Species
Red Drum (aka Redfish)
Present in South Carolina waters year round, the Redfish is a hard fighting, drag screaming adversary. Redfish can be caught both inshore in the marsh and nearshore on reefs and jetties. Redfish average in size from 18” / 2.5lbs to 27” / 7.5lbs. Big bull redfish can reach the 20lbs plus range.
Average size: from 18” / 2.5lbs to 27” / 7.5lbs.
South Carolina State Record: 75 pounds (1965)
Spotted Seatrout
Present in South Carolina waters year round, Seatrout typically inhabit the inshore marsh estuaries in the warmer months and may move to deeper river channels and main estuaries in the colder months. Seatrout are great for light tackle and are usually found in numbers.
Average size: 14” / 1.5lbs.
South Carolina State Record: 11 pounds, 13 ounces (1976)
Flounder
Present in South Carolina inshore estuaries in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Flounder may move to deeper estuaries and nearshore in the winter months. Flounder are typically ferocious bottom feeders that ambush there prey. Flounder also makes great table fare. Average size 12-14” / 1-2lbs.
Average size: from 12-14” / 1-2lbs.
South Carolina State Record: 17 pounds, 6 ounces (1974)
Sheepshead
Present in South Carolina waters year round, Sheepshead are abundant in inshore estuaries and feed around hard structure during the Spring, Summer, and Fall Months. Sheepshead usually move to nearshore and offshore habitats in the Winter Months. Sheepshead makes great table fare.
Average size: 14” / 3lbs.
South Carolina State Record: 16 pounds, 6 ounces (2008)
Black Drum
Present in South Carolina waters in the early Spring, Summer, and Fall. Black Drum are usually found in the inshore estuaries and nearshore habitats in the warmer months and may move to deeper estuaries and offshore habitats in the cooler months.
Average size: 14” / 2.2lbs.
South Carolina State Record: 89 pounds (1978)
Spanish Mackerel
Seasonal. Present in South Carolina waters in the Spring, Summer, and early Fall Months. Spanish Mackerel are usually found in deeper inshore waters and nearshore and offshore waters. Spanish Mackerel give anglers a ferocious, drag screaming fight on light tackle and are found in numbers.
Average size: 15” / 1.5lbs.
South Carolina State Record: 11 pounds (1983)
Black Seabass
Present in South Carolina waters year round, Black Seabass are found around nearshore and offshore structure and habitats. Black Seabass are an abundant bottom species that eat willingly and offer anglers steady action in good numbers. Black Seabass are good table fare.
Average size: 12” / 1lb.
South Carolina State Record: 8 pounds 3 ounces (1995)
Atlantic Spadefish
Present in South Carolina waters in the Spring, Summer, and early Fall months. Spadefish are found around nearshore and offshore structure and habitats. Usually found in schools, Spadefish can provide anglers with steady action and are good table fare.
Average size: 12-18” / 6lbs.
South Carolina State Record: 14 pounds, 2 ounces (2005)
Cobia
Seasonal. Present in South Carolina waters in the Spring and Summer. The peak time to catch Cobia is April, May, and early June. Cobia are found in deeper inshore areas, and around nearshore and offshore structure and habitats. Cobia season is a season you don’t want to miss. Cobia offers anglers the opportunity to sight fish in open water as well as free lining and bottom fishing. Cobia season offers anglers a big game fish, drag screaming fight and is great table fare.
Average size: 30” / 15lbs.
South Carolina State Record: 92 pounds, 10 ounces (2009)
Tarpon
Seasonal. Present in South Carolina waters in the late Spring through the Summer months. Peak season for Tarpon is July/August/September. Tarpon are another seasonal favorite that you don’t want to miss. Tarpon typically inhabit nearshore waters including bays, sounds, and even inshore rivers and estuaries. Tarpon can be a great Big Game Fish fight for anglers and can present a challenge to all as the scream drag, jump, and fight until the end. Tarpon are catch and release only.
Average size: 60” / 60lbs.
South Carolina State Record: 154 pounds 10 ounces (1987)
