Best Fishing Piers in Myrtle Beach for Pier Fishing, Ocean Views & Family Fun

Pier fishing in Myrtle Beach is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the Grand Strand’s saltwater fishing without booking a boat or hauling a mountain of gear to the beach. Many local piers sell fishing passes, rent rods, stock bait and tackle, and put restaurants, restrooms, and other attractions close at hand. Even beginners can show up, ask what’s biting, rent what they need, and start fishing.

At piers with currently published rates, standard daily fishing generally runs about $7 to $14 for adults, although park admission, rod rentals, bait, and specialty fishing passes may cost extra. Depending on the season and location, catches can include flounder, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, pompano, red drum, sheepshead, whiting, trout, spot, croaker, bluefish, and black drum.

From the famous Cherry Grove Fishing Pier in North Myrtle Beach to family-friendly Surfside Beach, lively Pier 14, and the quieter surroundings of Myrtle Beach State Park, every pier offers a slightly different experience. The best fishing pier in Myrtle Beach for your vacation depends on whether you’re after serious fishing, an easy outing with kids, Boardwalk fun, or a peaceful morning by the water.

Updated August 2026: Hours, fishing passes, prices, and rental availability can change seasonally, so check with the pier or bait shop before visiting.

Best Myrtle Beach Fishing Piers at a Glance

The Grand Strand has options for serious anglers, first-timers, families, and visitors who mostly want ocean views with a fishing rod nearby. Current amenities and operating details are based on official pier, park, resort, and tourism sources.

Pier	Location	Best for	Rod rentals	Bait/tackle	Good for families	Notable fish	Dining/nearby attractions
Cherry Grove Fishing Pier	North Myrtle Beach	Overall experience, serious anglers	Yes	Yes	Yes	King mackerel, pompano, red drum, sheepshead, bluefish	Driftwood Restaurant, Cherry Grove Beach
Apache Pier	Myrtle Beach	Long fishing sessions, variety	Yes	Yes	Yes	Flounder, black sea bass, snapper, and seasonal species	Restaurant, arcade, campground, seasonal entertainment
2nd Avenue Pier	Central Myrtle Beach	Convenience, first-timers	Yes	Yes	Yes	Flounder, Spanish mackerel, winter trout	Oceanfront dining, Family Kingdom area
Pier 14	Myrtle Beach Boardwalk	Boardwalk atmosphere	Yes	Yes	Yes	Seasonal Atlantic species	Pier 14 Restaurant, Boardwalk, SkyWheel area
Springmaid Pier	South Myrtle Beach	Deeper-water access, quieter setting	Yes	Yes	Yes	Seasonal saltwater species	Resort dining, Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park Pier	South Myrtle Beach	Nature, wildlife, relaxed fishing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Flounder, mackerel, whiting, trout, spot, drum, bluefish	Beach, Nature Center, picnic areas
Surfside Beach Fishing Pier	Surfside Beach	Families, modern amenities	Yes	Yes	Yes	Seasonal saltwater species, king mackerel fishing	Restaurants, ice cream, beach access
The Pier at Garden City	Garden City Beach	Families, night fishing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Seasonal Grand Strand species	Cafe, bars, arcade, live entertainment
Veterans Pier	Murrells Inlet	Quiet inlet scenery	Bring your own	Bring your own	Yes	Inshore saltwater species	MarshWalk restaurants, marina views

Cherry Grove Fishing Pier

If you’re looking for a North Myrtle Beach fishing pier, Cherry Grove Fishing Pier is the main option to know. The historic 985-foot pier stretches into the Atlantic at Cherry Grove and combines serious fishing with an easygoing beach-day atmosphere.

Cherry Grove has also earned a place in local fishing lore. Its official site records a 1,780-pound tiger shark caught from the pier, along with other notable catches. Today, anglers continue to target everything from bluefish and pompano to red drum and king mackerel.

• Why go: Cherry Grove brings together long ocean access, a full tackle shop, rod rentals, scenic views, and an on-site restaurant.
• Best for: Serious anglers, visitors searching for pier fishing in North Myrtle Beach, and anyone who wants a full-service fishing experience.
• What you can catch: Bluefish, king mackerel, pompano, red drum, sheepshead, and other seasonal species.
• Cost & rentals: A one-day pass with your own rod currently costs $3 admission plus $10 per rod. Rod rentals cost $26 per day and include admission and the fishing pass, with a refundable $30 security deposit. King mackerel fishing has a separate $30 daily pass.
• Nearby food & attractions: Driftwood Restaurant sits right on the pier, and Cherry Grove Beach makes it easy to turn your fishing trip into a full day by the ocean.
• Tip for visitors: Get there early if fishing is the priority. Cooler air, lighter crowds, and sunrise over the Atlantic make a pretty convincing argument for setting the alarm.

For visitors comparing options for pier fishing in North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove offers one of the Grand Strand’s strongest combinations of fishing history, convenience, and visitor amenities.

Apache Pier Myrtle Beach Fishing

At 1,206 feet, Apache Pier stretches farther into the Atlantic than any other wooden fishing pier on the East Coast. That extra reach puts anglers over deeper water while keeping bait, tackle, food, entertainment, and restrooms close by.

Apache Pier Myrtle Beach fishing works especially well for groups with different ideas about how to spend the day. One person can settle in with a rod while everybody else checks out the arcade, grabs food, or returns later for seasonal entertainment.

• Why go: The pier’s length, fishing facilities, rentals, and on-site bait shop make it easy to spend several hours on the water.
• Best for: Serious anglers, beginners, families, and groups mixing fishing with other activities.
• What you can catch: Apache lists flounder, black sea bass, snapper, grouper, and other seasonal species among catches from the pier.
• Cost & rentals: Fishing currently costs $12 for adults and children over 10, $10 for children ages 6 to 10, and is free for children under 6. The $29 rod rental package includes pier admission, a fishing pass, one rod, and shrimp bait. A refundable $35 deposit or valid driver’s license is required.
• Nearby food & attractions: Apache offers a restaurant, arcade, campground, and seasonal live entertainment.
• Tip for visitors: Ask the bait shop what’s been working before buying bait. A two-minute conversation can save a whole lot of staring suspiciously at an untouched fishing line.

2nd Avenue Pier

For visitors who want Myrtle Beach pier fishing close to downtown attractions, 2nd Avenue Pier keeps things simple. The pier stretches roughly 900 feet into the Atlantic and sits near the southern end of the downtown oceanfront.

You can bring your own gear or rent what you need right at the pier, and seasonal catches range from flounder and Spanish mackerel to winter trout.

• Why go: Central location, easy rentals, bait and tackle, and nearby dining make it one of the most convenient choices in Myrtle Beach.
• Best for: First-time anglers, families, and visitors staying near downtown Myrtle Beach.
• What you can catch: Flounder are common from late spring through fall, Spanish mackerel appear during warmer months, and trout can show up during colder weather. King mackerel fishing is not permitted on the pier.
• Cost & rentals: A daily fishing pass currently costs $10, and general admission is $2. The $27.50 rental package includes the fishing pass, a rod, and one tray of bait, with a refundable $10 deposit.
• Nearby food & attractions: Oceanfront dining and attractions around Family Kingdom and downtown Myrtle Beach are close by.
• Tip for visitors: Ask about the tide and what bait has been producing bites that day before setting up.

Pier 14 Myrtle Beach Fishing

Want to fish without wandering far from the action? Pier 14 Myrtle Beach fishing puts you right beside the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, oceanfront restaurants, shops, and downtown attractions.

The pier welcomes first-timers and experienced anglers, and its tackle shop rents rods and sells live bait and fishing equipment.

• Why go: Pier 14 combines casual fishing with one of Myrtle Beach’s most walkable entertainment districts.
• Best for: Couples, casual anglers, first-timers, and groups with some people who would rather explore the Boardwalk than fish all afternoon.
• What you can catch: Seasonal Atlantic catches vary with water temperature, tides, and fishing conditions.
• Cost & rentals: The pier currently lists a $7 fishing pass, $2 for an additional pole, and an $8 pole rental with a refundable $20 deposit. Bait options are listed at $6.
• Nearby food & attractions: Pier 14 Restaurant sits over the Atlantic, with the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and downtown attractions nearby.
• Tip for visitors: This is a good choice when fishing is only one item on the day’s itinerary. You can cast for a while, grab lunch, and keep exploring without moving the car.

Springmaid Pier

Springmaid Pier gives anglers another strong option on the southern end of Myrtle Beach. The resort-owned pier stretches 1,060 feet into the Atlantic, giving visitors plenty of ocean beneath their lines and a quieter atmosphere than the downtown Boardwalk area.

Its location near Myrtle Beach State Park also works nicely for vacationers who want to pair fishing with a beach walk, wildlife watching, or time in the park.

• Why go: Long ocean access and a quieter south-end location make Springmaid appealing to anglers interested in deeper-water fishing.
• Best for: Experienced anglers, visitors staying on the south end, and travelers who prefer a more relaxed beachfront setting.
• What you can catch: A range of seasonal saltwater species throughout the year. Visit Myrtle Beach highlights Springmaid for variety and deeper-water fishing.
• Cost & rentals: Visit Myrtle Beach currently estimates fishing passes at roughly $10 to $12 and confirms rentals are available. Guests at the adjacent Hilton resort may have Springmaid Pier walking and fishing access, plus pole rental, included in the resort charge.
• Nearby food & attractions: Resort dining, Myrtle Beach State Park, and quieter stretches of beach are nearby.
• Tip for visitors: If you’re staying at the resort, check what your resort charge already includes before paying for fishing access or equipment separately.

Myrtle Beach State Park Pier

If your ideal fishing morning includes more pine trees and pelicans than neon signs, Myrtle Beach State Park Pier should be high on your list.

The pier sits inside Myrtle Beach State Park, where you can pair fishing with beach time, birdwatching, trails, picnics, and a stop at the Nature Center. The park even displays fish identification information near the pier to help visitors figure out exactly what they just reeled in.

• Why go: It offers one of the Grand Strand’s most peaceful and natural pier fishing settings.
• Best for: Nature lovers, families, birdwatchers, and anglers who want a break from the busier oceanfront.
• What you can catch: Flounder, king mackerel, whiting, trout, spot, Spanish mackerel, drum, and bluefish are among the species identified by the park.
• Cost & rentals: Daily pier fishing currently costs $8 for ages 16 and older, $5 for qualifying South Carolina seniors and disabled residents, $3 for ages 6 to 15, and is free for children 5 and younger. Rod rentals are $25 per day with a refundable $25 deposit and include one daily fishing pass. Regular park admission is separate from the fishing fee.
• Nearby food & attractions: Beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds, nature trails, camping, and the Nature Center give families plenty to do beyond fishing.
• Tip for visitors: Bring binoculars. If the fish decide to be difficult, the birds and coastal wildlife can still put on a show.

Surfside Beach Fishing Pier

The old renovation notice can officially go in the tackle box with yesterday’s bait.

The Surfside Beach Fishing Pier reopened in 2024 as an operational 814-foot concrete fishing pier and now offers fishing, accessible pier entry, restaurants, ice cream, bait and tackle, and free admission for visitors who simply want to walk out over the Atlantic.

Current pier hours are 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. from April 1 through October 31 and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. from November 1 through March 31.

• Why go: Modern facilities, easy food stops, free walking admission, and fishing rentals make this Surfside Beach fishing pier especially convenient for vacationing families.
• Best for: Families, beginners, accessibility, and visitors staying south of Myrtle Beach.
• What you can catch: Seasonal coastal species vary throughout the year, and separate king fishing passes are available for anglers targeting king mackerel.
• Cost & rentals: Standard fishing currently costs $14 daily, $55 weekly, or $200 annually. King fishing costs $16 daily, $75 weekly, or $300 annually. Children under 12 pay a $2 service fee. Rod rentals cost $25 per day, with bait sold separately.
• Nearby food & attractions: The pier currently houses Surf Diner, The Whistling Duck, Drippy’s Homemade Ice Cream, and Perry’s Bait & Tackle.
• Tip for visitors: Family members who don’t want to fish can walk the pier for free, so nobody has to choose between joining the outing and paying for something they won’t use.

The Pier at Garden City

The Pier at Garden City mixes fishing with the kind of laid-back beach-town fun that can turn “we’ll stay for an hour” into “how is it already dark?”

During the summer season, fishing is available 24/7, and anglers can leave and return during their pass period as long as they keep their wristband on.

• Why go: Fishing, food, an arcade, bars, and seasonal entertainment give groups plenty of ways to spend their time.
• Best for: Families, night fishing, and vacationers looking for a lively pier atmosphere.
• What you can catch: Seasonal Grand Strand saltwater species vary according to water temperature, tides, and time of year.
• Cost & rentals: Daily fishing currently costs $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger. Rod rentals cost an additional $10 per rod. Weekly and seasonal passes are also available at the tackle shop.
• Nearby food & attractions: The pier has a cafe, deck bar, end bar, arcade, tackle shop, and seasonal live entertainment.
• Tip for visitors: Summer anglers can fish early, escape the afternoon heat, then return toward sunset without buying another pass.

Veterans Pier at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Not every great fishing spot needs waves breaking underneath it. Veterans Pier at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk trades the open Atlantic for salt marshes, fishing boats, seabirds, and views across a natural estuary.

The surrounding MarshWalk follows roughly half a mile of Murrells Inlet waterfront and is lined with restaurants and entertainment, so it’s particularly easy to pair a little fishing with lunch, dinner, or sunset drinks.

• Why go: The marsh setting offers a quieter change of pace from Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront piers.
• Best for: Casual anglers, inlet scenery, birdwatching, and anyone planning time at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.
• What you can catch: Inshore saltwater species vary with season, tide, and conditions.
• Cost & rentals: Veterans Pier does not operate with the same full-service fishing pass and rod-rental setup as the commercial ocean piers on this list. Bring your own equipment, and verify current South Carolina saltwater license requirements before fishing.
• Nearby food & attractions: The MarshWalk features waterfront restaurants, live entertainment, marinas, and salt marsh views.
• Tip for visitors: Plan your fishing session near sunset, then stick around for dinner. Murrells Inlet handles that combination pretty well.

What Fish Can You Catch From Myrtle Beach Piers?

One reason pier fishing Myrtle Beach vacations stay interesting is the variety. Water temperature, tides, bait movement, weather, pier location, and season all influence what might tug on the other end of your line.

Common fish caught or targeted around Grand Strand piers include:

• Flounder
• Spanish mackerel
• King mackerel
• Pompano
• Sheepshead
• Trout
• Red drum
• Black drum
• Whiting
• Croaker
• Spot
• Bluefish

Visit Myrtle Beach identifies flounder, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, croaker, spot, and sea trout among regular pier catches. Individual pier and park sources add species such as pompano, sheepshead, red drum, whiting, black drum, and bluefish.

Always follow current South Carolina Department of Natural Resources rules for seasons, size limits, possession limits, and fishing methods.

Best Time of Year for Myrtle Beach Pier Fishing

There really isn’t a bad season to stand over the ocean with a fishing rod. The experience just changes throughout the year.

• Spring: Warming water brings more variety, while comfortable temperatures make it pleasant to stay on the pier for several hours.
• Summer: Larger species move closer to the piers, but this is also the busiest and hottest season. Try early morning or evening to beat the heat.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures and strong flounder and inshore activity make fall a favorite for many anglers.
• Winter: Fishing gets quieter, but redfish, black drum, trout, and other cool-season species can still provide action when conditions cooperate.

Visit Myrtle Beach currently recommends spring for variety, summer for larger species, fall for active flounder and inshore fishing, and winter for quieter opportunities that can include redfish and black drum. Early mornings and evenings are popular fishing windows throughout the year.

Do You Need a Fishing License to Fish From Myrtle Beach Piers?

In many cases, no separate individual South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required when you fish from a properly licensed public fishing pier. Several Grand Strand piers cover fishing privileges through the pier’s license or paid fishing pass. SCDNR confirms that a person fishing from a licensed public fishing pier does not need an individual saltwater license.

For example, 2nd Avenue Pier, Apache Pier, Surfside Beach Fishing Pier, Garden City Pier, and Myrtle Beach State Park Pier all state that anglers fishing from their piers do not need to purchase a separate individual saltwater fishing license.

That rule does not mean you can fish anywhere along the coast without a license. Surf fishing directly from the beach generally requires a South Carolina saltwater fishing license.

When in doubt, ask the pier’s tackle shop or check current SCDNR regulations before casting.

Which Myrtle Beach Fishing Pier Is Best for You?

When choosing a fishing pier, Myrtle Beach visitors should think beyond which one is closest to the hotel. The atmosphere, amenities, and style of fishing can make a big difference.

• Best overall: Cherry Grove Fishing Pier. Its long history, fishing facilities, rentals, tackle shop, restaurant, and variety of catches make it a standout.
• Best for families: Surfside Beach Fishing Pier or Garden City Pier. Both combine fishing with food and easy diversions for family members who aren’t devoted anglers.
• Best for serious anglers: Apache Pier or Cherry Grove Fishing Pier. Both offer long ocean access, tackle support, rentals, and a strong fishing focus.
• Best for Boardwalk atmosphere: Pier 14. You can fish over the Atlantic without leaving the heart of Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront activity.
• Best natural setting: Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. Pine trees, wildlife, beach, trails, and the Nature Center replace the usual downtown bustle.
• Best central Myrtle Beach option: 2nd Avenue Pier. Rentals, bait, fishing, dining, and downtown attractions make planning easy.
• Best quieter marsh setting: Veterans Pier. Murrells Inlet offers calm salt marsh scenery and waterfront dining.
• Best south-end alternative: Springmaid Pier. Its 1,060-foot length and quieter location appeal to anglers who want to get farther over the water.

What to Expect When Pier Fishing in Myrtle Beach

Never fished from a pier before? No worries. You don’t need fancy equipment or years of experience to give it a try.

1. Buy your pier pass. Ask whether the pier’s fishing privileges cover the state license requirement.
2. Rent a rod if needed. Many Myrtle Beach fishing piers offer rentals, so you don’t have to squeeze fishing poles between beach chairs and suitcases.
3. Ask what’s biting. The tackle shop usually hears fishing reports throughout the day and can recommend bait.
4. Start with bottom fishing. It’s one of the simplest approaches for beginners.
5. Check the tides and weather. Both can affect the fishing and your comfort on an exposed pier.
6. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water. That ocean breeze can hide how strong the sun feels.
7. Try early morning or evening. These hours can bring cooler weather and active fishing.
8. Check the regulations before keeping your catch. Size and possession rules still apply even when the pier covers your fishing license.

Visit Myrtle Beach also recommends asking bait shops about current conditions, starting with simple bottom fishing, watching tides and weather, and fishing earlier or later in the day.

Myrtle Beach Pier Fishing FAQs

Cast a Line on the Grand Strand

The best Myrtle Beach fishing pier really comes down to the kind of day you want.

Cherry Grove brings serious North Myrtle Beach fishing credentials and plenty of history. Apache gives anglers more than 1,200 feet of wooden pier to explore. Pier 14 puts the Boardwalk within easy reach. Surfside Beach and Garden City make family outings simple, while Myrtle Beach State Park trades crowds and attractions for pine trees, wildlife, and salt air.

And if the fish decide they’re taking the morning off? You’re still standing over the Atlantic with an ocean breeze in your face and something good to eat nearby. Vacation could certainly go worse.

Once the rods are packed away, MobileBrochure can help fill the rest of the itinerary. Explore Myrtle Beach water sports for surfing, paddling, jet skis, and other ways to get on the water. Find more family-friendly things to do when the kids still have energy to burn. Browse Myrtle Beach attractions, outdoor adventures, and places to eat, or see what’s waiting farther north in North Myrtle Beach. Before heading out, check the latest MobileBrochure Myrtle Beach coupons for savings on attractions, activities, and dining around the Grand Strand.

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