South Carolina · Grand Strand
BLUEFISH FISHING
IN MURRELLS INLET
Murrells Inlet is a solid destination for bluefish fishing, with good fishing in April, October, November. Book a charter and target bluefish with local experts.
About Bluefish Fishing in Murrells Inlet
Bluefish are aggressive, hard-fighting predators found along the entire Atlantic coast. Known for their razor-sharp teeth and voracious feeding frenzies, blues are exciting to catch on both bait and lures and make excellent table fare when bled immediately.
Bluefish are the most aggressive predator fish in the Atlantic — known for their ferocious feeding frenzies ("bluefish blitzes") where schools of hundreds of fish attack baitfish at the surface, chopping through schools like a chainsaw. Their blue-green back, silver sides, and razor-sharp teeth make them unmistakable. Bluefish are hard fighters on light tackle, with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. They are found from Florida to New England, migrating along the coast in spring and fall. Caution: their teeth can cause serious injury — use a de-hooking tool.
Scientific name: Pomatomus saltatrix
Bluefish Seasonal Calendar — Murrells Inlet
Month-by-month availability for bluefish in Murrells Inlet, SC.
How to Catch Bluefish in Murrells Inlet
Techniques & Bait
Casting metal spoons (Kastmaster, Hopkins), topwater poppers, and bucktails into surface-feeding blitz is the most exciting technique. Trolling Clark spoons behind inline sinkers and planers covers water during migrations. Cut bait (bunker, mullet) on bottom rigs or fishfinder rigs is effective for larger fish. Live bait (bunker, spot) catches trophy-size blues. For surf fishing, cast metals and bucktails into breaking fish along the beach. Fly fishing with Clouser Minnows during blitzes is spectacular.
Recommended Tackle
Medium spinning rod (7 ft), 4000 reel, 15-20 lb braid, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon or wire leader (bluefish teeth cut fluorocarbon regularly — 40 lb+ or short wire bite leader recommended).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Murrells Inlet
Top spots where local captains target bluefish and other nearshore species.
Murrells Inlet Jetties
The rock jetties guarding the mouth of Murrells Inlet are a nearshore fishing hotspot, attracting sheepshead, black drum, flounder, and mangrove snapper to their submerged boulders. Spanish mackerel and king mackerel patrol the outside edges during warmer months. Fishing the jetties on an outgoing tide is one of the most reliable nearshore techniques available from this port.
Murrells Inlet Artificial Reef (AR-315)
The AR-315 artificial reef complex sits a few miles offshore of Murrells Inlet in roughly 45 feet of water, built from concrete rubble, reef balls, and decommissioned vessels. Black sea bass, sheepshead, spadefish, and triggerfish populate the structure year-round, with cobia and king mackerel appearing in summer. It is one of the most visited nearshore reef sites along the Grand Strand.
Surfside Beach Pier
Surfside Beach Pier provides land-based access to nearshore Atlantic waters just north of Murrells Inlet. Whiting, pompano, flounder, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are caught along the pier throughout the season. King mackerel runs in fall bring tournament-level excitement, with fish often hooked within sight of the beach.
The Grouper Grounds
A stretch of natural live-bottom reef approximately eight miles offshore of Murrells Inlet, this area features limestone ledges and hard bottom covered in sponge and coral. Black sea bass, gag grouper, vermilion snapper, and sheepshead hold tight to the structure. The reef attracts a devoted following of local bottom-fishing enthusiasts who guard their GPS waypoints closely.
Other Species in Murrells Inlet
More fish you can target while visiting Murrells Inlet.
Bluefish Fishing in Murrells Inlet — FAQ
Bluefish fishing in Murrells Inlet is productive during April, October, November.
Bluefish fishing charters in Murrells Inlet are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Casting metal spoons (Kastmaster, Hopkins), topwater poppers, and bucktails into surface-feeding blitz is the most exciting technique. Trolling Clark spoons behind inline sinkers and planers covers water during migrations. Cut bait (bunker, mullet) on bottom rigs or fishfinder rigs is effective for larger fish. Live bait (bunker, spot) catches trophy-size blues. For surf fishing, cast metals and bucktails into breaking fish along the beach. Fly fishing with Clouser Minnows during blitzes is spectacular.
No — when you book a charter in Murrells Inlet, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Bluefish 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 Bluefish in Murrells Inlet, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Flounder, Cobia. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Bluefish in Murrells Inlet?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your bluefish fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes