Whiting

Season

Peak months: May, Jun, Oct.

SCDNR: in state waters year-round, inshore harvest peaks during late-spring and early-fall migrations, taken from piers and surf. Local: early arrivals in April, whiting from piers and surf in September and December. (Our inference)

Where to find them

The first trough and holes close to the beach. You rarely need a long cast.

First trough, often only 20 to 40 yards out.

What to look for

A defined first trough with moving water; sandy bottom.

Bait

Fresh shrimp pieces, Bloodworms, Sand fleas, Fishbites (bloodworm or shrimp). Double-drop bottom rig, small circle hooks (#2 to 2/0), 2 to 3 oz sinker.

Leader

20 to 30 lb mono on the rig.

Common mistakes

• Casting far past the fish
• Hooks too big
• Old, washed-out bait

Landing

Simple; reel it up the beach.

Handling and safety

No special hazards.

Keep or release

Excellent eating. No size limit; 50 per person per day combined with croaker and spot.

Recipes for whiting

Typical: 6 to 10 in, about 0.5 lb. Large: 14 to 16 in. SC record 2 lb 10 oz (1968).

South Carolina limits

• Minimum: none
• Maximum: none
• Bag: 50 per person per day combined (Atlantic croaker + spot + whiting)
• Season: Open year-round
• Hook and line only

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

Sources

• SCDNR species profile: southern kingfish (whiting) (Official source)
• Fisherman's Post North Myrtle Beach / Little River reports 2025-2026 (Angler knowledge)
• 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 Myrtle Beach