South Carolina · Grand Strand
FALSE ALBACORE FISHING
IN MURRELLS INLET
Murrells Inlet is a solid destination for false albacore fishing. Book a charter and target false albacore with local experts.
About False Albacore Fishing in Murrells Inlet
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 — Murrells Inlet
Month-by-month availability for false albacore in Murrells Inlet, SC.
How to Catch False Albacore in Murrells Inlet
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 Murrells Inlet
Top spots where local captains target false albacore 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.
False Albacore Fishing in Murrells Inlet — FAQ
False Albacore fishing in Murrells Inlet is productive during .
False Albacore 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 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 Murrells Inlet, 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 Murrells Inlet, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Flounder, Pompano. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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