Your Complete Myrtle Beach Fishing Guide

There are so many fun outdoor things to do in Myrtle Beach, so you never have to worry about getting bored. You can swim or sunbathe on the beach, get into some exhilarating watersports, or simply enjoy the view of the waves. However, Myrtle Beach fishing takes the top spot.

No matter if you’ve never been fishing before or if you consider yourself a pro, there’s a fishing spot for you in Myrtle Beach.

Best Places to Fish

If you’re wondering about the best fishing spots in Myrtle Beach, start out with Jim Caudle Reef. This location covers several acres and is the largest artificial reef in South Carolina. It’s just over two miles from the coast, and since it’s made from steel and concrete, fish flock here. Expect to catch Wahoo, King Mackerel, and Flounder, among others.

Pier 14 is another great fishing spot right in the center of the city. You can cast your line for some Black Drum and Spot, then bring your catches to the cleaning station on the pier! There are also convenient restrooms, a tackle shop, and an amazing seafood restaurant. Really want to get into some pier fishing? Apache Pier is great, too. It takes you 1,206 feet into the Atlantic where you can try for Spanish Mackerel, Spot, and Black Drum. You’ll find amenities like a concession store, tackle shop, restrooms, and a restaurant.

Looking for some offshore fishing opportunities? The Gulf Stream is the place to be. Head at least 40 miles out into the water to try catching varieties like Sailfish, Yellowfins, Mahi, and Wahoo. Want to kayak? Pawley’s Island is about 20 miles away and is wonderful for getting away from the crowds. Here, you’re likely to find Flounder, Speckled Trout, and Weakfish, among other species.

fishing boat off of myrtle beach
Photo from Unsplash

What Fish to Catch

So now that you know where you can fish, what kinds of fish should you be aiming for? There are almost endless options to the types of fish you can target. Red Drum is a popular choice for inshore anglers, and luckily, you can basically catch them all year long. They’re sure to give you a fight, but if you can stick with it, you’ll be handsomely rewarded. It’s best to look for Red Drum in creeks, oyster bars, or shallow bays.

Tarpon is tougher to catch, but that’s why it’s considered the ultimate inshore fishing achievement. These fish average about 100 pounds on Myrtle Beach and are likely to be found during the summer months. Head toward beaches and estuaries in the south to catch a tarpon, since the waters aren’t as busy.

Spanish Mackerel tend to swim in groups, so you can catch a ton of these in Myrtle Beach. If you’re looking for a fight, try catching a Cobia! Mahi Mahi is a colorful and tasty variety that is found at least 15 miles offshore. Some other species to look out for include Blackfin and Yellowfin Tuna, pompano, whiting, flounder, and sailfish.

tarpon fish closeup

Fishing License

If you plan to fish from a charter or a pier, you won’t need a fishing license. However, piers will charge you for a fishing pass fee, which is usually around $8. You can also purchase a 14-day license for $11, which allows you to fish from a private boat or from shore. Licenses can be purchased online or at retailers throughout Myrtle Beach including Wal-Mart and Bass Pro. Children under age 16 do not need a fishing license.

Bait and Tackle Shops

Before you can go fishing, you need some bait and tackle! If you’re in North Myrtle Beach, you can head to Boulineau’s for all your fishing needs. In addition to their wide selection of bait, you can also find tackle, rods, and reels. The minnows and mullet available are perfect for your inshore fishing excursions.

Also in North Myrtle Beach is Cherry Grove Pier, which has its own dedicated bait shop. You can grab live bait like shrimp, squid, live bloodworms, and more, and be sure to ask the staff for up-to-date information on what’s biting! Fish-On Outfitters is another popular location, where you can stock up on the hard-to-find Ballyhoo. They also carry head-on shrimp, Canadian red worms and green worms, cigar minnows, and more.

Fishing Charters and Tours

If you want a little assistance when you’re fishing in Myrtle Beach, consider booking a Myrtle Beach fishing charter or tour! You’ll have your very own captain who can lead you to the right spot in the water for whatever type of fish you want to catch. This is also a great option if there are inexperienced or younger anglers in your group since fishing charters are often family-friendly and provide the perfect environment for teaching the newbies how to fish.

Voyager Deep Sea Fishing and Dolphin Cruises has received the 2019 Best of North Myrtle Beach award, and once you book your adventure, you’ll understand why! You can choose a ½ day fishing trip that fits perfectly into your itinerary, or go for a Gulf Stream fishing trip that puts you on the water for 12-13 hours. Either way, up to 6 people can join in on all the fun and experience the waves in the most unique way. 

Little River Fishing Fleet has been Myrtle Beach’s #1 deep sea fishing charter for more than 30 years! Their ½ day fishing trips, specialty open boats, and private charters are all great options for your group, and each can be customized to suit your preferences. Each vessel is spacious and comfortable, and your captain will provide everything you need for an exhilarating day on the water.

With Captain Smiley Fishing Charters, you’ll enjoy light tackle fishing for varieties like Flounder, Redfish, Speckled Sea Trout, and so much more. Full or half-day charters let you choose exactly how long you’d like to fish, and for the little ones in your group, there’s even kids’ summer fishing camps! Captain Smiley can accommodate larger groups than many other companies, perfect for if you’re traveling with a bunch of people.

Fish Hook Charters specializes in deep-sea offshore and private inshore charters along the South Carolina coast. Captain Ronnie can take you and your group trolling, live baiting, or bottom fishing, and with his 25 years of experience, he’ll put you right on the fish every time! Fish Hook Charters are great for any and all skill levels, and you can choose an excursion as short as a half-day or as long as 14 hours. 

Book Your Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Condo Rental

At the end of a long day, you can return to our Myrtle Beach rentals to relax for the next day of fun. Is Myrtle Beach calling your name yet? Contact us today to learn more and to book your dream getaway!

Fishing in Myrtle Beach is something you simply have to experience for yourself. However, fishing is definitely not the only fun thing to get into! There are tons of opportunities for shopping, golfing, visiting historical sights, and soaking up the sun. You’ll fill your days with all the fun you expect from a South Carolina vacation.