Apache Pier
Apache Pier

What's Biting

Seasonal species guide for Apache Pier

Red Drum (Redfish)

Sciaenops ocellatus

Peak Season
Season: Mar–Nov
Avg Size: 18–27 in
Best Bait: Live shrimp, cut mullet
Record: 75 lbs (SC state)

The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.

Flounder

Paralichthys dentatus

Peak Season
Season: Mar–Nov
Avg Size: 14–20 in
Best Bait: Live minnows, mud minnows
Record: 20+ lbs

Best caught on bottom rigs near the pier structure. Incoming tide is prime time.

Spanish Mackerel

Scomberomorus maculatus

Peak Season
Season: Apr–Oct
Avg Size: 12–20 in
Best Bait: Gotcha plugs, spoons
Record: 13 lbs (SC state)

Fast-moving schools pass the pier in spring and fall. Cast metal spoons for best results.

Whiting (Kingfish)

Menticirrhus spp.

Good Season
Season: Year-round
Avg Size: 10–14 in
Best Bait: Shrimp, bloodworms
Record: 3 lbs

Reliable year-round catch. Great eating fish and perfect for beginners.

Sheepshead

Archosargus probatocephalus

Good Season
Season: Jan–Apr
Avg Size: 12–18 in
Best Bait: Fiddler crabs, barnacles
Record: 21 lbs (SC state)

Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook — set the hook fast.

Black Drum

Pogonias cromis

Good Season
Season: Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Avg Size: 14–30 in
Best Bait: Shrimp, clams, crab
Record: 113 lbs

Larger specimens found near the pier base. Use heavy tackle for big bulls.

Bluefish

Pomatomus saltatrix

Good Season
Season: Apr–Nov
Avg Size: 12–24 in
Best Bait: Cut bait, spoons
Record: 31 lbs

Aggressive feeders that hit hard. Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs.

Spot

Leiostomus xanthurus

Good Season
Season: Sep–Dec
Avg Size: 6–10 in
Best Bait: Bloodworms, shrimp bits
Record: 2 lbs

Arrive in huge schools in fall. Excellent pan fish and great fun for kids.

King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Scomberomorus cavalla

Slow Season
Season: May–Sep
Avg Size: 20–40 in
Best Bait: Live bluefish, live menhaden
Record: 93 lbs (SC state)

The trophy catch of pier fishing. Requires heavy tackle and live bait. Best at the pier's end.

Pompano

Trachinotus carolinus

Slow Season
Season: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
Avg Size: 12–16 in
Best Bait: Sand fleas, shrimp
Record: 8.5 lbs

Highly prized for their flavor. Found in the surf zone near the pier base.

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