South Carolina · Grand Strand
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN MYRTLE BEACH
Myrtle Beach is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Myrtle Beach
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 — Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Myrtle Beach, SC.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Myrtle Beach
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 Myrtle Beach
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna 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.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Myrtle Beach — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Myrtle Beach is productive during .
Yellowfin Tuna 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.
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 Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Pompano, Cobia. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Myrtle Beach?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your yellowfin tuna fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes