South Carolina · Grand Strand
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN PAWLEYS ISLAND
Pawleys Island is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Pawleys Island
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 — Pawleys Island
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Pawleys Island, SC.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Pawleys Island
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 Pawleys Island
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Georgetown Hole
Georgetown Hole lies roughly 40 miles southeast of Pawleys Island and serves as a deep-water aggregation point for pelagic species along the continental shelf edge. Yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and sailfish concentrate near the temperature breaks and current edges. Full-day charters from Pawleys Island and Georgetown target this feature as the primary bluewater fishing destination.
The Ditch
The Ditch is a deep-water trough approximately 30 miles offshore where the bottom drops into a defined channel between surrounding ledge systems. Grouper, amberjack, red snapper, and large triggerfish hold in the depths, while king mackerel and barracuda patrol above. The pronounced bottom relief makes it one of the more productive deep-drop fishing spots off the Pawleys Island coast.
The Gulf Stream Edge
The Gulf Stream's western boundary passes roughly 50-55 miles offshore of Pawleys Island, bringing warm tropical water and pelagic species within reach of full-day charters. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and billfish are targeted along the temperature break and associated weed lines. The run from Pawleys to the Stream is manageable on calm days, making bluewater fishing a realistic option for visiting anglers.
The Snapper Banks
The Snapper Banks are a collection of hard-bottom ledges and reef structure roughly 25 miles offshore in 80-100 feet of water. As the name suggests, vermilion snapper are the primary target, along with triggerfish, black sea bass, and gag grouper. The banks produce consistent bottom-fishing action and serve as a productive stop for boats making the longer run to the Gulf Stream.
Other Species in Pawleys Island
More fish you can target while visiting Pawleys Island.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Pawleys Island — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Pawleys Island is productive during .
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Pawleys Island 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 Pawleys Island, 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 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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