Where boats run for red grouper out of Little River
Red grouper fishing out of Little River means Gulf Stream bottom trips 35-50 miles out, with the fish worked in about 100 ft. Little River Inlet is the reference point for every bearing below, and the Little River port guide covers the port itself. For the wider coast, see the red grouper fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the wider Atlantic Southeast guide.
| Run | Distance from Little River Inlet | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Stream bottom trip | 35-50 miles | About 100 ft |
| Little River Offshore Reef (PA-02) | 10.5 nm | 55 ft |
The Gulf Stream run: 35-50 miles
Boats make Gulf Stream bottom trips 35-50 miles out. PA-02, at 10.5 nm from the inlet, is a short run by comparison.
Depth: about 100 ft
The fish are worked in about 100 ft, bottom fishing over structure. Of the named sites below, BP-25 Reef at 92 ft is the closest to that depth.
When red grouper are around Little River
Timing and seasonal biology are covered in the red grouper fishing guide. Use it to plan around the fish, then use this page to plan the run.
Grouper, not red grouper, in the local reports
Most local reports say "grouper" without naming red grouper, so a report of grouper means grouper of some kind.
Grounds and structure near Little River
These are the named grounds and structure near the port, from within a few miles of land out to the Gulf Stream. Chart layers are not for navigation.
The PA-designated sites are part of the state’s permitted reefs listed in the SCDNR artificial reef locations. The shallower reefs are named local structure and shouldn’t be assumed to hold red grouper.
| Site | Depth | Location note |
|---|---|---|
| Little River Reef | 25 ft | |
| General Sherman Wreck | 48 ft | |
| Little River Offshore Reef (PA-02) | 55 ft | 156 degrees, 10.5 nm from Little River Inlet |
| BP-25 Reef | 92 ft | |
| Ron McManus Memorial Reef (PA-04) | ||
| Ninety Ninety Rock | Within a few miles of land | |
| Three Mile Reef | ||
| Blackjack | Named offshore area, blackfin and mahi |
Little River Reef
Little River Reef sits in 25 ft. It is named nearshore structure and the shallowest site on the list.
General Sherman Wreck
General Sherman Wreck sits in 48 ft, the second-shallowest named site here.
Little River Offshore Reef (PA-02)
PA-02 sits in 55 ft at bearing 156 degrees, 10.5 nm from Little River Inlet. Use that bearing and distance from the inlet as your reference.
BP-25 Reef
BP-25 Reef sits in 92 ft. It is the deepest named site and the closest to the 100-ft band.
Ron McManus Memorial Reef (PA-04)
Ron McManus Memorial Reef is a named reef in the PA-designated set alongside PA-02.
Ninety Ninety Rock
Ninety Ninety Rock lies within a few miles of land.
Three Mile Reef
Three Mile Reef is named structure off the port.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a named offshore fishing area with blackfin and mahi.
How red grouper are fished out of Little River, and who fishes them
The local method is bottom fishing with live bait over structure. Rigs and broader technique are covered in the reef fish fishing guides.
Live pinfish and cigar minnows over structure
Bottom fish with live pinfish or cigar minnows over structure, in about 100 ft, keeping the bait on the bottom where the structure is.
Grouper in local reports
Most local reports lump red grouper in with other grouper. The North Myrtle-Little River fishing report is one example. A "grouper" report tells you something about structure and depth but not how many red grouper were caught.
Who fishes from this port
Boats make Gulf Stream bottom trips 35-50 miles out. The Blackjack run draws anglers after blackfin and mahi.
FAQ: red grouper fishing out of Little River
How far do boats run for red grouper out of Little River?
35-50 miles, on Gulf Stream bottom trips.
What depth are red grouper fished in?
About 100 ft, over structure.
What bait is used locally?
Live pinfish or cigar minnows, bottom fishing over structure.
Where is PA-02?
156 degrees, 10.5 nm from Little River Inlet, in 55 ft. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Do local reports separate red grouper from other grouper?
Mostly not. Most reports say "grouper." BP-25 at 92 ft is the deepest named reef.
