Where Is The Best Fishing In South Carolina? Top 5 Fishing Places

Our planet earth is the most beautiful planet in the Milky Way galaxy. And on our earth, one of the most beautiful places you can be at is South Carolina. You don’t have to go to Google to find the meaning of the word “beautiful”; instead, you come to South Carolina. This place is blessed with charming towns, beaches, and unforgettable sunset.

When it comes to going fishing, this is a place you can choose to visit with your eyes closed.  In this article, we will have a detailed look at the best places for fishing here. Anyway, let’s get into the business; where is the best fishing in South Carolina?

Why Go South Carolina For Fishing?

South Carolina may not be as luxurious as Las Vegas, but this state has got something that no other state has. If you have a look at it deeply, you will see it is one of the wealthiest states in the US. But it’s not that wealth that we are typically acquainted with; we mean the priceless kind.

When it comes to fish in South Carolina, you will find a wide range of choices. It’s quite hard to imagine that all these verities exist in a single place. It doesn’t matter what fish you want to catch; just name it, and like some magic, South Carolina will bring it for you.

You won’t have to burn thousands of calories to find your suitable fishing spot and, you won’t even have to go into the deep water. How’s that possible? Well, this state is like the Disneyland of fishing freaks. Fishes are just waiting for you to throw your reel into the water. You won’t find any problem finding a fishing partner if you need it as there’s a lot of people go there for fishing.

Fishing piers are also immensely available there. And they offer enough restrooms, bait shops, seating, restaurants, lighting, and so many facilities. Besides fishing, this place also offers other entertaining activities to enjoy with your family or friends. You can’t get to know for real if you don’t come. You have every reason to come here for fishing. So, what are you still waiting for?

Top 5 Places in South Carolina for Fishing

South Carolina is one of the world’s most popular definitions for the passionate anglers out there. When it comes to fishing, this place never lets you down. In this section, we are going to get acquainted with the top 5-places in South Carolina for fishing. After reading this article, we can assure you that you will find the answer to the million-dollar question – where is the best fishing in South Carolina?

1. Hilton Head Island in South Carolina for Fishing

Hilton Head Island is ready to welcome you to some of the best inshore fishing destinations in the state. This place also has enormous popularity among the tourists around the country.

Why Fish in Hilton Head?

Autumn rang the bell for all the anglers out there for inshore fishing. You will find redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and so on in this season. If you want to catch Redfish, October to April is the time to kill for you. These critters are usually between 20 to 40 pounds.

In summer, you will find the hard-fighting Tarpon and a wide range of Sharks. If you are planning to go inshore fishing, you need to know that it may usually last for four to six hours. Some charters also offer even eight hours of outing. When fishing nearshore, it’s going to take you around 5 to 25 miles out.

Starting from October to April, you may try Snapper, Grouper or Black Seabass and hot temperature some species like Cobia, Amberjack, King Mackerel, and Spanish Mackerel. If you like adventure, then you must try offshore fishing.

You will have to go on bigger boats approx 40 miles deep into the water, on such trips. You are likely to chase after big boys in the water such as Billfish, MahiMahi, Snapper, Sharks, Grouper, and so on.

Interesting Activities to Do on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is the perfect place for family-friendly activities. You will surely love its immense network of bike trails and appreciate the mind-blowing sceneries on the way.

Kid’s will find the Coastal Discovery Museum pretty exciting. Its portraits the cultural heritage and natural history. And if you are looking for something more relaxing, you can explore the upscale Shelter Cove Towne Centre and try out different foods in the modern restaurants there.

2. Myrtle Beach in South Carolina for Fishing

Myrtle Beach is known as the crown of South Carolina’s Strand. Sundered from the continental US by the intercoastal waterway, this place draws around 14 million tourists every year.

Why Fish in Myrtle Beach?

Inshore fishing on this beach has a lot to offer you, such as mud bars, sounds, estuaries, and bays. Here the waters are filled with Redfish also, Flounder, Pompano, Bluefish, and Speckled Trout.

This place is famous for its best Shark fishing facility. You can find Tigers to Blacktips and Bull Sharks in the nearshore water depending on the time of the year. Some other nearshore species, such as King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel, are available from June through August. You can explore further offshore to find Yellowfin Tuna and Mahi.

Interesting Activities to Do in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is an excellent place to enjoy water activities. This place is like a dream come true for you if you love water activities. You will also find plenty of bars and restaurants here. Gear freaks will fell in love with the Yesteryear museum as it features around 40 classic vehicles. If you are not into cars, you can explore the beautiful Myrtle Beach SCfari.

3. Lake Murray – Columbia for Fishing

Lake Murray could be your next fishing spot. In the Southeast, this place is highly productive for Stripped bass fishing and Largemouth bass. To reach there from the capital city of South Carolina, Columbia, it will just take half an hour.

Why Fish in Lake Murray?

The lake has 500 miles of shoreline and a wide range of species to go for. Except for Striper and Largemouth, you will also find Bluegill, Crappie, Reader Sunfish, and the famous Catfish.

There is a large number of public access to choose from such as piers, boat ramps, and marines. You are supposed to get the required amenities from most of these facilities, such as parking areas, toilets, picnic spots, etc.

It’s a lot like the artificial reefs in Salt lake water; there are many human-made fish attractors in Lake Murray. And these attractors are governed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Interesting Activities to Do on Lake Murray

In South Carolina, Columbia is the capital and second-largest city. This place is well recognized as the educational hub of the region. The city has a rich historical heritage, and the new modern population living there together creates a perfect combination of old and new.

You will find a lot of fun and family-friendly activities to do. If you have kids, you can take them to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to hear the roar of the lions. You may also visit the Congaree National Park.

4. Charleston in South Carolina for Fishing

Charleston is South Carolinas largest and oldest city. This place has a lot to offer both fishing-wise and culturally. Charleston is well known for its generous and welcoming people.

Why Fish in Charleston?

Here in Charleston, the inshore waters are filled with lots of Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Redfish, and Flounder. All of those can be found from fall to spring. You will find Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, and Tarpon flocking nearer to shore during the warm summer month.

It would be great if you could visit in May and June as you will be able to have the advantage of the famous Cobia frenzy. If you go a little further offshore, you will easily find species like Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack constantly swimming around the artificial reefs. Those reefs were built by the Charleston fishing community to make the place a sustainable fishing hotspot.

Heading 40 miles offshore to the deep blue waters, you will find bi-migratory species such as Wahoo, MahiMahi, Marlin, Blackfin, and Yellowfin Tuna.

Interesting Activities to Do in Charleston

If you are a nature lover then, the Bonne Hall Plantation is a place you must visit. The array of educational content and fairy tale vistas makes this place an ideal spot to visit with family. The famous Fort Sumter where the Civil War started is there. Vesting such a place is a lifetime experience. And if you are not into Lowcountry water, then you might enjoy the kayak tour.

5. Lake Jocassee – Devil’s Fork in South Carolina for Fishing

You may not have heard much about Lake Jocassee; it’s a place worth traveling to. This place is located in the far Northwest of the state. The lake is located about 40-miles away from Greenville, SC.

Why Fish in Lake Jocassee?

Did you know? This lake holds state records for species like Trout, Spotted Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Brown and Rainbow, and others. The most popular one is the largemouth bass, and spring-summer is the best time to fish here. If you love fly fishing, there’s a large number of populations of Rainbow Trout and Brown to go for.

Interesting Activities to Do on Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee has an incredible diversity of wildlife. The Jocassee have the award of “50 of the World’s Last Great Places – Destination of Lifetime” by NAT GEO. You will love the melodious mountain waters flowing through the gorges and into the lake, making it an aesthetic and beautiful place to be at. There are many waterfalls in the area. Biking and hiking through the scenic wildness is such a marvelous experience.

Make Your Fishing Trip More Enjoyable in SC.

Here are some helpful tips for you to make your next fishing trip in South Carolina more enjoyable and memorable:

• Coastal: In South Carolina, you will find a lot of communities where deep-sea anglers can go to the Atlantic Ocean. There are a bunch of marinas there offer day also half-day deep-sea fishing charters. A wide range of fishes such as Flounder, Dolphin Fish, Sharks, Red Drum, and many more.

• Midland Lakes: You must try out catching the candy-striped bass, largemouth bass, pumpkin, catfish, and also some panfish such as bream and crappie in Midland Lakes.

• Upstate Lakes: In the Upstate area, there are several big lakes to venture into. You must visit Lake Wylie, Lake Secession, Lake Greenwood, Lake Jocassee, and Lake Keowee. There you will find crappie, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, and many more.

• Rivers and Ponds: South Carolina is a place full of large and little rivers. You will also find many ponds throughout the state, both public and also personal. You would like to try angling in those places as they contain a lot of basses, catfish, sunfish, crappie, bream, and so many other fishes.

Dos and Don’ts When Fishing SC.

Like every other state in the US, South Carolina also has some fishing rules that you need to follow. And here are they:

• Always respect personal properties. First and foremost, get the owner’s permission if you want to fish there. Try to be respectful to the other anglers there.
• Never leave your trash in any public places, especially in mono-filament lines. Birds or other animals can get a serious injury from those.
• If you see anyone violating the fishing rules, report to the authority immediately.
• If you catch fish that you are not going to eat then, let it go. Use steel split shot instead of lead. It’s the best option for setting.
• Don’t keep trout more than 15 inches. Smaller ones taste a lot better and letting go of the larger ones to the stream will help you catch bigger fish next season. You might want to have an electronic camera or any means to measure the fishes.
• Get the weather update before going fishing. Never fish alone in the section, as flooding can start at any moment.
• You need to be well updated about the launch timetables when fishing in tailwater areas.
• You can utilize belted waders to stop the water from getting your waders. Always keep a first aid kit with yourself.
• Keep your boots clean and dry to avoid the transmission of invasive verities.
• Before start fishing, look at your surroundings to check if there are any hornets’ nests there.
• Keep a person informed about your daily designations.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

Q: What should I keep with myself during the trip?

Ans: If you are fishing while riding on a boat, space is limited there, you know, so keep only mandatory things, including your phone, hat, towel, proper clothing to protect you from the sun, food, beverage, sunscreen, enough water, and keys. As you are going into the water, please be aware your things might get wet. So, it would be wise to keep a waterproof bag with yourself.

Q: If I go fishing with a charter company, will I need a fishing license?

Ans: If you can manage to find a trusted and legal charter company, you won’t require a fishing license in SC as this is supposed to be covered under the charter company license.

Q: Will I be able to hunt besides fishing?

Ans: Yes, you can but, there are few rules you need to keep in mind. During the pandemic situation, a lot of public access points are closed. So, before going there, you might want to check just in case. And if you manage to join, come here for hunting; you got to keep at least six feet of distance from other individuals.

Q: Can I fish at night in South Carolina?

Ans: Fishing at night time in some areas such as Bridge lake and Dorchester Country is restricted except in the shad season.

Q: What is the best time to fish in South Carolina?

Ans: When it comes to fish in South Carolina, Fall is the best time to fish. The cooler water temperature attracts a lot of fish to gorge themselves.

Q: What weather is perfect for fishing?

Ans: Fishing is great on cloudy days. Water temperature remains very tolerable for fish, and it also controls the behavior of fish. Besides, morning cool temperature creates a comfortable environment for fish to feed.

Final Words

Fishing is such a soul-soothing activity. It is one of the best ways you can spend your vacation with your family. And when it comes to fish in the US, South Carolina is a place you must visit. You will find a wide range of fishes in there and also; this state has great facilities for fishing lovers like you. But where is the best fishing in South Carolina?

Well, dear, I can’t mention a single place as SC has many good fishing spots. We have included all of those above. We hope our article has helped you to find what you were looking for.

Wish you the best of luck with your next fishing trip…