Requiem Sharks (Carcharhinidae)
Blacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus
About the blacktip shark
Blacktip sharks are the most common shark species encountered from Grand Strand piers. They cruise the surf zone feeding on schools of baitfish and are known for their spinning leaps. While most piers prohibit targeting sharks, they frequently take baits meant for other species.
- shark
- surf zone
- incidental catch
- summer
- regulated
Where to find them
Piers that report blacktip shark
Season, bait and average size as reported for each pier.
Apache Pier
Biting- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Cut bluefish, cut mullet
- Average size
- 3–5 ft
- Pier record
- 271 lbs
Most common shark from piers. Most piers prohibit targeting them, but they take baits meant for other species.
Pier 14
Biting- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Cut bluefish, cut mullet
- Average size
- 3–5 ft
- Pier record
- 271 lbs
Most common shark from piers. Most piers prohibit targeting them, but they take baits meant for other species.
Garden City Pier
Biting- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Cut bluefish, cut mullet
- Average size
- 3–5 ft
- Pier record
- 271 lbs
Most common shark from piers. Most piers prohibit targeting them, but they take baits meant for other species.
Surfside Pier
Biting- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Cut bluefish, cut mullet
- Average size
- 3–5 ft
- Pier record
- 271 lbs
Most common shark from piers. Most piers prohibit targeting them, but they take baits meant for other species.
- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Cut bluefish, cut mullet
- Average size
- 3–5 ft
- Pier record
- 271 lbs
Most common shark from piers. Most piers prohibit targeting them, but they take baits meant for other species.
Springmaid Pier
Biting- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Cut bluefish, cut mullet
- Average size
- 3–5 ft
- Pier record
- 271 lbs
Most common shark from piers. Most piers prohibit targeting them, but they take baits meant for other species.
Cherry Grove Pier
Biting- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Cut bluefish, cut mullet
- Average size
- 3–5 ft
- Pier record
- 271 lbs
Most common shark from piers. Most piers prohibit targeting them, but they take baits meant for other species.
Second Avenue Pier
Biting- Months
- May–Sep
- Best bait
- Cut bluefish, cut mullet
- Average size
- 3–5 ft
- Pier record
- 271 lbs
Most common shark from piers. Most piers prohibit targeting them, but they take baits meant for other species.
South Carolina rules
Keeping blacktip shark
No specific size or bag limit on file
SCDNR does not list a dedicated rule for Blacktip Shark in our regulations table. General saltwater rules still apply — check the regulations page and confirm before you keep a fish.