South Carolina · Grand Strand
FALSE ALBACORE FISHING
IN PAWLEYS ISLAND
Pawleys Island is a solid destination for false albacore fishing. Book a charter and target false albacore with local experts.
About False Albacore Fishing in Pawleys Island
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 — Pawleys Island
Month-by-month availability for false albacore in Pawleys Island, SC.
How to Catch False Albacore in Pawleys Island
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 Pawleys Island
Top spots where local captains target false albacore and other nearshore species.
Pawleys Island Pier
The Pawleys Island Pier extends into the Atlantic and provides shore-based access to nearshore waters known for whiting, pompano, flounder, and bluefish. Spanish mackerel and king mackerel push in close during spring and fall, creating exciting pier-fishing action for anglers of all skill levels. The pier's setting on one of the oldest resort islands on the East Coast adds to its charm.
Midway Inlet Shoals
The sandy shoals extending seaward from Midway Inlet create a nearshore structure that attracts pompano, whiting, flounder, and Spanish mackerel. The shallow water over the shoals concentrates bait, drawing in predators from the adjacent deeper water. Drift fishing with live shrimp or jigs over the shoals is a productive technique from spring through fall.
Pawleys Reef (AR-320)
The AR-320 artificial reef complex sits approximately four miles offshore of Pawleys Island in 40-50 feet of water, built from deployed concrete, reef balls, and steel structures. Black sea bass, sheepshead, spadefish, and triggerfish are the primary targets on the reef, with cobia and king mackerel appearing seasonally. It is an accessible nearshore bottom-fishing spot for small boats running from Pawleys and Georgetown.
The Hard Bottom (Pawleys Ledge)
A stretch of natural live bottom roughly six miles offshore of Pawleys Island, this limestone ledge system supports a thriving community of black sea bass, vermilion snapper, and sheepshead. The hard substrate is covered in sponge and soft coral that attracts baitfish and provides habitat for a diverse range of reef species. It is a reliable nearshore bottom-fishing destination during settled weather.
Other Species in Pawleys Island
More fish you can target while visiting Pawleys Island.
False Albacore Fishing in Pawleys Island — FAQ
False Albacore fishing in Pawleys Island is productive during .
False Albacore fishing charters in Pawleys Island 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 Pawleys Island, 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 Pawleys Island, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Cobia, Pompano. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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