South Carolina · Grand Strand
NEARSHORE FISHING
IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
Explore the best nearshore fishing charters in North 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 North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers some of the finest nearshore 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 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 North 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 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
Nearshore Fishing Calendar — North 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 |
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
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—
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—
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—
|
—
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—
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F
|
F
|
—
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Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in North Myrtle Beach
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top nearshore fishing spots your captain will target in the North Myrtle Beach area.
Cherry Grove Pier
Cherry Grove Pier extends 985 feet into the Atlantic and is one of the most iconic fishing piers on the Grand Strand. King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, flounder, whiting, and pompano are caught regularly, with massive king mackerel runs drawing tournament anglers each fall. The pier's proximity to Cherry Grove Inlet brings in extra current and baitfish activity.
Little River Offshore Artificial Reef
The Little River Artificial Reef is a complex of deployed structures roughly five miles offshore in 40-60 feet of water. Black sea bass, sheepshead, spadefish, flounder, and triggerfish congregate on the concrete and steel reef material year-round. It is an excellent nearshore bottom-fishing destination accessible on a short boat ride from the Little River fleet.
Apache Shoal
Apache Shoal is a natural sand and shell-bottom feature a few miles off North Myrtle Beach that attracts schools of whiting, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish. The shallow shoal concentrates bait over the sandy rises, creating a feeding zone that predators patrol during spring and fall. It is a productive drift-fishing spot for light-tackle anglers.
Yaupon Reef
Yaupon Reef is a patch of natural hard bottom and rock outcroppings roughly eight miles off the North Myrtle Beach coast. Black sea bass, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and sheepshead hold tight to the reef structure, while king mackerel and cobia cruise overhead in warmer months. Its moderate depth makes it accessible to smaller boats on calm days.
Top Nearshore Fish Species in North Myrtle Beach
These are the primary nearshore species you'll target on a North 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 North Myrtle Beach
Here's what to expect when you book a nearshore charter in North Myrtle Beach.
Boats
Nearshore fishing in North Myrtle Beach is typically done on center consoles and large bay boats (22-32 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Nearshore charters in North 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 North Myrtle Beach
We're partnering with top nearshore 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 nearshore 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 Nearshore Fishing in North 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 North 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 North Myrtle Beach are May, April, October, when the most species are at peak availability. However, North Myrtle Beach offers productive nearshore fishing year-round.
Nearshore fishing in North 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 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, polarized sunglasses, hat, light jacket for spray, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Captain provides all gear, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Nearshore 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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