Fishing In North Myrtle Beach: A Guide To All Types Of Fishing

With over 15 miles of beach, North Myrtle Beach offers unspoiled beaches, beautiful scenery, great nightlife, and some of the best fishing you could ask for. If you’re looking to explore the outdoors while getting away from all of the hustle and bustle, spending a day on a deep sea fishing trip, shore fishing, or pier fishing may be the perfect escape.

 

If you’re visiting North Myrtle Beach for the first time and are interested in trying out your hand at fishing, you're in luck; there are plenty of fishing options available. Whether you’re an avid angler or a first-time fisherman, here’s everything you need to know about fishing in North Myrtle Beach. Book your stay at Grand Strand Resorts and let's help you cast a line.

 

Where To Fish In North Myrtle Beach

Photo Credit: PQK

There are several great fishing options in North Myrtle Beach for any time frame or budget. The North Myrtle Beach area boasts three popular piers where you can enjoy the best in inshore, offshore, artificial reef, deep sea fishing adventures, and surf fishing. Fish are abundant in South Carolina. Even young, first-time fishers will enjoy the thrill of the catch.

If you are looking for a more leisurely fishing experience, you can grab a reel and head to a local pier. If you’d prefer to cast a rod with your toes in the sand, try surf fishing anywhere along the coast.

For a more adventurous fishing experience, book a private fishing charter. Fishing charters are typically sold in half or full-day increments, and locations vary from different spots near inshore marshes to fishing excursions offshore near the Intracoastal Waterway. More relaxed ‘fun’ charters are also available and are a great option for novices or families.

 

Piers On Or Near North Myrtle Beach

While there are several piers up and down the coast in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach is the home of many popular fishing piers.

Cherry Grove Fishing Pier

Photo Credit: rdpete

This pier has been in operation since the 1950s and is owned by the Prince family. It became famous when a 1780-lb tiger shark was caught there. The Cherry Grove Pier is a North Myrtle Beach landmark. It extends 985 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking scenery along with some of the best fishing in the state. Some things you may need to know before arriving at the pier:

• Fishing season runs from February 1 to December 1.
• You can rent rods and buy crab nets.
• Everyone on the pier must have a pier pass, even if they are not fishing.

Apache Pier

The longest wooden pier on the East Coast, Apache Pier, offers a scenic tour of the coastline along with a wealth of fishing outfitters. The Apache Pier is in Myrtle Beach but offers another option for fishing if they’re not biting at the Cherry Grove Pier. It offers not only a great fishing experience, but it also has a restaurant attached to it, so you can enjoy oceanfront casual dining. During the summer there is also live entertainment nightly. Some things to note before you head out there are:

• Offer daily fishing and king fishing rates.
• Rent your rod – this package includes a rod rental, daily fishing, and bait.
• Enjoy a multi-day pass and annual fishing membership.
• Discounted rates for kids 10 and under
• The Pier is open every day, year-round

Myrtle Beach State Park Pier

Photo Credit: Ken Schulze

From the pier to the beach, biking and hiking trails, or even the campground, Myrtle Beach State Park is worth a visit. You can enjoy fishing or crabbing from the pier, surf fishing for flounder. You do not need a fishing license for pier fishing, as it will be included in the daily purchase; however, if you are shore fishing, you will need a saltwater license. Some things to know before you go are;

• Fishing rods can be rented from the pier gift shop
• Each rod rented comes with one (1) daily fishing pass. Rods must be returned an hour before the pier gift shop closes.
• Prices for daily fishing pier passes vary by age

Jim Caudle Reef

South Carolina has 45 artificial fishing reefs. The Jim Caudle is the most popular one in North Myrtle Beach. You’ll need to head out on your own boat or with a charter captain to go to the reef system. Most of the artificial fishing reefs near North Myrtle Beach are within 5-10 miles of shore.

Pier fishers can expect to catch anything from king mackerel and pompano to red drums and bluefish, with the occasional tiger shark. If you’re ready for a day of fun and excitement, head down to the closest pier.

 

The Best Fishing Charters Companies

The best way to enjoy worry-free fishing in North Myrtle Beach is with a charter company that can arrange permits, take care of all the equipment details, and allow you to concentrate on fishing and having fun.

With a professional charter service, you can design your own day on the water. Choose from eco-tours, dolphin watching, deep-sea fishing, and inshore fishing. There are many good, local charter companies to choose from. Here are a few that we recommend.

Reel Action Fishing Charters

Photo Credit: MR.Surat Matcha

Reel Action Fishing Charters offers small, private charters. With a limit of six adults per charter, you get personalized service and more fishing time. Reel Action arranges fishing trips, eco-tours, and any type of specialized tour you request.

Reel Action’s boat captains are full-time employees of the company and are trained in teaching the joys of fishing to people of all ages. They take pride in providing personalized service that makes fishing fun for everyone. Action Reel’s pricing includes all the equipment you will need for a full day of fishing. Charters fill up quickly, so call ahead or book online.

Captain Smiley Fishing Charters

Captain Smiley offers full and half-day charters as well as kids' summer fishing camps. They are considered to be light tackle fishing, specializing in redfish, flounder, and speckled sea trout. They offer inshore charter fishing as well as sightseeing.

Large group charters will offer group trips for 2 to 10 boats. Each boat can hold 3-4 people for a total of up to 40 people. This is a great opportunity to take your family or friends. There are several different captains who all specialize in practical and technical experience. Check out their website for more information on charters.

Fishing charters are a popular option for visitors who are seeking a true fishing adventure. Keep in mind the cost of the charter usually covers everything from the gas for the boat, high-end fishing gear, all boat maintenance, bail, and cleaning, in addition to the local expertise of your captain and crew.

 

Tips For Fishing & What You Can Catch

There are many different types of fish that reside in North Myrtle Beach, whether it’s in freshwater or saltwater. That’s why North Myrtle Beach is a great spot for fishing. Though there are a ton of different fish that reside off the coast, here are a few of the most popular fish to catch in the area:

• Bluefish
• Pompano
• King or Spanish Mackerel
• Flounder
• Spots
• Angelfish
• Sheepshead
• Blue Crab

Restrictions

Note that there are currently limits on how many flounder you can catch, as well as restrictions on certain fish types. Some of these fish are under state protection, while others, including marine mammals and sea turtles, are also under the protection of federal laws.

For a comprehensive explanation of South Carolina fishing regulations and restrictions, visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.

North Myrtle Beach Bait and Tackle Shops

You can’t fish without the proper fishing equipment. Thankfully, there are several local bait and tackle shops located in North Myrtle Beach. Here are a couple of our favorite spots.

• Johnny’s Bait &Tackle: 4377 Sea Mountain Hwy, Little River, SC 29566 | 843) 249-1288
• West Marine: 1288 Hwy 17 N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 | (843) 280-1327

 

Plan Your Fishing Trip to North Myrtle Beach

Fishing in North Myrtle Beach offers a diverse range of experiences, from the thrill of deep sea fishing charters to the simplicity of pier fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, the area's abundant fish species and stunning coastal views promise a memorable fishing adventure.

With various options for fishing charters, pier access, and bait and tackle shops, North Myrtle Beach ensures that you have everything needed for a successful fishing trip. So book your stay with Grand Strand Resorts, grab your gear, secure your fishing license, and get ready to reel in an unforgettable experience along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean shores.

 

FAQ’s

What are the best times of the year to fish in North Myrtle Beach?

Luckily, North Myrtle Beach has great fishing year-round. Though it may get a bit cold, the water temperature remains warm enough year long for the fish to survive. The type of fish that you can catch may vary from season to season.

Do I need a fishing license?

There are a few places that require a fishing license when fishing in North Myrtle Beach. When surf or shore fishing, you will need to obtain a license. However, if you are fishing with a charter, many will already have the license. When fishing on a pier, the license is included in the price per day you pay.

Can I rent Fishing Equipment?

If you are fishing on a pier, you may be able to rent the equipment. However, this will vary depending on the pier you choose to go to. When fishing on the shore or surf, you will need to purchase your own equipment to do so.

Can I keep the fish that I catch?

This depends on the regulations. Laws are in place on how large and how many fish you may keep, depending on whether you are a single person or the season. You can see all of the regulations in detail here.

 

Stay Near the Best Fishing in North Myrtle Beach

For those who live to cast a line, North Myrtle Beach offers unparalleled fishing opportunities, from the famous Cherry Grove Pier and Little River Inlet to serene inshore and deep-sea charters. With Grand Strand Resorts, you're not just booking a place to stay; you're securing your perfect home base for an unforgettable angling adventure.

Ready to experience the thrill of the catch and the relaxation of a beach getaway? Don't miss out on North Myrtle Beach's best fishing. Book your Grand Strand Resorts vacation home, condo, or villa today and make your dream fishing trip a reality!