South Carolina · Grand Strand
FALSE ALBACORE FISHING
IN GEORGETOWN
Georgetown is a solid destination for false albacore fishing. Book a charter and target false albacore with local experts.
About False Albacore Fishing in Georgetown
False albacore — also called little tunny or fat alberts — are the premier light-tackle gamefish of the fall run from North Carolina to Massachusetts. Their incredible speed, long runs, and surface-feeding blitzes make them a fly fishing and light-tackle favorite.
False Albacore — also called Little Tunny or "Fat Alberts" — are the premier light-tackle gamefish of the fall run from North Carolina to Massachusetts. These small tuna relatives are incredibly fast, making screaming runs that peel hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They feed on the surface in visible "blitzes," crashing through schools of baitfish (bay anchovies, silversides) with explosive surface feeds. While not considered great table fare (dark, bloody flesh), false albacore are prized by fly fishers and light-tackle enthusiasts as one of the most exciting fish to catch on artificial lures.
Scientific name: Euthynnus alletteratus
False Albacore Seasonal Calendar — Georgetown
Month-by-month availability for false albacore in Georgetown, SC.
How to Catch False Albacore in Georgetown
Techniques & Bait
Casting Deadly Dick metal lures, Hogy epoxy jig sticks, and small Kastmasters into surface-feeding blitzes is the go-to technique. Small soft plastic jigs (white or silver Albie Snax) on 1/4-1/2 oz jig heads retrieved at high speed just below the surface are deadly. Fly fishing with small (size 1-2) Surf Candy, Clouser Minnow, and Albie Whip patterns on intermediate lines is considered the ultimate fall fly fishing experience. The key is matching the small baitfish (2-3 inch bay anchovies) — oversized lures and flies are rejected.
Recommended Tackle
Light to medium spinning rod (7 ft), 3000-4000 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fly: 8-9 weight rod, large arbor reel with 200+ yards of backing, intermediate or clear-tip line. Light tackle maximizes the fight.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Georgetown
Top spots where local captains target false albacore and other nearshore species.
Georgetown Jetties
The rock jetties flanking the entrance to Winyah Bay create a major nearshore fishing destination where ocean currents meet the bay's tidal outflow. Sheepshead, black drum, flounder, and mangrove snapper live among the submerged rocks, while Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and tarpon cruise the adjacent waters. The jetties are one of the most productive nearshore structure-fishing spots on the South Carolina coast.
Georgetown Reef (AR-340)
The AR-340 artificial reef site lies roughly four miles offshore of Georgetown in approximately 40 feet of water. Deployed concrete rubble, reef balls, and steel structures attract black sea bass, sheepshead, spadefish, and flounder throughout the year. Its proximity to the inlet makes it one of the most accessible nearshore reef sites for Georgetown-based boats.
The Mud Banks
The Mud Banks extend off the coast just outside Winyah Bay, creating a shallow nearshore area where the bay's nutrient-rich outflow attracts schools of baitfish. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, king mackerel, and cobia patrol the edges of the discolored water where it meets the clearer ocean. Trolling and live-bait fishing along the color change produces consistent action from spring through fall.
North Inlet
North Inlet is a small, pristine tidal inlet northeast of Georgetown that connects Baruch Marine Lab's research reserve to the Atlantic. Flounder, sheepshead, redfish, and black drum hold around the inlet's rock structure and sand bars. The area's protected status as a research reserve ensures minimal fishing pressure and a healthy, thriving fish population.
Other Species in Georgetown
More fish you can target while visiting Georgetown.
False Albacore Fishing in Georgetown — FAQ
False Albacore fishing in Georgetown is productive during .
False Albacore fishing charters in Georgetown are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Casting Deadly Dick metal lures, Hogy epoxy jig sticks, and small Kastmasters into surface-feeding blitzes is the go-to technique. Small soft plastic jigs (white or silver Albie Snax) on 1/4-1/2 oz jig heads retrieved at high speed just below the surface are deadly. Fly fishing with small (size 1-2) Surf Candy, Clouser Minnow, and Albie Whip patterns on intermediate lines is considered the ultimate fall fly fishing experience. The key is matching the small baitfish (2-3 inch bay anchovies) — oversized lures and flies are rejected.
No — when you book a charter in Georgetown, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
False Albacore regulations in South Carolina include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting False Albacore in Georgetown, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Cobia, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch False Albacore in Georgetown?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your false albacore fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes