What You'll Find at Pitt Street Bridge

Pitt Street Bridge is a working tidal crossing in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, that holds striped bass, catfish, and occasional flounder in the waters below. The bridge sits where Shem Creek flows into the Intracoastal Waterway, creating a natural funnel that concentrates fish during tidal movement. Access is straightforward—you can fish from the bridge itself or launch a small boat nearby—and the spot produces year-round, though fall and spring bring the most consistent action.

The structure of the bridge and the creek confluence make this a reliable choice when you want to fish close to Charleston without driving far. Parking is available on both sides, and the bridge is wide enough to handle multiple anglers without crowding. Water depth under the bridge ranges from 8 to 15 feet depending on tide, and the current flow during tide changes is what makes the fishing work.

Key Takeaways

  • Striped bass and catfish are the primary targets at Pitt Street Bridge, with striped bass most active in fall and spring and catfish year-round.
  • Fish the bridge during moving tide—incoming or outgoing—when current pushes baitfish and predators feed most actively.
  • Live shrimp, mullet, and cut bait all work; live shrimp is the most reliable choice for striped bass.
  • Parking is available on both sides of the bridge, and you can fish from the bridge deck or launch a small boat from nearby ramps.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Fall is the strongest season at Pitt Street Bridge. Water temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s, striped bass move into the shallows to feed, and the bridge becomes a reliable spot from September through November. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday, and the hour before and after high tide often holds the most fish.

Spring (March through May) is the second-best window. Striped bass are moving through on their spawning run, and the same tidal patterns that work in fall apply here. Winter fishing is slower but not dead—catfish remain active, and you can catch striped bass on warmer days when water temperatures climb into the low 50s. Summer is the toughest season; heat pushes fish deeper, and midday fishing is nearly pointless. Early morning and dusk are your only reliable windows.

Tide is more important than time of day at this location. Fish the last two hours of incoming tide and the first two hours of outgoing tide. During slack water (the period between tides), action slows noticeably. If you can only fish at one time, choose a moving tide over a specific hour.

What to Use and How to Fish

Live shrimp is the top choice for striped bass at Pitt Street Bridge. Use a 1/0 to 2/0 circle hook, keep shrimp in the 3- to 4-inch range, and fish them under a small cork or free-lined near the pilings. Cast toward the bridge supports and let the current work the bait. Striped bass often hold tight to the structure, so accuracy matters.

For catfish, cut mullet or cut shad works better than live bait. Use a heavier sinker to keep bait on bottom, and fish the deeper holes on either side of the bridge. Catfish are less tide-dependent than striped bass, so you can catch them during slack water if you're patient. Circle hooks (2/0 to 4/0) reduce gut-hooking and make catch-and-release easier.

Flounder show up occasionally, especially in spring and fall. Small live mullet or shrimp fished on the bottom near the pilings will take them. Flounder are not the primary target here, but they're a bonus if you're already fishing for striped bass.

Access and Parking

Pitt Street Bridge has parking on both the north and south sides. The north side (toward Mount Pleasant proper) has a small lot with room for 8 to 10 vehicles. The south side has similar parking. Both lots are free and typically uncrowded except on weekends during fall. Arrive early on Saturday or Sunday if you want a may provide spot.

You can fish directly from the bridge deck. The railings are low enough to cast over, and the bridge is wide enough that you won't interfere with vehicle traffic. If you want to fish from a boat, the nearest public launch is at Shem Creek Park, about a mile away. That ramp is free and has parking, though it fills up on weekends. A small johnboat or kayak works well for working the deeper water around the bridge pilings.

Regulations and What to Know Before You Go

South Carolina requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a three-day license, a 14-day license, or an annual license through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website or at most tackle shops in Mount Pleasant. The cost varies by license type.

Striped bass have a 18-inch minimum size and a two-fish daily limit in South Carolina's saltwater zone. Catfish have no size or bag limit. Flounder have a 12-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Check current regulations before you fish—rules can change, and the South Carolina DNR website is the authoritative source.

The bridge can get windy, especially in spring. If you're fishing from a boat, watch the weather. The water under the bridge is protected, but the Intracoastal Waterway beyond it can get rough quickly. Wear a life jacket if you're in a small boat.

Tackle and Gear Setup

A medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braid or monofilament is ideal for striped bass. Braid gives you better sensitivity and casting distance; monofilament is easier to handle if you're new to the spot. A 12-pound fluorocarbon leader (2 to 3 feet) helps with visibility in clear water.

For catfish, a heavier setup works better. A 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 20-pound monofilament and a 3/8- to 1-ounce sinker keeps bait on bottom in current. You don't need a leader for catfish; they're not leader-shy.

Bring a small net if you're fishing from the bridge. The drop to the water is significant, and a net makes landing fish easier and safer. A headlamp or small flashlight is useful for early morning and late afternoon fishing, especially in fall when darkness comes early.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The biggest mistake is fishing slack water. Many anglers show up at random times and wonder why they're not catching fish. Tide is everything at Pitt Street Bridge. Check the tide chart before you go, and plan to fish during moving water. A free tide app on your phone takes 30 seconds to check.

Oversized bait is another common error. Shrimp in the 5- to 6-inch range are too large for striped bass at this location. Stick with 3- to 4-inch shrimp and you'll hook more fish. Catfish will take larger bait, but striped bass are selective about size.

Fishing too deep is also common. Striped bass at Pitt Street Bridge often hold in the top 6 feet of the water column, especially during moving tide. A cork rig that keeps your shrimp 3 to 5 feet down will outfish a free-lined bait that sinks to the bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Pitt Street Bridge at night?

Yes, and night fishing can be productive for catfish and striped bass. Bring a headlamp and use cut bait for catfish. Striped bass are less predictable at night, but they do feed. The bridge is well-lit by street lamps, so safety is not an issue.

Do I need a boat to fish here, or can I do it from the bridge?

You can fish effectively from the bridge itself. A boat lets you work deeper water and the pilings more thoroughly, but bridge fishing is productive and requires no launch fee or boat ownership. Most anglers who fish here regularly do it from the bridge.

What's the difference between fishing here and fishing Shem Creek directly?

Shem Creek (the water flowing under the bridge) is shallower and narrower than the Intracoastal on the other side. The bridge creates a natural choke point where fish concentrate. Shem Creek itself holds fish, but the bridge area is more reliable because of the structure and current flow.

Is Pitt Street Bridge better than other Mount Pleasant spots?

It's one of the most consistent spots in Mount Pleasant because of the bridge structure and tidal flow. Other nearby options like Breach Inlet and the Intracoastal flats have their own advantages depending on season and species. Pitt Street Bridge is a solid choice when you want predictable access and reliable striped bass and catfish fishing.

What should I do if I hook a large striped bass?

Keep steady pressure and let your rod absorb the runs. Striped bass are strong but not as acrobatic as other saltwater fish. If you're fishing from the bridge, be ready to move along the railing to follow the fish. A net makes landing easier. If the fish is large and you want to release it, wet your hands before handling and work quickly.