Atlantic Spadefish

Season

Peak months: Jun, Jul, Aug.

SCDNR: present in nearshore waters April to November, distribution temperature dependent. Anglers see them when water passes 70 F. (Our inference)

Where to find them

Around pier pilings and nearshore reefs and wrecks in summer.

Schools around pier pilings, buoys, wrecks and reefs, from the bottom to the surface.

What to look for

Schools of disc-shaped, black-barred fish circling pilings; jellyballs drifting by.

Bait

Pieces of cannonball jellyfish (jellyballs), Fresh peeled shrimp, Clam. Small hook (No. 1 to 4 or a 1/0 light wire) on a short fluorocarbon leader with little or no weight; chum with jellyballs.

Leader

About 5 ft of fluorocarbon on 20 lb braid.

Common mistakes

• Hooks too big for their small mouths
• Fishing cut fish instead of jellyball or shrimp

Landing

Strong fighters that run for the pilings; keep them out of the structure and use a pier net.

Handling

• Spiny first dorsal fin

Hold the body firmly; smooth the dorsal spines down.

Keep or release

14 in TL minimum, 10 per person per day, 30 per boat. Florida Museum calls the meat relatively good.

Recipes for atlantic spadefish

Typical: 12 to 18 in. Large: 5 to 7 lb. SC record 14 lb 2 oz (2005).

South Carolina limits

• Minimum: 14 in TL
• Maximum: none
• Bag: 10 per person per day
• Boat: 30 per boat per day
• Season: No closed season in state waters

Last checked 2026-10-11. A summary, not legal advice; the official rules win. SC DNR fishing regulations.

Sources

• SCDNR species profile: Atlantic spadefish (Official source)
• Carolina Sportsman: spadefish (Georgetown, SC) (Angler knowledge)
• NWS Wilmington: Myrtle Beach water temperature by month (Springmaid Pier, 2005-2025) (Official source)
• NC Division of Marine Fisheries: Atlantic spadefish (Official source)
• SCDNR saltwater game fish records (Official source)
• SC Code of Laws Title 50 Chapter 5 (Sec. 50-5-1705 catch limits incl. whiting = Menticirrhus spp., spadefish; black sea bass limit provision) (Official source)
• SC snapper grouper complex size and catch limits (eRegulations), last updated Aug 5, 2026 (Official source)

All the fish of Myrtle Beach