Pawleys Island Fishing Charters
Pawleys Island fishing charters put anglers onto tidal creeks, estuaries, and nearshore waters for redfish, trout, flounder, and king mackerel.
Top Rated Charters in Pawleys Island
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Pawleys Island, SC Fishing Guide
Fishing out of Pawleys Island means working a fishery built on tidal creeks, salt marshes, the Waccamaw River, and quick runs to the nearshore Atlantic. Most charters here stick to half-day and three-quarter day trips, though full-day runs offshore are common when targeting king mackerel, mahi, or bottom fish on reefs. The inshore grounds are protected and productive year-round, making them a reliable choice for anglers who prefer steady action close to the docks. Flats and oyster-studded shorelines dominate the backwaters, while the tidal swings move bait through creeks and channels that redfish, trout, and flounder stack into.
Common launch points include the Pawleys Island Creek access, Hagley Boat Landing on the Waccamaw, and marinas just north and south of town. Runs to the nearshore reefs are generally under 10 miles, while offshore trolling can push you 20–30 miles depending on conditions. Spring through fall brings in a strong nearshore bite for Spanish and king mackerel, while winter is classic shallow-water redfish fishing with sight-casting opportunities on clear days.
Techniques vary by season. Inshore captains rely heavily on live shrimp and mullet under popping corks, jigging soft plastics along shell bars, or slow-rolling mud minnows for flounder. Light tackle is the standard, though fly fishing is popular in summer and fall when redfish are cruising visible schools of mullet. Offshore, trolling ballyhoo for kings and mahi, vertical jigging for amberjack, and bottom fishing with cut bait for grouper and snapper all come into play.
The Waccamaw River and nearby Georgetown waters offer alternate trips when winds make the beach rough. These blackwater rivers are home to largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, adding a freshwater option right in the mix. Pawleys Island fishing is versatile and grounded in tidal rhythms, with year-round opportunities no matter your style of angling.
Fishing Seasons in Pawleys Island
Spring (March–May)
As the water warms in March, the inshore creeks around Pawleys Island come alive with speckled trout, redfish, and the first waves of flounder. The bait migration kicks off, and popping corks with live shrimp become a go-to tactic. Redfish are still schooled up from winter, and sight-fishing can be strong on the flats during calm mornings. By April and May, Spanish mackerel arrive just off the beaches, and charter captains often split trips between casting for trout in the creeks and trolling spoons nearshore. Spring weather is generally mild, but big tides around the new and full moon drive strong currents that set up predictable feeding windows.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is prime time for Pawleys Island fishing, with inshore and nearshore waters producing daily. Redfish spread throughout the marshes and are aggressive around oyster points, while speckled trout feed best early and late when water temps are cooler. Flounder are a mainstay, especially around creek mouths and sandy troughs where live mullet drifted along the bottom draws strikes. Offshore trips ramp up, with kings, mahi, and occasional sailfish showing in the warm blue water 15–30 miles out. Early morning starts help beat both the heat and the boat traffic. Fly anglers favor this season for tailing reds on high flood tides in the grass, a uniquely Carolina fishery.
Fall (September–November)
Fall fishing out of Pawleys Island is some of the best of the year. Cooling water concentrates bait, and everything from bull redfish to trout and flounder feeds aggressively. October is peak for specks, and soft plastic jigs bounced along shell banks work as well as live shrimp. Large schools of bull reds gather near the jetties and in deeper holes, offering drag-burning action on heavy tackle. Offshore, king mackerel push close to the beach, and trolling spoons or live bait along nearshore reefs can produce nonstop bites. With lighter boat traffic and crisp mornings, many captains consider fall the most consistent season for both inshore and offshore charters.
Winter (December–February)
Winter narrows the focus but delivers quality fishing. The inshore creeks and flats around Pawleys Island clear up, and redfish gather in tight schools on sunny afternoons. Sight-casting with soft plastics or fly gear becomes the highlight of the season. Speckled trout are still around, especially in deeper bends of the creeks where slow jigging works best. Offshore trips are weather-dependent, but on calm days, bottom fishing for grouper, black sea bass, and snapper is productive. Most winter charters lean toward half-day inshore trips, as cold mornings and shorter days keep the bite tighter around tidal windows. For dedicated anglers, winter offers some of the most technical and rewarding redfish fishing of the year.
Gamefish in Pawleys Island
- Redfish – 2–15 lbs. Caught year-round in creeks, flats, and marsh edges; best on live mullet or soft plastics, with sight-casting in winter.
- Speckled Trout – 1–4 lbs. Found along oyster bars and creek mouths, strong in fall; topwater plugs at dawn in summer, shrimp under corks in spring.
- Flounder – 2–8 lbs. Hold near sandy drop-offs and creek mouths, peak in summer and fall; mud minnows and mullet on Carolina rigs.
- King Mackerel – 10–30 lbs. Nearshore reefs and ledges May–October; trolled live bait or spoons off the beach.
- Spanish Mackerel – 1–5 lbs. Schooling fish just off the beaches in spring and summer; fast-trolled spoons or casting jigs into busting schools.
- Mahi-Mahi – 10–25 lbs. Offshore May–August, around weedlines and rips; trolled ballyhoo or casting to debris lines.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–3 lbs. Structure-oriented fish caught on bottom rigs offshore in cooler months.
- Grouper – 10–30 lbs. Found on deeper wrecks and ledges offshore; targeted with live bait or cut bait on heavy tackle.
Pawleys Island Fishing FAQs
Where do most fishing charters launch in Pawleys Island?
Most trips depart from Hagley Landing on the Waccamaw River, local creekside ramps, or marinas in Georgetown just a short drive south. Captains choose launch points based on target species and tide.
How long are typical fishing charters in Pawleys Island?
Half-day (4–5 hours) and three-quarter day trips are most common for inshore and nearshore fishing, while full-day trips are standard for offshore runs targeting mahi, grouper, or kings.
Is fishing gear provided by Pawleys Island charters?
Yes, licensed guides provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait needed for the trip. Many also include fish cleaning at the end of the day.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Pawleys Island?
No, anglers fishing aboard a licensed charter are covered under the captain’s commercial license. If fishing on your own from shore or kayak, a South Carolina saltwater license is required.
What is the best time of year to fish Pawleys Island?
Fall is considered peak for both inshore and nearshore fishing thanks to cooler water and bait migrations, but redfish and trout are available year-round in the creeks.
What techniques are most effective in Pawleys Island waters?
Light tackle with live shrimp or mullet under corks is the go-to for trout and redfish, while flounder prefer bottom rigs. Offshore, trolling and bottom fishing dominate.
What species can I expect to catch inshore?
Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder make up the inshore trifecta, with black drum and occasional sheepshead mixed in around structure.
Can large groups book a Pawleys Island fishing charter?
Yes, many captains run boats that handle groups of 4–6 comfortably. Larger groups are often split across multiple boats and fish together in the same general area.
Are there specialty trips like night or fly fishing in Pawleys Island?
Yes, some guides offer night fishing for trout during summer, and fly fishing for tailing redfish on flood tides is a popular specialty trip in late summer and early fall.