South Carolina · Grand Strand
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN MURRELLS INLET
Murrells Inlet is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Murrells Inlet
A powerful open-water predator prized for sashimi-grade flesh. Found in blue water near rips and structure.
Yellowfin Tuna are among the most powerful and prized offshore gamefish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped body is designed for sustained high-speed swimming, with a dark metallic blue back, silver-gold sides, and bright yellow finlets and fins that give them their name. Mature yellowfin develop extraordinarily long second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back like sickles. These warm-blooded fish (one of few fish that can maintain elevated body temperature) are found in deep blue water near oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Their sashimi-grade flesh is among the finest seafood in the world.
Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Yellowfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Murrells Inlet
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Murrells Inlet, SC.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Murrells Inlet
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod, 50-80 lb class reel, 65-100 lb braid, 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (at least 15 feet), 7/0-9/0 circle hooks. For chunking: medium-heavy spinning with 40-65 lb braid. Stand-up gear for fish over 100 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Murrells Inlet
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
The Georgetown Lumps
The Georgetown Lumps are a series of underwater bottom features 30-45 miles offshore, consisting of natural ridges and depressions that create fish-holding structure in deep water. Grouper, vermilion snapper, amberjack, and triggerfish stack up on the ledges, while wahoo and king mackerel cruise the water column above. It is one of the most productive deep-bottom fishing areas accessible from Murrells Inlet.
The 90-Foot Wrecks
A cluster of sunken vessels in roughly 90 feet of water offshore of the inlet, these wrecks create massive fish-attracting habitat on an otherwise sandy bottom. Amberjack, barracuda, cobia, and large black sea bass hold on the metal structure, while sharks and king mackerel circle the perimeter. The wrecks are reliable producers on both half-day and full-day charters.
The Gulf Stream Edge
The Gulf Stream's western wall passes roughly 50-60 miles offshore of Murrells Inlet, carrying warm tropical water northward along the continental shelf edge. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and occasional blue marlin are targeted along the temperature break. Full-day and overnight charters make the run to the Stream for the Grand Strand's premier bluewater fishing experience.
The Horseshoe
The Horseshoe is a distinctive horseshoe-shaped bottom contour roughly 40 miles offshore that creates a natural amphitheater of ledges and drop-offs. Scamp grouper, red snapper, tilefish, and vermilion snapper hold along the deepest edges, while amberjack and king mackerel roam the upper water column. It is a well-known waypoint among experienced offshore captains running out of Murrells Inlet and Georgetown.
Other Species in Murrells Inlet
More fish you can target while visiting Murrells Inlet.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Murrells Inlet — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Murrells Inlet is productive during .
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Murrells Inlet are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
No — when you book a charter in Murrells Inlet, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna 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 Yellowfin Tuna 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 Yellowfin Tuna in Murrells Inlet?
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