The best fishing locations in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach include inlets, ocean piers, surf zones, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Choose spots based on tide movement, season, and your target species. For families and beginners, piers and calm inshore areas are reliable. For bigger bites, focus on inlet current lines and nearshore structure.

Best Fishing Locations in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach

Best Fishing Spots in Myrtle Beach & North Myrtle Beach — Your Complete Guide to Top Places and Great Catches

Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach sit at the heart of the Grand Strand and offer anglers a huge variety of productive waters. From shallow flats and tidal inlets to busy piers and quick runs to offshore structure, there’s something for every skill level. This guide pulls together local knowledge on where to fish, when different species are most active, and straightforward tactics for both inshore and offshore trips. We also cover family-friendly options for beginners, highlight top spots like Murrells Inlet and Cherry Grove Pier, and include seasonal patterns for red drum, speckled trout, king mackerel, and mahi-mahi. Finish the read with practical safety and gear tips, charter recommendations, and clear, actionable advice—and for a deeper offshore breakdown, see our complete guide to deep sea fishing in Myrtle Beach.

Top Inshore Fishing Spots in Myrtle Beach & North Myrtle Beach for Consistent Action

Inshore waters around the Grand Strand—estuaries, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), and the surf—hold red drum, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead. Structure like oyster beds, grass lines, and dock pilings, combined with tidal movement, concentrates bait and predators. That makes live bait and soft plastics very effective when fished in the right windows. Knowing your access (launch vs. shore) and the best tide stages saves time and gets you to fish faster. Below are the most reliable inshore areas and why they produce.

Reliable inshore spots and why they work:

• Murrells Inlet channels — excellent for red drum and speckled trout, especially in spring and fall when bait funnels into channels.
• Cherry Grove surf and inlet edges — dependable for flounder and red drum near oyster lines and low-tide troughs.
• Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) bends and docks — good for flounder, sheepshead, and snapper; pilings and points hold fish.
• Local creeks and marsh drains — ideal for speckled trout and juvenile redfish on incoming tides.
• Surfside and Garden City surf breaks — productive for pompano and school fish in summer.

Proven inshore tactics include live shrimp under a popping cork, nose-hooked mullet for larger redfish, and soft plastics fished on slow drifts. These methods, combined with targeting oyster bars, cuts, and tidal seams, will point you to the best micro-locations.

Quick location/species reference: the table below helps you pick a spot by species, peak months, and recommended techniques.

Bottom line: choose your inshore spot based on the species you want and the tide. Match your bait and presentation to the local structure and, when possible, fish with someone who knows the area to speed up your learning curve.

Local inshore charters: if you want guided inshore fishing, private charters run daily and cater to families and first-time anglers. Guides supply tackle and bait and teach hands-on techniques for red drum and speckled trout across the Grand Strand’s best inshore areas.

Where to Find Red Drum and Speckled Trout in Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet concentrates red drum and speckled trout where tidal flow meets oyster beds, channel edges, and grass flats. These features funnel baitfish and create prime ambush zones. Target main channel edges on falling to low tides and drift soft plastics or live shrimp through holding water. For red drum, fish oyster lines and shallow sand flats on outgoing tides with mullet or cut bait on a fish-finder rig—schools often stage near deeper troughs and channel mouths. Watch tide changes and wind direction: light winds and a gentle current usually equal better visibility and bites. Learning these micro-locations will make both shore and boat fishing in Murrells Inlet much more productive.

How to Fish the Intracoastal Waterway for Flounder and Sheepshead

The ICW holds structure—docks, pilings, and submerged points—that attracts flounder and sheepshead, particularly in the cooler months. For flounder, drift or slow-troll a 1/2–1 oz bucktail tipped with a live mud minnow or soft bait along dock edges and inside bends; pause and bounce near shaded pilings. Sheepshead take fiddler crabs, shrimp, or small barnacle-covered jigs worked vertically around pilings with light, sensitive tackle. Kayaks and shallow-draft boats can reach tight edges—just respect private docks and channel markers. Quiet, shallow presentations often trigger the best bites.

Which Piers on the Grand Strand Produce the Best Catches?

Piers extend you into deeper nearshore water and often fish better than the beach because their structure draws bait and game fish. Piers can produce flounder, red drum, Spanish mackerel, snapper and more. Amenities like bait shops and lights make longer sessions easier. Comparing piers by species and facilities helps shore anglers choose the right spot for their goals. Below are pier-specific notes and tactics to help you get the most from your time on the deck.

Choose a pier based on target species and conveniences—here are our local recommendations.

• Cherry Grove Pier: close to inlet structure and productive for flounder and red drum; fish tide changes with tight bottom presentations.
• Myrtle Beach State Park Pier: consistent for Spanish mackerel and seasonal king runs; good shore access and park facilities.
• Surfside and Garden City walkover piers: easy beach access and strong summer action for pompano and other surf species.

Summary: pick the pier that matches your target fish and desired amenities. Combine tide knowledge with the right rigs to increase your chances from any fixed platform.

Piers give shore anglers access to deeper water and concentrated bait. Use the right rigs and time your visit for tides and migrations to get the best results.

Why Cherry Grove Pier Is a Go-To for Flounder and Red Drum

Cherry Grove sits near inlet channels and oyster bars that funnel bait and attract flounder and red drum. Flounder lie near sandy edges and oyster lines—slow, bottom-bouncing rigs tipped with live mud minnows or shrimp work well. Red drum patrol channel edges and sand flats; cut bait or live mullet on a fish-finder rig near tide-driven lanes produces good results. Use medium-action rods with sensitive tips for flounder and beef up leaders and terminal tackle for larger drum to avoid break-offs.

How to Get the Most from Myrtle Beach State Park Pier

The State Park Pier has good access to nearshore schools and seasonal runs. For Spanish and king mackerel, try early morning or late afternoon during migratory windows with small metal jigs or feathered spoons fished quickly near the surface. For bottom species like snapper, drop chunked bait or a jig to the bottom and use a strong leader for toothy or rough-mouthed fish. Switching between light spinning gear for surface action and heavier bottom setups keeps you ready for whatever bites.

When Is the Best Time to Fish the Grand Strand?

Seasonality drives where fish concentrate and which techniques work best. Spring and fall are strong for inshore species like red drum and speckled trout; summer opens nearshore and offshore runs for king mackerel and mahi-mahi. Tides, water temperature, and wind change feeding windows—incoming tides move bait into creeks and flats, while outgoing tides can focus predators along channel edges. Planning trips around peak months and favorable tide stages greatly improves your odds. The table below summarizes peak months and recommended trip types for common targets.

Seasonal quick reference: peak months and suggested trips for the area’s top species.

Match species to months and trip type to avoid wasted days. Local guides can help pick the best plan for current conditions.

Seasonal Patterns for King Mackerel and Mahi-Mahi

King mackerel and mahi-mahi follow bait and warm water. King mackerel show up on nearshore structure and reefs from June through September—fast trolling with spoons or live bait gets the bites. Mahi-mahi associate with floating debris and sargassum in the Gulf Stream and are most consistent on summer offshore runs. Target temperature breaks, current rips, and floating habitat to increase your odds.

How Weather and Tides Affect Fishing on the Grand Strand

Wind, barometer, and tide stage all shape bite windows and safety. Incoming tides push bait into flats and creeks; outgoing tides concentrate fish on channel edges. Light onshore wind can reduce visibility but often triggers feeding; strong winds and rough seas make offshore trips unsafe. Check forecasts, pick favorable tides, and lean on local guides when conditions look marginal.

Best Offshore & Deep-Sea Fishing Areas Near Myrtle Beach

Deep Sea trips target reefs, wrecks, and the Gulf Stream for tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and pelagic sharks. Nearshore reefs and wrecks sit within 10–20 miles and hold snapper and amberjack; Gulf Stream runs for tuna and billfish usually start 30+ miles out. Deep Sea trips require more planning—safety, gear, and realistic expectations matter. Charters handle logistics, bait, and equipment so you can focus on fishing. Below are common charter styles and their targets.

Common offshore trip types and what they target:

• Nearshore reef trips — 6–8 hour trips for snapper, king mackerel, and cobia near structure.
• Nearshore big-rod runs — fast-trolling for king mackerel and wahoo.
• Gulf Stream runs — longer offshore trips for tuna, mahi-mahi, and billfish.
• Shark specialty trips — heavy tackle and bait targeting pelagic sharks.

Pick your trip based on the species you want and your stamina. Full-service charters provide rods, bait, and local experience to manage the long runs safely.

Offshore charter options: local full-service charters run Gulf Stream, tuna, shark, and deep-sea trips with USCG-licensed captains and supplied equipment. Private charters handle bait, tackle, and safety briefings so anglers can focus on fishing.

Offshore success depends on choosing the right run and understanding distance and depth. Local crews know where the fish are and will help you decide what’s best for the day.

Gulf Stream Tuna and Shark Charter Experiences

Reaching the Gulf Stream from the Grand Strand takes longer runs to find warm current breaks that hold pelagic and sharks. Gulf Stream Charters for these species carry heavier tackle and expect long fights. Tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi show up around temperature breaks, floating debris, and current rips—trolling spreads and live deployments are common tactics. Shark trips use strong bait presentations and heavy gear; captains emphasize safety and boat stability when working large animals. Expect longer days and physical effort—charters that provide gear and experienced crew let you focus on the fight.

Deep-Sea Trip Preparation Checklist

Pack for comfort, safety, and motion. Confirm what the charter supplies and what you should bring. Essentials include seasickness prevention taken before departure, sun-protective clothing, non-skid shoes, ID, a small dry bag, snacks, and a refillable water bottle. Charters usually supply rods, reels, tackle, bait, and life jackets—call ahead to confirm. Arrive early for safety briefings and rigging so you’re ready when the fishing starts.

Must-bring items for offshore trips:

• Seasickness medication taken 30–60 minutes before departure if you’re prone to motion sickness.
• Sun-protective layers, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses for comfort and sight-fishing.
• Camera or phone in a waterproof case, ID, small cash, and a refillable water bottle.

Good preparation reduces stress and keeps you focused on fishing during long runs.

Family & Beginner-Friendly Fishing Options on the Grand Strand

The Grand Strand offers calm, family-friendly options like shallow flats, easy-access piers, and private charters focused on instruction and safety. Beginners do well on half-day inshore trips with simple rigs and an experienced captain providing tackle and hands-on coaching. Start in protected waters to build confidence before moving offshore. Below is a checklist and table to help families choose the right trip and know what to expect.

Choose a trip type based on group age, mobility, and patience:

• Half-day inshore charters — short, calm outings on flats and inlets, great for kids and beginners.
• Pier trips — no boat needed; steady platform for learning casting and knots.
• Eco-tours with light angling — combine wildlife viewing with easy fishing for mixed groups.
• Private family charters — custom schedules, private groups, and hands-on instruction from the crew.

Match trip length and water type to your group. The table below shows common family-friendly options and what’s usually provided.

Private charters that provide gear, kid-sized life jackets, and patient instruction are often the most relaxed option for families. Ask about discounts for active-duty military and review cancellation policies before booking.

Where Families Should Fish and What to Look for in a Charter

Calm creeks, shallow flats, and protected ICW sections are best for kids and novice anglers because they offer short runs and predictable fishing. Look for charters that advertise family trips, kid-sized life jackets, and included gear. Local providers commonly list USCG-licensed captains, private trips for groups up to 15, and full bait and tackle service—features that make family trips easier and safer.

Basic Gear and Techniques for New Anglers

A small kit and a few simple techniques make the first trips more fun. Most family charters supply rods, reels, bait, and life jackets, but bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Beginners should learn the improved clinch knot and a simple loop knot, practice basic casting on shore, and use straightforward rigs like a Carolina or fish-finder rig for bottom fishing and a popping cork for trout. Short, supervised practice sessions with kids and rotating anglers keep everyone engaged and build confidence.

Beginner packing tips:

• Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses to help sight-fishing and comfort.
• A light jacket or layers for changing coastal weather.
• A small camera or phone in a waterproof case to record your catches.

With minimal gear, clear instruction, and a relaxed pace, families and beginners can have safe, productive, and memorable fishing days on the Grand Strand.

Book Your Adventure Today!

Ready for Your Next Fishing Trip?

North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters offers private, family-friendly trips with experienced USCG-licensed captains. We supply rods, tackle, and bait, and offer military discounts for active-duty personnel. Our crews put safety first and focus on making your day on the water fun and productive—whether you want a short inshore lesson or a long offshore run.

To book a private inshore, nearshore, or deep-sea charter from the Grand Strand, contact our team:

• Call or Text Us: 843-907-0064
• Visit Our Office: 2201 Little River Neck Rd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Final note: whether you fish the surf, a pier, the ICW, or head to the Gulf Stream, matching species, season, tide, and access—and getting local advice when you can—will improve your results. Guided private charters give you gear, knowledge, and a safe, full-service experience so your trip is as enjoyable and productive as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Fishing Locations in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach

These FAQs cover the best local fishing spots, access, tides, seasons, and what to expect in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach.