South Carolina · Grand Strand
FALSE ALBACORE FISHING
IN MYRTLE BEACH
Myrtle Beach is a solid destination for false albacore fishing. Book a charter and target false albacore with local experts.
About False Albacore Fishing in Myrtle Beach
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 — Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for false albacore in Myrtle Beach, SC.
How to Catch False Albacore in Myrtle Beach
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 Myrtle Beach
Top spots where local captains target false albacore and other nearshore species.
Myrtle Beach State Park Pier
Myrtle Beach State Park Pier extends into the Atlantic and sits over productive nearshore bottom that attracts a wide variety of species. King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, whiting, pompano, and flounder are regularly caught from the pier throughout the year. The pier's proximity to a natural rock outcropping enhances the fishing well beyond what typical piers produce.
Apache Pier
Apache Pier stretches over 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the longest wooden piers on the East Coast. King mackerel, cobia, Spanish mackerel, and pompano are regularly caught from the end during spring and fall migrations. The pier hosts major king mackerel tournaments and is a landmark destination for pier anglers visiting the Grand Strand.
Paradise Reef (AR-330)
Paradise Reef is a well-established artificial reef site located roughly three miles offshore of Myrtle Beach in about 50 feet of water. The deployed concrete and steel structure holds black sea bass, sheepshead, spadefish, and flounder, with occasional visits from cobia and king mackerel. Its relatively shallow depth and proximity to shore make it ideal for half-day nearshore bottom-fishing trips.
Ten Mile Reef
Ten Mile Reef is a stretch of natural hard bottom and limestone ledges roughly ten miles offshore of Myrtle Beach. The reef attracts black sea bass, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and sheepshead year-round, with king mackerel and cobia cruising overhead during warmer months. The natural ledges create prime ambush habitat that consistently produces quality bottom fish.
Other Species in Myrtle Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Myrtle Beach.
False Albacore Fishing in Myrtle Beach — FAQ
False Albacore fishing in Myrtle Beach is productive during .
False Albacore fishing charters in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach, 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 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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