Fish of Myrtle Beach
Gulf Flounder
Paralichthys albigutta. Also called Flounder.
Season
Murrells Inlet guides fish nearshore reefs for Gulf flounder from May through November most years; spawns offshore October to February (NC DMF). (Our inference)
Where to find them
Nearshore artificial reefs and wrecks out to about 60 ft (Pawleys Reef, 3-Mile Reef, Myrtle Beach Rocks); a boat fish more than a beach fish.
On the bottom right on top of nearshore reefs and wrecks.
What to look for
Three dark eyespots in a triangle on the eyed side.
What to throw
Bait
Live mud minnows, Small live mullet. Carolina rig: 1/2 to 3/4 oz egg sinker, 12 to 16 in of 20 to 30 lb mono leader; or a jighead.
Leader
20 to 30 lb mono, 12 to 16 in.
Common mistakes
- Drifting off the reef instead of staying on top of it
Landing
Net it.
Handling
- Strong canine-like teeth
Use pliers to unhook.
Keep or release
16 in TL minimum, 5 per person per day (10 per boat), shared with southern and summer flounder.
Typical: About 14 in, 2 lb. Large: About 5 lb. SC record 6 lb 4.8 oz (Murrells Inlet, 2021).
South Carolina limits
- Minimum: 16 in TL
- Maximum: none
- Bag: 5 per person per day
- Boat: 10 per boat per day
- Season: Open year-round
- In effect since July 1, 2021
- North Carolina rules apply north of the state line (Little River / Hog Inlet area)
- Covers southern, summer and Gulf flounder
Last checked 2026-10-11. A summary, not legal advice; the official rules win. SC DNR fishing regulations.
Sources
- Carolina Sportsman: Gulf flounder on nearshore reefs, Murrells Inlet (Angler knowledge)
- NC Division of Marine Fisheries: flounder (Gulf, southern, summer) (Official source)
- Florida FWC: Gulf flounder profile (Official source)
- SCDNR saltwater game fish records (Official source)
- SC finfish size and catch limits 2026-2027 (eRegulations, linked from SCDNR), last updated Aug 11, 2026 (Official source)
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