Spot
Spot are a beloved small saltwater fish found throughout South Carolina's coastal waters, ranging from estuaries and tidal creeks to shallow coastal bays.
They're abundant in South Carolina's 300,000+ acres of salt marshes and are considered ecologically important as a significant link in transferring energy from estuaries to continental shelf waters.
Scientific Name: Leiostomus xanthurus
These silver to bluish fish with golden bellies are easily identified by their distinctive large black spot behind the gill cover and 12-15 oblique dark streaks extending below the lateral line.
Spot typically reach 8 inches and half a pound, with the South Carolina state record being 1 pound, 1 ounce.
Fishing in South Carolina
Lake Marion
Wateree River
Broad River
Saluda River
Lake Murray
Black River
Catawba River
Lynches River
Lake Moultrie
Santee River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
They inhabit muddy or sand-mud bottoms, oyster reefs, seagrass beds, and along beaches, with juveniles preferring lower salinity tidal creeks before moving to deeper estuarine waters as they mature.Key Locations
Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach is excellent. The Old Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant offers outstanding Spot fishing. Ocean View area waters which historically held extensive oyster beds.Specific Spots
Target old oyster beds in less than 20 feet of water. Productive locations include bridges, docks, piers, and marinas with tidal flow. Target creek mouths, oyster bars, and shallow flats with muddy bottoms.Spot FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Spot in South Carolina?
Small pieces of bloodworms are traditional, but Fishbites Bag O' Worms Bloodworm Alternative work excellently and are more convenient - use pieces less than an inch long. Other effective baits include small pieces of squid, cut fish, clam, and marine worms.
When is the best time to fish for Spot in South Carolina?
They can be caught year-round but are most productive during spring through fall months. Best time is during the fall 'spot run' from September through November.
How do you catch Spot in South Carolina?
Always keep your rig bouncing on the bottom as these are strictly bottom feeders. For boat fishing, anchor near creek mouths, oyster bars, and shallow flats with muddy bottoms. Fish from beaches by staying close - Spot are typically within 10 feet of shore, so resist casting far.
What do Spot eat?
Spot are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume polychaetes, crustaceans, worms, small fish, mollusks, and plant and animal detritus.
Where do Spot live in South Carolina?
They inhabit muddy or sand-mud bottoms, oyster reefs, seagrass beds, and along beaches, with juveniles preferring lower salinity tidal creeks before moving to deeper estuarine waters as they mature.
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