South Carolina · Grand Strand
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
North 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 North 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 — North Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in North 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 North Myrtle Beach
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna 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.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in North Myrtle Beach — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in North Myrtle Beach is productive during .
Yellowfin Tuna 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.
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 North 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 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 Yellowfin Tuna in North Myrtle Beach?
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