South Carolina · Grand Strand
FALSE ALBACORE FISHING
IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
North 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 North 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 — North Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for false albacore in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How to Catch False Albacore in North 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 North Myrtle Beach
Top spots where local captains target false albacore and other nearshore species.
Cherry Grove Pier
Cherry Grove Pier extends 985 feet into the Atlantic and is one of the most iconic fishing piers on the Grand Strand. King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, flounder, whiting, and pompano are caught regularly, with massive king mackerel runs drawing tournament anglers each fall. The pier's proximity to Cherry Grove Inlet brings in extra current and baitfish activity.
Little River Offshore Artificial Reef
The Little River Artificial Reef is a complex of deployed structures roughly five miles offshore in 40-60 feet of water. Black sea bass, sheepshead, spadefish, flounder, and triggerfish congregate on the concrete and steel reef material year-round. It is an excellent nearshore bottom-fishing destination accessible on a short boat ride from the Little River fleet.
Apache Shoal
Apache Shoal is a natural sand and shell-bottom feature a few miles off North Myrtle Beach that attracts schools of whiting, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish. The shallow shoal concentrates bait over the sandy rises, creating a feeding zone that predators patrol during spring and fall. It is a productive drift-fishing spot for light-tackle anglers.
Yaupon Reef
Yaupon Reef is a patch of natural hard bottom and rock outcroppings roughly eight miles off the North Myrtle Beach coast. Black sea bass, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and sheepshead hold tight to the reef structure, while king mackerel and cobia cruise overhead in warmer months. Its moderate depth makes it accessible to smaller boats on calm days.
Other Species in North Myrtle Beach
More fish you can target while visiting North Myrtle Beach.
False Albacore Fishing in North Myrtle Beach — FAQ
False Albacore fishing in North Myrtle Beach is productive during .
False Albacore fishing charters in North 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 North 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 North 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 False Albacore in North Myrtle Beach?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your false albacore fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes