August is going to look very much like July. It’s going to be hot, the water will stay warm, and the best inshore fishing will continue to be early in the morning and later in the evening. There are still plenty of fish around, though, so there are a lot of options depending on what you want to target.
Weather & Conditions Forecast: What to Expect
Expected Air Temp: 80–95°F
Expected Water Temp: 80–90°F
It’s going to be hotttt just like last month. The temperatures are going to stay pretty similar to July, along with plenty of afternoon thunderstorms. The heat will continue to push fish deeper during the middle of the day, which is why early morning and late evening will be the better times to target redfish inshore.
Fish Behavior: Who’s Showing Up in the Beaufort, SC Waters?
Redfish, tarpon, stingrays, sharks, jacks, tripletail, and bull redfish should all be around. The warm water keeps a lot of these migratory fish in the area, so there are still plenty of opportunities to target different species.
Fly Fishing Forecast
For fly fishing, I’ll continue sticking with darker flies, especially black. Flies in the 3–5 inch range will be the best option for redfish. Flood tide fishing should continue to produce, with opportunities during both the morning and late evening tides. If we get some rain, that can also create more flood tide opportunities.
For redfish, the same thing still matters more than the exact fly you’re throwing: make a good cast and put the fly where the fish can see it. Good casting and accuracy are going to give you a much better chance than constantly changing flies.
Spin Fishing Forecast
For spin fishing, the 4-inch Z-Man Diesel Minnow will continue to be one of my go-to baits. Darker colors are a good starting point, but honestly, making a good cast and being accurate matters way more than the exact color you’re throwing.
One thing I do want to mention when booking a trip: please let me know about your fishing experience during our initial conversation. Knowing your experience level helps me plan the trip around what you’re comfortable doing and what you’re looking to accomplish. This goes for both fly fishing or spin.
Bay Boat Forecast
Bay boat fishing should continue to be really good in August. Redfish, bull redfish, tarpon, sharks, stingrays, and tripletail are all possibilities. There are also a lot of different shark species you can potentially run into, including bonnethead, blacktip, finetooth, Atlantic sharpnose, sandbar, lemon, bull, and hammerhead sharks.
These trips are great for families because there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to get a rod in their hands. You never really know what is going to eat the bait, which is part of what makes these trips so much fun.
Since it’s so hot this time of year, make sure you come prepared. I provide water on the boat, but bringing electrolyte drinks or other ways to stay hydrated is a good idea. Also, if you’re going to wear sunscreen, please put it on before you arrive at the boat or get to the dock early enough to let it dry completely.
Sunscreen can leave grease and stains on the boat, and it can also make the deck, fishing gear, and your hands slippery. I want to keep the boat and gear in good shape so we can continue having fun fishing trips with families for years to come.
August Challenge: Balloon Watch
Summer means more outdoor celebrations, which unfortunately also means more balloons ending up in the marsh and water. This month’s challenge is simple: pick up every balloon you see on the water, in the marsh, or along the shoreline.
Picking up balloons helps keep the fishery cleaner and protects the wildlife that depends on it. It’s also an easy way to see how small things we do can have an impact on the water and marine life.
Make it a habit year-round.
Thanks for reading the July 2026 Beaufort SC Fishing Report Forecast
Book your next fly/light tackle fishing trip here in the beautiful waters of Beaufort, SC!
For the latest tide updates in Beaufort, SC, visit NOAA Tide Predictions
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Tight Lines,
Zach Markow