Category: Nearshore Fish

Menhaden, also commonly called “Pogies” are an essential baitfish in South Carolina.

Anglers in search of live bait will track down schools of Menhaden as they give themselves away fluttering at the surface. A large round castnet is thrown (typically 8-12 foot radius) to encircle the school. As the net drops, the fish are trapped within, to be pulled up to the boat by the hand line.

Pogies can be kept alive in a live well as long as it has sufficient circulation and the water is not too hot for too long.

As bait, they are utilized both whole or in cut pieces, and just about everything in the sea will eat a Pogy!

From small black drum in the marsh creeks and flats to the monsters of deeper water, these are great fun to catch and excellent eating.

Spotted Seatrout are one of the most common inshore species highly pursued by recreational anglers in South Carolina.

“Flatties” are found in the inshore and nearshore range.

Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) are a smaller coastal migratory pelagic species often visiting South Carolina’s coast throughout the warmer months.

Fishing Tips

Spanish Mackerel, often called just “Spanish”, are typically taken by small artificial lures trolled or cast at feeding schools. Shiny silver or gold spoons are highly effect.

Try trolling a spoon behind a small #1 or #2 planer through areas where Spanish Mackerel are active.

Perhaps South Carolina’s most important game fish species, the Red Drum goes by many names. Red Fish, Spot Tail Bass, Bull Drum, Puppy Drum, or just plain Reds… whatever you call them, they are fun to catch!