Waterlands

Species guide · South Carolina

Spot fishing in South Carolina

Leiostomus xanthurus, an inshore species also called Norfolk spot and yellowbelly. Listed for the South Atlantic region. Peak season, about 6 more weeks.

Right now it scores best in Coastal waters from Murrells Inlet to South Santee River SC out 20 NM at 65, one of 4 South Carolina bay systems where the Waterlands engine is scoring it.

Season now

Peak season
Where it's scoring nowAll South Carolina waters

Season by month

From the Waterlands saltwater species research: when the fish are present and biting, not whether retention is open.

South Atlantic

Peak season, about 6 more weeks
  1. Jan: Off season
  2. Feb: Off season
  3. Mar: Off season
  4. Apr: Shoulder season
  5. May: Shoulder season
  6. Jun: Shoulder season
  7. Jul: Shoulder season
  8. Aug: Shoulder season
  9. Sep: Peak season
  10. Oct: Peak season
  11. Nov: Shoulder season
  12. Dec: Off season

Peak: Sep to Oct. In season (shoulder or peak): Apr to Nov.

Research notes, South Atlantic region

NCDMF says North Carolina anglers catch more spot than any other species. The fall run past Outer Banks piers, inlets and beaches in September and October is the peak, as fish leave the sounds to spawn offshore (South Atlantic spawning October-March). Present in South Carolina and Georgia estuaries most of the year.

Seasons and limits in these notes are background. The regulations below and the regulator’s own page govern.

Where it's scoring now · 4

South Carolina bay systems ranked by the Waterlands engine's spot score this hour.

1
65Great
Coastal waters from Murrells Inlet to South Santee River SC out 20 NM

Best window today 9 PM-12 AM (72) · Best day Sat, Sep 19 at 6 PM (77) · 6 named spots

2
64Good
Coastal waters from Little River Inlet to Murrells Inlet SC out 20 NM

Best window today 9 PM-12 AM (70) · Best day Sat, Sep 19 at 6 PM (75) · 1 named spot

3
63Good
Charleston Harbor

Best window today 9 PM-12 AM (74) · Best day Sat, Sep 19 at 7 PM (78) · 37 named spots

4
62Good
Coastal waters from Edisto Beach SC to Savannah GA out 20 NM

Best window today 10 PM-12 AM (73) · Best day Sun, Sep 20 at 7 AM (77) · 28 named spots

How and where it feeds

Water temperature
Feeds from 55°F to 88°F, best between 64°F and 80°F.
Water depth
2 to 30 ft of water.
Structure
Pier, bridge, jetty, channel, inlet, surf, bay and estuary, in that order of preference.
Tide and current
Prefers moving water and high tide, with light current.Moving water around piers, bridges and inlet channels, and the higher stages of the tide in shallow creeks, usually fish best. During the fall run schools pass beaches and inlets on any tide.
Light
Some lift around dawn and dusk; feeds at night too.
Pressure
Little response to pressure changes.
Wind and sea limits
18 kt of wind and 3 ft of sea. The Waterlands engine scores hours down as conditions pass them.

Tackle and technique

Spot school over mud and sand in bays, tidal creeks and channels and around piers and bridges, generally in less than 25 feet of water. Fish a two-hook bottom rig with small hooks and bits of bloodworm or shrimp, and move until you find a school. In fall the biggest fish run out of the sounds past piers and inlets, and the bite can go all day.

Methods
bottom fishing
Lures
scented synthetic bait strips
Bait
bloodworms, shrimp, squid strips, clams

Regulations

SCDNR saltwater regulations Buy a South Carolina fishing license License types

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Synced with SCDNR Sep 18, 2026.

No reviewed spot rule for South Carolina is on file yet. Check with SCDNR before you keep one.

Other South Carolina species