over needs to have a South Carolina fishing license on them. But if you’re fishing aboard a fishing charter, you don’t have to worry as your captain will take care of it.

One more thing to keep in mind is open seasons. Some fish species are heavily regulated and have specific open seasons, like Red Snapper for example. Bag limits are another part of the fishing regulations. The best way to make sure you’re following all the rules is booking a charter with a reputable captain.

Deep Sea Never Looked so Pretty

There you have it, your own deep sea fishing guide for Myrtle Beach. It’s one of the most exciting things you can do on the water, and the waters off the coast of this tourist hub are the perfect place for your new adventure. The reefs are stunning, the waters run deep, and the fish are feisty – everything a deep sea angler looks for!

Fishing Charters Myrtle Beach SC - Reel Salty fishing charters are a premier fishing guide service located to explore Myrtle Beach/Murrells Inlet South Carolina. We offer trips ranging from inshore creeks to deep sea 40 miles. Book your private fishing adventure on the stunning waters of the Myrtle Beach. We always catch a good time. Fun guaranteed!