Spanish Mackerel Season Out of Murrells Inlet
Spanish mackerel fishing out of Murrells Inlet centers on spring. Salty Hooker’s seasonal nearshore trip runs March through May and pairs bonito with Spanish mackerel. The same operator’s inshore and nearshore trips run up to 3 miles offshore.
For the wider migration picture, see Spanish mackerel along the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
| Window | Paired species | Range listed |
|---|---|---|
| March through May | bonito | up to 3 miles |
How Far Boats Run
The documented trips that list Spanish mackerel work in two ranges: up to 3 miles and 20 to 30 miles. Treat each as a planning fact for your own boat, not an endorsement of a charter.
- Nearshore: up to 3 miles offshore
- Longer run: 20 to 30 miles offshore
Nearshore, Up to 3 Miles
Salty Hooker’s inshore and nearshore trips run up to 3 miles offshore. If you are trailering a boat in for a few days and want to stay close to the inlet, this is the short-window option.
The 20 to 30 Mile Run
Reel Myrtle Beach’s 6-hour trip runs 20 to 30 miles for Spanish mackerel, kingfish and black sea bass. Since both the 3-mile trips and this longer run list Spanish mackerel, the species is on the table at 20 to 30 miles offshore as well as inside 3 miles.
Reefs and Structure Off Murrells Inlet
The named reefs run from 23 ft to beyond 200 ft, and the shallow sites sit closest to the documented nearshore range. Only Pawley’s Island Reef has a published bearing and distance.
| Site | Depth (ft) | Marking/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pawley’s Island Reef | 23 to 35 | 1 buoy. 177 degrees, 5.5 nm from the south jetty |
| Paradise Reef (with H.P. Springs Jr. and add-on reefs) | 30 to 35 | 2 buoys |
| Ten Mile Reef | 34 to 45 | 2 buoys |
| Bill Perry Reef | 65 | 1 buoy |
| BP-25 Reef | 90 to 95 | Unmarked 160′ ship |
| Will Goldfinch Reef (YO-225) | 175′ ship at 33 17.005 N / 078 45.372 W | |
| Nearshore ledges (wahoo and blackfin ledges) | 140 to 250 | Ledges |
| Winyah Scarp area | Ledge, about 60 miles out |
Published reef positions are for planning only, and chart layers are not for navigation. Chart Contours help you read depth around a reef before you run to it.
Pawley’s Island Reef
Pawley’s Island Reef is the shallowest site on the list, at 23 to 35 ft. One buoy marks it, and the bearing is 177 degrees, 5.5 nm from the south jetty.
Paradise and Ten Mile Reefs
Paradise Reef sits at 30 to 35 ft and includes H.P. Springs Jr. and other add-on reefs. Two buoys mark it. Ten Mile Reef sits at 34 to 45 ft, also with 2 buoys.
Bill Perry, BP-25 and Will Goldfinch
The named deeper structures are:
- Bill Perry Reef: 65 ft, 1 buoy
- BP-25: unmarked, a 160′ ship at 90 to 95 ft
- Will Goldfinch: a 175′ ship (YO-225) at 33 17.005 N / 078 45.372 W
Ledges and the Winyah Scarp
The nearshore ledges, known as the wahoo and blackfin ledges, sit at 140 to 250 ft. The Winyah Scarp area is a ledge about 60 miles out. Both belong to offshore gamefish fishing rather than the Spanish mackerel fishery.
How Spanish Mackerel Are Fished Here
Trolling is the method named locally. Crazy Sister’s 5-hour combo trolls for king and Spanish mackerel.
The trips pair Spanish mackerel with other species:
- Bonito on Salty Hooker’s spring trip
- Kingfish and black sea bass on Reel Myrtle Beach’s run
For tackle and rigging detail, see the Spanish mackerel fishing guide.
Who Fishes for Them Out of Murrells Inlet
Two charter operators list Spanish mackerel in their trips, and each one’s listing tells a private boater something useful.
Salty Hooker Fishing Charters
The seasonal March through May nearshore trip pairs bonito and Spanish mackerel, with trips running up to 3 miles. It points to the spring timing and the short range.
Reel Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters
Captain Matt runs a 32′ center console and lists Murrells Inlet Marina as the departure point. The 6-hour trip goes 20 to 30 miles for Spanish mackerel, kingfish and black sea bass. It points to the long-run option and a mixed-species plan.
FAQ: Spanish Mackerel Out of Murrells Inlet
When is Spanish mackerel season in Murrells Inlet?
March through May, on Salty Hooker’s seasonal nearshore trip with bonito.
How far do boats run for Spanish mackerel?
Up to 3 miles on nearshore trips, and 20 to 30 miles on Reel Myrtle Beach’s 6-hour trip.
Which reefs are closest to shore?
Pawley’s Island Reef (23 to 35 ft, 177 degrees, 5.5 nm from the south jetty), Paradise Reef (30 to 35 ft) and Ten Mile Reef (34 to 45 ft).
How are Spanish mackerel fished here?
Trolling, which Crazy Sister’s 5-hour combo uses for king and Spanish mackerel.
Where do trips depart?
Reel Myrtle Beach lists Murrells Inlet Marina.
