What You'll Find at Cherry Grove Pier

Cherry Grove Pier is a 935-foot public fishing pier at the north end of Myrtle Beach, sitting in the inlet where the Atlantic meets the Intracoastal Waterway. It's one of the oldest piers on the Grand Strand—built in 1948—and it fishes differently than the piers closer to downtown because of that inlet location. The current runs harder here, the water clarity changes faster with tide and weather, and the species mix shifts between what you'd catch from a standard beach pier and what you'd find in deeper inlet water.

The pier charges a daily fishing fee (separate from a parking fee for the lot), and you can rent rods and buy tackle on-site. It stays open year-round, though hours vary by season—typically 6 a.m. to dusk in summer, shorter in winter. The structure itself is wide and well-maintained, with railings, benches, and shade structures, so it handles crowds well even on busy weekends.

Key Takeaways

  • Cherry Grove Pier sits in an inlet where current and water clarity change rapidly, making tide and weather more important here than at other Myrtle Beach piers.
  • Spring and fall bring Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and false albacore; summer holds pompano, flounder, and bluefish; winter produces whiting and sea mullet.
  • Fish the incoming tide in the morning for the most consistent action, and bring heavier tackle than you would for a standard beach pier because of the inlet current.
  • The pier is located at 4000 North Kings Highway, with a dedicated parking lot and on-site rod rental and tackle shop.

Spring and Fall: Mackerel and Albacore

April through May and September through October are the strongest months at Cherry Grove. Spanish mackerel move through the inlet in schools, and they hit small silver spoons, shrimp, and live mullet hard. You'll also see king mackerel in the 20- to 40-pound range, especially in fall, though they're less predictable than Spanish macks. False albacore (little tunny) show up in October and November, and they're fast, aggressive, and a genuine fight on light tackle.

The inlet current is your friend during these months—it pushes baitfish through the structure, and the mackerel follow. Fish the deeper water on the ocean side of the pier rather than the inlet side during these seasons. Incoming tide in early morning usually produces the most consistent bite. Bring 20- to 30-pound test and expect to lose some tackle to the current and the fish.

Summer: Pompano, Flounder, and Bluefish

June through August brings a different crowd. Pompano move into the shallower water around the pier's pilings, and they'll take small shrimp and sand fleas. Flounder hold in the deeper holes on the inlet side, especially near the pilings where they ambush baitfish. Bluefish are present most of the summer, and they're aggressive enough that you can catch them on almost anything that moves.

Summer also brings more casual anglers and families, so the pier gets crowded. Early morning or late evening fishes better than midday, both for the fish and for your sanity. The water clarity drops in summer due to heat and runoff, so don't expect to see what you're casting at—rely on structure and current instead.

Winter: Whiting and Sea Mullet

November through March, the pier holds whiting and sea mullet (spot-tail bass). These are smaller fish—most run 8 to 14 inches—but they're reliable and they bite steadily. Whiting prefer shrimp and small cut bait; sea mullet will take both. The water is clearer in winter, and the current is usually calmer, so you can use lighter tackle and actually see what's happening.

Winter fishing here is less crowded than summer, and the weather can be pleasant on clear days, though cold fronts can shut down the bite for a day or two. Dress in layers because the wind off the inlet can be sharp even when the air temperature is mild.

Tides, Current, and When to Fish

The inlet current at Cherry Grove is stronger than at other Myrtle Beach piers, and it changes with tide. Incoming tide typically produces better fishing because it pushes baitfish and current-loving species through the structure. The bite often peaks in the first two hours of incoming tide, then slows as the tide peaks and begins to turn.

Outgoing tide can still be productive, especially for flounder and other bottom fish, but you'll need heavier sinkers to keep your bait in place. Check the tide table before you go—the inlet tide can run 30 minutes to an hour different from the beach tide, so don't rely on a standard Myrtle Beach tide chart. Ask the pier staff when you arrive; they know the local timing.

Access, Parking, and What to Bring

Cherry Grove Pier is located at 4000 North Kings Highway, at the north end of Myrtle Beach. There's a dedicated parking lot with plenty of spaces, though it fills on summer weekends. The pier charges a daily fishing fee (rates vary by season) and a separate parking fee. You can rent rods and buy tackle, live shrimp, and cut bait at the pier shop, so you don't need to bring everything from home.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water—the inlet sun reflects hard off the water. If you're fishing in fall or winter, bring a windbreaker; the inlet wind can be colder than the beach a mile south. Wear shoes with good grip; the pier can be slippery when wet, and the current makes footing important if you're fighting a larger fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cherry Grove Pier better than the other Myrtle Beach piers?

It's different, not better. Cherry Grove fishes the inlet, so the current is stronger, the species mix changes more with season, and you need heavier tackle. If you want consistent summer pompano and flounder, a standard beach pier might be easier. If you want to target mackerel and albacore in spring and fall, Cherry Grove is the better choice.

Can I keep what I catch?

Yes, within South Carolina's size and bag limits. Whiting, sea mullet, pompano, and flounder all have minimum sizes and daily limits. Spanish mackerel and king mackerel have their own regulations. Ask the pier staff or check the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website before you fish to confirm current limits.

What if the current is too strong to fish?

Strong current happens, especially during spring tide or after heavy rain. You can still fish by using heavier sinkers and shorter casts, or by moving to the inlet side of the pier where the current is slightly less intense. If the current is truly dangerous—if you can't hold bottom or if the pier is closed—come back another day.

Do I need a fishing license to fish from the pier?

No. South Carolina exempts public pier fishing from the saltwater fishing license requirement. You pay the pier fee instead. This applies to all public piers in the state, including Cherry Grove.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning, especially during incoming tide, produces the most consistent bite across all seasons. Evening can be good too, but morning usually wins. Avoid midday in summer unless you're targeting bluefish, which bite all day.