Last Updated on May 20, 2025 by Capt. R.C.

Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters in May

As we work through the Spring Transition, May becomes one of the best months for inshore fishing in South Carolina. The Redfish work in a more cooperative pattern, the Flounder show up, and the Speckled Trout begin to bite. The bite normally turns on in late April, and continues through most of June; but May is probably the best month of the year for catching the inshore slam.

Our Myrtle Beach fishing charters have been successful through hard work and persistence. Some days have been on fire, and some days have tested both guide and angler. Moving around, and checking back on spots later in the day have proven to be successful in generating some action for my clients. If you’ve ever fished with me, you know I don’t stay in an unproductive spot for very long.

I would also like to thank whoever nominated me for The Sun News ‘Best of the Beach’ in the fishing guide category. Thanks so much for this honor! If you happen to be reading this report between June 2 – 20, 2025, please visit the page and give me a vote! Voting is allowed once per day.

May Highlights for Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters

• Topwater Report

• Redfish

• Speckled Trout

• Flounder

 

Topwater Report

Water temperatures quickly spiked in to the 70’s by late April, turning on the topwater bite for Reds and Trout. The topwater action normally ends when the sun comes up, but we are having luck all the way up to 8am. In fact, the bite seems to get better after we get a little more light. The Trout have been the early feeders, with the Redfish turning on after sunrise. If you’ve never caught a saltwater fish on topwater, you must give it a try. It is some of the most exciting action you will ever experience on a Myrtle Beach fishing charter!

 

 

 

Redfish

Many clients are seeking to catch Redfish on their Myrtle Beach fishing charters. I honestly have to consider this May to be sporadically consistent ( I know…that’s one hell of an oxymoron). We have gotten on some active schools of fish, and we have had those days where moving around is necessary. You know those days where you pull up to a spot, catch 2 or 3 fish off the bat, but then it shuts down? We’ve had some of those days; however these trips have still been productive through an active approach to fishing various areas.

The Reds are mostly eating mud minnows floated under a cork or on a Carolina Rig. As previously mentioned, the topwater bite has been productive in the early mornings, shortly after sunrise. We are also having luck catching Reds on Berkeley Gulp artificial lures. Harvest Moon Fishing Charters takes pride in being versatile to accommodate clients of all skill levels.

 

 

 

 

Flounder

Flounder becomes a staple for Myrtle Beach fishing charters in May. As I always say, May is the time for catching the inshore slam of Redfish, Trout, and Flounder. May of 2025 has not been a disappointment. We are catching some nice doormats along with a few smaller fish.

We have not had many trips where we were solely targeting Flounder, but we are catching them under popping corks with mud minnows and pogies. When we are targeting them, in Myrtle Beach, we are slow trolling mud minnows on single-hook trolling rigs. Our clients are also having luck using artificial baits like Saltwater Assassins and Gulps.

Spotted Seatrout in April

As mentioned in previous reports, I was afraid that the cold weather we suffered back in December could have impacted the Myrtle Beach Speckled Trout population. It appears that we may be in the clear, as some very nice fish are being caught. At this point, our resident Trout have had an opportunity to spawn, ensuring a healthy population for the future generations. We are still practicing conservation, keeping just enough for a good meal, and letting the rest swim to be caught another day.

While I was able to stumble upon some live shrimp on one trip, large numbers haven’t shown up in Myrtle Beach…yet. At this time, we’re having luck catching Spotted Seatrout on mud minnows and Saltwater Assassins. There have been some trips where we have caught 15+ Trout in Myrtle Beach!

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