Last Updated on May 16, 2024 by Capt. R.C.
Most people don’t even know that tarpon can be caught in South Carolina, but popularity is growing! South Carolina is becoming a Summer destination for tarpon fishing enthusiasts!
South Carolina Tarpon Fishing
The Palmetto State offers some fantastic conditions for these highly sought-after fish. Tarpon are migratory fish, meaning they travel in search of food or suitable spawning grounds. This journey begins, every year, in Key West, Florida, and these fish eventually make their way to the South Carolina coast.
South Carolina tarpon fishing can be both productive and challenging. These fish travel a long way to get here, and they are targeted by fishermen the whole way. By the time they make it to our waters, they are fairly educated fish. This is what makes catching a South Carolina tarpon so special…they are the ultimate test for any angler!
Where To Look For Tarpon in South Carolina
In South Carolina, tarpon migrate to the warmer waters of Calibogue Sound, Charleston Harbor, Fripp Inlet, Edisto Beach, and Winyah Bay.
Winyah Bay is a popular destination for tarpon fishing, as it welcomes tarpon to the area with abundant marine life and warm, shallow waters. Many South Carolina anglers consider Winyah Bay to be the best location for tarpon in the state. Anglers from all over the state will travel there in hopes of catching the fish of a lifetime!
To catch a tarpon in Winyah Bay, you will need to have the right equipment and be familiar with the local conditions to ensure your safety while out on the water. If you are not familiar with the area, hiring a local guide would be the best way to increase your odds of a successful day. Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner looking to try something new, Winyah Bay provides the perfect setting for a great day of tarpon fishing!
Patience and perseverance go a long way with tarpon fishing.
South Carolina Tarpon Fishing Techniques & Tips
There are many different techniques that can be used when fishing for tarpon, including live bait fishing, casting artificial baits, and fly fishing. Many times you can incorporate multiple techniques to cover more water. Regardless of which method you choose, it is important to use the right equipment and stay safe while out on the water.
Drifting live bait is one of the most popular methods for targeting tarpon in South Carolina. You want to start your drift up current from where tarpon are present, so that you will eventually drift your baits through these feeding fish. The baits can be drifted with our without a cork to manage their depth. Drifting with the current gives your baits the most natural presentation, which is important for triggering a strike.
Casting artificial baits is another method for targeting tarpon in South Carolina, and it can be just as effective as live bait. When you’re casting artificials, you are covering a lot of water, and you can cover various depth ranges with your retrieve. You can implement this method along with live bait fishing to increase your chances for a hook up. One thing to consider about casting artificials is that you have to be persistent. Every cast is a chance to catch the silver king!
Fly fishing can be utilized with tarpon fishing, but finding the right conditions can be challenging in South Carolina. Our waters are not quite as clear as those in Southern Florida, but you can still target tarpon here on the fly. Most of the time, fly fishing anglers are casting toward rolling fish in hopes of landing the presentation just right.
Some tips on how to make your tarpon fishing experience even better include:
- Using the right equipment
- Medium-heavy rod
- 6000 class spinning reel
- 200 yards of line on the spool
- Being familiar with the local conditions and tides
- Currents and Rips
- Structure
- Ocean Fishing
- Using live bait or lures that mimic the tarpon’s natural food sources
- Menhaden
- Mullet
- DOA Bait Busters
- Practicing proper catch and release techniques to ensure the sustainability of the tarpon population
- Use the right gear to land the fish quickly
- Keep larger fish in the water
- Revive on release as needed
With the right preparation, tarpon fishing can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for anglers of all levels. So get out there and give it a try!
Go With A Pro
If you’re looking to catch a tarpon, hiring a local guide is a great way to increase your chances. Guides are familiar with the local waters and can help you find the best spots for fishing. They also know how to properly rig your tackle and bait to maximize your chances of hooking a tarpon. Plus, they can provide helpful tips and techniques for landing these fish. Overall, hiring a guide is a great way to improve your tarpon fishing experience.
Make sure you hire a guide that is local to the body of water you will be fishing in South Carolina. Winyah Bay has become a destination for out-of-town fishing guides, but they do not have knowledge of the area like a true local. If you’re going to book a tarpon fishing charter in Winyah Bay, you might as well hire a guide that lives there.
Harvest Moon Fishing Charters knows the best spots to find tarpon, and they’ll give you the skills and knowledge you need to land one. Plan your trip between June and October if you’re looking for your best chance to catch a tarpon. Our experienced captain will put you in the right spot and provide all the necessary gear, so you can focus on reeling in one of these impressive fish. For plenty of time to hunt for tarpon, go with a full-day charter for your best chance at landing a tarpon.