What You Can Catch at Myrtle Beach State Park Pier

Myrtle Beach State Park Pier is a 1,100-foot public fishing pier that holds year-round fish, though the species and bite change with the season. Spring and fall bring Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and pompano in the shallower water around the pilings. Summer heats up the bite for king mackerel and large Spanish mackerel in the deeper water at the pier's end. Winter slows things down but holds flounder, whiting, and the occasional drum if you work the deeper holes.

The pier's length works in your favor—the first 300 feet hold smaller fish and are crowded with families, while the back half, especially the last 200 feet, gives you deeper water and fewer anglers. If you're targeting kings or large Spanish, that's where you spend your time. The pilings themselves are worth fishing; they hold pompano and small jacks year-round, and they're a good spot when the open water is slow.

Key Takeaways

  • Spanish mackerel and bluefish dominate spring and fall; king mackerel and large Spanish run summer through early fall in the deeper water at the pier's end.
  • The pier charges a daily fishing fee (separate from state park admission) and requires no license because you're fishing from a public pier.
  • Light to medium spinning tackle works for Spanish and pompano; step up to medium-heavy for kings and large bluefish.
  • Early morning and the last two hours before sunset produce the most consistent bites, especially in summer when midday heat shuts down the action.
  • Live mullet and live shrimp work year-round; cut mackerel and bunker are deadly for kings in summer and fall.

Seasonal Patterns and What Bites When

Spring (March through May) is when the pier wakes up. Spanish mackerel move in first, usually by late March, and stay through May. They're aggressive on small silver spoons and live shrimp. Bluefish show up in April and May, especially on overcast days and during the incoming tide. Both species bite best in the morning and again in the late afternoon.

Summer (June through August) shifts the focus to king mackerel and large Spanish. The water warms, and the bigger fish move to the deeper end of the pier. Midday is often slow—the bite picks up at dawn and holds through mid-morning, then dies until the last two hours before sunset. Live mullet and live mackerel are your best bet. Pompano stay around the pilings all summer, and they'll hit small jigs and live shrimp.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong run of Spanish and bluefish as water cools. October is often the best month of the year—the bite is steady, the weather is pleasant, and the fish are hungry. Flounder move in during October and November, especially around the pilings and the deeper holes near the pier's end.

Winter (December through February) is slow but not dead. Whiting and small drum bite on shrimp and small cut bait. Flounder are still present if you fish the deeper water and work slowly. Many anglers skip winter here and head to the inlet or sound, but if you're patient, the pier holds fish.

Tackle and Bait That Works

For Spanish mackerel and pompano, use light to medium spinning tackle—a 6-foot to 6.5-foot rod with 10- to 15-pound braid works well. Spanish hit small silver spoons (1/4 to 3/8 ounce), live shrimp, and live mullet. Pompano prefer small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) tipped with shrimp or small live baitfish.

For king mackerel and large bluefish, step up to medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle. A 7-foot rod with 20- to 30-pound braid gives you the backbone to cast live mullet and handle a large fish in a crowd. Live mackerel (6 to 8 inches) is the gold standard for kings; live mullet works when mackerel aren't available. Cut mackerel and bunker are effective when live bait is scarce.

Live bait is always better than dead, but the pier's bait shop (located near the entrance) sells both. If you bring your own, keep it in a cooler with ice and change the water often. Dead bait works for flounder and whiting in winter, and cut mackerel will catch kings if you're patient and fish the deeper water.

Access, Hours, and Fees

Myrtle Beach State Park Pier is located at 4401 South Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, about 10 miles south of downtown. The pier is open year-round, typically from sunrise to sunset, though hours vary seasonally. The state park charges a day-use fee for vehicle admission (usually $7 to $9 per vehicle), and there's an additional daily fishing fee for the pier itself (typically $5 to $7 for adults, less for seniors and children).

No fishing license is required to fish from the pier—that's one of the few places in South Carolina where you can fish without one. Parking is ample and free once you've paid the day-use fee. The pier has a bait shop, restrooms, and a small covered area, though shade is limited on the pier itself. Bring sunscreen and a hat.

Tides and Timing for the Best Bite

The incoming tide is usually better than the outgoing, especially for Spanish mackerel and pompano. Fish move shallow on the incoming tide to feed, and they're more aggressive. The last two hours of the incoming tide and the first hour of the slack are often the most productive.

Early morning (first hour after sunrise) is consistently good year-round. The pier is less crowded, the water is calmer, and the fish are feeding after the night. Late afternoon (last two hours before sunset) is your second-best window. Midday in summer is often slow, especially if the sun is bright and the water is calm.

Check the tide table before you go. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) publishes tide predictions for Myrtle Beach, and timing your visit to the incoming tide will improve your odds significantly.

Crowding and Pier Etiquette

Myrtle Beach State Park Pier is popular, especially on weekends and during peak season (May through September). Weekday mornings are your best bet for elbow room and a more relaxed experience. If you go on a weekend, arrive early—the pier fills up by mid-morning in summer.

The pier has a few unwritten rules: don't cast over someone else's line, reel in if someone is fighting a fish, and keep your gear organized so you're not tangling with your neighbors. Most anglers are friendly and will help if you hook into something large. The bait shop staff can tell you what's been biting and where on the pier to focus your effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish the pier?

No. South Carolina does not require a license to fish from a public pier, so you can fish Myrtle Beach State Park Pier with just the daily pier fee. If you fish from shore or a boat, you'll need a license.

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

Fall (September through November) and spring (April and May) are the most consistent. October is often the best single month—the water is cooling, Spanish and bluefish are aggressive, and the weather is pleasant. Summer is good if you can fish early morning and late afternoon.

Can I keep what I catch?

Yes, but check the current South Carolina saltwater fishing regulations for size and bag limits. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and king mackerel all have minimums. The bait shop or the park office can give you a current regulations sheet.

What if the bait shop is out of live bait?

Dead bait and cut mackerel still work, especially for flounder and whiting. Spoons and small jigs work for Spanish and pompano if you're willing to cast. On busy days in summer, arrive early or bring your own live bait in a cooler.

Is there food or shelter on the pier?

The pier has restrooms and a small covered area, but no food vendors. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. The covered area fills up quickly on hot days, so plan to spend time in the sun or bring an umbrella.