Last Updated on September 10, 2024 by Eric Bonneman
Well, here we are again, staring down the business end of September at Pawleys Island. A spot that feels like it’s been waiting for just this moment all year long. This little slice of the South Carolina coast is popular, but it’s less busy compared to the more crowded fishing spots along the Grand Strand, like Myrtle Beach up to the north.
Now, if you’re here for the September fishing report, you’re in the right place. This month, things are getting interesting out on the water. The dog days of summer are finally stepping aside, letting in cooler nights and comfortable mornings—perfect for getting the line wet without sweating buckets. And fortunately—the fish feel it too!
The water temperature is dropping to a sweet spot in the low 70s, which flips a switch for our local game fish. Flounder, red drum, speckled trout, even some lingering tarpon—they’re all out there, getting a little hungrier, a little more aggressive, and a lot more fun to catch.
As this month rolls in, the crowds are thinning out—and the fish are at their peak. There’s nowhere quite like Pawleys this time of year.
All About Pawleys Island in September
For those of us who know that a good day starts with the sound of the waves and a rod in hand, September at Pawleys Island is about as close to perfect as it gets. The crowds have thinned out and the water has settled into that sweet spot between summer heat and winter cold. Right now it’s the kind of place where you can set up close to shore with a fishing guide or hop on a charter boat and know that something’s bound to be biting.
If you haven’t been here before, this little barrier island is a place where flip-flops are more common than most other footwear, and where the salty air feels like a constant, gentle reminder to slow down and relax. The surf rolls in steady—perfect for casting. The historic district has homes that date back to the 1700s, giving you a glimpse into a bygone era. Tours are available, and they’re worth your time, especially if you appreciate a good story and a peek into the past.
But enough about the past. You came to hear about fishing, and fishing you shall hear.
The shorelines of Pawleys Island are ripe for casting in September going on into the Fall, and if you’re itching for more than just a sand-between-your-toes experience, there are plenty of boats ready to take you straight to where the big ones are biting.
The waters around here are packed—flounder, red drum, and sea trout are all on the move, and you’re bound to get some inshore action whether you’re using live bait or artificial lures. Even if you’re interested in crabbing, the creeks and marshes around the island are perfect for setting a trap and waiting for the blue crabs to wander in. (The beauty of crabbing is you don’t need much—just a good spot and a little patience. It’s a different kind of waiting game than fishing, but when those blue crabs start moving, it’s a whole lot of fun. I’ve seen kids and salty fishermen alike get hooked on it.) There are also a handful of great local spots around here that serve up fresh seafood caught daily, straight from the waters you’ve been fishing.
Fun Fact: One of the coolest (non-fishing-related) things about the island is its legend of the Gray Man Ghost. According to local lore, he appears before a major hurricane to warn residents of impending danger.
When it comes to staying here, there are cottages and beachside places that have views of either the marsh or the ocean. Waking up to the sound of the waves or the quiet of the marsh is something you have to experience at least once. Whether you stay for a weekend or a week, Pawleys Island has a way of making time stand still, just long enough for you to catch your breath and find a bit of peace.
Around September, the water’s here just right for fishing adventures—not too hot, not too cold. After those scorching summer months, the ocean starts cooling down a touch, dropping to a comfortable 70° – 75°F or so. It’s perfect because it gets our local fish more active and hungry before the cooler winter months roll in. You’ve got your flounder starting to move inshore, red drum hitting the shallows and marsh edges harder, and speckled trout firing up for some aggressive surface feeding.
And let me give you a tip about the tarpon. If you’re lucky, you might still catch these acrobats around since they linger until the waters cool off just a bit more.
The September Fishing Report for Pawleys Island SC
When September rolls around here at Pawleys Island, it’s like the fish get a whole new lease on life. The summer heat finally starts to break, and those cooler days start rolling in. That’s when you know things are about to get good.
Why September Is a Great Time to Fish at Pawleys Island
Cooler Waters
By now, the ocean and the inlets have shed some of that summer heat, dipping into the more comfortable 70s. Fish prefer these temps, so they get more active and, let me tell you, a lot easier to catch.
Fish on the Move
This time of year, you’ve got your locals—like red drum and speckled trout—really starting to feed heavily before winter sets in. Plus, some of the migratory species, like tarpon, are still hanging around. They’re all fattening up and more aggressive, which makes for some good fishing.
Plenty of Bait
The bait is just thick around the island now. We’re talking shrimp, mullet—you name it. This draws in a whole crowd of predator fish to the waters just off the island, ready for you to reel them in.
What to Do & Where to Do It In September
Pawleys Island Fishing Techniques
- Live Bait Tactics – If you’ve got your hands on some live shrimp or mullet, you’re in business. A live shrimp under a popping cork can make those trout go wild. And if you’re after red drum, a nicely rigged mullet might just do the trick.Sometimes, the fish are so hooked on live shrimp, you wouldn’t want to be caught without it. On a good day, nothing beats the real deal when you’re aiming for a big catch. Of course topwater baits always steal the show when you’re fishing Pawleys Island, and thanks to Daylight Savings, we get those late sunrises, giving us more time to enjoy the calm mornings.
- Artificial Lures – If you’re the type who likes a bit more action, throwing lures can be real rewarding. Early morning or as the sun starts to set, get those topwater lures out. Once the sun’s up, switch it up with something like a swimbait or a spinnerbait and keep the action going. The cooler waters crank up the oxygen levels, and fish like Reds and Trout can’t resist a well-placed lure. Saltwater Assassin paddletails or DOA shrimp can do wonders especially when you’re fishing inshore.Throwing topwater lures as the sun peeks over the horizon, that’s when you might get a spectacular strike from an eager Red or Trout.
- Jigging – The idea is to bounce a weighted lure off the seabed—creates a tempting scene for the bottom dwellers. The repetitive motion of bouncing a weighted lure off the seabed mimics the movement of small fish or crustaceans, which can provoke an attack from predatory fish on the bottom. It’s an arm workout, but it can get big results, especially when you’re targeting flounder.
- Cut Bait – Not every fish is fooled by the flashy stuff—that’s when you go for cut bait. A chunk of fresh mullet or menhaden sitting on the bottom just calls out to the bigger, lazier fish like sharks. This technique can be super effective from piers, in deeper channels, or even from the beach, where larger fish might be roaming in search of a meal.
- Fly Fishing – If you want a challenge, fly fishing Pawleys Island in the marshes is a fun one. It’s all finesse, using flies that mimic what the fish are already snacking on. Spotting a redfish and casting just right so it thinks it’s found its next meal is as good as it gets. Tip: This method relies heavily on your ability to “match the hatch”—using only the flies that mimic the local prey such as small crabs, shrimp, or baitfish. The clear, shallow waters you can find in the marsh during lower tides can give you the ideal conditions for fly fishing.
Sight Fishing – Well-suited to the fishing grounds around Pawleys Island, clear water conditions can let you spot and stalk your fish in the shallows. It requires you to be stealthy, but there’s nothing like spotting your fish and making a perfect cast. It can be really effective for targeting reds, which can often be seen tailing in the flats.
Best Spots to Hit
The Marshes – If you’re chasing redfish, the marshes around the island are where it’s at. You’ll find them chasing bait in the shallows. Just be sneaky or you’ll spook them.
The marshes are alive with, well, life—and not just the reds. As the water begins to cool, red drum, along with trout, start to feed more aggressively in preparation for the cooler months. So you’ll also have a good shot at spotting speckled trout and even some smaller flounder. The key is to be subtle. Approach quietly in a kayak or on foot along the marsh edges during high tide when the fish move in to feed.
Look for signs of fish activity, like birds diving or fish tails breaking the surface. Cast close to the reeds and let your bait drift naturally with the current. It’s all about blending in and waiting for the fish to come to you.
Creek Mouths – Places like Pawleys Creek and Midway Creek are flounder hotspots. These guys like to hang out where the creek flows into something bigger and ambush whatever comes by. As flounder are beginning their migration towards the ocean for the winter, they become more concentrated around creek mouths. This makes September a fantastic month to target them as they feed heavily to bulk up for their journey.
Creek mouths are where the fresh and saltwater mix, creating a buffet of baitfish and nutrients for predators. So these areas are a good spot not just for flounder, but also for bait-stealing blue crabs and the occasional striped bass. For the best results, use a live bait rig or a bucktail jig tipped with a piece of shrimp.
Fishing during the falling tide can be especially productive, since flounder will often position themselves to catch bait being pulled out of the estuaries. The changing currents and waters also disorient the smaller fish, making them easier targets for the sharp-eyed flounder. Tip: Time your Pawleys Island fishing trips to coincide with outgoing tides, which pull bait from the creeks into the waiting mouths of predatory fish.
Nearshore – There are some artificial reefs a few miles out. They’re hotspots for bigger fish like king mackerel and the odd tarpon. Bigger bait works best out here.
This time of year, the water temperature is just right for attracting a wide variety of game fish to the reefs. King mackerel are abundant and are aggressively feeding. Slow-trolling live baits such as bluefish or rigged ballyhoo can be very effective. For the tarpon that are still hanging around, you can use larger mullets.
Tip:
Keep an eye on the weather and sea conditions, as September can also bring rougher waters which might impact your ability to fish these spots safely. Always communicate with your guide/charter captain ahead of your trip about the weather outlook and what to expect. They can tell you whether it’s safe to go out or better to wait for another day. Going on a fishing charter in September can make your trip productive and fun, making sure you get the most out of Pawleys Island’s prime fishing season while keeping safety a top priority!
What’s Biting in September
Fishing in Pawleys Island during September is like hitting the jackpot with the variety of fish that are biting. Let’s look at some of the target species you can expect to reel in during this peak month.
Redfish (Red Drum)
Reds, or as some of the old-timers around here like to call them, Spottail Bass, are tough-as-nails. They can adapt to varying salinities, so they can handle the brackish waters that would send other fish packing. One minute they’re deep in the salty surf, the next they’re moving up into the fresher creeks, and they don’t seem to mind one bit. This makes the estuaries around Pawleys just about perfect for them. Here, they’ve got everything they need: the right mix of salinity, plenty of places to hide, and loads of food to keep them fat and happy.
If you’ve spent any time fishing around these parts, you’ve probably spotted their tails sticking out of the water, “tailing” as they root around for a meal.
And here’s a little tip for you—if you see a slick on the water that faintly smells like watermelon or cucumber, that’s a good sign that a school of redfish is feeding nearby. Throw your line there, and you’re likely to get some action.
Catching ’em: September is one of the best times to fish for Red Drum around Pawleys Island. These fish are in their element now, feeding aggressively as they bulk up for the cooler months ahead. You’ll find them lurking around oyster beds and marsh grass, especially on moving tides. A live finger mullet or a chunk of blue crab can be irresistible to them.
Fun facts: Red Drum can make a drumming sound using special muscles that vibrate against their swim bladder, which is why they’re called “drum.” They’re known for the distinctive black spot on their tail, which is thought to confuse predators into attacking the wrong end.
Speckled Trout (Spotted Sea Trout)
Speckled Trout are actually members of the drum family, even though they’re called trout. You wouldn’t know it to look at them, though. They’ve got those distinctive spots running down their silvery sides, and they love to hang out in the inshore waters around Pawleys Island. These waters are just about perfect for them—plenty of cover, plenty of food, and just the right mix of salty and fresh.
What’s great about Speckled Trout is they’re a bit more predictable than some of the other fish around here. They’ve got their favorite haunts—the grassy flats, the deeper holes near the marsh, and anywhere there’s structure and moving water. And they’re not shy about biting, either. If you’ve got some live shrimp or a good topwater plug, you’re in business.
Catching ’em: Speckled Trout are a thrill to catch, especially on light tackle. In September, these fish are attracted to the cooler, oxygen-rich waters. Early morning is your best shot, using topwater lures or live shrimp. They’re suckers for a well-placed lure along the grassy edges where they hunt for small fish and shrimp.
Keep your tackle light—they’ve got a soft mouth, and you don’t want to rip the hook out when they strike.
Fun fact: Speckled Trout are vocal, producing croaking noises, which is another trait they share with their drum relatives.
Flounder
As the water starts to cool, flounder gradually move from the estuaries and shallows toward deeper, offshore areas. This journey is driven by their spawning cycle but is also a quest for more consistent water temperatures and food sources. During this migration, they’re especially active—and importantly, more inclined to feed.
Action heats up in September as these flatfish start to move toward the ocean for spawning. They lie camouflaged along the bottoms, waiting to ambush passing bait.
Since they prefer areas where they can easily hide and ambush prey, sandy drop-offs and channels around Pawleys Island are hotspots, especially ones next to shallow flats or marshy inlets. These transitions between depths are ideal “ambush sites” for the flounder, as baitfish move in and out with the tides.
Catching ’em: For flounder, well, you want to think like a flounder. They’re lazy hunters, so they’re lying flat on the sandy bottom, waiting to ambush anything that swims by. I’ve found that dragging a bait slowly across the bottom, like a live mud minnow or a jig tipped with gulp, can get them fired up.
Be patient—when you feel that tap-tap on the line, give it a second before you set the hook. Flounder have a tendency to play with their food before committing.
Fun facts: Flounder can change their coloration to match their surroundings. They’re also unique because their life stages. They start life with one eye on each side of their head, but as they mature, one eye migrates so they eventually end up with both eyes on the top side.
Tarpon
Channels with strong currents and nearby flats are ideal as tarpon will often swim through these waterways between feeding areas. Other promising locations are around inlets and passes where fresh and saltwater mix. (They contain a high concentration of nutrients and baitfish, drawing the tarpon in from open waters.)
Catching ’em: Tarpon in Pawleys Island can be targeted around deeper channels and nearshore waters.
Live bait is incredibly effective for targeting them because it appeals to their predatory instincts. Large live mullet is one of the best baits for tarpon due to its size and vigorous movements, which are hard for tarpon to resist. Hooking the mullet either through the lips or just above the spine allows it to swim naturally, increasing your chances of attracting one.
If you prefer artificial lures, large plugs, soft-bodied mullet imitations, or surface poppers can be very effective. The key with artificial lures is to mimic the erratic movement of injured prey. Tarpon are also attracted to shiny lures that reflect light, simulating the flicker of a distressed fish.
Note that your positioning is critical when targeting tarpon. You’ll want to place yourself up-current of known tarpon paths and cast your bait into these channels, allowing the current to carry it naturally into the feeding zone. This approach helps present the bait more effectively and increases your chances of a strike.
Note: Using heavy tackle is critical due to the size and power of these fish. A heavy-duty rod and reel equipped with strong line (usually 80-100 lb test) can handle the initial strike, as well as the jumps and runs that are typical of tarpon fishing.
While it’s possible to catch tarpon near Pawleys Island in the fall, it’s more of a rare opportunity than a regular occurrence. You’d probably have better luck focusing on other more common species in the area, like redfish, speckled trout, or flounder, but if you’re willing to take a chance and put in the time, you just might get lucky.
Fun fact: Tarpon can live up to 50 years and grow to about 8 feet in length. They are prehistoric fish, with fossils dating back millions of years. They can gulp air from the surface, which allows them to inhabit oxygen-poor waters.
Black Drum
Black Drum are structure-loving fish, gravitating towards areas where they can find plenty of food and cover. So in Pawleys Island, the best spots to find them in September are often going to be around docks, jetties, and the wooden pilings that support local piers. These structures are prime feeding grounds for Black Drum as they have a ton of shellfish.
Catching ’em: Black Drum are often caught alongside their flashier cousins, the Red Drum. In September, you can find them around structure like docks and pilings, where they scavenge for oysters and crabs. Bait like shrimp or clams works best.
Sturdy tackle is recommended due to the size Black Drum can reach and their tendency to dwell near abrasive structures. A medium to heavy rod with a strong line (20-30 lb test) can withstand the pull of a large one and the potential snags from oyster beds and pilings.
About the fish: Black Drum are larger and less colorful than Red Drum, with juveniles featuring vertical stripes that fade as they age. They’re known for their ability to consume shellfish thanks to their powerful crushing teeth.
Fun fact: The largest Black Drum ever recorded was over 113 pounds. (!)
Sheepshead
While the waters around Pawleys Island begin to cool in September, sheepshead start preparing for winter. This preparation involves bulking up on available food sources, making them more aggressive and easier to target.
These striped fish have a distinctive set of human-like teeth, which are perfect for crushing shells. Their diet makes them frequent visitors around piers, jetties, docks, and and any other kind of submerged structure that’s got a lot of growth on it. Those teeth are like little nutcrackers, and they’re not shy about using them to get at their food.
When I say they’re hanging around the structures, I mean it. They’ll be right up against the pilings or tucked into the crevices, scraping away at barnacles and whatever else is stuck there. It’s why they’re sometimes called “convict fish”—not just because of those black and white stripes but because they’re sneaky and know how to hide out in tight spots. They’re not a fish that’s going to be swimming out in the open much—they like their cover.
Catching ’em: Focus on areas with heavy structure. Docks, bridges, and rocky areas are sheepshead hotspots because these environments are full of barnacles and shellfish. The jetties at the inlet and really any area with submerged objects are likely to attract them, too. They gather around the jetties and pilings, munching on barnacles and crabs.
You’ve got to get your bait right down there with them. They’re not going to come out and chase it, so you want to use something like crabs or pieces of shrimp—something that mimics what they’re already munching on. Live fiddler crabs, shrimp, and small pieces of oyster meat are great choices.
Because sheepshead have a soft bite, a sensitive rod is essential to feel the nibble and set the hook effectively. They’re notorious for stealing bait, so a small hook and patience are necessary. Keep in mind that once they realize they’ve been hooked they’ll likely dive straight for cover, trying to wrap you up around anything they can find.
The bait should be presented very close to the structure, ideally so it appears to be a part of it. A bit of fresh crab on your hook might just land you a Sheepshead.
Fun fact: Sheepshead can rotate each of their teeth independently.
Pawleys Island Fishing Charters
Planning a Fishing Trip to Pawleys Island in September
The month of September on into November and December is a sweet spot for fishing down here at Pawleys Island. You got the water cooling off just enough to get the fish lively and feeding, but it’s still warm enough that you’re comfortable on the water. It’s a time when you can reel in a variety, from reds in the shallows to the bigger fish out near the reefs.
Now, if you’re thinking of heading out here, you should consider linking up with one of the local charters. They’re out there every day, come rain or shine, so they can spot changes in the water and weather that might slip by most. Plus, they’re keen on where the fish are biting and the best tactics to hook them, whether you’re after the elusive flounder by the creek mouths or chasing the tarpon that are starting their move south.
It’s not just about finding the fish either—September can stir up some choppy water quick with little warning. These captains have the right gear and boats to handle what the Atlantic throws at them. Safety’s always their top priority, so they’re watching the skies and the forecasts. Helps to have that peace of mind, knowing someone’s got your back out there.
For beginners, there’s no better way to learn. And for the more experienced among us, it’s a chance to maybe pick up a new trick or find a new spot. Either way, you’re saving time and getting straight to the good fishing—which is what we’re all here for!
Bottom line, if you’re looking to fish in Pawleys Island, September is about as good as it gets. So don’t let the month slip by without a fishing trip to Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It’s a great time to fish, full of action.
The weather’s on your side, the fish are biting, and the variety… tough to beat. So, what are you waiting for? Call 843-814-7900 or click here to book your Pawleys Island fishing charter with Carolina Guide Service – and see what’s biting!
