Waterlands

Species guide · South Carolina

Wahoo fishing in South Carolina

Acanthocybium solandri, a pelagic species also called ono and hoo. Listed for the South Atlantic region. Shoulder season, about 1 more week.

Right now it scores best in Coastal waters from Edisto Beach SC to Savannah GA out 20 NM at 47, one of 3 South Carolina bay systems where the Waterlands engine is scoring it.

Season now

Shoulder 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

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

Peak: Apr to May, Oct to Nov. In season (shoulder or peak): Mar to Dec.

Research notes, South Atlantic region

Gulf Stream edge, ledges and weed lines off the Carolinas, Georgia and Northeast Florida. Fish are most abundant from early spring through late fall, with a few lingering in winter (NCDMF); anglers key on the spring and fall runs.

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

Where it's scoring now · 3

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

1
47Good
Coastal waters from Edisto Beach SC to Savannah GA out 20 NM

Best window today 8 PM-12 AM (47) · Best day Tue, Sep 22 at 9 AM (54) · 28 named spots

2
43Fair
Coastal waters from Murrells Inlet to South Santee River SC out 20 NM

Best window today 8-10 PM (43) · Best day Fri, Sep 18 at 7 AM (49) · 6 named spots

3
42Fair
Coastal waters from Little River Inlet to Murrells Inlet SC out 20 NM

Best window today 8-10 PM (42) · Best day Fri, Sep 18 at 7 AM (47) · 1 named spot

Not scored in this forecast: Charleston Harbor.

How and where it feeds

Water temperature
Feeds from 68°F to 84°F, best between 72°F and 80°F.
Water depth
60 to 3000 ft of water.
Structure
Ledge, rip, pinnacle, bluewater, wreck and canyon, in that order of preference.
Tide and current
Prefers moving water, with moderate current.Tide stage has little effect offshore. Current edges, temperature breaks and weed lines along drop-offs concentrate fish.
Light
Bites best around dawn and dusk.
Pressure
Little response to pressure changes.
Wind and sea limits
20 kt of wind and 6 ft of sea. The Waterlands engine scores hours down as conditions pass them.

Tackle and technique

Wahoo patrol drop-offs, seamounts, rigs and weed lines where current and temperature breaks meet, usually along the 100 to 600 foot contours. High-speed trolling at 12 to 18 knots with weighted lures covers ground, and slower trolling with ballyhoo or diving plugs works over known structure. Use wire leader, because their teeth cut monofilament.

Methods
high-speed trolling, trolling, slow trolling live bait, vertical jigging
Lures
weighted high-speed trolling lures, skirted ballyhoo, diving plugs, planer-rigged lures
Bait
rigged ballyhoo, live blue runners, live goggle-eyes, bonito strips

Regulations

SCDNR saltwater regulations Buy a South Carolina fishing license License types

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Synced with SCDNR Sep 16, 2026.

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

Other South Carolina species