Where to Saltwater Fish in SC: 2025 Hotspots Revealed
South Carolina’s 187-mile coastline offers world-class saltwater fishing, blending rich biodiversity with accessible angling opportunities. From tidal creeks to deep-sea waters, these ecosystems support over 200 fish species, including redfish, spotted sea trout, and migratory cobia. With updated 2025 regulations and seasonal patterns in mind, we’ve identified the state’s most productive fishing destinations.
1. Hilton Head Island: Premier Inshore Fishing Hub
GPS Coordinates: 32.2163° N, 80.7526° W
Hilton Head’s 12,000 acres of marshland create ideal habitats for trophy-sized redfish and flounder. The May River’s oyster beds hold 30% larger redfish compared to state averages, according to 2024 SCDNR surveys.
Key Features
- Skull Creek: Spring tides produce 40-50 lb bull redfish (Sept-Nov peak)
- Pinckney Island Preserve: Wade-fishing hotspot for 20″+ speckled trout
- Daufuskie Island Access: 15-minute boat ride to untouched cobia grounds
2025 Regulation Note: New slot limits require immediate release of redfish 23-27 inches. Carry a South Carolina Saltwater Fishing License with shellfish endorsement for crab trap use.
2. Murrells Inlet: The Oceanic Fish Highway
Seasonal Highlights
| Month | Target Species | Avg Size |
|---|---|---|
| April | Black Sea Bass | 14-18″ |
| June | Spanish Mackerel | 24-30″ |
| October | King Mackerel | 35-45 lb |
This estuary’s 8-knot max speed zone protects juvenile fish populations while allowing access to nearshore reefs. Local charter captain Marty Arnaud reports 90% hookup rates on live menhaden from June-August.
Pro Tip: The Garden City Pier extension (completed March 2025) now reaches 1,200 feet into deeper waters, doubling last year’s cobia catch rates.
3. Charleston Jetties: Structure Fishing Redefined
Tactics for Success
- Spring Sheepshead: Use fiddler crabs on 30-lb braid during outgoing tides
- Summer Tarpon: Deploy 12-inch mullet rigs at jetty ends
- Winter Black Drum: Bottom fish with cut blue crab near barnacle clusters
The 2025 SCDNR reef mapping update shows 18 new artificial structures within 3 miles of the jetties. Night fishing permits now available via SCDNR’s online portal.
Conservation Alert: Mandatory circle hooks required for all live bait fishing starting May 1, 2025.
4. Georgetown’s Winyah Bay: Tarpon Capital of the Carolinas
GPS Coordinates: 33.3678° N, 79.2825° W
This 16,000-acre estuary serves as the primary feeding ground for Atlantic tarpon migrating from Florida. The 2025 SCDNR Fish Migration Report shows a 22% increase in juvenile tarpon populations compared to 2024 data.
Key Features
- Black River Confluence: Prime area for 100+ lb tarpon on live mullet rigs (June-August)
- Sampit River Mouth: Night fishing hotspot for 40-50 lb channel bass
- North Inlet: Protected nursery waters holding tripletail and sheepshead
2025 Seasonal Catch Data
| Month | Target Species | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| May | Red Drum | 78% |
| July | Tarpon | 65% |
| October | Flounder | 82% |
Pro Tip: The new Winyah Bay Kayak Trail (opened January 2025) features 12 marked fishing stations with oyster bed maps available through SCDNR’s Coastal Access Guide.
5. Bulls Bay: Shark Fishing Mecca
Regulation Update: All shark anglers must now use 10/0 circle hooks or larger when fishing beyond 3 nautical miles.
This 14-mile stretch contains four submerged shipwrecks that attract:
- Bull sharks (300-500 lb)
- Tiger sharks (800-1,200 lb)
- Spinner sharks (6-8 ft specimens)
Shark Fishing Gear Requirements
| Equipment | Specification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rods | 80-130 lb class | SCDNR Guidelines |
| Leaders | 400+ lb mono | Local charters |
| Bait | Whole bonito/barracuda | SCDNR 2025 study |
Conservation Alert: New mandatory shark length regulations require immediate release of all tigers over 10 ft and bulls over 8 ft.
6. Edisto Beach: Family Fishing Paradise
Best Features for Beginners:
- 1,200-ft fishing pier with ADA-accessible platforms
- Free loaner gear program through state parks
- Weekly kids’ fishing clinics (March-October)
2025 Catch Limits
- Spotted Seatrout: 3 fish/person (15-23” slot)
- Flounder: 5 fish/person (14” minimum)
- Black Drum: 2 fish/person (24” minimum)
Local Insight: The Edisto Marina now offers $25 half-day boat rentals – perfect for exploring the ACE Basin’s 350,000 acres of protected waters.
7. Port Royal Sound: Deepwater Reef Bonanza
New 2025 Reef Additions:
- 8,000 tons of concrete rubble at 32°45’ N, 80°38’ W
- 12 decommissioned Navy vessels sunk in 150-200’ depths
- 45 artificial lobster condos for crustacean habitat
Depth-Specific Catches
| Depth Range | Primary Species | Best Bait |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30’ | Spadefish | Shrimp imitation |
| 30-60’ | Amberjack | Live pinfish |
| 60-90’ | Grouper | Squid rigs |
Regulation Note: All reef fish require descending devices when released below 60 ft.
8. Hunting Island: Surf Fishing Supreme
Tidal Patterns
- Spring Tides: 45° sandbar angles hold pompano
- Neap Tides: 25° cuts attract whiting and bluefish
- Storm Surges: 60° troughs trap red drum schools
Beach Fishing Calendar
- February-March: Black drum run
- April-May: Bluefish blitz
- September: King mackerel migration
Essential Gear: 12-ft surf rods with 6000-series reels spooled with 30-lb braid. Local outfitters recommend the new 2025-model sand spikes with built-on bite alarms.
9. St. Helena Sound: Fly Fishing Frontier
2025 Fly Patterns
| Pattern | Target Species | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| EP Shrimp | Redfish | 92% |
| Clouser Minnow | Speckled Trout | 88% |
| Crab Fly | Black Drum | 85% |
Guided Trip Stats
- $450/day average rate
- 94% client satisfaction (2024 surveys)
- 22 lb average redfish landed
Conservation Partnership: 10% of all guide fees fund oyster bed restoration through the SC Coastal Conservation Association.
10. Folly Beach: Night Fishing Nirvana
Lighted Pier Schedule
- Summer: 8 PM-2 AM (Thursday-Sunday)
- Winter: 6 PM-12 AM (Friday-Saturday)
Top Night Catches
- 35-40” striped bass (October-March)
- 15-20 lb blacktip sharks (June-September)
- 8-12 lb sheepshead (year-round)
Safety Update: New QR code system on all piers links directly to SCDNR’s Emergency Fishing Alert Network.
Conclusion: Sustainable Angling for 2025 and Beyond
South Carolina’s 2025 fishing regulations emphasize conservation while maintaining world-class opportunities. Key takeaways:
- 23% increase in artificial reef structures since 2024
- $2.1 million allocated for hatchery improvements
- New mobile app for real-time catch reporting
All anglers must purchase the 2025 Saltwater Fishing License, with funds directly supporting fishery management. Remember: “Leave only ripples, take only memories” defines responsible Lowcountry angling.
