Flounder Fishing at Myrtle Beach | Detailed Guide

Flounder Fishing at Mrylte Beach

Myrtle Beach is a fantastic vacation destination for families with its warm subtropical climate, making it an ideal spot for fishing activities. The city has many attractions that make it stand out from other destinations in South Carolina and the United States. One of the most popular activities is fishing for flounder around Myrtle Beach. 

Flounder are saltwater flatfish species native to South America and can be found in soft muddy areas near bridge piles, docks, and coral reefs. They have an interesting method of hunting their prey by ambushing them while lying on their eyed side uppermost. As adults they live on the bottom of the ocean floor, providing a great opportunity for anglers in Myrtle Beach to catch them. 

When fishing for flounder in Myrtle Beach, the best season will depend on where you’re going as some areas offer more consistent results throughout the year than others do. The best spots to try your luck are usually near bridges, docks, or reefs as these are areas where they are more likely to be found lurking around waiting for food.

You may also want to consider changing up your bait and lures when you’re having less success with a particular kind as different kinds of bait may attract different kinds of fish at different times of the year depending on where you are fishing. 

Fishing for flounder in Myrtle Beach can be a rewarding experience if done correctly. It requires patience, perseverance, and knowledge about what type of bait can produce favorable results at certain times during the year but if done right it can provide an exciting day out with plenty of rewards!

With its warm subtropical climate and a plethora of attractions, Myrtle Beach is sure to be a fun-filled family vacation destination offering something special every time you visit!

Understanding Flounder

Common NameScientific NamePhysical CharacteristicsFeeding HabitOther Important Facts
Southern FlounderParalichthys lethostigmaFlat, diamond-shaped body with both eyes on one sideCarnivorous, feed on small fish, crustaceans, and squidCan change colors to blend in with their surroundings
Gulf FlounderParalichthys albiguttaFlat, oval-shaped body with both eyes on one sideCarnivorous, feed on small fish, crustaceans, and wormsHave sharp teeth and can be difficult to handle
Summer FlounderParalichthys dentatusFlat, diamond-shaped body with both eyes on one sideCarnivorous, feed on fish, squid, and crustaceansFemales can produce up to 4 million eggs per year
Winter FlounderPseudopleuronectes americanusFlat, oval-shaped body with both eyes on the right sideBenthic feeders, eat small crustaceans, worms, and mollusksCan survive in low-oxygen environments

Flounder fish are well-known for their unique shape and flat, almost ribbon-like body. They have a flattened body shape that allows them to easily blend into the ocean floor, aiding in camouflage from potential predators.

Females are slightly larger than males, with some species reaching up to 37 inches in length. Their bodies are ringed almost entirely by their dorsal and anal fins, while their pectoral fin is long and often erect. 

At birth, flounder fish appear normal but then undergo a metamorphosis that causes the eyes to migrate to the top of their body. This shift in eye placement allows them to observe potential predators or prey while lying on the ocean floor.

In addition to their specialized body shape and eye placement, they also have an incredible sense of smell that helps them locate food sources faster than other fish species. 

Most people know flounder fish as “flounder”, however another name for this species is “Fluke” or Summer Flounder. This name change varies depending on region; for example, along the East Coast of America, they may be referred to as Fluke whereas, in other parts of the world like Australia, they may be called Summer Flounder.

Despite whatever name you choose to call them by, these fascinating creatures continue to awe us with their fascinating physical characteristics and behaviors.

Flounder is a type of fish that are carnivorous, with a diet consisting mainly of fish spawn, crustaceans, polychaetes, and tiny fish. Their hunting tactics involve using their excellent camouflage to blend in with the bottom and wait for their prey to come too close. Some species have been known to be more aggressive hunters and will pursue their prey over long distances.

Flounder have extremely strong eyesight which allows them to detect motion from afar and catch their prey quickly. Additionally, they have superior hiding skills; they can stay still for hours waiting for the perfect moment to ambush unsuspecting prey. Furthermore, the flounder’s powerful swim bladder aids in their hunting efforts as it helps them move quickly and quietly through the water when chasing after meals.

Best Places for Flounder in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is an ideal destination for a fishing vacation. With its abundance of inlets, bays, and coastline, the area offers plenty of opportunities to catch flounder. Murrells Inlet is one of the most popular spots for flounder fishing in Myrtle Beach.

The inlet provides a perfect habitat for these fish, with its sandy and muddy areas providing cover for the flounder. Winyah Bay, located south of Myrtle Beach, is also known as an excellent spot for catching flounder as well as redfish and spotted seatrout.

Cherry Grove Pier is another notable spot on the Grand Strand that offers anglers access to deeper waters and a variety of different species of fish, including flounder. Lastly, Pawleys Island is a beautiful stretch of beach located south of Myrtle Beach with plenty of opportunity to land some large flounders. 

Flounder can be fished both day and night at any time during their active season, which usually peaks between May-July. Anglers should look for signs that indicate good flounder fishing spots such as sandbars or shallow areas around docks or jetties where baitfish can be found.

The best time to catch flounder is at dawn or dusk when water temperatures are warmer and tidal currents are stronger. Anglers should use bait such as squid, minnows or cut shrimp to attract the fish’s attention and then slowly work their way along likely spots until they make contact with a bite.

The perfect environment for catching flounders in Myrtle Beach consists of deepwater structures like piers, and shoals near points or channels near estuaries that have sandy bottoms and mud flats where the fish can hide from predators while still having plenty of food available to them.

Experienced anglers know how important it is to key in on certain factors such as tide movement and temperature changes when trying to increase their odds of landing these prized catches. Ultimately though, success comes down to the skillful presentation of live bait that entices hungry flounders into biting!

The fall months of September to November in Myrtle Beach are the best time of year to catch flounder. This is due to a number of factors, including the fact that during this time flounder migrate from their summer feeding grounds in the sound and inlets to their winter spawning grounds in deeper offshore waters.

Cool water temperatures also trigger a migration towards deeper waters, which increases the chances of catching flounder. Additionally, cooler weather may also make fishing more enjoyable for anglers.

For those looking to catch flounder during this time, it’s important to know the rules and regulations for fishing on Myrtle Beach. Regulations vary from state to state, so taking a look at local restrictions before heading out can save you time and trouble.

Knowing what areas have been closed off or what catches require specialized equipment will help you plan your trip more effectively and reduce any risk of being fined for not adhering to regulations.

Also make sure to wear appropriate clothing, wear sunscreen if necessary, and bring plenty of snacks and beverages! By planning ahead and following local regulations and tips, anyone can enjoy a successful day of flounder fishing in Myrtle Beach during the fall months!

Fishing Gear and Techniques for flounder fishing in Myrtle Beach

When it comes to choosing the right rod and reel combination for flounder fishing in Myrtle Beach, a medium to medium-light spinning rod is ideal. Look for one that is around 7 feet in length to give you enough casting distance and leverage to land larger fish. It’s also important to choose a reel that can handle the weight of larger flounder.

For hooks and weights, a sliding sinker rig with a circle hook is suitable for bottom-dwelling fish like flounder. Live bait will usually yield the best results, so consider adding some live shrimp, mud minnows, or finger mullet to your tackle box before heading out on your next fishing trip. To make it easier to safely land and release any caught flounder, a landing net with a rubberized mesh is recommended – this type of net should be gentle on the fish’s delicate skin.

Myrtle Beach is an ideal place for anglers looking to target flounder. Fishing techniques that work best in this area include live bait fishing and artificial lure fishing. When using live bait, it’s important to keep the bait close to the bottom where flounder typically hide in order to increase the chances of hooking one. A sliding sinker rig with a circle hook works great for this purpose—just cast your line out, let it sink to the bottom, and then slowly reel in the slack until you feel the weight of the sinker on the bottom. 

For those who prefer artificial lures, soft plastic lures are often recommended as they can help mimic natural bait movements and attract more fish. Another popular technique is drifting along sandy or muddy areas with the current which may help you cover more ground when searching for schools of flounder. As always, make sure to check local regulations regarding size limits and bag limits before heading out on your next fishing trip!

When it comes to finding success while fishing for flounder in Myrtle Beach, the best baits to use are live ones. Shrimp, mud minnows, and finger mullet are all popular choices that can be used on a sliding sinker rig with a circle hook for maximum effectiveness.

Fishing close to the bottom will ensure that you are targeting the areas where flounder are likely to be hiding. Additionally, keep in mind that any bait used needs to be kept fresh and lively as flounder have keen senses of smell and touch. 

If live bait isn’t your preference, there is still hope! Artificial lures can also be effective when fishing for flounder in Myrtle Beach. Soft plastic lures in natural colors such as brown, green, and white are popular options, and they can be rigged on either a jighead or a Carolina rig.

Another great choice is Gulp! Alive shrimp bait has been designed to mimic both the scent and movement of real shrimp – making it an attractive option for flounder looking for their next meal.

Flounder Regulations and Conservation in Myrtle Beach

The newly implemented fishing regulations in Myrtle Beach are intended to conserve the declining population of flounder and other fish species. A daily catch limit of five fish per person or 10 per boat has been put in place, down from 10 per person or 20 per boat, as well as a size minimum of 16 inches per fish caught, up from 15 inches previously. Recreational seekers will be limited to two weeks at the beginning of September to catch them. 

These regulations are designed to protect juvenile flounder, which are more vulnerable to overfishing due to their slower growth rate. The much larger commercial fishery is allowed to harvest on staggered two-week schedules from different sections of the coast.

Additionally, certain areas have been closed off completely in order to give populations a chance to rebuild and restore balance in the ecosystem. 

Taking steps towards conservation and sustainability can ensure that future generations can enjoy healthy populations of flounder and other fish species in Myrtle Beach for years to come. Strict adherence to fishing regulations is essential for these goals, so recreational anglers should remain mindful of their limits when fishing during the designated season and follow all state laws regarding size restrictions and other rules that apply when catching flounder.

Conclude

Myrtle beach offers some excellent spots for catching flounder. Successful fishing for these delicious fish requires knowledge of the best baits and lures to use, as well as a good understanding of flounder, but it is important to remember that they are a fragile species. Strict adherence to the regulations put in place by state and local authorities is essential for their conservation and preservation.