What You'll Catch at Cherry Grove Pier

Cherry Grove Pier is a working fishing pier at the north end of North Myrtle Beach, built on the Cherry Grove Inlet jetty system. The pier extends into deeper water where the inlet meets the Atlantic, which means you're fishing structure and current rather than a simple sandy bottom. That combination draws Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, flounder, and pompano most of the year, with seasonal runs of bluefish and false albacore in fall.

The pier itself is shorter than some of the famous Myrtle Beach piers—roughly 600 feet—but that's actually an advantage. You're closer to the inlet's main current, where baitfish stack up and larger fish hunt. The jetty rocks on both sides create habitat that holds fish even when the open beach is slow. Summer brings the most consistent action, but spring and fall can be exceptional if you time the tides right.

Key Takeaways

  • Cherry Grove Pier sits on the inlet jetty at the north end of North Myrtle Beach, putting you in current and structure rather than open beach.
  • Spanish mackerel and flounder are the bread-and-butter species year-round, with king mackerel, pompano, and seasonal bluefish depending on the month.
  • The pier charges a daily fishing fee and rents tackle, so you can show up with nothing but a cooler if you want to.
  • Incoming tide and the two hours around slack water are usually most productive, especially in spring and fall.
  • The pier has a restaurant and bait shop on-site, so you can grab food and live shrimp or mullet without leaving the property.

Access, Fees, and What to Bring

Cherry Grove Pier is located at 3500 North Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach, right where the inlet jetty begins. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the pier building. The pier charges a daily fishing fee—the amount varies by season, with higher rates during peak summer months and lower rates in winter. If you don't own tackle, the pier rents basic rods and reels by the day, and the bait shop sells live shrimp, mullet, and cut bait.

Bring your own cooler if you plan to keep fish; the pier does not provide ice. Sunscreen and a hat are essential—there's minimal shade on the pier itself, and the sun reflects hard off the water. If you're fishing early morning or evening, bring a headlamp or small flashlight. The pier has benches and railings, so you don't need special footwear, but non-slip soles help when the deck is wet.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Spring (March through May) is when the pier comes alive. Water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, and Spanish mackerel move in thick. Flounder also begin their migration into the inlet, and you'll find them holding on the jetty rocks. Incoming tide is usually best, especially the last two hours before high water. Early morning and late afternoon produce more consistent bites than midday.

Summer (June through August) brings the most reliable action and the most crowded pier. Spanish mackerel are abundant, pompano show up in the wash, and king mackerel are possible, especially on live bait. The heat is intense, so fish the early morning bite (first light to 9 a.m.) or wait until late afternoon when the sun drops. Midday fishing is slow and uncomfortable.

Fall (September through November) is when the pier can get exceptional. False albacore and bluefish move through the inlet on their way south, and they hit hard and fast. These fish are strong and make for exciting fishing. Spanish mackerel are still around, and flounder bite improves as water cools. The first two weeks of October are often peak, but it varies year to year depending on water temperature and baitfish movement.

Winter (December through February) is slowest, but the pier stays open and you'll still catch flounder and occasional Spanish mackerel on mild days. Crowds thin out, and if you can handle the cold, you have the pier nearly to yourself. Water temperatures drop into the 50s, so dress in layers.

Tackle and Bait That Works

For Spanish mackerel, use light spinning tackle—6 to 8-pound test is standard—with small shiny lures or live shrimp. A 1/8-ounce spoon or small jig works well, and you can cast or drop it straight down depending on where the fish are. Spanish mackerel are aggressive and bite fast, so you don't need expensive gear.

Flounder require heavier tackle and live bait. Use a 2 to 3-ounce sinker to keep your bait on the bottom, and fish live mullet or shrimp on a simple two-hook rig. Flounder hunt by sight, so they prefer live bait that moves. Fish the jetty rocks where the bottom is uneven—that's where flounder hide and ambush prey.

King mackerel and false albacore need stronger tackle. If you're targeting kings, use 20 to 30-pound test and live mackerel or mullet. False albacore hit small shiny lures—spoons and small plugs work well. Both species are fast and strong, so be ready for a fight. The pier's rental tackle can handle Spanish mackerel and flounder, but if you're targeting kings or albacore, bring your own rod.

Tides, Currents, and Reading the Water

Cherry Grove Inlet has a strong tidal current, and understanding it makes the difference between a slow day and a productive one. Incoming tide pushes baitfish into the inlet, and predators follow. The hour before high tide and the first hour after are usually best. Slack water—the brief period when current stops between incoming and outgoing—can also be productive because baitfish bunch up.

Outgoing tide can be slow, especially in summer. The current pushes fish out of the inlet and into open water. If you're fishing outgoing tide, focus on the jetty rocks where eddies form and fish can rest without fighting the current. Check the tide tables before you go; they're free online and will tell you exactly when high and low water occur.

Watch the water itself. If you see baitfish schooling or birds diving, fish are feeding nearby. Cast toward the activity. If the water is flat and empty, move to a different section of the pier or wait for the tide to change.

Regulations and Fish You Can Keep

North Carolina and South Carolina regulations apply depending on where you're fishing—Cherry Grove Pier is in North Carolina, so follow state rules. Spanish mackerel have a 12-inch minimum size and a daily bag limit of 15 fish. Flounder must be 14 inches and you can keep 10 per day. King mackerel are 24 inches minimum with a 2-fish daily limit. False albacore have no size limit and no bag limit in most cases, but check current regulations before you fish because rules change.

The pier staff can answer questions about current regulations, and a quick search for "North Carolina fishing regulations" will pull up the official state rules. If you're unsure whether a fish is legal, ask the pier staff or another angler before you keep it.

Nearby Alternatives and Related Fishing

If Cherry Grove Pier is crowded or slow, the North Myrtle Beach area has other options. The inlet jetty itself—the rocks you see from the pier—can be fished from shore if you're comfortable walking on rocks. Barefoot Landing, a few miles south, has a different pier with its own character and fish. The Intracoastal Waterway behind North Myrtle Beach holds redfish and spotted seatrout in shallow water, especially in fall and spring.

If you want to fish offshore, several charter boats operate out of North Myrtle Beach and can take you to wrecks and reefs where king mackerel, grouper, and snapper bite. Charters are more expensive than pier fishing but offer a different experience and a chance at larger fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Cherry Grove Pier?

Yes, North Carolina requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can buy a short-term license (one day, three days, or seven days) online or at the pier's bait shop. The cost varies, but short-term licenses are affordable. Some piers include the license in the fishing fee, so ask when you arrive.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (first light to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to dark) are usually most productive. Midday is slow and hot. Combine time of day with tide—incoming tide in early morning or late afternoon is often the best combination.

Can I fish at night?

The pier has lights and stays open after dark during summer months, but hours vary by season. Call ahead to confirm night fishing is available. Night fishing can be excellent for flounder and Spanish mackerel, especially in summer when daytime heat slows the bite.

What if I've never fished before?

Cherry Grove Pier is a good place to start. The staff can show you how to use rental tackle, and other anglers on the pier are usually willing to offer advice. Start with live shrimp and a simple rig—flounder and Spanish mackerel are forgiving fish and bite readily. Expect to catch something if you're there during a decent tide and season.

Is there food and restrooms on the pier?

Yes. The pier has a restaurant with sandwiches, seafood, and drinks. Restrooms are available to pier customers. You can spend a full day there without leaving the property.