What Springmaid Pier Offers

Springmaid Pier is a 1,000-foot public fishing pier in the heart of Myrtle Beach, built directly into the Atlantic and open year-round. You can walk on without a boat, pay a daily fee, and fish from the same structure where tourists walk during the day. The pier holds Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, flounder, pompano, and bluefish depending on the season—and because it extends so far into the ocean, you're fishing deeper water than you'd reach from the beach.

The pier operates under a simple model: pay at the gate, walk out, and fish. You don't need a saltwater fishing license to fish from a public pier in South Carolina, which makes this one of the easiest entry points if you're visiting or new to salt water. The structure itself is well-maintained, with railings, benches, and a small tackle shop on the pier that sells basics like shrimp, squid, and rigged lines if you didn't bring your own.

Key Takeaways

  • Springmaid Pier charges a daily fishing fee (separate from a sightseeing pass) and requires no saltwater license to fish from the pier itself.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons for Spanish mackerel and king mackerel; summer brings pompano and flounder; winter holds bluefish and occasional large kings.
  • The pier gets crowded on weekends and during tourist season, so early morning or weekday visits give you more room and better fishing.
  • Bring your own rod and tackle if you have them; the pier shop sells bait and basic rigs but charges more than tackle shops on the mainland.

When to Fish Springmaid Pier

Spring (March through May) is when Spanish mackerel move through in large numbers. You'll see them schooling and feeding on small baitfish, and they hit small spoons, shrimp, and live mullet. This is the most consistent season for action and the time when the pier is busiest with anglers. Early morning—before 7 a.m.—gives you the best bite and the fewest people.

Summer (June through August) slows down for mackerel but brings pompano and flounder to the deeper water the pier reaches. Pompano are finicky and require small baits (live shrimp or sand fleas) and light tackle; flounder prefer live mullet or finger mullet on the bottom. Summer is also when the pier is most crowded with tourists, making it harder to move or cast without tangling lines with other anglers.

Fall (September through November) brings another run of Spanish mackerel and the arrival of king mackerel, which can run 20 to 40 pounds. This is when experienced anglers target kings with live mackerel or mullet. Water temperatures drop, and the bite often improves in October and early November before winter sets in.

Winter (December through February) is quieter and less crowded. Bluefish move in, and large king mackerel still patrol the pier. The water is cold, and the bite is less predictable, but if you're looking for solitude and don't mind slower action, winter offers that trade-off.

How to Fish the Pier

Bring a medium-action spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound test line for Spanish mackerel and pompano. If you're targeting king mackerel, step up to 30-pound test or use a conventional reel. The pier shop sells pre-rigged lines, but they're marked up; if you know how to tie a basic two-hook rig or a single-hook setup, bring your own.

Live bait works better than cut bait on this pier. Live shrimp, live mullet, and live mackerel (if you catch one) all produce. The pier shop sells live shrimp and frozen squid; if you want live mullet, you may need to catch them yourself in the sound behind the pier or bring them from a bait shop on the mainland. Cast toward the pilings and along the edges where structure holds fish, and work your bait slowly or let it drift with the current.

Fish the deeper water on the ocean side of the pier—the sound side (west) is shallower and holds fewer fish. The end of the pier is deeper still and attracts larger fish, but it's also where most anglers congregate. If you're fishing mid-pier on the ocean side, you'll often find less pressure and still good water.

Access and Fees

Springmaid Pier is located at 3000 North Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, directly on the beach. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the pier; during peak season, arrive early or expect to circle. The pier is open daily from early morning (usually around 6 a.m.) until late evening (usually around 10 p.m. or later in summer).

The fishing fee is separate from any sightseeing or walking pass. You pay at a gate when you enter the pier. Rates vary by season and day of the week; weekday rates are lower than weekend rates, and off-season rates are lower than summer. Call ahead or check the pier's website to confirm current pricing before you go.

No saltwater fishing license is required to fish from a public pier in South Carolina, even though you would need one to fish from a boat or the beach. This is one of the few places where a visitor can fish salt water without paperwork.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water—the pier offers no shade, and the sun reflects off the water. Bring your own rod and tackle if you have them; the pier shop is convenient but expensive. Bring a cooler if you plan to keep fish; the pier doesn't provide ice or storage. Wear shoes with good grip; the pier can be slippery when wet, especially early in the morning or after rain.

Expect crowds on weekends and during summer vacation. Expect to share space with tourists, families, and other anglers. Expect the pier to be noisier and more chaotic than a quiet beach or river. If you're looking for a peaceful fishing experience, this is not it—but if you want consistent action and don't mind people, Springmaid delivers.

Fish are cleaned at a cleaning station on the pier for a small fee, or you can take your catch back to your accommodation. The pier staff can point you to the station if you ask.

Nearby Alternatives if the Pier Is Crowded

If Springmaid is too packed, the Myrtle Beach Fishing Pier (about a mile north) offers similar fishing with a different crowd dynamic. Cherry Grove Pier, further north in North Myrtle Beach, is quieter and less touristy. All three piers charge daily fees and require no license.

If you have a boat or can charter one, the nearshore waters off Myrtle Beach hold the same species but with more space and deeper water. Inshore, the salt marshes and creeks behind the beach hold redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder—a different experience but often less crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Springmaid Pier?

No. South Carolina does not require a saltwater fishing license for anglers fishing from a public pier. You would need a license to fish from a boat or the beach, but the pier is exempt.

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

Early morning, before 7 a.m., offers the best bite and the fewest people. The pier gets crowded by mid-morning, especially on weekends and during summer. Evening (after 5 p.m.) is quieter but the bite often slows as the day ends.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes. South Carolina has size and bag limits for most species; check the current regulations before you fish. The pier has a cleaning station where you can have your fish cleaned for a fee, or you can take them to your accommodation.

What if I don't have a rod and reel?

The pier shop sells basic tackle and pre-rigged lines, but prices are higher than tackle shops on the mainland. If you're visiting, consider renting a rod from a local shop or buying a basic combo at a big-box store before you arrive.

Is the pier open in winter?

Yes, Springmaid Pier is open year-round. Winter is quieter and less crowded, though the bite is less predictable. Water temperatures drop, and some species move offshore, but bluefish and large king mackerel still patrol the pier.