Planning a Myrtle Beach fishing vacation? You’re in the right place.
The Grand Strand offers much more than miles of beautiful beaches. You can fish from a pier, cast from the shoreline, explore peaceful marsh creeks, or head offshore for a deep-sea adventure.
Whether you are a first-time saltwater angler, traveling with children, or an experienced fisherman, there are plenty of ways to enjoy fishing on the Grand Strand.
Fishing on the Grand Strand: Why Anglers Love Myrtle Beach
The Grand Strand stretches across several coastal communities. These include Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove, Surfside Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, and Little River.
Each area offers different fishing opportunities. Best of all, you can enjoy several types of fishing during the same vacation.
For example, you could start your morning at a fishing pier. Later, you could try surf fishing from the beach. You could also explore a tidal creek or book an offshore charter.
The best part? You don’t have to be an expert to get started.
If This Is Your First Time Fishing
If you are new to saltwater fishing, start with something simple.
Pier fishing is often one of the easiest options for beginners. You don’t need a boat, and several Grand Strand piers offer fishing equipment, bait, and tackle.
What Do You Need?
A basic fishing setup may include:
- A medium or medium-heavy spinning rod and reel
- Fishing line
- Hooks, sinkers, and swivels
- Shrimp, squid, cut bait, or locally recommended bait
- A small tackle box
- Pliers
- A measuring tape
Don’t want to pack fishing equipment? No problem. Several local piers offer rod rentals and sell bait and tackle.
For example, Cherry Grove Pier has rod rentals and a tackle shop. Apache Pier also offers rental options that include a rod and bait. Garden City Pier provides rod rentals and bait as well.
When Is the Best Time to Fish?
Early morning and evening can be good times to fish. Tides can also affect fish activity.
Before heading out, check:
- Tide times
- Weather conditions
- Local fishing reports
- Current fishing regulations
Comfort is important, too. Wear lightweight clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shoes with good traction. If you are going offshore, follow your captain’s safety instructions. If you are prone to seasickness, consider bringing appropriate motion-sickness medication.
Which Type of Fishing Should You Choose?
Not sure where to begin? Here’s a quick guide:
- Pier fishing: A convenient choice for beginners and families.
- Surf fishing: Perfect if you want to fish directly from the beach.
- Inshore fishing: A great way to explore tidal creeks, marshes, and estuaries.
- Offshore fishing: Ideal for visitors who want a bigger adventure on the open ocean.
Fishing Licenses, Limits & 2026 Regulations
Before you cast a line, make sure you understand South Carolina’s saltwater fishing rules.
For the 2026–2027 license year, nonresident saltwater fishing licenses include one-day, seven-day, and annual options. South Carolina residents also have several license options.
License requirements can depend on where and how you fish. Some public fishing piers and charter operations may also have different arrangements.
Therefore, always check the latest South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) information before your trip.
Important 2026 Red Drum Changes
There are important red drum changes for 2026.
Effective July 1, 2026:
- The limit is 1 red drum per person per day.
- The boat limit is 2 red drum per day.
- The keeper size is 18–25 inches total length.
- Possession of red drum is prohibited in federal waters.
There is also a new circle-hook requirement for certain saltwater fishing situations involving natural bait and larger hooks.
Other species have different size and catch limits. For example, current 2026–2027 regulations include specific requirements for flounder, spotted seatrout, and sheepshead.
These examples are not a substitute for the complete regulations.
Always check the latest SCDNR regulations before fishing, especially if you plan to keep your catch. Rules can vary by species and between state and federal waters.
Grand Strand Fishing Piers
Pier fishing is one of the most convenient ways to enjoy Grand Strand fishing without owning a boat.
Apache Pier
Located in Myrtle Beach, Apache Pier extends more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic.
The pier offers fishing passes, rental rods, and a bait-and-tackle shop. As a result, it can be a convenient choice for visitors who don’t want to bring all their equipment.
Cherry Grove Pier
Located in North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove Pier is a popular Grand Strand fishing destination.
The pier has a tackle shop, bait, and rod rentals. That makes it particularly convenient for vacationing anglers.
Garden City Pier
Garden City Pier offers fishing passes, rod rentals, and bait.
It’s convenient setup allows visitors to combine fishing with a relaxing day at the beach.
Second Avenue Pier
Second Avenue Pier sits along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
It gives anglers an opportunity to fish over the Atlantic while staying close to restaurants, attractions, and other Myrtle Beach activities.
Myrtle Beach State Park Pier
Myrtle Beach State Park is another option for Myrtle Beach fishing.
Visitors can enjoy fishing from the pier or surf. Depending on the season and conditions, anglers may encounter species such as whiting, Spanish mackerel, trout, flounder, and drum.
Pier hours, prices, policies, and fishing rules can change. Therefore, check the official pier or park website before visiting.
Surf Fishing Along the Grand Strand
For a classic coastal experience, try surf fishing in Myrtle Beach.
You don’t need complicated equipment. A medium-heavy spinning rod, saltwater reel, fishing line, sinker, hook, and natural bait can be enough to get started.
Shrimp and squid are popular choices. However, local tackle shops can recommend bait based on current conditions.
How Can You Find Fish From the Beach?
Don’t simply cast as far as you can. Instead, take a few minutes to study the water. Look for changes in the waves. Sandbars, troughs, cuts, and other underwater features can create areas where fish feed or travel. Early morning and evening can be productive. Changing tides can also affect fishing activity. Most importantly, remember that beach rules can vary by location and season. Check local regulations before fishing.
Also, never cast near swimmers or crowded areas. Beach safety should always come first.
Marsh Creeks & Inshore Fishing
Some of the best inshore fishing in Myrtle Beach happens away from the open beach.
The Grand Strand’s tidal marshes, creeks, and estuaries offer a different fishing experience. Areas around Murrells Inlet and Little River are popular for exploring coastal waterways.
Depending on the location, season, and current regulations, anglers may encounter:
- Red drum
- Spotted seatrout
- Black drum
- Sheepshead
- Flounder, where legally available
There are several ways to enjoy inshore fishing.
You can fish from shore or a small boat. You can also explore by kayak or book a guided fishing trip.
For first-time visitors, a local guide can be especially helpful. Guides understand local tides, channels, shallow areas, and changing conditions.
Fishing the Gulf Stream
Looking for a bigger adventure?
Consider deep sea fishing in Myrtle Beach and an offshore trip toward the Gulf Stream.
The Gulf Stream is a powerful warm-water current located offshore. Charter boats take anglers into deeper Atlantic waters where they may target a variety of offshore species.
Depending on the season, location, conditions, and regulations, potential catches can include king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, dolphin, wahoo, and other offshore fish.
Half-Day or Full-Day Charter?
A half-day trip can be a good introduction for families and beginners.
On the other hand, a full-day trip gives experienced anglers more time on the water. It may also allow the boat to reach farther offshore fishing grounds.
Because offshore conditions can change quickly, booking a licensed local charter is often the easiest choice for visitors who are unfamiliar with the area.
Of course, no fishing trip can guarantee a catch. Still, watching the sunrise from a boat and feeling your first strike can become one of the most memorable parts of your vacation.
Where to Stay for Your Grand Strand Trip
A successful fishing trip requires early mornings and lots of gear. Therefore, staying in a cramped hotel room is often a massive hassle.
Instead, booking a property with Myrtle Beach vacation rentals is a gamechanger. A spacious rental gives you room to store your rods and relax after a long day. Most importantly, you get a full kitchen to cook your fresh catch!
Plan Your Vacation with NPR Vacation Rentals
At NPR Vacation Rentals, we offer beautifully maintained homes across the Grand Strand. Whether you want to stay near Cherry Grove Pier or the Murrells Inlet docks, we have your perfect home base.
Enjoy modern amenities and convenient access to the area’s best outdoor activities. Browse our available properties today and start planning your ultimate fishing getaway!
Final Tips for a Great Trip
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Check the weather: Coastal weather changes rapidly. Always monitor marine forecasts.
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Support local tackle shops: The locals know exactly what is biting. Stop by a shop to buy bait and ask for pointers.
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Practice conservation: Keep only what you plan to eat, handle fish gently, and pack out all your trash.
Happy fishing, and we look forward to hosting you on the Grand Strand!