South Carolina · Grand Strand
KING MACKEREL FISHING
IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
North 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 North 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 — North Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for king mackerel in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How to Catch King Mackerel in North 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 North Myrtle Beach
Top spots where local captains target king mackerel 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.
King Mackerel Fishing in North Myrtle Beach — FAQ
The peak months for King Mackerel fishing in North Myrtle Beach are May, October. During these months, King Mackerel are most active and abundant in the North Myrtle Beach area.
King Mackerel 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.
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 North 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 North Myrtle Beach, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, Cobia, Pompano, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch King Mackerel in North Myrtle Beach?
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