Northern Puffer Fishing in South Carolina
When northern puffer are caught across South Carolina, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Northern Puffer catch through the year
Recreational catch in South Carolina by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching northern puffer in South Carolina
Northern Puffer catches in South Carolina run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and Nov-Dec. Anglers keep about 7% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the South Carolina fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch northern puffer in South Carolina?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and Nov-Dec. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release northern puffer in South Carolina?+
Across South Carolina, about 7% of the northern puffer caught are kept and 93% are released. That works out to roughly 28K kept and 370K released in 2024.
How many northern puffer are caught in South Carolina?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 398K northern puffer caught by recreational anglers in South Carolina in 2024, making it the #18 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this northern puffer data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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