Sitting on the coast of South Carolina,
Myrtle Beach is a picturesque beach town with a penchant for excellent fishing and family fun. From light tackle fishing inshore to deep sea fishing adventures, there is something for every kind of fisherman in Myrtle Beach. Besides the numerous charter fishing expeditions available here, you will find more than enough to do once your boat docks at the end of the day, but most importantly, the memories of the thrill of your
fishing adventure will last a lifetime.
The Ultimate Vacation Destination
Myrtle Beach offers a potpourri of fun things to do on your vacation with your friends or family. From superb golf courses, shows, and theaters to beautiful beaches and top notch dining and restaurants, Myrtle Beach has it all. But let's face it – what you're really interested in is the fishing, and luckily, Myrtle Beach doesn't disappoint in that category. In fact, the fishing charters in Myrtle Beach are some of the best in the country.
While you sail the open seas and reel in fish after fish, you can relax knowing that your vacation companions who didn't tag along are also having a great time back on dry land, taking advantage of the superior Myrtle Beach shopping or having a blast at the aquarium or an amusement park.
Simply Spectacular Fishing
The various charters available in Myrtle Beach will work hard to ensure you enjoy a spectacular fishing experience unlike any you've had before. Whether you are navigating the inlets and creeks that run through the town and its surrounding areas or if you are out deep sea fishing, you are sure to have a blast.
Not only will you appreciate the fishing itself, but the scenery and the ambiance of Myrtle Beach is unparalleled. When you aren't focused on your rod and reel, soak in the sun as you check out the view of Myrtle Beach's lighthouses and striking coastline from out at sea. You can even learn a bit of history, too, as you cruise past ocean shipwreck sites like the final resting place of the Governor, a Civil War ship, and the Hebe, a Dutch freighter that sunk during World War II. The Governor is around 30 minutes from the beautiful beaches of Myrtle Beach and lies 80 feet underwater while the Hebe is a bit further off the coast and sits 110 feet below the depths, so if you are interested in fishing near these sites, just let your charter captain know.
Types of Fish in Myrtle Beach
Inshore: Inshore fishing in Myrtle Beach has plenty to offer. The charter captains of Myrtle Beach will help you navigate the ins and outs of the back waterways, leading you to some of the best fish in the area.
Redfish - Redfish are extremely plentiful in the area, and while they aren't the biggest fish (they average in length at 20 or so inches), you can snag literally dozens of them every hour, which makes for an action-packed day of fishing.
Redfish are a great catch for beginners.
Bluefish - One of the most highly sought after fish,
bluefish are a common catch in the backwaters of Myrtle Beach. Bluefish are very aggressive and can weigh up to 40 pounds, so reeling one in is a ton of fun.
Trout - Known for lurking near the jetties around Myrtle Beach, you'll likely catch multiple varieties of
trout if you're fishing the backwaters. Trout certainly aren't the king of the water, but they are still fun to catch and a good eat.
Flounder – Commonly found in lagoons and estuaries,
flounder are often reeled in on Myrtle Beach fishing trips. They typically range between 5 and 15 inches, but can grow to be as long as 25 inches. Like bluefish, flounder are also extremely popular among fishermen.
Sheepshead - Typically between 10 and 20 inches long but known to reach 3 inches, sheepshead are a tricky catch because of their tendency to steal bait. If you're looking for a bit more of a challenge but nothing too extreme, try reeling in a few of these guys, who weigh around 3 or 4 pounds.
Black Drum and Red Drum - These fish have a wide size range and can be as small as 5 pounds but as big as 40 pounds. They are bottom feeders, so if you are looking to haul one in, suspend your bait close to the floor. Also, if you are hoping for a big one, try closer to the ocean rather than further inland.
Offshore:
Grouper – These big, slow fish lurk near the ocean floor and make for a solid catch. There's not much else like feeling the weight of a
grouper on your line and hauling it from the depths of the ocean into your charter boat. Grouper have been known to weigh over 200 pounds! They spawn between May and August, but can be fished for year-round.
Flounder – Just as flounder are found in the salty backwaters of Myrtle Beach, they are also a great catch out in the ocean. This flat fish loves the deep waters, so as is the case with the grouper, aim deep. Flounder are a favorite target among local fisherman because they are exciting to catch and delicious to eat!
Sea Bass – Sea bass are extremely common off the coast of Myrtle Beach and are technically a type of grouper. Black
sea bass are the most prevalent near Myrtle Beach, and these fish love to spend time near coral reefs, rocks, and shipwrecks – deep down in the water like grouper and flounder. Sea bass spawn from May to June and can weigh up to 10 pounds.
The Best Places to Fish Near Myrtle Beach
Little River: Around a half hour north of Myrtle Beach sits the town of
Little River, where a number of inland and deep sea charters are based. These experienced fishing captains fish commercially in the colder months, but apply their skills and experience to charter customers over the summer. You can catch huge sea bass, grouper, and flounder in the waters here with the help of the friendly Little River captains.
Winyah Bay: This coastal estuary is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, which is made up of a combination of natural and man-made backwaters spanning the Atlantic and Gulf Coast of the United States. Winyah Bay is home to many jetties where trout, sheepshead, and redfish are known to lurk. There is also an excellent fishing and observation deck here.
Murrell's Inlet: Murrell's Inlet is a spectacular source of fish year-round, but the warmer the weather the better. In around April, the flounder season here picks up, and you will also find a lot of red drum. In June, July, and August, nearly any type of fish can be caught as the water warms up – even sharks! Later in the year, trout are plentiful in this area.
Deep sea: Sometimes, there's just nothing quite like fishing out on the open ocean after spending some time in the bays, estuaries, and inlets. Your charter captain will know where to take you from there, but some popular spots for
deep sea fishing include Paradise Reef, 10 Mile Reef, and Little River Reef, all located off the Myrtle Beach coast in the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Reefs are a haven for fish, so chances are you will find much success in these areas, but they are also difficult areas to navigate so make sure you find an experienced and reliable charter captain.
Check out our extensive list of charters to find one that works for you today!
There are currently 35 charters in the Myrtle Beach, SC area.