South Carolina · Grand Strand
POMPANO FISHING
IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
North Myrtle Beach is a solid destination for pompano fishing, with peak season in May and good catches in April, June. Book a charter and target pompano with local experts.
About Pompano Fishing in North Myrtle Beach
One of the most prized eating fish in the Gulf. Found in the surf and along sandy beaches.
Florida Pompano are among the most prized eating fish in the ocean — their rich, buttery flesh commands premium prices in restaurants. These torpedo-shaped fish have a silver body with a yellow-gold belly and fins, a deeply forked tail, and a small, downturned mouth. They travel in schools along sandy beaches, following the surf line to feed on sand fleas (mole crabs), clams, and small crustaceans. Males and females are nearly identical in appearance.
Scientific name: Trachinotus carolinus
Pompano Seasonal Calendar — North Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for pompano in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How to Catch Pompano in North Myrtle Beach
Techniques & Bait
Live sand fleas (mole crabs) are the ultimate pompano bait, fished on a double-drop pompano rig with a pyramid sinker in the surf. Fishfinder rigs with fresh-cut shrimp or Fishbites artificial baits (in shrimp or sand flea scent) are highly effective. From boats, small jigs (1/4-3/8 oz) tipped with shrimp or Fishbites bounced along sandy bottoms produce well. Doc's Goofy Jigs and pompano-specific teardrop jigs in pink, chartreuse, and yellow are favorites.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light surf rod (9-10 ft) or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft) for boat fishing. 3000 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. Size #1-1/0 circle hooks for surf rigs.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in North Myrtle Beach
Top spots where local captains target pompano and other inshore species.
Cherry Grove Creek
Cherry Grove Creek winds through pristine salt marsh behind Cherry Grove Beach, offering sheltered inshore fishing for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The creek's oyster beds and grass banks create prime ambush points on falling tides when baitfish pour out of the marsh. It is a top spot for kayak anglers seeking a quiet, scenic inshore experience.
Hog Inlet
Hog Inlet separates North Myrtle Beach from Waites Island and creates a dynamic tidal channel with strong currents that attract a variety of gamefish. Redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum hold along the sandy bottom and rock edges as bait sweeps through on the tide. The inlet is accessible by boat and is especially productive during the spring and fall mullet runs.
Little River Inlet
Little River Inlet is the northernmost ocean inlet on the South Carolina coast, connecting the ICW and Little River to the Atlantic. Its jetty rocks and channel edges attract flounder, redfish, sheepshead, and black drum, while tarpon and cobia pass through during summer months. The inlet serves as the primary departure point for the large charter fleet based in Little River.
Dunn Sound
Dunn Sound lies behind Waites Island and serves as a quiet, less-pressured inshore fishery between North Myrtle Beach and Little River. Speckled trout, redfish, and flounder hold along its grass edges and oyster bars, particularly during fall when the marshes flush cooling waters into the sound. Its shallow, protected waters make it an ideal wade-fishing and light-tackle destination.
Other Species in North Myrtle Beach
More fish you can target while visiting North Myrtle Beach.
Pompano Fishing in North Myrtle Beach — FAQ
The peak months for Pompano fishing in North Myrtle Beach are May. During these months, Pompano are most active and abundant in the North Myrtle Beach area.
Pompano fishing charters in North Myrtle Beach are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live sand fleas (mole crabs) are the ultimate pompano bait, fished on a double-drop pompano rig with a pyramid sinker in the surf. Fishfinder rigs with fresh-cut shrimp or Fishbites artificial baits (in shrimp or sand flea scent) are highly effective. From boats, small jigs (1/4-3/8 oz) tipped with shrimp or Fishbites bounced along sandy bottoms produce well. Doc's Goofy Jigs and pompano-specific teardrop jigs in pink, chartreuse, and yellow are favorites.
No — when you book a charter in North Myrtle Beach, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Pompano 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 Pompano in North Myrtle Beach, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Cobia, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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