South Carolina · Grand Strand
BLUE MARLIN FISHING
IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
North 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 North 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 — North Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for blue marlin in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How to Catch Blue Marlin in North 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 North Myrtle Beach
Top spots where local captains target blue marlin and other deep sea fishing species.
The 110 Wreck
The 110 Wreck is a sunken vessel lying in approximately 110 feet of water offshore of Little River, providing major fish-attracting structure in otherwise featureless bottom. Amberjack, grouper, barracuda, and large black sea bass hold on the wreck, while king mackerel and cobia circle above the superstructure. It is a staple waypoint for Little River and North Myrtle Beach charter captains.
The Steeples
The Steeples is a prominent deep-water bottom feature approximately 35 miles offshore, named for its sharp, spire-like ledge structure rising from the ocean floor. Vermilion snapper, triggerfish, gag grouper, and amberjack stack up along the vertical relief. The area also produces quality king mackerel and cobia when conditions push warm water over the structure.
The Gulf Stream (Long Bay)
The Gulf Stream's western edge swings closest to shore in the Long Bay region off North Myrtle Beach, sometimes passing within 45-50 miles of land. This proximity creates opportunities for yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and sailfish without the extreme runs required from ports farther north. Trolling the temperature break and weed lines is the primary tactic for targeting bluewater species.
The Jungle
The Jungle is a productive offshore bottom area roughly 30 miles out, named for the dense marine growth covering its hard-bottom ledges and rock piles. Grouper, red snapper, vermilion snapper, and triggerfish thrive in the structure, while amberjack and king mackerel patrol the water column above. Its reputation for holding big bottom fish makes it a go-to for full-day offshore bottom-fishing trips.
Other Species in North Myrtle Beach
More fish you can target while visiting North Myrtle Beach.
Blue Marlin Fishing in North Myrtle Beach — FAQ
Blue Marlin fishing in North Myrtle Beach is productive during .
Blue Marlin fishing charters in North 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 North 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 North Myrtle Beach, you may also catch Redfish, King Mackerel, Sheepshead, Pompano, Cobia. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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