S.C. saltwater fishing report for late May

S.C. saltwater bite for late May continues to be strong

The S.C. saltwater fishing report for late May is showing lots of action for anglers all over the Palmetto State’s coast. As we head into the last weekend of the month, have no fear — whatever you plan on fishing for this weekend is more than likely biting.

Capt. Nick Palombi, Capt. Boomer and the rest of the crew at Salt Fever Guide Service in the Little River area have been putting their clients on tons of fish. Big grouper, plenty of snapper, lots of dolphin, including a 47-pounder, and a 57-pound amberjack have kept smiles on customer’s faces.

Blackfin tuna have also kept the Salt Fever folks busy. The tuna bite has been strong, and they’ve had multiple hookups (including four on at least one occasion) at the same time on recent trips. Lots of snapper are also cooperating on bottom fishing trips.

The fishing is picking up nicely on the Apache Pier. Anglers are catching lots of bluefish, including some big ones. Spanish mackerel have also been a frequent catch, and some nice pompano are also coming over the rails. They’re still looking for their first king mackerel of the season. And the lucky angler to catch that first one will win a free 1-year king mackerel fishing pass to the pier.

Tarpon are showing up

In Murrells Inlet, Capt. Jason Burton with Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters is still all over the flounder. He’s been keeping his clients on the flatfish, even on some of the nastiest-weather days. The flounder are thick in the inlet. On the nearshore reefs, the spadefish bite has been strong. Just offshore, the MIFC crew is still putting their anglers on limits of Spanish mackerel as well as king mackerel.

Down in the Charleston area, Capt. Robert Olsen of Knot@Work Fishing Charters has been into numerous species, including some big fish. Stud dolphins have kept lots of his offshore clients busy. Cobia have also been biting on some trips. And on one recent trip to the jetties, his anglers caught 11 different species of fish, including speckled trout, black drum, redfish, and more ladyfish than they could count.

In the Hilton Head Island area, Capt. Brian Vaughn of Off the Hook Fishing Charters said the bite is hot for everything. Most days have been a mixed bag for his anglers. Cobia, speckled trout, redfish, and flounder have been the mainstays. And earlier this week, he landed his first tarpon of the season.

Vaughn said the most consistent bite at the moment is the redfish bite. His clients have caught them in a variety of sizes recently, including some bull redfish.