South Carolina · Grand Strand
INSHORE FISHING
IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
Explore the best inshore fishing charters in North Myrtle Beach. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
About Inshore Fishing in North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers some of the finest inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. North Myrtle Beach offers excellent inshore fishing in Cherry Grove Inlet and Little River, plus offshore access to productive artificial reef sites. The inshore waters here — calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Inshore anglers in North Myrtle Beach target an impressive roster of species including Redfish, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Flounder, Pompano and more. Peak season runs through April, May, October, but productive inshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in North 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.
What's Biting in North Myrtle Beach This September
Inshore Fishing Calendar — North Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for inshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redfish |
F
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
| Sheepshead |
G
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
| Black Drum |
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
| Flounder |
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
| Pompano |
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
| Speckled Trout |
—
|
—
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in North Myrtle Beach
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top inshore fishing spots your captain will target in the North Myrtle Beach area.
Cherry Grove Creek
Cherry Grove Creek winds through pristine salt marsh behind Cherry Grove Beach, offering sheltered inshore fishing for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The creek's oyster beds and grass banks create prime ambush points on falling tides when baitfish pour out of the marsh. It is a top spot for kayak anglers seeking a quiet, scenic inshore experience.
Hog Inlet
Hog Inlet separates North Myrtle Beach from Waites Island and creates a dynamic tidal channel with strong currents that attract a variety of gamefish. Redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum hold along the sandy bottom and rock edges as bait sweeps through on the tide. The inlet is accessible by boat and is especially productive during the spring and fall mullet runs.
Little River Inlet
Little River Inlet is the northernmost ocean inlet on the South Carolina coast, connecting the ICW and Little River to the Atlantic. Its jetty rocks and channel edges attract flounder, redfish, sheepshead, and black drum, while tarpon and cobia pass through during summer months. The inlet serves as the primary departure point for the large charter fleet based in Little River.
Dunn Sound
Dunn Sound lies behind Waites Island and serves as a quiet, less-pressured inshore fishery between North Myrtle Beach and Little River. Speckled trout, redfish, and flounder hold along its grass edges and oyster bars, particularly during fall when the marshes flush cooling waters into the sound. Its shallow, protected waters make it an ideal wade-fishing and light-tackle destination.
Top Inshore Fish Species in North Myrtle Beach
These are the primary inshore species you'll target on a North Myrtle Beach charter. Click any species to learn more.
Redfish
Sciaenops ocellatus
Peak: Oct, Nov
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Peak: Feb, Mar
The "convict fish" with distinctive black and white stripes. Found around structure and pilings, known for stealing bait.
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
A powerful bottom-feeding species found in bays and passes. Juveniles are excellent table fare.
Flounder
Paralichthys albiguttata
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
Peak: May
One of the most prized eating fish in the Gulf. Found in the surf and along sandy beaches.
Speckled Trout
Cynoscion nebulosus
A favorite inshore species found throughout the Gulf. Excellent eating fish that feeds aggressively on live bait and artificial lures.
Inshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in North Myrtle Beach
Here's what to expect when you book a inshore charter in North Myrtle Beach.
Boats
Inshore fishing in North Myrtle Beach is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Inshore charters in North Myrtle Beach typically use light spinning tackle with 6-12 lb test line. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics are the top choices.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Inshore Fishing Charters in North Myrtle Beach
We're partnering with top inshore fishing captains in North 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 inshore fishing captains in North 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 Inshore Fishing in North Myrtle Beach
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
The top inshore species in North Myrtle Beach include Redfish, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Flounder, Pompano, Speckled Trout. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for inshore fishing in North Myrtle Beach are April, May, October, when the most species are at peak availability. However, North Myrtle Beach offers productive inshore fishing year-round.
Inshore fishing in North Myrtle Beach is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
No — when you book a charter in North 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 (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Inshore fishing in North 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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