With the Atlantic Ocean, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and Intracoastal Waterway all within easy reach, fishing in North Myrtle Beach offers something for almost every type of angler. You can cast a line from an ocean pier in the morning, explore the backwaters for redfish in the afternoon, or head offshore in search of a much bigger catch.
For visitors staying in Cherry Grove, fishing is especially easy to add to a North Myrtle Beach vacation. Prince Resort is located directly beside the historic Cherry Grove Pier, putting one of the area's best-known fishing landmarks just steps from your accommodations.
Whether you're an experienced angler bringing your own gear or a family that has never held a fishing rod, here's what to know about North Myrtle Beach fishing, including where to fish, what you might catch, charter options, and what to expect before you cast your first line.
North Myrtle Beach's location along the South Carolina coast gives anglers access to several distinctly different fishing environments.
Depending on how adventurous you want to be, you can try:
- Pier fishing over the Atlantic
- Surf fishing directly from the beach
- Inshore fishing in creeks, marshes, and waterways
- Nearshore fishing just off the coast
- Offshore and deep-sea fishing
- Backwater and kayak fishing
The variety also makes fishing a great activity for families. Beginners can spend a few hours fishing from a pier without committing to a full day on a boat, while serious anglers can book a charter and venture miles offshore.
Best of all, fishing is a year-round activity in North Myrtle Beach, although the species you'll encounter change with the seasons.
When people think about fishing in Cherry Grove, one landmark immediately comes to mind: the Cherry Grove Pier.
Stretching 985 feet over the Atlantic, the historic pier has been part of the Cherry Grove community since the 1950s. It has developed a reputation among generations of local and visiting anglers and was even the site of a world-record 1,780-pound tiger shark catch in 1964. Today, you don't need to be chasing record-breaking fish to enjoy it.
One of the biggest advantages of pier fishing is accessibility. You don't need a boat, and you don't even need to bring fishing equipment with you. The Cherry Grove Pier offers rod rentals along with a bait and tackle shop where visitors can pick up the essentials for a day of fishing.
Even better for vacationers, an individual saltwater fishing license is not required when fishing from Cherry Grove Pier with paid admission because the pier maintains the necessary permits.
Exactly what is biting depends on the time of year, weather, water temperature, and tides. Anglers at Cherry Grove Pier can encounter species including:
- Flounder
- Whiting
- Spot
- Bluefish
- Sheepshead
- Red drum
- Spanish mackerel
- King mackerel
- Sharks
Part of the fun is that you never know exactly what might be on the other end of the line.
Changing tides and the lower light around sunrise and sunset can be particularly productive fishing periods. Before heading onto the pier, ask the staff at the tackle shop what's currently biting and which bait and rigs have been working.
If fishing is an important part of your North Myrtle Beach vacation, location can make a big difference. At Prince Resort, Cherry Grove Pier is located directly in front of the resort. Instead of loading fishing equipment into the car and driving across town, you can walk from the resort to the pier and start your morning by the water.
That convenience also gives you more flexibility. Head out early to see what's biting, return to your condo for lunch or some time by the pool, and make another trip to the pier later in the day.
For families traveling with both anglers and non-anglers, it can be an especially convenient setup. While part of your group spends time fishing, others can enjoy Cherry Grove Beach or Prince Resort's pools, hot tubs, rooftop lazy river, and other amenities.
The pier isn't your only option. Fishing charters in North Myrtle Beach can take you into waters and habitats you simply can't reach from shore.
Many fishing excursions depart from the North Myrtle Beach and Little River area, making them convenient for visitors staying in Cherry Grove.
Before choosing a charter, think about the type of experience your group wants. Trips can range from relaxed inshore excursions to full-day offshore adventures.
For families and anglers who prefer calmer water, an inshore fishing charter can be a great introduction to fishing along the South Carolina coast.
These trips typically explore coastal waterways, tidal creeks, marshes, and other protected areas rather than heading far into the Atlantic.
Inshore trips can also be shorter than offshore excursions, making them a good option for families with children or anyone concerned about spending hours on the open ocean.
Want a little more adventure without committing to a full offshore trip?
Nearshore charters venture into the Atlantic while generally staying closer to the coastline than deep-sea trips. Depending on the season, anglers may encounter Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, sharks, cobia, and other species.
This can be a good middle ground between inshore fishing and a full offshore expedition.
Experienced anglers — or vacationers looking for a true fishing adventure — can head farther into the Atlantic on a deep-sea fishing charter near North Myrtle Beach.
Offshore trips may involve a longer boat ride, but they open the door to entirely different fishing opportunities.
Depending on the distance offshore, season, and type of charter, trips may target species such as grouper, snapper, black sea bass, mahi-mahi, and other offshore game fish.
If catching something big is high on your vacation bucket list, this may be the experience for you.
There really isn't one fishing season in North Myrtle Beach. Different species become more active throughout the year.
Spring brings warming water and increasing activity. Flounder and sea trout become more active around inlets and beaches, making this an excellent time to get back on the water.
Summer provides plenty of variety, with species including mackerel, redfish, black drum, flounder, sea trout, and sharks found around local waters. Early morning and evening fishing can be especially appealing before or after the hottest part of the day.
Fall is a favorite time for many anglers. Cooler temperatures can make spending a full day outside more comfortable, while red drum, speckled trout, sharks, and other species remain active.
Winter doesn't mean fishing has to stop. North Myrtle Beach's relatively mild winters can still produce redfish and speckled sea trout, particularly in shallower waters.
Because fishing conditions can change quickly, check current weather, tides, regulations, and local fishing reports before deciding exactly where and when to fish.
What you need depends heavily on where you're fishing.
For a trip to Cherry Grove Pier, you can travel relatively light because rods are available to rent and bait and tackle can be purchased on-site.
For a charter, your captain may provide most of the fishing equipment.
No matter where you're fishing, it's a good idea to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Comfortable clothing
- Closed-toe or non-slip shoes for boat trips
- Water
- Snacks
- A small cooler, if permitted
- A light rain jacket
- Motion-sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness
Don't underestimate the coastal sun. Reflection from the water can make sun exposure more intense, even on days that don't feel particularly hot.
Fishing can be one of the most memorable family activities during a beach vacation, but keep the first trip simple.
For younger children, pier or inshore fishing may be preferable to a long offshore trip. The goal doesn't necessarily have to be catching the biggest fish. Let kids learn how to cast, watch the bait, reel in smaller catches, and see the different marine life around the water.
Cherry Grove Pier is particularly convenient for families because you can choose how long you want to stay. If the kids have had enough after an hour or two, you aren't committed to several more hours on a boat.
And sometimes the excitement of not knowing what's going to bite next is all it takes to create a new fishing fan.
You don't have to plan an entire vacation around fishing to enjoy North Myrtle Beach's angling opportunities.
Spend one morning casting from Cherry Grove Pier. Book an inshore charter to explore the marshes and waterways. Head offshore for a full day on the Atlantic. Or simply bring a rod and enjoy the peaceful coastline during the early morning hours.
Staying at Prince Resort puts you in an especially convenient location to experience it all. With Cherry Grove Pier directly in front of the resort, the Atlantic Ocean outside your door, and charter opportunities available throughout the North Myrtle Beach and Little River area, your next fishing adventure is never far away.
After a day on the water, return to your condo, relax by the pool or lazy river, grab a bite to eat, and start planning where you'll cast your line tomorrow.
Whether you're hoping for your biggest catch yet or simply want to introduce the family to fishing, North Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove offer plenty of ways to get hooked on a coastal tradition.
