Fishing has long been one of the most popular activities along South Carolina's Grand Strand. Whether you're hoping to reel in your first fish, spend quality time with your family, or chase trophy catches offshore, the Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach area offers outstanding opportunities for anglers of every experience level. With miles of coastline, winding saltwater marshes, scenic creeks, and productive offshore reefs, there's always another place waiting to be explored.
The best part is that you don't need to own a boat or pack a truck full of fishing gear. Visitors can choose from professionally guided charter trips, convenient public fishing piers, or relaxing inshore excursions that showcase the natural beauty of the South Carolina coast.
Some of the most popular fishing options include:
- Charter fishing trips with experienced local captains who provide the boat, bait, tackle, and expert guidance.
- Fishing from one of the area's iconic ocean piers, perfect for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a relaxing afternoon by the Atlantic.
- Inshore fishing adventures through marshes, creeks, and protected waterways where redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and other local favorites are commonly found.
Whether you're planning an early morning excursion before heading to the beach or dedicating an entire day to fishing, there's an option that fits your schedule and budget.
For visitors looking to maximize their chances of landing fish while learning from experienced professionals, a charter trip is one of the best investments you can make. Local captains know where fish are feeding throughout the seasons and adjust their trips based on tides, weather conditions, and current fishing patterns.
Most Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach charter companies offer several types of trips. Inshore charters usually target red drum, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead in calmer waters. Nearshore trips venture just off the beach to reefs and wrecks where anglers often catch Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and barracuda. Offshore excursions head into deeper Atlantic waters in search of mahi-mahi, tuna, amberjack, grouper, snapper, and even sailfish during certain times of the year.
When comparing charter companies, ask what equipment is included, whether fishing licenses are provided, how many people the boat accommodates, and what species are commonly caught during your travel dates. Most captains provide all rods, reels, bait, tackle, and fish cleaning, making the experience easy for both first-time visitors and seasoned anglers.
Not every memorable fishing trip requires a boat. Pier fishing remains one of the easiest and most affordable ways to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean while soaking in incredible coastal views.
Many visitors appreciate the flexibility of simply walking onto a pier, renting equipment if needed, and spending a few hours casting into the surf. Local bait shops located directly on the piers often provide tackle, frozen bait, snacks, and helpful advice about what's biting that day.
When staying at Seaside Resort, two of the area's most popular destinations are the Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach and the Apache Pier farther south in Myrtle Beach. Cherry Grove Pier has become an iconic landmark known for its beautiful sunrise views and history of record-setting catches, while Apache Pier stretches farther into the Atlantic than any other wooden fishing pier on the East Coast, offering anglers access to deeper water without ever stepping onto a boat.
Depending on the season, anglers commonly catch whiting, croaker, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, flounder, and king mackerel. Even if the fish aren't biting, the ocean views alone make a visit worthwhile.
For families with younger children or visitors who prefer calmer water, inshore fishing offers a fantastic balance between adventure and relaxation.
Rather than heading miles offshore, inshore trips navigate through the area's extensive network of tidal creeks, salt marshes, estuaries, and backwater channels. These protected waterways are rich ecosystems that support a wide variety of fish while also providing opportunities to see dolphins, coastal birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife.
The calm water makes inshore fishing especially appealing for guests who may be prone to seasickness or simply want a shorter excursion.
One beautiful place to experience the area's coastal environment is the Heritage Shores Nature Preserve in North Myrtle Beach. Its scenic boardwalks, marsh views, and proximity to productive waterways offer visitors an excellent introduction to the ecosystems that make local fishing so successful.
One reason fishing remains popular year-round around the Grand Strand is the variety of seasonal species available. Spring often brings Spanish mackerel, flounder, and redfish closer to shore. Summer offers excellent opportunities for king mackerel, cobia, and offshore species, while fall is considered by many local anglers to be one of the best times to target red drum and speckled trout. Even winter can provide productive inshore fishing for redfish and black drum on milder days.
Checking local fishing reports before your trip can help you decide whether a charter, pier, or inshore excursion will offer the best experience during your visit.
A little preparation can make your day on the water even more enjoyable. Dress in lightweight clothing, bring polarized sunglasses, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months. Morning trips often provide cooler temperatures and calmer conditions, while afternoon outings can produce excellent fishing depending on the tides.
If you're fishing independently from a pier or shoreline, be sure to review current South Carolina fishing regulations and licensing requirements before casting your line. Charter operators typically include the necessary fishing licenses for their guests.One of the advantages of staying at Seaside Resort is its convenient location near many of the Grand Strand's best fishing opportunities. Whether you're boarding an early morning charter, walking out onto Cherry Grove Pier for sunrise, or exploring nearby marshes on an inshore adventure, you'll spend less time driving and more time enjoying the water.
After a successful day of fishing, return to your spacious oceanfront accommodation to relax by the beach, prepare your fresh catch at nearby restaurants that offer cook-your-catch services, or simply unwind while listening to the waves from your private balcony.
If you're planning a North Myrtle Beach vacation filled with fishing, beaches, and unforgettable coastal experiences, Seaside Resort provides the perfect home base for your next adventure.
