South Carolina · Grand Strand
SHEEPSHEAD FISHING
IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
North Myrtle Beach is an excellent destination for sheepshead fishing, with peak season in February, March and good catches in January, April, December. Book a charter and target sheepshead with local experts.
About Sheepshead Fishing in North Myrtle Beach
The "convict fish" with distinctive black and white stripes. Found around structure and pilings, known for stealing bait.
Sheepshead are the "convict fish" of saltwater — instantly recognizable by their bold black and white vertical bars across a deep, compressed body. They are structure-oriented fish found around bridges, piers, jetties, pilings, and oyster reefs, where they use their remarkable human-like teeth to crush barnacles, crabs, and shellfish. Both males and females display the same striking striped pattern, though spawning males develop a darker overall coloration.
Scientific name: Archosargus probatocephalus
Sheepshead Seasonal Calendar — North Myrtle Beach
Month-by-month availability for sheepshead in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How to Catch Sheepshead in North Myrtle Beach
Techniques & Bait
Fiddler crabs are the #1 bait — threaded on a small, sharp hook (1/0-2/0 Owner Mosquito or similar) with minimal weight fished directly against pilings or structure. Live shrimp on a small jig (1/8-1/4 oz) works well too. The key is using the smallest hook possible and fishing as close to structure as you can — sheepshead are legendary bait stealers. Keep your rod tip low, maintain light tension, and set the hook at the slightest tick. Oyster shell pieces and barnacles scraped from pilings as chum can attract schools.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light rod (6'6"-7 ft), 2500 reel, 10 lb braid, 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader, small sharp hooks (1/0-2/0). Sensitivity is critical — you need to feel the subtle "thief" bites.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in North Myrtle Beach
Top spots where local captains target sheepshead and other inshore species.
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.
Other Species in North Myrtle Beach
More fish you can target while visiting North Myrtle Beach.
Sheepshead Fishing in North Myrtle Beach — FAQ
The peak months for Sheepshead fishing in North Myrtle Beach are February, March. During these months, Sheepshead are most active and abundant in the North Myrtle Beach area.
Sheepshead fishing charters in North Myrtle Beach are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Fiddler crabs are the #1 bait — threaded on a small, sharp hook (1/0-2/0 Owner Mosquito or similar) with minimal weight fished directly against pilings or structure. Live shrimp on a small jig (1/8-1/4 oz) works well too. The key is using the smallest hook possible and fishing as close to structure as you can — sheepshead are legendary bait stealers. Keep your rod tip low, maintain light tension, and set the hook at the slightest tick. Oyster shell pieces and barnacles scraped from pilings as chum can attract schools.
No — when you book a charter in North Myrtle Beach, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Sheepshead regulations in South Carolina include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Sheepshead in North Myrtle Beach, you may also catch Redfish, King Mackerel, Pompano, Cobia, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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