Spadefish (Ephippidae)
Atlantic Spadefish
Chaetodipterus faber
About the atlantic spadefish
Atlantic spadefish are the hidden gem of pier fishing. These disc-shaped, black-and-white striped fish school in large numbers around pier pilings during summer. They're picky eaters that require specialized bait, but once you figure them out, the action is incredible and the meat is outstanding.
- inshore
- pier specialist
- structure fish
- summer fish
- underrated
Where to find them
Piers that report atlantic spadefish
Season, bait and average size as reported for each pier.
Springmaid Pier
Peak season- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Jellyfish, clam strips
- Average size
- 10–18 in
- Pier record
- 14 lbs
School in large numbers around pilings in summer. Picky eaters but incredible action once you figure them out.
Cherry Grove Pier
Peak season- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Jellyfish, clam strips
- Average size
- 10–18 in
- Pier record
- 14 lbs
School in large numbers around pilings in summer. Picky eaters but incredible action once you figure them out.
Surfside Pier
Peak season- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Jellyfish, clam strips
- Average size
- 10–18 in
- Pier record
- 14 lbs
School in large numbers around pilings in summer. Picky eaters but incredible action once you figure them out.
Second Avenue Pier
Peak season- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Jellyfish, clam strips
- Average size
- 10–18 in
- Pier record
- 14 lbs
School in large numbers around pilings in summer. Picky eaters but incredible action once you figure them out.
Garden City Pier
Peak season- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Jellyfish, clam strips
- Average size
- 10–18 in
- Pier record
- 14 lbs
School in large numbers around pilings in summer. Picky eaters but incredible action once you figure them out.
Apache Pier
Peak season- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Jellyfish, clam strips
- Average size
- 10–18 in
- Pier record
- 14 lbs
School in large numbers around pilings in summer. Picky eaters but incredible action once you figure them out.
Myrtle Beach State Park Pier
Peak season- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Jellyfish, clam strips
- Average size
- 10–18 in
- Pier record
- 14 lbs
School in large numbers around pilings in summer. Picky eaters but incredible action once you figure them out.
Pier 14
Peak season- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Jellyfish, clam strips
- Average size
- 10–18 in
- Pier record
- 14 lbs
School in large numbers around pilings in summer. Picky eaters but incredible action once you figure them out.
South Carolina rules
Keeping atlantic spadefish
No specific size or bag limit on file
SCDNR does not list a dedicated rule for Atlantic Spadefish in our regulations table. General saltwater rules still apply — check the regulations page and confirm before you keep a fish.