South Carolina · Grand Strand
KING MACKEREL FISHING
IN MYRTLE BEACH
Myrtle Beach is an excellent destination for king mackerel fishing, with peak season in May, October and good catches in April, June, September. Book a charter and target king mackerel with local experts.
About King Mackerel Fishing in Myrtle Beach
Also called Kingfish. A fast, hard-fighting fish found near reefs and wrecks. Popular for smoking.
King Mackerel — called "Kingfish" or "Kings" — are fast, hard-fighting predators found from the Gulf to the mid-Atlantic. These streamlined fish are built for speed, with a silver body, iridescent blue-green back, and a deeply forked tail. The lateral line dips sharply downward below the second dorsal fin, distinguishing kings from similar species. They are voracious feeders that attack bait at incredible speed, making hookups explosive.
Scientific name: Scomberomorus cavalla
King Mackerel Seasonal Calendar — Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for king mackerel in Myrtle Beach, SC.
How to Catch King Mackerel in Myrtle Beach
Techniques & Bait
Slow-trolling live bait is the classic technique — rigging large live blue runners, goggle-eyes, or threadfin herring on stinger rigs (a lead hook through the nose and a trailing treble near the tail) and slow-trolling near reef edges, wrecks, and temperature breaks. Dead bait (cigar minnows, ribbonfish) rigged on king mackerel "stinger" rigs trolled with a duster or sea witch produce well. Casting live bait to visible surface-feeding schools is exciting. Fast-trolling with spoons (Drone, Clark) and planers covers water efficiently.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy spinning or conventional rod (7 ft), 5000+ reel, 20-30 lb braid, long wire leader (single-strand #5-#7 or multi-strand wire — kings have razor teeth that cut fluorocarbon).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Myrtle Beach
Top spots where local captains target king mackerel 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.
King Mackerel Fishing in Myrtle Beach — FAQ
The peak months for King Mackerel fishing in Myrtle Beach are May, October. During these months, King Mackerel are most active and abundant in the Myrtle Beach area.
King Mackerel 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.
Slow-trolling live bait is the classic technique — rigging large live blue runners, goggle-eyes, or threadfin herring on stinger rigs (a lead hook through the nose and a trailing treble near the tail) and slow-trolling near reef edges, wrecks, and temperature breaks. Dead bait (cigar minnows, ribbonfish) rigged on king mackerel "stinger" rigs trolled with a duster or sea witch produce well. Casting live bait to visible surface-feeding schools is exciting. Fast-trolling with spoons (Drone, Clark) and planers covers water efficiently.
No — when you book a charter in Myrtle Beach, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
King Mackerel 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 King Mackerel in Myrtle Beach, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, Pompano, Cobia, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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