From deep sea fishing to pier fishing to beach fishing, there are plenty of ways to catch that big fish that will turn your fish stories into reality.
Saltwater Fishing
When people talk about Myrtle Beach fishing, they're usually referring to saltwater fishing. After all, we have immediate access to the Atlantic Ocean, along with numerous creeks and channels that feed into the ocean - all saltwater. For those accustomed to freshwater fishing, here are a few pointers: you generally use a different type of bait and tackle; the majority of in-shore fishing is done on the ocean floor, so you need a pyramid-shaped weight, or sinker, to keep your rig on the bottom; and, you should rinse your reel with fresh water after each use to purge the saltwater. If you don't have your own rod and reel, you can purchase or rent one at local bait and tackle shops, piers, or sporting goods stores. Myrtle Beach deep sea fishing is a true adventure, and catching those big, large fish in the deep water certainly offers a thrilling experience.
Freshwater and Inland Fishing
In addition to the mighty Atlantic Ocean, the Myrtle Beach area is blessed with wonderful inland waters. These include the Intracoastal Waterway, which runs parallel to the coast from Little River to Socastee, where it merges with the Waccamaw River. Along the way, other rivers and tributaries feed into the waterway, and passage to the ocean is gained through Little River or Winyah Bay.
In its entirety, the Intracoastal Waterway runs from Boston to Key West. The waterway was "built" by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, taking advantage of existing rivers and other waterways and digging canals as needed to connect them. The completion in 1936 of the section between Little River and Socastee opened the way to commercial and leisure vessels for the entire length of the East Coast. Dignitaries from throughout the country attended a dedication ceremony here on April 11, 1936.
The Myrtle Beach Area's inland waters are popular for all kinds of recreation, including boating, fishing, and leisurely cruises.Outside of fishing in Myrtle Beach, you can make your trip more exciting with cruise boats. Cruise boats operate out of Little River, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Conway, Murrells Inlet, and Georgetown. Some transport passengers along the Intracoastal Waterway, while others explore the Waccamaw River or Winyah Bay. Some are sightseeing trips, and others offer dinner and dancing. Almost all provide enlightening narratives about the region's wildlife, scenic wonders, history, and legends.
Pier Fishing
Georgetown County
South Jetty at Murrells Inlet. North Litchfield, SC, Huntington Beach State Park. Telephone (843) 237-4440. On the Atlantic at Murrells Inlet. Parking. Fee. Open 6 am to 5 pm, daily. Enter through park, long walk to jetty.
Horry County
Apache Campground Fishing Pier. 9700 Kings Road, Myrtle Beach, SC, (843) 449-6486. On the Atlantic, 1,206 feet with mid pier shelter. Parking fee. Tackle shop, campground, restrooms, handicapped access, aquarium, store. Open April - October, 6 am to midnight; November - April, hours vary.
2nd Avenue Pier. 110 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC, (843) 626-8480. On the Atlantic, 905 feet, Parking fee. Handicapped access. Restaurant, restrooms, bait and tackle. Open Year Round, hours vary by season, daily.
Cherry Grove Pier. 3500 North Ocean Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach, SC, (843) 249-1625. On the Atlantic, 985 feet. Parking Fee. Handicapped access. arcade, restaurant, restrooms, bait and tackle. Open March - November, 24 hours, daily.
Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. 3301 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC, (843) 238-5325. On the Atlantic, 750 feet. Parking fee (6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year round). Handicapped access. Gift shop, picnic area, camping, cabins, beach, nature trail, nature center, restrooms. Open 24 hours daily for campers and cabins.
Pier 14. at 1306 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC. Telephone 843 448-6500. On the Atlantic, Parking Fee. Handicapped access. Restaurant, gift shop, bait and tackle, pole rentals, restrooms. Open February - November, 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
The Pier at Garden City. 110 Waccamaw Drive, Garden City Beach, SC, (843) 651-9700. On the Atlantic, 660 feet. Parking fee. Handicapped access. Restaurant, arcade, restrooms, bait and tackle, entertainment in summer. Open December - February, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday - Saturday: March - November 6 a.m. to midnight.
Springmaid Pier. Springmaid Pier is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Matthew. 3200 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC, (843) 238-5189 ext. 3008. On the Atlantic, 1,060 feet. Parking. Fee. Handicapped access. Gift shop, restaurant, restrooms, bait and tackle. Open 7 a.m. to midnight.
Surfside Pier. Surfside Pier is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Matthew. The pier will reopen in 2018. 11 South Ocean Boulevard, Surfside Beach, SC, (843) 238-0121. On the Atlantic, 830 feet. Parking. Fee. Handicapped access. Gift shop, restaurant, bait and tackle, restrooms. Open March - November, 24 hours, daily; December - February 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Click here for Boat Rentals and Fishing Charters.
Fishing-Friendly Accommodations
- Apache Pier – Apache Family Campground & Pier
- 2nd Avenue Pier - Bermuda Sands, Bar Harbor, Windsurfer
- Cherry Grove Pier – Prince Resort at Cherry Grove Pier
- Myrtle Beach State Park Pier - Camping and Cabins
- Pier 14 – Holiday Inn "At the Pavilion", Roxanne Towers
- Pier at Garden City - Dunes Realty Vacation Rentals, Garden City Vacation Rentals
- Springmaid Pier – DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach
- Surfside Pier - Surfside Realty Beach Vacations
Fishing License Information
A License is not needed when on a charter or fishing on a pier. However, each pier charges a fishing pass fee – approx. $8. If you would like to obtain a license to fish, a 14-day license may be purchased for $11.
- From a Private Boat: Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Licenses are required for individuals 16 and older harvesting oysters or clams, or individuals fishing for marine finfish from privately owned boats.
- From Shore: Individuals 16 years of age or older will need a license to fish from the surf, but not from a public fishing pier.
Fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.dnr.sc.gov/purchase.html and at the area locations below.
Georgetown
- 521 Hardware, LLC 9121 Highmarket St., Georgetown, SC 29440, (843) 545-0355
- Back Wood Quail Club, 647 Hemingway Ln., Georgetown, SC 29440, (843) 546-1466
- Blade Barrel and Reel Outdoors, 2022 Highmarket St., Georgetown SC 29440, (843) 527-4298
- Carolina Country Store, 11725 S. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC 29440, (843) 520-5730
- Gene's Country Store, 3630 Highmarket St., Georgetown, SC 29440 (843) 527-2686
- Ramsey Grove Plantation, 852 Ramsey Grove Rd., Georgetown, SC 29440, (843) 546-9759
- SM Mart Georgetown, 3508 S. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC 29440, (843) 520-1900
- The Ice House, 330 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC 29440, (843) 546-6169
- Wal-Mart Store 625, 1310 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC 29440-2800, (843) 527-9970
Murrells Inlet
- Bootys Outdoors, 3908 Hwy. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, (843) 651-2593
- Murrells Inlet Outpost, 3525 Hwy. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, (843) 651-6602
- Wal-Mart Store 5705, 545 Garden City Connector, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, (843) 357-6560
Myrtle Beach
- Bass Pro Outdoor World, LLC, 10177 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, (843) 361-4853
- Dick's Sporting Goods 191, 600 Coastal Grand Cir., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, (843) 916-9148
- Gander Mountain 330, 1049 Glenforest Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29579-1257, (843) 365-2186
- Lakewood Camping Resort, Inc., 5901 S. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, (843) 238-5161
- Pirateland Campground, 5401 S. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, (843) 238-5155
- Wal-Mart Store 2712, 541 Seaboard St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 445-7781
- Wal-Mart Store 643, 10820 N. Kings Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, (843) 449-0502
North Myrtle Beach
- Boulineau's Inc., 212 Sea Mountain Hwy., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, (843) 249-3556
- Dick's Sporting Goods 1139, 1536 Hwy. 17 N., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, (843) 213-2103
- Wal-Mart Store 5087, 550 Hwy. 17 N., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, (843) 281-8352
Pawleys Island
- Palmetto Ace Home Center, 8317 S. Ocean Hwy., Pawleys Island, SC 29585, (843) 235-3555
- Pawleys Island Outdoors, Inc., 9790 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys Island, SC 29585, (843) 979-4666
- Pawleys Island Supply, 10460 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys Island, SC 29585, (843) 237-2912
Surfside Beach
- Wal-Mart Store 574, 2751 Beaver Run Blvd., Surfside Beach, SC 29575, (843) 650-4800
Area Fishing Events
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Enter your catch in the annual Fishing Rodeo. The fish must be caught from a pier, the surf, an inlet or deep sea and participants have the chance to receive monthly decals, shoulder patches, and prizes totaling thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise. April through October |
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Aims to promote and introduce young anglers to the sport of fishing and create an opportunity for parent, relative or volunteer to spend the day with a child. 3rd Saturday in October |
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Murrells Inlet Flounder Fishing Challenge June, Crazy Sister Marina |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish on the beach, and do I need a license?
Yes, you may fish on the beach, but South Carolina requires a license to fish from the surf. No license is needed to fish from a public fishing pier.
Here are the rules:
- a resident shall purchase an annual recreational saltwater fishing license for ten dollars, of which one dollar may be retained by the issuing agent;
- in lieu of obtaining an annual recreational saltwater fishing license, a resident may purchase a temporary recreational saltwater fishing license valid for fourteen specified consecutive days for five dollars, of which one dollar may be retained by the issuing agent;
- a nonresident shall purchase an annual recreational saltwater fishing license for thirty-five dollars, of which one dollar may be retained by the issuing agent; and
- in lieu of obtaining an annual recreational saltwater fishing license,
- a nonresident may purchase a temporary recreational saltwater fishing license valid for fourteen specified consecutive days for eleven dollars, of which one dollar may be retained by the issuing agent.
- We do urge you to use caution when surf fishing, especially when swimmers or surfers are in the vicinity. Several piers are available for fishing, too. For more information about fishing regulations in South Carolina, visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
What type of gear is needed for the different types of fishing?
The piers rent rods and reels as well as sell bait and other supplies needed. Most charters also offer needed supplies.
What kind of fish can I catch along the Grand Strand?
The most common fish caught in the waters off the coast of Myrtle Beach is black sea bass, snapper, grouper, larger sea bass, trigger, dolphin, wahoo, and king mackerel.