Whether you’re walking down the historic cobblestone streets of Charleston, strolling the beaches of Myrtle Beach, or enjoying the outdoors near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, your visit to South Carolina will certainly be memorable. It’s a place to learn about the past, relax in the present, and dream about the future. Plan your next vacation to South Carolina and discover why so many love the Palmetto State. South Carolina is located on the East Coast of the U.S., with more than 150 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. While Charleston is the largest city of the state, Columbia is the state capital. Other favorite vacation destinations include Hilton Head Island, located near the southern border and Georgia state line; Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, both found at the northern part of the state near the North Carolina state line. No matter what city you choose to visit, you’ll find southern charm and a laid-back vibe. There’s simply no place quite like South Carolina.

South Carolina Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing trips in South Carolina will have you catching a variety of species. Depending on which lake you’re fishing, expect to see striped bass, largemouth bass, white bass, white perch, crappie, catfish, brown trout, rainbow trout, and more. The larger lakes are open to the public, or have public access piers and boat ramps. There are also several state parks throughout with property adjacent to lakes, allowing fishermen and women of all skill levels an opportunity to fish from the shore. The largest lake in South Carolina is Lake Marion, found near Santee. It’s debated on whether this lake is best for catfish or bass, but regardless you’re almost guaranteed to see some action. Your crew can either hire a local Lake Marion fishing guide, or fish from one of several piers in the area: Rimini Landing Pier, Taw Caw Creek Park, or C. Alex Harvin Landing Pier. Bank fishing is also very popular on this lake; especially during the spring when bass are spawning near the shores. For anglers fishing from a boat, there are several fish attractors throughout the lake that provide excellent fishing grounds. Another favorite South Carolina fishing spot is Lake Jocassee. This is a more remote lake, located in the Chattahoochee National Forest in north South Carolina. Visit Devils Fork State Park to access this favorite fishing spot. Not only will you see bass and catfish, but trout are abundant in Lake Jocassee. It’s truly an unique body of water, with fresh clear water from the nearby mountain streams. Get away from civilization and enjoy this incredible fishery.

South Carolina Inshore Fishing

The southern section of South Carolina is filled with marshes, creeks, and estuaries filled with some of the biggest redfish you’ve ever seen. Further up the coast is the Intracoastal Waterway, so some cities have water on both sides (Murrells Inlet is just one example). Throughout the inshore waters of South Carolina you can fish redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, bluefish, and pompano just to name a few. In the summer, fishing for cobia is out of this world. At one point, South Carolina was known as the Cobia Capital of the World. Make sure you know the regulations for your desired catch, or hire a local fishing guide. They will know what you can harvest and what should be released. A favorite inshore fishing hole is without a doubt Charleston Harbor. Not only can you see unprecedented views of the city, but you’ll also see some of the biggest redfish you’ve ever seen. When redfish are over 27” they are known as bull reds. Because the harbor has deeper waters than most estuaries, the fish can grow really big. If you don’t have access to a boat, there are several piers and shore fishing opportunities to get you in on the action. Or hire a local guide, you’ll get the joys of fishing without the worry of having all the gear.

South Carolina Offshore Fishing

Offshore adventures bring the adrenaline rush you’ve been looking for. While most of South Carolina has a laid-back kind of vibe, deep sea excursions will wake you up. Your South Carolina captain will travel anywhere from 30 to 90 miles to reach the monsters of the ocean. Once you reach the Gulf Stream, a current of water running parallel with the coast, you’re in for a day of great fishing. Here you’ll find tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, and wahoo looking for food. Your captain will typically troll with a few lines in the water, or may try kite fishing to get your trophy catch to the line. You can also try bottom fishing near the reefs for a variety of snapper and grouper. Most offshore charters will run a minimum of six hours long; although others could last over 24-hours. It’s just a matter of what you’re comfortable with; most South Carolina charter captains can customize your offshore adventure to your specifications, depending on the season.

Book A Charter With South Carolina Captain or Guide

No matter where you travel in South Carolina, there’s good fishing just around the corner. Here are our favorite South Carolina fishing spots, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg; there’s more fishing holes throughout the state. If you’re not sure where to start, let FishAnywhere.com help. You can find a local, professional guide and reserve your next trip with as little as 10% deposit. Just simply start with a search of where you’re staying, and we’ll take care of the rest. Then all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the day in true South Carolina form. Stay for a day or a week and enjoy the fishing offered by South Carolina, there really is no better way to spend your day.