King Mackerel

Season

Peak months: Jun, Sep, Oct.

SCDNR: migrates south in fall, returns spring/early summer. Local: first Cherry Grove king late April; strong late-September/October pier runs. (Our inference)

Where to find them

End of the long piers (extra fee, end-of-pier sections are reserved).

Beyond the pier end.

What to look for

Clean green water at the pier end, bait schools.

Bait

Live menhaden (pogies), Live bluefish or mullet. Trolley/anchor rig, #4 to #6 wire stinger with 2 to 3 trebles.

Leader

Wire stinger rig.

Landing

Gaffed from piers by experienced anglers.

Handling and safety

• Very sharp teeth
• Violent when landed

Keep hands clear of the mouth; subdue before unhooking.

Keep or release

24 in fork-length minimum, 3 per person per day.

Recipes for king mackerel

Typical: About 33 in, 10 lb. Large: 15 to 40 lb from piers. SC record 62 lb (1976).

South Carolina limits

• Minimum: 24 in FL
• Maximum: none
• Bag: 3 per person per day
• Season: Open year-round

Last checked 2026-10-07. A summary, not legal advice; the official rules win. SC DNR fishing regulations.

Sources

• SCDNR species profile: king mackerel (Official source)
• Gregg Holshouser Grand Strand fishing reports, 2019-2020 (mirror) (Angler knowledge)
• SC finfish size and catch limits 2026-2027 (eRegulations, linked from SCDNR), last updated Aug 11, 2026 (Official source)

All the fish of Myrtle Beach