King Mackerel

Season in Charleston

Peak months: Jun, Sep, Oct.

SCDNR: migrates south in fall, returns in spring and early summer; NOAA: rarely in water below 68 F. SCDNR October forecast lists king mackerel at Folly Beach Pier. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

End of Folly Beach Pier in fall (SCDNR forecast); otherwise mostly a nearshore boat fish here.

Beyond the pier end.

What to look for

Clean green water at the pier end, bait schools.

What to throw

Swimming minnow plug (Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow style)3/4 to 1 oz, 4 to 5 in. Steady medium retrieve with occasional twitches and pauses.

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

• 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 2026-10-11. A summary, not legal advice; the official rules win. SC Department of Natural Resources fishing regulations.

Sources

• SCDNR species profile: king mackerel (Official source)
• NOAA Fisheries: king mackerel (Official source)
• SCDNR Saltwater Fishing Trends (pier operator forecasts) (Angler knowledge)
• 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 Charleston