King mackerel fishing out of Folly Beach runs from late spring into fall and peaks in August. Boats work the nearshore reefs, including the Charleston 60′ Reef and Comanche Reef, trolling live bait, and some anglers fish the end of the pier. Our king mackerel guide covers the fish itself. This page covers Folly Beach: the months, the grounds and the methods.
When kings are around Folly Beach
Kings run off Folly Beach from late spring into fall, with the peak in August. For how the fish move along the whole coast, see the Atlantic Southeast king mackerel picture (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
Write Off The Rip Charters rates October odds as good, so there are two windows to plan around: the August peak and a later one in October.
Where Folly boats run for kings
Boats work the nearshore reefs, the Charleston 60′ Reef and Comanche Reef, and some anglers fish from the pier end. The nearshore reefs are part of South Carolina’s artificial reef program. The grounds below run from the beach out to the Gulf Stream edge.
| Ground | Depth | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Folly Beach Fishing Pier reef | 15 ft | |
| Charleston Harbor Jetties | At the Charleston Harbor inlet | |
| Morris Island Lighthouse area | A short boat ride north of Folly Beach | |
| Capers Artificial Reef | 40 ft | About 12 miles east of the Charleston Harbor Jetties |
| Charleston 60′ Reef | 60 ft | About 15 miles offshore |
| Comanche Reef | 105 ft | Farther offshore than the Charleston 60′ Reef |
| Gulf Stream edge | Begins around 70 miles offshore |
Check the official NWS Charleston marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before the run. Reef positions shown on our chart layers are not for navigation.
Folly Beach Pier reef
The Folly Beach Fishing Pier artificial reef sits in 15 ft of water. Land-based anglers fish for kings from the pier end.
Charleston Harbor Jetties and Morris Island
The Charleston Harbor Jetties are at the Charleston Harbor inlet. The Morris Island Lighthouse area is a short boat ride north of Folly Beach.
Capers Artificial Reef
Capers Artificial Reef sits in 40 ft, about 12 miles east of the Charleston Harbor Jetties. The jetties make a convenient reference point for the run.
Charleston 60′ Reef
The Charleston 60′ Reef sits in 60 ft, about 15 miles offshore. Folly boats run to it regularly.
Comanche Reef
Comanche Reef sits in 105 ft, farther offshore than the Charleston 60′ Reef.
Gulf Stream edge
The Gulf Stream edge begins around 70 miles offshore. Boats that push out to it are usually after more than kings. See our offshore gamefish guides.
How kings are fished here
Folly anglers use two methods, one from boats and one from the pier.
Trolling live bait from a boat
From a boat, anglers troll live bait for kings, working the reefs and structure listed in the table above.
Two rods at the pier end
At the pier end, anglers fish two rods. One serves as the anchor and the other carries the trolley rig.
Who fishes kings out of Folly Beach
Most king mackerel fishing out of Folly Beach is done by private boaters running to the nearshore reefs, the Charleston 60′ Reef and Comanche Reef. Pier anglers fish the pier end with the two-rod setup. Anglers who would rather not run their own boat can look to Write Off The Rip Charters, which lists king mackerel offshore.
FAQ: king mackerel fishing out of Folly Beach
Can you catch king mackerel from the Folly Beach Pier?
Yes. Some anglers fish for kings from the pier end with two rods, one as an anchor and one as a trolley rig. The Folly Beach Fishing Pier artificial reef sits in 15 ft.
What is the best month for kings off Folly Beach?
August is the peak of a season that runs from late spring into fall. Write Off The Rip Charters rates October odds as good.
How far is the Charleston 60′ Reef?
The Charleston 60′ Reef sits about 15 miles offshore, in 60 ft.
How deep is Comanche Reef?
Comanche Reef sits in 105 ft, farther offshore than the Charleston 60′ Reef.
Does a local charter fish kings out of Folly Beach?
Yes. Write Off The Rip Charters lists king mackerel offshore.
