Spanish Mackerel

Season in Charleston

Peak months: May, Jun, Oct.

Same statewide SCDNR pattern as the Grand Strand (in SC waters April to November, most available on spring and fall migrations close to shore). SCDNR forecast: at Edisto they feed on the surface until the water falls to the mid-60s F; Folly Beach Pier expects them in October. Charleston Harbor entrance water passes 68 F in late April and drops to about 64 F in November (NCEI). (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Along the outer edge of the first bar and beyond it, wherever glass minnows or small bait are being pushed. Clean water days are the days.

Often beyond the first bar; sometimes right in the trough when bait is pinned.

What to look for

Birds (terns especially) diving on small bait, bait showering, quick slashing splashes on the surface.

What to throw

Got-Cha style jig plug7/8 to 1 oz, 3 to 3.5 in. Sharp upward rod-tip jerks while reeling fast, so it darts and flashes.

Metal casting jig (diamond, Hopkins or Stingsilver style)1 to 2 oz, 3 to 4 in. Fast steady retrieve for mackerel; let it sink and rip it up for blues; jig near bottom for weakfish.

Silver casting spoon (Clarkspoon or Drone style)1/2 to 1 oz, No. 0 to 1 / 2.5 to 3.5 in. Burn it. Fast, steady, just under the surface.

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

Free-lined live finger mullet, Glass minnows. Free-line or light float rig with a short wire or 30 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Leader

20 to 30 lb fluorocarbon, 18 to 36 in, or a short #3 to #4 wire. Skip shiny swivels; mackerel hit them and cut you off.

Common mistakes

• Retrieving too slowly; mackerel chase fast lures
• Using a bright swivel that draws strikes and cut-offs
• Casting into the middle of the school instead of past it

Landing

Swing small fish up on a wave; on a heavier fish let a wave carry it up the beach rather than dragging it through the wash.

Handling

• Very sharp teeth

Use pliers to unhook. Keep fingers away from the mouth.

Keep or release

Good eating fresh; bleed and ice quickly. Check the 12 in fork-length minimum.

Recipes for spanish mackerel

Typical: About 15 in, 1.5 lb. Large: Fall fish 18 to 22 in, 2.5 to 3 lb. SC record 11 lb (1983).

South Carolina limits

• Minimum: 12 in FL
• Maximum: none
• Bag: 15 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: Spanish mackerel (Official source)
• SCDNR Saltwater Fishing Trends (pier operator forecasts) (Angler knowledge)
• NOAA NCEI Coastal Water Temperature Guide, all-stations monthly averages (Charleston Cooper River Entrance, Fort Pulaski, Gray's Reef, Fernandina Beach, Mayport, St. Augustine, Trident Pier Port Canaveral, Lake Worth Pier, Fowey Rocks, Virginia Key, Vaca Key, Key West) (Official source)
• ASMFC Spanish mackerel species profile (Official source)
• NOAA Fisheries: Spanish mackerel (Official source)
• Fisherman's Post North Myrtle Beach / Little River reports 2025-2026 (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