Last Updated on November 21, 2023 by Capt. R.C.
Guide to Inshore Fishing Gear for Myrtle Beach, SC
Are you looking for the right gear to start inshore fishing around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? We’ve got the scoop on tackle that won’t let you down, ensuring your inshore fishing is as bountiful as it is exhilarating. Here, you will find the essentials that’ll turn your coastal quest into tales of triumph. So scroll down to learn about what you’ll need for inshore fishing in Myrtle Beach.
St. Croix’s 7′ Triumph is an outstanding light tackle rod that won’t break the bank.
Light Tackle Fishing in Myrtle Beach
For your light tackle fishing adventures in Myrtle Beach, you’ll need a medium-light to medium powered rod that’s between 6 1/2 and 7 feet long, with a fast action tip. This setup gives you the versatility to make good casts and the sensitivity to feel those subtle bites. I like St. Croix’s 7 foot Triumph in Medium Power, over Medium-Light, because I feel like the Medium Power is more forgiving on casts.
Pair your rod with a reel that holds 140-200 yards of line, ensuring it has corrosion-resistant components and a smooth drag system. A 6:1 gear ratio strikes the right balance between retrieval speed and torque. I feel like the rod is more important than the reel, but be sure to find a quality reel that won’t let you down!
Go for a high-quality 15-30lb test braided line, with a 20lb fluorocarbon or monofilament leader. The braid offers superior strength and less stretch, which provides better feel and smaller diameter. The leader material is crucial for stealth, as it’s less visible to the fish, enhancing your chances of a successful catch.
Embrace the freedom of the Myrtle Beach coast with gear that won’t let you down. As you prepare to step up your game, let’s transition into discussing the heavier artillery for those bigger inshore targets. Up next, we’ll tackle the essentials for fishing heavy inshore tackle in Myrtle Beach.
St. Croix’s 8′ Mojo Salt is a versatile heavy tackle rod for targeting inshore big game.
Fishing Heavy Inshore Tackle in Myrtle Beach
Why stop at light tackle when you’re targeting the bigger game that Myrtle Beach’s inshore waters offer? Heavy inshore tackle is your ticket to landing the powerful predators like Bull Redfish, Sharks, and Tarpon lurking around the mouths of inlets. You’ll need gear that can withstand the fight and the strong currents you’ll encounter.
For the reel, opt for a robust 5000 to 6500 series, filled with 30 to 60 lb. braided line. Pair it with a 7 to 8-foot medium/heavy rod for the optimal balance of sensitivity and strength. I feel like the St. Croix Mojo Salt series gives you the backbone you need while allowing you to cast efficiently. While I normally place more importance on the fishing rod, you will want a high quality reel for targeting Tarpon around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
When Myrtle Beach, SC waters are murky during outgoing tides, a DOA Bait Buster or a suspending Mirrolure finger mullet can be irresistible to tarpon. Cast these as far as you can, and work them back with a twitch that mimics wounded prey. Large silver spoons work well for casting distance and seductive vibrations to draw in these large species’ predatorial instincts. To prevent line twists, don’t forget a double barrel swivel—one at the spoon and another at the top of your leader.
Embrace the freedom of the inshore hunt with gear that doesn’t hold you back. Heavy tackle isn’t just an option; it’s your path to the titans of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Speckled trout are best targeted using light tackle in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!
Myrtle Beach, SC Inshore Fishing Tips and Techniques
You can maximize your Myrtle Beach inshore fishing success with the right techniques and local tips. Now that you have the right gear, start by quickly working through potential hotspots. Target high percentage areas such as docks, oyster bars, and grass flats where fish tend to congregate around Myrtle Beach. Use search baits like swimbaits or topwater plugs to cover water efficiently. Once you’ve found a promising area, it’s time to slow down, and put your fishing gear to work! Fan-cast with precision, covering any attractive spots to increase your chances of a catch.
Remember, stealth is your ally. I always thought my great aunt was being mean by telling me to be quiet; but turns out she was right. Keep noise to a minimum—move lightly around the boat, handle fishing gear quietly, and avoid commotion to keep the fish from spooking.
Light jig heads with a Berkley Gulp Shrimp (sugar and spice color works best) are are my go-to search bait when using light tackle inshore fishing gear.
Armed with these techniques and a respectful approach to the water, you’re set to enjoy the Myrtle Beach inshore fishing experience. With patience and practice, you’ll be hooking into the local bounty in no time.
Speckled Trout on topwater may be the most thrilling light tackle fishing in Myrtle Beach, SC!
Fishing Topwater Plugs in Myrtle Beach
Transitioning to topwater plugs, you’ll find that mastering the ‘walk the dog’ technique can significantly amplify your catch rates along the Myrtle Beach coast. This method, embodying a rhythmic side-to-side action, mimics wounded baitfish—a prime target for predatory species like redfish and speckled trout.
Your lure selection makes a difference. Try the Heddon One Knocker Spook in Chrome Pink for trout, particularly in the early hours, or when they’re surfacing for bait. The Top Dog in Gold/Black Back/Orange Belly is your go-to for redfish, especially when there’s a slight chop on the water. The Super Spook in Silver Mullet excels in choppier conditions, while the Super Spook Jr in Chrome Pink is unbeatable for slick waters and discerning fish.
Vary your retrieval speed and cadence. Sometimes a pause will provoke a strike, other times an accelerated pace will do the trick. Pay close attention to the fish’s response; it’s about reading the water and the behavior of your quarry. Stick to proven colors, adapting to the day’s conditions for the best results.
Low light conditions are best for catching Spotted Sea Trout on topwater baits.
Other Artificial Baits for Myrtle Beach
As you expand your tackle box for successful inshore fishing in Myrtle Beach, consider the versatility and effectiveness of other artificial baits to enhance your catch. Here’s a list of proven options that promise to add freedom and flexibility to your fishing adventures:
Paddletail Lures: These soft plastics rigged on jig heads are affordable and deadly on trout and redfish, providing a lifelike swimming action that’s hard for predators to resist.
Weedless Spoons: Their vibration and flash are unmatched for enticing a variety of inshore species, making them an essential in areas with thick vegetation where snags are a concern.
Bucktail Jigs: Don’t overlook the simplicity and effectiveness of these jigs; they mimic a wide range of baitfish and can be used to target nearly any inshore game fish.
Shrimp Imitations: A staple in the inshore angler’s arsenal, shrimp lures like the Vudu and Berkley Gulp Shrimp can fool the wariest of fish, offering a natural presentation that’s often too tempting to pass up.
All of these baits can be worked in a variety of ways. If you feel like the fish should be there, try changing up the rhythm or speed when working the bait. Sometimes the fish are looking for a certain presentation before they are willing to bite.
Sometimes changing baits or colors will trigger the fish to bite!