South Carolina · Grand Strand
NEARSHORE FISHING
IN MYRTLE BEACH
Explore the best nearshore fishing charters in Myrtle Beach. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure.
About Nearshore Fishing in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers some of the finest nearshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Myrtle Beach is the Grand Strand's fishing hub with multiple fishing piers, easy access to nearshore wrecks, and Gulf Stream trips that put you on mahi, tuna, and marlin. The nearshore waters here — waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Nearshore anglers in Myrtle Beach target an impressive roster of species including Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Cobia, King Mackerel, Triggerfish and more. Peak season runs through May, April, October, but productive nearshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best nearshore fishing captains in Myrtle Beach. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain. All charters include gear, bait, tackle, South Carolina fishing licenses, and fish cleaning — everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water.
Nearshore Fishing Calendar — Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for nearshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Sea Bass |
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
| Bluefish |
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
G
|
G
|
—
|
| Cobia |
—
|
—
|
—
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
| King Mackerel |
—
|
—
|
—
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
G
|
P
|
F
|
—
|
| Triggerfish |
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
| False Albacore |
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
F
|
—
|
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Myrtle Beach
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top nearshore fishing spots your captain will target in the Myrtle Beach area.
Myrtle Beach State Park Pier
Myrtle Beach State Park Pier extends into the Atlantic and sits over productive nearshore bottom that attracts a wide variety of species. King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, whiting, pompano, and flounder are regularly caught from the pier throughout the year. The pier's proximity to a natural rock outcropping enhances the fishing well beyond what typical piers produce.
Apache Pier
Apache Pier stretches over 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the longest wooden piers on the East Coast. King mackerel, cobia, Spanish mackerel, and pompano are regularly caught from the end during spring and fall migrations. The pier hosts major king mackerel tournaments and is a landmark destination for pier anglers visiting the Grand Strand.
Paradise Reef (AR-330)
Paradise Reef is a well-established artificial reef site located roughly three miles offshore of Myrtle Beach in about 50 feet of water. The deployed concrete and steel structure holds black sea bass, sheepshead, spadefish, and flounder, with occasional visits from cobia and king mackerel. Its relatively shallow depth and proximity to shore make it ideal for half-day nearshore bottom-fishing trips.
Ten Mile Reef
Ten Mile Reef is a stretch of natural hard bottom and limestone ledges roughly ten miles offshore of Myrtle Beach. The reef attracts black sea bass, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and sheepshead year-round, with king mackerel and cobia cruising overhead during warmer months. The natural ledges create prime ambush habitat that consistently produces quality bottom fish.
Top Nearshore Fish Species in Myrtle Beach
These are the primary nearshore species you'll target on a Myrtle Beach charter. Click any species to learn more.
Black Sea Bass
Centropristis striata
A tasty bottom dweller found on reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Bluefish
Pomatomus saltatrix
Bluefish are aggressive, hard-fighting predators found along the entire Atlantic coast. Known for their razor-sharp teeth and voracious feeding frenzi...
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum
Peak: May
A powerful, curious fish often found near buoys, rays, and structure. Excellent eating and hard fighters.
King Mackerel
Scomberomorus cavalla
Peak: May, Oct
Also called Kingfish. A fast, hard-fighting fish found near reefs and wrecks. Popular for smoking.
Triggerfish
Balistes capriscus
Gray triggerfish are found on reefs and hard bottom. Tricky to hook but excellent eating.
False Albacore
Euthynnus alletteratus
False albacore — also called little tunny or fat alberts — are the premier light-tackle gamefish of the fall run from North Carolina to Massachuse...
Nearshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in Myrtle Beach
Here's what to expect when you book a nearshore charter in Myrtle Beach.
Boats
Nearshore fishing in Myrtle Beach is typically done on center consoles and large bay boats (22-32 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Nearshore charters in Myrtle Beach typically use medium spinning and conventional tackle with 15-30 lb test line. Live bait, jigs, and trolling plugs are popular.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, light jacket for spray, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Captain provides all gear, bait, and licenses.
Nearshore Fishing Charters in Myrtle Beach
We're partnering with top nearshore fishing captains in Myrtle Beach. Request a quote below and we'll match you with the best local experts.
Captains Coming Soon to Saltwater Pros
We're actively partnering with the best nearshore fishing captains in Myrtle Beach. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain within 24 hours.
Request a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Nearshore Fishing in Myrtle Beach
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
The top nearshore species in Myrtle Beach include Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Cobia, King Mackerel, Triggerfish, False Albacore. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for nearshore fishing in Myrtle Beach are May, April, October, when the most species are at peak availability. However, Myrtle Beach offers productive nearshore fishing year-round.
Nearshore fishing in Myrtle Beach is typically done on center consoles and large bay boats (22-32 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure.
No — when you book a charter in Myrtle Beach, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip. You don't need to purchase a separate license.
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, light jacket for spray, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Captain provides all gear, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Nearshore fishing in Myrtle Beach is one of the best options for beginners and families. The calm waters, light tackle, and consistent action make it an ideal introduction to saltwater fishing. Most captains welcome children and first-timers.
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