Looking to get in the water rather than just staring at it? Lucky for you, North Myrtle Beach has what you’re looking for! With sunny days, warm temperatures, and plenty of local access points for fishing and boating, it’s an easy season to trade the beach chair for something a little more adventurous.
North Myrtle Beach might be best known for its shoreline, but there is plenty to explore beyond the sand. Whether you want to fish from the pier, book a charter, or spend the day cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Carolina Coast from a new angle.
Thinking about adding some excitement to your next beach vacation? Follow along as we take a look at some of the best fishing and boating spots in North Myrtle Beach, plus a few helpful tips to keep in mind before heading out on the water.
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In this blog:
- What Makes Summer in North Myrtle Beach Special?
- Best Fishing Spots in North Myrtle Beach
- Fishing Charters in North Myrtle Beach
- Plan Your Day on the Water!
- What to Know about Late Summer Fishing in North Myrtle Beach
What Makes Summer in North Myrtle Beach Special?
If you are planning a fishing or boating trip to the Carolina Coast, the season can make a big difference in how much time you’ll want to spend out on the water.
North Myrtle Beach in the late summer is the ideal time and place to enjoy the sands and sun in a more relaxed setting while still taking full advantage of everything the coast has to offer.
Summertime also brings longer days, keeping the ocean warm and ensuring plenty of time to enjoy everything from early-morning fishing trips to laid-back afternoons. Temps are typically warm and humid, ranging from around the low 70s to the mid 80s, making the conditions perfect for grabbing a boat and casting a line!
Best Fishing Spots in North Myrtle Beach
From ocean piers to quiet marshes, North Myrtle Beach has quite a few iconic fishing spots perfect for seasoned anglers and adventurers! This fisher’s paradise offers both unique landscapes and species, including red drum, flounder, and speckled trout. Whether you’re looking to take your rod inshore, nearshore, or even offshore, there are plenty of sites in the area for you to explore.
Cherry Grove Pier
Perhaps the best-known fishing spot in North Myrtle Beach, this iconic location has been standing since the 1950s, becoming a local favorite along the way. The pier stretches 985 feet out into the ocean, giving you plenty of space to make your catch. This hot spot also features a tackle shop, a two-story observation deck, and the Driftwood Restaurant and Bar, meaning there’s plenty to do for the non-anglers in your group.
- Hours: 7 am – 11 pm
- Address: 3500 North Ocean Boulevard
- Parking: Paid parking from 9 am – 5 pm
- Website
Intercostal Waterway
If you’re looking for a secluded, almost private fishing experience, this one’s for you! This more peaceful side of North Myrtle Beach features wide stretches of calm water, giving you room to explore the water by boat or kayak. This 60-mile stretch runs parallel to the Grand Strand and offers plenty of space for activities like jet skiing and paddleboarding, making it among the most versatile locations on our list.
Apache Pier
Apache Pier makes for a great location if you’re looking to spend the fishing day at a busier, more lively spot. This massive pier stretches beyond 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and boasts itself as the longest wooden Pier on the East Coast, giving you plenty of room to roam around and cast off! This site also features a bait-and-tackle shop, a restaurant, an arcade, and occasional live music, making it perfect for an all-day group outing.
- Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
- Address: 9700 Kings Road
- Parking: Paid parking available at the entrance; Prices may vary
- Website
Vereen Memorial Gardens
For a spot that’s a bit more tucked away, look no further than Vereen Memorial Gardens. Sitting just a half hour outside of North Myrtle Beach along the Intracoastal Waterway, this site caters more to adventurers who want to get a little dirty, enjoy a more rustic feel, and be surrounded by marshlands and shaded trails. The spot’s remote location offers a more scenic experience, giving you space to walk or set up a picnic while catching fish.
- Hours: Open daily during daylight hours
- Address: 2250 Highway 179
- Parking: Free on-site
- Website
Fishing Charters in North Myrtle Beach
While there’s nothing wrong with setting out to the shore on your own, sometimes it can be nice to just let someone else handle everything. From getting the boat to finding where the fish live, North Myrtle Beach’s fishing charters offer a convenient way to hit the water and focus on your catch without having to plan every step of the way. Charters typically range from half-day trips to full-day excursions, making this experience great for casual and experienced anglers.
North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters
Operating since 1991, this local team offers a wide range of tours throughout the area, including inshore, nearshore, and offshore trips! Founder and Captain Kieth Logan has more than four decades of experience on North Myrtle Beach’s waters, specializing in safety and conservation, along with a variety of fishing styles, and is joined by a team of over 10 other captains ready to lead your next fishing charter. This business also offers instructional tours for kids, making it a great pick for a family outing!
- Price: 4-hour tours start at $500
- Address: 2201 Little River Neck Road
- Fish seen on charter: Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum
- Website
Little River Fishing Fleet
One of the bigger names in the area, this local charter offers a wide range of choices and value. Little River Fishing Fleet offers half-day trips traveling up to 10 miles offshore, along with Gulf Stream tours running anywhere from 35 to 50 miles out. This top-rated Google business has been family-owned since 1985 and features a team that takes pride in its knowledge and passion for fishing. Private charters serving large groups of up to 70 people are also available from this North Myrtle Beach charter.
- Price: 4.5-hour tours start at $55 per adult; $45 for children 12 & under
- Address: 1901 Hwy 17 South
- Fish seen on charter: Black sea bass, porgies, flounder, blues, and other bottom fish
- Website
Voyager Fishing Charters
Join Captain Larry aboard Grady White 386 Canyon for the best value in North Myrtle Beach. This charter, along with handling half-day trips and Gulf Stream excursions, also does dolphin cruises throughout the area. This operator also boasts the largest fleet in the area, maintaining their vessels to an industry-high standard, ranging from 45 feet to 100 feet. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with this charter, as it also features a restroom, TV, DVD, Stereo, & CD player on board!
- Price: Half-day tours start at $45 per adult; $35 for children ages 3-12
- Address: Dock Holiday’s Marina 1525 13th Avenue
- Fish seen on charter: Black sea bass, porgies, flounder, blues, and other bottom fish
- Website
Plan Your Day on the Water!
Featured Suite: Oceanfront Efficiency Room-King
Whether you’re casting your line from inshore, nearshore, or the pier, North Myrtle Beach gives you everything you need to enjoy the sun, water, and a little bit of adventure. Get the best of what the Carolina Coast has to offer by booking a room with Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort! Enjoy the perfect beach getaway as our team works to bring you all the luxury and convenience you need! See all of our properties today and get in on all of our latest specials when you book direct!
What to know about fishing in North Myrtle Beach
What makes North Myrtle Beach a great late-summer destination?
Late summer is one of the best times to visit North Myrtle Beach due to its warmer weather and longer days. The water conditions are also perfect for everything from fishing trips to boating and kayaking, giving you all the time you need to enjoy the coast while adding a little more adventure to your vacation.
Do I need a fishing license in North Myrtle Beach?
While local charters include your fishing license as part of the trip, if you are heading out on your own, you will require a license to fish in both freshwater and saltwater. Licenses can be purchased online and are not required for children under 16.
What fish can you catch in North Myrtle Beach?
North Myrtle Beach has a great mix of species that vary based on location. Inshore spots will likely have you in front of redfish, speckled trout, black sea bass, and porgies, while in the nearshore, you’re likely to see flounder and black drum. If you do head farther offshore, you may meet some snapper, grouper, and tigerfish.
What should I bring for a day of fishing or boating?
Sunscreen, water, sunglasses, and a hat are enough for most boating and fishing outings. If you plan to book a charter, a lot of the supplies will already be handled for you, but it still helps to check ahead to see what’s included.