You'll find anglers in North Myrtle Beach fishing for almost anything that bites. Known as a top tourist destination on the Grand Strand of Atlantic beaches, this city in South Carolina gives you access to excellent sport fishing. Chances are if it swims, you can catch it here. Whether you’re in the market for some family fun in the backwaters or a high-speed chase through the Gulf Stream, consider yourself at home.

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North Myrtle Beach has it all, and anglers are fond of these waters for exactly that reason. You can enjoy great light tackle action while fishing inshore. On the other hand, reef fishing 15 to 25 miles out will result in some excellent table fare. For the hardcore angler, deep sea fishing the Gulf Stream and the Blue Water is a chance to reel in bragging rights to some of offshore fishing’s most prestigious prizes. With plenty of North Myrtle Beach fishing charters to choose from, you can dabble in all of the above.

• Inshore Fishing

Fishing inshore is great fun for families as well as the seasoned angler. The backwater creeks, waterways, and inlet jetties of North Myrtle Beach host a variety of coveted fish. Here you can target Redfish, Black Drum, Spotted Seatrout, and Flounder. Even in winter, you can enjoy great success while casting lines in these shallow waters.

Inshore fishing can also take you just off the coast of North Myrtle Beach, fishing for Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, and a variety of Sharks. A trip like this normally stays within 10 miles of shore.

How much does it cost?

A half day inshore trip costs between $350 and $500. Some of these trips last for four hours, but you will also see many charter operators offering five-hour half day trips. A ¾ day trip typically costs around $600, while a full day trip (eight hours) runs upwards of $700.

• Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing in North Myrtle Beach gives you the best of both worlds: bottom fishing for a delicious catch and trolling for the ultimate pelagic prize.

Bottom fishing could take you anywhere from 10-50 miles out. While fishing nearshore wrecks and reefs you can catch Porgy, Grunts, Black Seabass, and Spanish Mackerel. You might also troll for nearby species like Barracuda, Cobia, Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, and King Mackerel while you’re at it.

Heading 30+ miles offshore opens entirely new possibilities, including Silver Snapper, Vermillion Snapper, Grouper, and Triggerfish. Out here, deep sea fishing is roughly divided into two realms: the Gulf Stream and the Blue Water. In North Myrtle Beach, the Gulf Stream runs a bit closer to shore than it does farther south, making it possible to cast lines in this massive underwater current just 30-50 miles offshore. In addition to bottom fishing, you can troll the Gulf Stream for Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, King Mackerel, and much more.

If you venture out to the Blue Water 60 miles offshore and beyond, you will troll for Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and large King Mackerel.

What are my options and how much do they cost?

If you plan to spend your time in North Myrtle Beach fishing offshore, be prepared for a high-intensity adventure! These trips take you anywhere from 30-75 miles out, usually lasting 10-14 hours. Depending on the distance, it takes a couple of hours to reach the fishing grounds and many charter operators want to ensure a full eight hours of fishing once you arrive.

Offshore fishing charters in North Myrtle Beach cost between $1,000 and $2,000. A Gulf Stream trip that takes you 30 miles offshore could be as little as $900. Gulf Stream trips that take you more than 45 miles from shore cost around $1,450 or $1,500. A standard Blue Water trip (12-14 hours) costs $1,850.

What if I don't want to fish all day?

If you aren’t ready for a long trek to the Gulf Stream but would like to get a taste of deep sea fishing, consider booking a nearshore reef fishing trip. Many North Myrtle Beach charter operators refer to these shorter excursions as “deep sea fishing,” but you will not fish farther than 30 miles from shore. These trips last anywhere from four to nine hours.

Half day charters range between $500 and $600, depending on how far out you go. These trips usually last five hours. Trips that take you as far as 15 miles offshore are more expensive, to account for fuel costs. The upside to this is that you can find bigger fish and a wider variety of species when you travel a little farther.

A ¾ day trip might cost anywhere from $550 to $700, depending on how far the captain takes you (possibly up to 20 miles) and whether you intend to troll during the trip. Trips which include trolling can cost more because this method burns more fuel. A full day trip typically costs around $900. This option might take you as far as 30 miles out, to the edge of the Gulf Stream.

Rules and Regulations 

Anglers age 16 and older are required to have a recreational fishing license in South Carolina. Most North Myrtle Beach fishing charters include licenses for customers. A fishing license is required for surf fishing. You can purchase a 14-day recreational fishing license online for $11 (price subject to change). You do not need a license when fishing from a public pier, but you must purchase a fishing pass ($8, prices subject to change).

Types of Fishing

While fishing inshore in North Myrtle Beach you can target Redfish, Flounder, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and many other species using light tackle and live or artificial bait. You can fish for Sharks, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel by trolling and live bait fishing. You can also target many of these species on fly.

Deep sea fishing in North Myrtle Beach involves bottom fishing and trolling. You can bottom fish with live bait and vertical jigs to catch Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Grunts, Porgies, and Seabass. You can troll for a variety of pelagic species such as Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, Kingfish, and Tuna.

Surf fishing and pier fishing are popular pastimes in North Myrtle Beach. You can enjoy spinning or jigging for a variety of inshore species such as Pompano, Bluefish, Whiting, Skates, Tarpon, and Sharks. Some piers have rods and reels available for rent, where you can also purchase bait on the spot. Cherry Grove Pier (open March to November) is a popular location for pier fishing in North Myrtle Beach. You can find many nearby locations for pier and surf fishing in Myrtle Beach, as well.

The freshwater angler will find ample opportunity in the area’s lakes, reservoirs, and streams. Commonly caught species include Catfish, Sturgeon, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Bass, Bream, and Crappie. Popular locations for freshwater fishing include Camp Branch Run, Lewis Pond, and Bear Branch.