South Carolina · Grand Strand
BLUE MARLIN FISHING
IN MYRTLE BEACH
Myrtle Beach is a solid destination for blue marlin fishing. Book a charter and target blue marlin with local experts.
About Blue Marlin Fishing in Myrtle Beach
The ultimate big game fish. Spectacular fighters that can exceed 1,000 pounds.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate big game fish — the apex predator of the open ocean. These magnificent billfish can exceed 1,000 lbs and are found in warm, blue water worldwide. Their cobalt-blue back, silver-white belly, and prominent bill (upper jaw extension used for slashing through bait schools) make them unmistakable. When hooked, blue marlin are spectacularly acrobatic — greyhounding across the surface and launching themselves fully airborne, sometimes multiple times. Catching a blue marlin on rod and reel is considered one of fishing's ultimate achievements.
Scientific name: Makaira nigricans
Blue Marlin Seasonal Calendar — Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for blue marlin in Myrtle Beach, SC.
How to Catch Blue Marlin in Myrtle Beach
Techniques & Bait
Trolling large skirted lures (Moldcraft, Black Bart, Marlin Magic) in a spread behind the boat at 8-10 knots is the standard technique. Live bait trolling with large skipjack tuna, bonito, or blue runners under a bridge-mounted bait and switch setup targets the largest fish. Dredges (underwater teasers with hookless bait) are used to attract marlin to the spread. Pitch baiting — pulling a teaser close to the boat to draw in a marlin, then pitching a live bait — is the most exciting technique for experienced crews.
Recommended Tackle
80-130 lb class conventional trolling gear, roller guides, 80-130 lb monofilament, heavy cable leaders, size 10/0-12/0 hooks. Stand-up gear for experienced anglers. Fighting chair for fish over 500 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Myrtle Beach
Top spots where local captains target blue marlin and other deep sea fishing species.
Georgetown Hole
Georgetown Hole is a deep-water depression in the outer continental shelf southeast of Myrtle Beach where the bottom drops well beyond typical shelf depth. Yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and billfish congregate along the temperature breaks and current edges near this feature. It is one of the most reliable bluewater waypoints for offshore charter boats running from Grand Strand ports.
The Point (Hurl Rock Ledge)
The Point, also known as Hurl Rock Ledge, is a prominent bottom feature roughly 40 miles offshore where a natural ledge system rises from deeper water. Grouper, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and amberjack hold tight to the structure, while pelagics like wahoo and king mackerel patrol the surrounding water column. It is a proven multi-species destination for full-day and overnight charters.
The Monster Hole
The Monster Hole is a well-known bottom feature approximately 50 miles offshore of Myrtle Beach that attracts large concentrations of deepwater species. Big red snapper, scamp grouper, warsaw grouper, and tilefish are pulled from this area, along with occasional wahoo and blackfin tuna. The name refers to the oversized bottom fish that consistently come from this deep-water structure.
The Gulf Stream Edge
The western wall of the Gulf Stream passes roughly 50-70 miles offshore of Myrtle Beach, creating a temperature break that concentrates pelagic species. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and blue marlin are targeted along the current edge and rip lines where warm and cool water collide. Trolling the Gulf Stream edge is the premier bluewater experience available from Grand Strand ports.
Other Species in Myrtle Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Myrtle Beach.
Blue Marlin Fishing in Myrtle Beach — FAQ
Blue Marlin fishing in Myrtle Beach is productive during .
Blue Marlin fishing charters in Myrtle Beach are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Trolling large skirted lures (Moldcraft, Black Bart, Marlin Magic) in a spread behind the boat at 8-10 knots is the standard technique. Live bait trolling with large skipjack tuna, bonito, or blue runners under a bridge-mounted bait and switch setup targets the largest fish. Dredges (underwater teasers with hookless bait) are used to attract marlin to the spread. Pitch baiting — pulling a teaser close to the boat to draw in a marlin, then pitching a live bait — is the most exciting technique for experienced crews.
No — when you book a charter in Myrtle Beach, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Blue Marlin 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 Blue Marlin in Myrtle Beach, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Pompano, Cobia. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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