Red Drum (Redfish)
Sciaenops ocellatus
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
Season
Mar–Nov
Best Bait
Live shrimp, cut mullet
Avg Size
18–27 in
SC Record
75 lbs (SC state)
Flounder
Paralichthys dentatus
Best caught on bottom rigs near the pier structure. Incoming tide is prime time.
Season
Mar–Nov
Best Bait
Live minnows, mud minnows
Avg Size
14–20 in
SC Record
20+ lbs
Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus
Fast-moving schools pass the pier in spring and fall. Cast metal spoons for best results.
Season
Apr–Oct
Best Bait
Gotcha plugs, spoons
Avg Size
12–20 in
SC Record
13 lbs (SC state)
Whiting (Kingfish)
Menticirrhus spp.
Reliable year-round catch. Great eating fish and perfect for beginners.
Season
Year-round
Best Bait
Shrimp, bloodworms
Avg Size
10–14 in
SC Record
3 lbs
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook — set the hook fast.
Season
Jan–Apr
Best Bait
Fiddler crabs, barnacles
Avg Size
12–18 in
SC Record
21 lbs (SC state)
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Larger specimens found near the pier base. Use heavy tackle for big bulls.
Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Best Bait
Shrimp, clams, crab
Avg Size
14–30 in
SC Record
113 lbs
Bluefish
Pomatomus saltatrix
Aggressive feeders that hit hard. Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs.
Season
Apr–Nov
Best Bait
Cut bait, spoons
Avg Size
12–24 in
SC Record
31 lbs
Spot
Leiostomus xanthurus
Arrive in huge schools in fall. Excellent pan fish and great fun for kids.
Season
Sep–Dec
Best Bait
Bloodworms, shrimp bits
Avg Size
6–10 in
SC Record
2 lbs
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Scomberomorus cavalla
The trophy catch of pier fishing. Requires heavy tackle and live bait. Best at the pier's end.
Season
May–Sep
Best Bait
Live bluefish, live menhaden
Avg Size
20–40 in
SC Record
93 lbs (SC state)
Pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
Highly prized for their flavor. Found in the surf zone near the pier base.
Season
Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
Best Bait
Sand fleas, shrimp
Avg Size
12–16 in
SC Record
8.5 lbs
Species data sourced from SCDNR and local pier reports. Seasons are approximate and vary by year.