Winyah Bay Fishing Charters & Guides

Winyah Bay Fishing Charters

Dotted all along the East Coast and Atlantic Ocean there are literally hundreds of tourist destinations with beaches, all kinds of activities and a busy lifestyle. But if you check out most of the top spots on just about anybody’s list, Georgetown, South Carolina isn’t likely to be on it. There aren’t rows of fancy hotels and sandy beaches. You won’t find a lot of amusement parks and miniature golf courses. But if you ask folks about a specific body of water on the coast that is tops for fishing, the Winyah Bay area just outside of Georgetown is sure to come up. The massive bay area is the third largest watershed along the coast with waters flowing down the Waccamaw, Pee Dee, Black and Sampit rivers into the bay. The steady flow of fresh water meeting the massive ocean makes for a tidal water estuary that is a fishery bonanza. The area includes the freshwater rivers, salt marsh, many small bays and run outs, and extensive freshwater and saltwater wetlands. The Lower Winyah Bay is not only filled with fish like speckled trout, flounder, redfish, occasional sharks and smaller Spanish mackerel, but it is also a gateway to the Atlantic for charter fishing trips all the way out to the fertile waters of the Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream changes often and it’s well worth the money to go with somebody who knows what's going on with the water and the fish. Plus, a good charter captain can keep you safe and out of danger while going 50 to 80 miles off the coast.

Fishing Winyah Bay

Inshore and nearshore fishing is full of speckled trout, redfish and flounder. But many anglers who visit for the first time are surprised to find that just upriver from the bay, there are also great fishing spots for crappie, bass, bream and catfish up the Waccamaw River. If you really like variety in fishing, you should consider booking a trip up the river for crappie and bass one day, then go offshore or out in the bay for saltwater species the next. While the crappie are not huge in the river, they are well into the “good eating size” category and loads of fun to catch. Bass fishing is so good here that there are often even tournaments held in the area. The best spots are way back up in the marsh through cuts and fingers of water that run into the river. You can go back in these cuts and find little lakes that are lined with cypress trees, plus fishing around grass, points, and the mouths of the cuts. The main key to success in catching the fish is the tide. This is a tidal river and fishing is best when the tide is up, pushing fish into the structure that baitfish go hide out in. Offshore, the fishing is good for cobia, kingfish, sheepshead, triggerfish, seabass, bluefish and shark. A longer charter run can net you action from tuna, marlin, wahoo, barracuda, snapper, mahi-mahi, wahoo and snapper, plus other species that migrate in and out of the Gulf Stream. Guides usually locate the edges of the Gulf Stream well off the mouth of the Winyah Bay to catch bit numbers and sizes of fish. The biggest variety and size of fish usually come in the warmer months. Two popular areas off the Winyah include the Georgetown Hole and the Steeples, widely known for their consistent results.

Visiting Winyah Bay

The Lower Winyah Bay area is one of the most ecologically significant areas along the coast. The area includes about 1,073 square miles in the bay, rivers and backwaters that are all connected together. The upper end of the bay is also home to the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, the Baruch-North Island Reserve, and the waters of the North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Fishing is allowed within some of the waters of these areas, but check before you go. Again, a good guide can help you in this respect as well. Georgetown also plays a significant role in our country’s history and a good fishing trip or two here can be enhanced by visits to great spots like the Kaminski House, Rice Museum, Georgetown Museum, the South Carolina Maritime Museum or the Georgetown lighthouse. Visitors also enjoy the East Bay Park and the smaller Morgan Park, where you can walk along waterways or even walk along the shore at low tide.

Book A Winyah Bay Fishing Trip

With a historic past and a lot of fishing options for anglers of all ages, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Winyah Bay. Whether you’re seeking the best charter for a lazy afternoon of light tackle inshore or a full day of trolling deep blue waters, all you need to do is book a charter with FishAnywhere. Then just show up and let them do the work while you have all the fun.