Spot

Season

Peak months: Oct, Nov.

SCDNR: adults gather near inlets and beaches in fall before an offshore spawning migration. Local: the fall spot run on piers on bloodworms; no run yet at 83 F. (Our inference)

Where to find them

Piers and the first trough during the fall run.

Bottom, close in.

What to look for

Pier crowds with bloodworms in October.

Bait

Bloodworms (top bait), Shrimp bits, Fishbites bloodworm. Double-drop, #4 to #6 hooks, 1 to 3 oz.

Leader

15 to 20 lb.

Common mistakes

• Hooks too large

Landing

Simple.

Handling and safety

• Minor spines

No special hazards.

Keep or release

No size limit; within the 50-fish croaker, spot and whiting aggregate.

Recipes for spot

Typical: About 8 in, 0.5 lb. Large: Over 0.75 lb. SC record 1 lb 1 oz.

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: spot (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