Best Spots for Fishing in North Myrtle Beach – Cast, Reel, Relax

They say a bad day of fishing beats a good day at work, and in North Myrtle Beach, you might just forget what work even feels like. Here, mornings start with the tang of salt air, a cooler full of bait, and the promise that something big—maybe dinner, maybe just a story worth bragging about—is swimming just under that sparkling Atlantic.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing king mackerel or a casual vacationer hoping to hook your first flounder, the Grand Strand’s waters deliver. From ocean piers that stretch out like wooden arms into the surf to quiet marshes hiding red drum and speckled trout, North Myrtle Beach is every fisherman’s happy place. So grab that rod, and let’s find you a spot where the only thing you’ll worry about is who gets to hold the camera when you reel in the big one.

🎣 Cherry Grove Pier – A Classic for a Reason

If fishing had a crown jewel in North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove Pier would wear it. This 985-foot pier has seen its share of legends, including a world-record tiger shark weighing in at 1,780 pounds. Today, the pier’s waters still draw flounder, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, and even the occasional tarpon.

The pier opens daily at 6 AM, and the tackle shop rents rods and reels if you didn’t pack your own. Early risers get the calm surf and prime spots near the end, where the water runs deeper. A pro tip: Ask the bait shop about the day’s best lures—they know what’s biting before anyone else does. And don’t rush off after the catch—sunrise here paints the ocean in gold, making it worth every yawn.

🌊 Fishing the Surf – Where Simplicity Meets Serenity

If you like your fishing barefoot with sand between your toes, surf fishing along North Myrtle Beach’s wide shoreline is as easy as casting a line. Early mornings and evenings are best, with whiting, bluefish, and pompano cruising close to the breakers.

A 7- to 9-foot surf rod, shrimp or cut bait, and a basic sand spike to hold your rod will do the trick. Locals favor quiet stretches near 53rd Avenue North and the Cherry Grove Boat Landing for fewer crowds. Just check the tide chart—fish bite best when the tide’s moving, not when it’s as lazy as a cat in July.

🐟 Intracoastal Waterway & Marsh Creeks – Red Drum Heaven

The Intracoastal Waterway offers some of the best inshore fishing on the Grand Strand. Launch from the Cherry Grove Boat Landing or head to the public access at Harbourgate Marina. The calm waters here are prime for red drum, speckled trout, and black drum, especially near grassy marsh edges and oyster beds.

Kayak anglers love these winding creeks for their quiet beauty. Bring live shrimp or mud minnows for bait—red drum can’t resist them. Even if you don’t catch a thing, the sight of egrets stalking the shoreline at sunset feels like a reward in itself.

🚤 Charter Fishing – Deep Sea Adventures

For those ready to swap gentle waves for the thrill of open water, charter fishing trips from Little River marinas are the way to go. Operators like Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises and Little River Fishing Fleet offer half-day to full-day trips targeting king mackerel, mahi-mahi, grouper, and snapper.

Charters typically provide all gear, bait, and licenses, making it easy for vacationers to dive right into the action. Morning trips are cooler and less choppy, while afternoon tours often reward with bigger catches—and unbeatable ocean views.

🎣 Marina Bar & Grill Dockside – Eat, Watch, Repeat

Not every fishing day has to end with sore arms. Head to The Marina Bar & Grill at Barefoot Resort Marina after a long day on the water. Grab a plate of their seafood boil and sit dockside watching charter boats return with their day’s haul. Sometimes, the best part of fishing is hearing other folks’ tall tales.

🌅 When and How to Fish Like a Local

• Best Time to Fish: Dawn and dusk—fish feed more actively when light changes.

• Licensing: Surf and pier fishing requires a South Carolina saltwater license unless you’re fishing on a licensed pier like Cherry Grove.

• Tide Tips: Fish prefer moving tides; incoming tides are ideal for surf and inshore fishing.

Stock up at local bait shops like Boulineau’s—famous for fresh bait and quick advice.

🌊 Conclusion: Reel, Relax, Repeat

Fishing in North Myrtle Beach isn’t just about the catch—it’s about slowing down, soaking up the salt air, and feeling that sweet tug on the line that says, “You’re exactly where you should be.” Whether you’re reeling in red drum in a quiet creek or swapping fish tales with locals on Cherry Grove Pier, every cast holds a little promise.

☀️ Book Your Fishing-Friendly Beach Vacation

Make your fishing trip unforgettable with Thomas Beach Vacations. Our oceanfront condos and channel homes put you steps from piers, surf spots, and boat landings. Our concierge can recommend tide times, bait shops, and even help book a charter.

Call 866-249-2100 or visit NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com to reserve your perfect coastal getaway—rods, reels, and big fish stories included.