Spot

Season in Charleston

Peak months: Oct, Nov.

SCDNR statewide: adults gather near inlets and beaches in fall before an offshore spawning migration. (Our inference)

Season by region

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

• 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
• Whiting means all kingfish (Menticirrhus spp.): southern, Gulf and northern kingfish

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: spot (Official source)
• ASMFC 2017, Atlantic Sciaenid Habitats (Habitat Management Series 14): Spot chapter (Official source)
• SC finfish size and catch limits 2026-2027 (eRegulations, linked from SCDNR), last updated Aug 11, 2026 (Official source)
• SC Code of Laws Title 50 Chapter 5 (Sec. 50-5-1705 catch limits incl. whiting = Menticirrhus spp., spadefish; black sea bass limit provision) (Official source)

All the fish of Charleston