What You'll Find at Waites Island

Waites Island sits in the Intracoastal Waterway just north of Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, accessible by boat from several nearby landings. The island itself is a shallow-water fishery surrounded by marsh and tidal flats—not a destination for wading or camping, but a reliable spot for redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder when you know the tides and structure. The water around the island runs 2 to 6 feet deep depending on tide stage, with oyster beds, grass flats, and sandy pockets that hold fish year-round.

Most anglers reach Waites Island by launching from the public ramps at Barefoot Landing or from smaller landings along Highway 17 Business. The boat ride is short—usually 10 to 20 minutes—which makes it practical for a half-day trip. The island works best on incoming and high tides when fish move into the shallows to feed; low tide can leave you in water too thin to navigate safely.

Key Takeaways

  • Waites Island holds redfish and spotted seatrout year-round, with the best action during spring and fall when water temperatures stabilize.
  • Access requires a boat; launch from Barefoot Landing or nearby public ramps along Highway 17 Business in North Myrtle Beach.
  • Fish the incoming and high tides when shallow-water flats flood and redfish move in to feed on shrimp and small baitfish.
  • Oyster beds and grass flats around the island hold structure; focus on edges where deep water meets shallow flats.
  • Summer heat and low water clarity can slow the bite; winter brings cooler water but requires patience and precise casting.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Spring (March through May) is the strongest season at Waites Island. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s and 70s, and redfish begin staging in the shallows to spawn. Spotted seatrout move onto the flats to hunt, and you'll find both species willing to eat topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most consistent action, though overcast days can keep fish feeding all day.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite noticeably. Water temperatures exceed 80 degrees, and fish retreat to deeper channels and the mouths of creeks where water stays cooler. If you fish Waites Island in summer, focus on dawn and dusk, and work the deeper edges rather than the flats. Flounder become more reliable than redfish during this period, and they'll hold in 4 to 6 feet of water near structure.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring for consistent action. As water temperatures drop back into the 70s and 60s, redfish and trout return to the flats to feed heavily before winter. This is an excellent time for sight-casting to tailing redfish in 1 to 3 feet of water. Incoming tides during the new and full moon phases produce the most dramatic water movement and the most aggressive feeding.

Winter (December through February) requires patience and precision. Water temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s, and fish move slowly. Redfish and trout still inhabit the area but feed less frequently. Work soft plastics slowly along the deeper edges, and focus on the warmest part of the day—usually midday when the sun is highest. Winter is less crowded, and the fish that do bite are often larger.

Launch Points and Getting There

Barefoot Landing, located at 4898 North Kings Highway (Highway 17 Business), has a public boat ramp with parking and is the most direct route to Waites Island. The ramp is maintained year-round, though it can get crowded on weekends during spring and fall. There is a small fee to launch, and parking fills quickly during peak season.

An alternative is the North Myrtle Beach public ramp at Tilghman Park, located at 4700 North Kings Highway. This ramp is less crowded than Barefoot Landing and offers similar access to the Intracoastal. Both ramps are within 10 minutes of Waites Island by boat at cruising speed.

If you don't own a boat, several charter services operate out of North Myrtle Beach and can take you to Waites Island or nearby flats. Ask at local tackle shops for current recommendations, as charter operators change seasonally.

What Fish Live Here and How to Target Them

Redfish are the primary target at Waites Island. They hunt in 1 to 4 feet of water, especially on incoming tides when the flats flood. Look for tailing fish (their tails breaking the surface as they feed on the bottom) in spring and fall. Use 6- to 8-inch soft plastics rigged on 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigheads, or cast topwater plugs early and late in the day. Redfish will also eat live shrimp under a popping cork.

Spotted seatrout are present year-round but most active in spring and fall. They hunt along the edges of grass beds and oyster bars, and they respond well to small soft plastics (3 to 4 inches) and live shrimp. Trout are more aggressive than redfish and will chase moving baits, so don't be afraid to work your lure with steady retrieves and twitches.

Flounder hold in the deeper pockets and channels around Waites Island, especially in summer and fall. They are ambush predators that sit on the bottom waiting for prey. Fish live mullet or shrimp on the bottom, or use 4- to 6-inch soft plastics worked slowly along the sand and mud. Flounder often bite on the drop, so pay attention to your line as the bait sinks.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

A 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braided line is ideal for Waites Island. Braid casts farther than monofilament and gives you better sensitivity in shallow water. Add a 12- to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader (20 to 25-pound test) to reduce visibility in clear water.

Soft plastics in natural colors—pearl, tan, chartreuse, and dark green—work consistently. Keep a variety of sizes: 3-inch baits for trout, 6- to 8-inch baits for redfish. Topwater plugs are effective in spring and fall during low-light periods. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a reliable all-season option if you want to keep things simple.

If you use live bait, keep mullet and shrimp in a well-aerated baitwell. Bring extra because the shallow water and active fish mean frequent hookups and lost baits. A small cooler with ice keeps bait fresh throughout the day.

Tides, Weather, and Safety Considerations

Tides control the bite at Waites Island more than any other factor. Incoming tides flood the shallow flats and push fish into feeding zones. High tide holds fish on the flats for 2 to 3 hours. Outgoing tides push fish back toward deeper water. Plan your trip around the incoming tide, and you'll catch more fish. Check tide tables for North Myrtle Beach before you launch.

Wind direction matters significantly in shallow water. A strong north or northeast wind can push water out of the flats and make navigation difficult. South and southwest winds are generally more favorable because they push water onto the flats. Avoid fishing Waites Island during strong wind warnings or when the forecast calls for sustained winds above 15 knots.

The water around Waites Island is shallow, and navigation requires attention. Oyster bars and grass beds can catch your prop. Idle speed when you're within 100 yards of the island, and watch your depth finder. If you run aground, turn off the engine immediately and pole or wade off rather than gunning the motor—you'll damage the prop and the seagrass. Wear a life jacket at all times, and carry a VHF radio or cell phone in a waterproof case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Waites Island?

Yes. North Carolina requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries or at most tackle shops in North Myrtle Beach. A short-term license (1 to 10 days) is available if you're visiting.

What's the best tide for fishing Waites Island?

Incoming tide is best because it pushes water onto the shallow flats where redfish and trout feed. High tide holds fish on the flats for several hours. Avoid low tide—the water gets too thin to navigate safely, and fish move to deeper channels.

Can I wade fish at Waites Island?

Wading is possible on the flats around the island during high tide, but most anglers fish from a boat because it gives you more water to cover and keeps you mobile. If you wade, wear polarized sunglasses to spot tailing redfish, and watch for oyster bars that can cut your feet.

What's the difference between fishing Waites Island and other North Myrtle Beach flats?

Waites Island has more oyster structure and is shallower than many nearby flats, which concentrates fish and makes sight-casting more productive. It's also closer to the public ramps, so you spend less time running and more time fishing. Other flats nearby (like those near Barefoot Landing) are equally good but require different approaches.

Is Waites Island crowded?

It can be busy on weekends during spring and fall, especially around the new and full moon when tides are strongest. Weekday mornings are quieter. Summer and winter see fewer boats, which can mean less competition but also slower fishing.