Gear & Tackle

Bluefish

Bluefish Fishing in South Carolina

Toothy, aggressive schooling fish of the Atlantic coast that blitz bait in the surf and bays.

Waters
1
State
South Carolina
Water
Saltwater
Methods
Fly, Spin & Bait

Best Months in South Carolina: May to Oct

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Bluefish
Image: Duane Raver, USFWS · Public domain

Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a South Carolina fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Plan by Month

Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Bluefish

Month

4 picks for October.

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Rod & Reel

Bluefish Setup

Fly

9 ft 9 wt rod, intermediate line, wire or 40 lb bite tippet.

Spin / Cast

7 to 9 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 to 5000 reel, 20 lb braid with a wire leader.

South Carolina

Where to Catch Bluefish

1 of 1 waters

Saltwater & Coast · South Carolina

Port Royal Sound

Estuarine waters around Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge near Hilton Head, where red drum, spotted seatrout, flounder, and bluefish are caught.

Redfish · Speckled Trout · Flounder

South Carolina

Shops to Stock Up

Recommended

Gear for Bluefish

Jigs

Spro Bucktail Jigs

Durable hair jigs for stripers, fluke, and anything that eats baitfish.

Check Price

Reels

Penn Battle III Spinning Reel

A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.

Check Price

Spoons

Acme Kastmaster Spoon

A dense spoon that casts a mile and flutters on the fall.

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Metal Jigs

Deadly Dick Deadly Dick Metal Jig

A small, heavy casting jig for fast-moving albies and mackerel.

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Bluefish Fishing by State

Massachusetts (5)New Jersey (4)Florida (4)New York (3)Rhode Island (2)Maryland (2)Delaware (2)North Carolina (2)Georgia (1)Alabama (1)Maine (1)South Carolina (1)Virginia (1)Connecticut (1)