Myrtle Beach Saltwater Fishing Tips for Rookies

Be sure to get a license! South Carolina requires anglers 16 years old+ to obtain a Saltwater Fishing License. A two week permit for a non resident is $11; a SC resident is $5.  Licenses are available at our front office. You may also obtain your license online from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.

Early morning surf fishers

Be familiar with regulations! Most shark species are not allowed to be kept and there are limits to how much fish you can take. SCDNR provides a Hunting and Fishing Manual that will get you up to speed on what’s legal. You may access the manual online by clicking here.

Check out our Camp Store for supplies! From poles to live bait, during the season our store is stocked with everything you need for fishing.

Fishing Section of the Camp Store (seasonal)

Go in the early morning hours! Beach goers typically start setting up their sunbathing spots around 9am (sometimes even earlier in the summer). Fishing in a way that puts swimmers ‘at risk’ is not permitted. 

Locals prefer spring and fall for the best times of the year to fish. 

Fishing from a top local pier is a great alternative to surf fishing because the entrance fee includes a permit and you won’t have to worry about fishing around sunbathers. PirateLand is located near Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, Springmaid Pier, Surfside Pier, and the Pier at Garden City.

The Myrtle Beach State Park Pier is about 1 mile north of PirateLand

 

Keep a good distance between you and the next fisherman to avoid tangled lines.

Local anglers say the best type of bait to use in this area is fresh shrimp, live/cut mullet, mud minnows, and sand fleas. Keep in mind specific types of fish may have a preference. Keep your bait covered so birds stay away, and cold to preserve its appealing odor. 

If you are “catch and release” fishing, SCDNR recommends using circular hooks because they are most likely to catch the fish by the mouth as oppose to its gills, which will increase the chance of the fish living. Also, non-stainless steel hooks are best because they disintegrate. 

What other tips do you have for surf fishing?