Tarpon Fishing South Carolina 101

Tarpon appear in South Carolina’s coastal waters in late Spring, following warmer water as they migrate northward from their wintering grounds in southern Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. This migration follows various routes along the South Carolina coast, as tarpon will follow warm water and food supply through nearshore waters, estuaries, and tidal creeks. Because they can adapt to different levels of salinity, tarpon will move through both saltwater and brackish waters along their journey.

Tarpon travel long distances, expending significant energy along the way— to build back this energy, they become particularly opportunistic eaters. Tarpon will prey on baitfish, shrimp, and other small marine creatures abundant in coastal waters; this diversity in their diet makes them accessible to anglers using a variety of baits and fishing techniques.

Though they feed actively, tarpon are notoriously difficult to catch — fishing with a skilled guide can greatly enhance your experience and will give you the best chance at a successful trip.

The summer months bring excellent tarpon fishing throughout South Carolina’s coastal waters— any of these hotspots is a great place to start.

Charleston

Charleston is known for its great year-round redfish fishing, but the summer months are particularly exciting. Tarpon move into the inlets and nearshore wrecks around Charleston in great numbers, making for an abundance of fishing opportunities in this historic city. Book with top Charleston fishing guides here.

Hilton Head Island

Just a two hour drive south from Charleston lies Hilton Head Island. Known for its beautiful golf courses and pristine beaches, Hilton Head Island also offers access to productive tarpon fishing. Hilton Head Island is situated near the mouth of Port Royal Sound, which serves as a natural corridor for migrating tarpon— for the best Hilton Head Island fishing experience, check out our skilled guides.

Beaufort

Located between Charleston and Hilton Head Island is Beaufort. Beaufort is a scenic, historic city that also offers access to the Port Royal Sound. Its surrounding waters support a rich diversity of marine life, including baitfish and crustaceans that tarpon feed on, making Beaufort an attractive area for tarpon to migrate through. You can book with top Beaufort fishing guides here.

Edisto Island

Anglers looking for a slower-paced, relaxed atmosphere should make a point of visiting Edisto Island. From May to October, tarpon congregate in the North and South forks of the Edisto River. To explore this laid-back beach community and its beautiful surrounding waters, book with the premier Edisto Island fishing guides.

Georgetown

An hour’s drive north of Charleston is Georgetown, a small coastal town that boasts excellent fishing opportunities. Starting in late summer, large schools of tarpon move into nearby Winyah Bay, staying through the Fall and feeding aggressively while there. Click here to experience this tarpon migration hotspot with a professional guide.

Choosing the right bait

Most anglers choose to target tarpon using live bait. Choosing which bait to use depends on a number of factors, including location, time of year, and baitfish presence. Local South Carolina fishing guides will have the best knowledge of which bait will be most effective.

• Mullet and Menhaden: Rich in nutrients and oils, mullet are often plentiful in the nearshore waters where tarpon feed. These baitfish are widely available, especially during the fall mullet run. You will also find protein-packed menhaden, locally known as “pogies” (or “bunker” in more northern states) throughout the summer and fall.
• Pinfish: Pinfish often swim in large schools near structures like docks and jetties, making them a convenient target for tarpon.
• Blue crabs: Tarpon have wide mouths designed to consume a variety of prey, including hard-shelled creatures like blue crabs.
• Shrimp: Shrimp are a good option when targeting smaller juvenile tarpon, as they are less likely to feed on larger baitfish.

Where to fish for tarpon

Because tarpon are such adaptable fish, they may be found in a variety of habitats, depending on the presence of baitfish and other food sources. Local guides will have the best information on where you’ll have the most success.

• Shallow flats: Tarpon are known to frequent shallow flats, especially in areas with seagrass beds or sandy bottoms. These flats provide ample opportunities for feeding on small fish and crustaceans.
• Inlets & passes: Water flow is strong in inlets and passes— tarpon will gather nearby to wait for prey carried in by currents.
• Deep channels: Deeper channels serve as important migration routes for tarpon, allowing them to transition from coastal areas to rivers and offshore waters.

When to fish for tarpon

Early mornings and evenings can be particularly productive times for tarpon fishing. Tarpon are often more active during these times and will feed closer to the surface, especially in shallower areas like flats and nearshore structures.

Tarpon also tend to be more active during tide changes, when currents bring in baitfish and other food sources. Fishing around the incoming or outgoing tide can increase your chances of finding feeding tarpon.

Late Spring (May-June)

Late Spring marks the beginning of tarpon migration along the Atlantic coast. Tarpon will begin to appear in South Carolina’s coastal waters, and fishing begins to heat up.

Summer (July-August)

Summer is generally considered peak tarpon fishing season in South Carolina. The warmer waters and increased baitfish activity during these months make it a particularly productive time for tarpon fishing.

Early Fall (September-October)

Early fall can still provide good tarpon fishing opportunities in South Carolina. As water temperatures gradually begin to cool, tarpon start their southward migration. Depending on water temperatures, they may still be actively feeding during this time before moving to warmer waters for the winter.

Tarpon fishing rods and reels

When targeting tarpon, you'll want to use a durable rod and reel combination suited for the size and strength of these large fish. A 7-8 foot rod with a medium-heavy to heavy action is a good choice for tarpon fishing, and your reel should have a strong drag system designed to handle a tarpon’s powerful runs.

Tarpon fishing lines

Using a heavy braided or monofilament line on your spinning gear is recommended for tarpon fishing. Each option has its benefits— braided line has a thinner diameter, allowing you to hold more of it on your reel, while monofilament lines are easier to handle and have more stretch.

Tarpon fishing hooks, baits, and plugs

You'll want to use a circle hook when fishing for tarpon, which allows for catch-and-release fishing and minimizes harm to the fish. Live bait, including crabs, shrimp, and mullet are great options for tarpon fishing, and topwater plugs can also be quite effective. These artificial lures create disturbance in the water and work particularly well when tarpon are feeding on bait near the surface.

Tarpon fishing clothing

South Carolina summers can be hot and humid— stick to lightweight, breathable clothing that provides good coverage and UV protection, even on overcast days. A pair of polarized sunglasses is essential, not only to protect your eyes from the sun, but also to help you spot rolling tarpon. A hat and neck gaiter are also a good idea for sun protection. Shoes that have good traction are a good choice, as boat decks can get slippery. Be sure to connect with your guide before your trip to ask about any other gear that might be useful to have.

Licensing

If you plan to fish solo or without a licensed guide, be sure to purchase a fishing license online. Anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid South Carolina fishing license, whether you choose to fish from shore, a kayak, or on a boat. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website allows you to purchase a license quickly and easily.

Size limit & daily bag limit

The size limit for tarpon is 77 inches (measured from the tip of the snout to the middle of the fork in the tail). The daily bag limit for tarpon is one per person per day.

Though anglers are able to keep one tarpon per day, catch-and-release fishing is encouraged in order to protect South Carolina’s migratory tarpon population. Keep in mind that tarpon expend significant energy performing long runs and acrobatic jumps— be sure to get water back into their gills before letting them go.

Targeting tarpon in South Carolina is a thrilling experience for anglers of all ages and abilities. If you are new to tarpon fishing and want to learn from a professional, start your journey with AnyCreek. AnyCreek guides build a lifetime of knowledge of their local fisheries— this knowledge can go a long way toward making your next South Carolina tarpon trip a memorable one.