King Mackerel Trolling off Myrtle Beach: Nearshore Reefs and Wrecks
Why Myrtle Beach Produces Big King Mackerel
South Carolina's artificial reef program has dropped hundreds of structures along the Grand Strand coastline, creating a chain of fish-holding habitat from 3 to 30 miles offshore. King mackerel — called smoker kings when they top 30 pounds — patrol these reefs from spring through late fall, ambushing threadfin herring, menhaden, and blue runners that school around the structure. King mackerel fishing near Myrtle Beach is accessible even on half-day trips, making it one of the most popular offshore targets along the Grand Strand.
Prime Reef Sites
The nearshore reef system off Myrtle Beach includes named sites like Paradise Reef, the Barracuda Alley complex, and the Bill Perry Jr. Reef, all within 15 miles of Little River Inlet. Further south, the PA-16 and PA-25 artificial reef sites off Murrells Inlet hold fish from May through October. These structures attract massive schools of baitfish, which in turn draw kings, Spanish mackerel, cobia, and barracuda.
Spring Run: April Through June
Kings begin arriving on the nearshore reefs as water temperatures cross 68 degrees, typically in mid-April. The first wave consists of smaller fish in the 8- to 15-pound range, but by late May, the bigger females — fish in the 25- to 45-pound class — have settled onto the deeper structure. Slow-trolling live menhaden or threadfin herring on king rigs (a single #8 treble hook with a wire trace) accounts for most of the spring catch.
Fall Migration: September Through November
The fall run is when trophy hunters pay attention. Southbound migrating kings stack up on structure as they move down the coast, and fish over 40 pounds become a realistic target. Water temps in the low to mid-70s seem to trigger the heaviest feeding, and the best days often coincide with the passage of cold fronts that cool surface water a few degrees overnight.
The South Carolina king mackerel state record — 58 pounds, 2 ounces — was caught off the Grand Strand. Every fall, fish in the 40-plus-pound range are weighed at local tournaments.
Live Bait vs. Trolling Lures
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow-troll live menhaden | Big kings (25+ lb) | Irresistible natural presentation | Requires bait-catching time |
| Slow-troll live blue runner | Trophy fish (35+ lb) | Stays lively, works deep | Harder to find & keep alive |
| Troll Drone spoons | Numbers of fish | No bait needed, covers water fast | Attracts more small fish |
| Bump troll dead cigar minnows | Mid-size kings | Simple rigging | Less effective for 30+ lb fish |
Rigging Tips for Live Bait
- Stinger rigs: Use a single #6 or #8 treble hook pinned through the bait's nostril, with a second trailing treble on 6 inches of #5 wire
- Trolling speed: Keep the boat between 1.5 and 3 knots when slow-trolling live bait — just enough to keep the baits swimming naturally
- Downriggers: When fish hold deeper than 30 feet, clip baits to a downrigger ball to get into the strike zone consistently
- Circle hooks: Some anglers have switched to inline circle hooks for cleaner hooksets and easier releases on undersized fish
Pairing with Other Species
A day targeting kings on the nearshore reefs often produces bycatch worth keeping. Cobia cruise the same reef structures from May through August, and spotting a brown shadow trailing your trolled bait is one of the most exciting moments in Grand Strand fishing. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and bonito round out the cooler on most trips.
Regulations to Know
King mackerel fall under the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's regulations. The current recreational limit is 3 fish per person per day with a 24-inch fork length minimum. During the spring and fall tournament season, check SCDNR for any temporary closures or quota updates. Tournament weigh-ins at docks across the Grand Strand are open to spectators and worth attending just to see what the fleet brings in.