Fishing Along The Grand Strand

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

Horry County

• Apache Campground Fishing Pier. 9700 Kings Road, Myrtle Beach, SC, (843) 449-6486.
• On the Atlantic Ocean, 1,206 feet with mid pier shelter. Parking fee. bait and tackle shop, rod rentals, campground, restrooms, handicapped access, aquarium, store. Open year-round, hours vary by season. 
• 2nd Avenue Pier. 110 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC, (843) 626-8480.
• On the Atlantic Ocean, 905 feet, Parking fee. Handicapped access. Restaurant, restrooms, bait and tackle. Open year-round, hours vary by season.
• Cherry Grove Pier. 3500 North Ocean Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach, SC, (843) 249-1625.
• On the Atlantic Ocean, 985 feet. Parking Fee. Handicapped access. arcade, restaurant, restrooms, bait and tackle, rod rentals. Summer hours: Sunday – Thursday 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday 6 a.m. to midnight.
• Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. 3301 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC, (843) 238-5325.On the Atlantic Ocean, 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, (843) 448-6500.
• On the Atlantic Ocean, 600 feet. Parking Fee. Handicapped access. Restaurant, gift shop, bait and tackle, rod rentals, restrooms. Hours vary by season.
• The Pier at Garden City. 110 Waccamaw Drive, Garden City Beach, SC, (843) 651-9700.
• On the Atlantic Ocean, 660 feet. Parking fee. Handicapped access. Restaurant, arcade, restrooms, bait and tackle, entertainment in summer. Hours vary by season. Summer hours: Saturday - Thursday: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 6 a.m. to midnight.
• Springmaid Pier. 3200 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC, (843) 238-5189 ext. 3008.
• On the Atlantic Ocean, 1,060 feet. Parking. Fee. Handicapped access. Gift shop, restaurant, restrooms, bait and tackle. Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Surfside Pier 11 South Ocean Boulevard, Surfside Beach, SC, (843) 238-0121.On the Atlantic Ocean, 830 feet. Parking. Fee. Handicapped access. Gift shop, restaurant, bait and tackle, restrooms. Hours vary by season. Summer Hours: Daily 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
  • In December 2020, the Town of Surfside Beach broke ground on the construction of the new fishing pier. which was damaged in Hurricane Matthew. The new pier is expected to be completed in 18 to 20 months. To view the latest progress on the pier, visit their Facebook page.

Georgetown County

• Huntington Beach State Park
  South Jetty at Murrells Inlet, Jetty Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC, 29576, (843) 237-4440 
  On the Atlantic Ocean in Murrells Inlet, SC, State Park Entrance Fee $8 Adult, $4 Ages 6-15, Children under 5 free. Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. (8 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time.) Enter through the state park, parking is available and it is a 1.4-mile walk to the jetty. No facilities at the jetty. Surf fishing also. A valid S.C. fishing license is required.