The 7 Best Fishing Piers in Myrtle Beach (And What You Might Catch)

A popular vacation destination, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has plenty to attract visitors to its sandy shores. From historic boardwalk promenades to delicious seafood, there’s something for everyone at Myrtle. There are also plenty of places for really great fishing. You can opt for a deep-sea fishing charter or enjoy caught-that-day seafood at one of the many restaurants. If you want to fish while remaining close to the other attractions and amenities, give pier fishing a try.

Fortunately, there are plenty of places to choose from when it comes to fishing piers in Myrtle Beach. Here are some of the top picks.

#1 Apache Pier

The impressive Apache Pier is the longest wooden pier on the east coast. There is a wide platform at the end of the pier, perfect for casting a line into the water. If you need bait, a tackle shop right on the pier sells everything you may need, including a beach chair and a souvenir from your trip. You can even rent a rod and reel or two right on the pier, making it that much easier to get started fishing.

This pier is open year-round, although what you catch will vary by season. You’ll also need to pay a daily fee to fish on Apache Pier. For those who frequent the area, there is a discounted yearly rate. Kids 12 and under also get a discounted rate on a fishing pass. There is also a fee to walk the pier, which is higher when live music is playing. Kids 12 and under get to walk (or skip or jump) for free.

Once you’re done fishing for the day, you can relax with live music, delicious ocean-front dining, and the ambiance of one of Myrtle Beach’s most beloved spots. It is accessible through the Apache Campground site, another great way to spend time at Myrtle Beach.

#2 Myrtle Beach State Park Pier

The natural beauty of Myrtle Beach is astounding in Myrtle Beach State Park. You can do everything from camping to walking the beach, including fishing from the fishing pier. You don’t need a permit to fish from the pier, although you do need one for surf fishing from one of the beaches. This is one of the quieter places to fish since there aren’t a lot of other attractions. If you prefer somewhere more laid back and less crowded, this is a good choice.

When you arrive, stop by the main store at the entrance to the dock to pay the required fee. You can pay by the day, get a 7-day camper pass, or purchase an annual pass. There are discounts for South Carolina senior citizens and kids. Children age 5 and under can fish for free. The store also sells bait and tackle, ice, snacks, and other essentials for a day of fishing.

Some of the most common species of fish that you can find at Myrtle Beach State Park fishing pier include king mackerel, bluefish, flounder, Spanish mackerel, drum, whiting, and sea trout. These all vary by the time of year. Bottom fishing is recommended, which means letting your bait sit close to the bottom without moving it a lot to attract fish. If you are new to bottom fishing or new to fishing Myrtle Beach, you can ask for advice at the store. They can also give you insight into watch fish are currently biting.

#3 Pier 14

This lively fishing pier is located in a bustling part of Myrtle Beach, connected to the main boardwalk. Like many others, it has a fee to fish for the day. There is also a store where you can rent poles, buy bait, and even get ice, snacks, and drinks to keep you comfortable. It is free to walk on the pier.

One of the main draws to Pier 14 for anglers and non-anglers alike is the popular Pier 14 Restaurant and Lounge. It is located right on the pier and is open for both lunch and dinner. There is also a great happy hour where you can enjoy a celebratory beverage after an afternoon of fishing. Pier 14 suffered damage during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, just five years after it was built. But the restaurant remained intact and is still going strong today.

Pier 14 is a short walk from the fun Myrtle Beach Skywheel. This beloved Ferris wheel is a well-known highlight of a trip to Myrtle Beach. It is almost 200 feet above the water and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

#4 Cherry Grove Fishing Pier

This picturesque fishing pier in North Myrtle has been owned and run by the same family since 1965! It originally opened in 1950 and still has a lot of the same charm. There is a resort just next to the pier, owned and run by the same family. There is also a tackle shop and a restaurant on the pier. If you want to come to North Myrtle to stay and fish, you can do everything at Cherry Grove.

One of the best features of the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier is the two-story observation deck. While the upper story isn’t great for fishing, it does offer a fun place to take in the beautiful ocean views and enjoy some sunshine.

Fishing from the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier is generally good and the seasoned fishing pros at the tackle shop can recommend specific bait, lures, equipment, and techniques to attract the fish that are currently biting. Like in most parts of Myrtle Beach, bluefish, King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, spots, and seatrout are all abundant at Cherry Grove. You can also try to catch blue crabs, which come to the pier.

#5 The Pier at Garden City Beach

The fishing is great at the Pier at Garden City Beach but the fun doesn’t end there. This fishing pier is known for its other attractions that appeal to the whole family. There are two bars, two stages, and a large arcade for the kids to play games. This pier also has plenty of umbrellas, which can make your day of fishing much more enjoyable.

You can pick up tackle, snacks, drinks, ice, coolers, and even souvenirs at the tackle shop on the pier. They also offer rod rentals. You are limited to two rods per person. The fees are reasonable and kids age 12 and under get a discount on the daily rate. They also have season passes available for anglers who want to make repeat trips.

There is a fee to fish but you can walk the pier for free. The bars do restrict entrance based on age. Fortunately, you can enjoy the frequent live music just by strolling along the pier. There is a cafe with more casual food options, like hot dogs and hamburgers. Like any of the piers in Myrtle Beach, you can bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy as you fish or enjoy the views.

#6 Surfside Pier

While not currently open for fishing, the Surfside Pier is going to have smooth surfaces that are very accessible and plenty of amenities that are sure to put it at the top of the list for people looking for a fun, new spot to fish at Myrtle Beach.

The original Surfside Fishing Pier suffered extensive damage in 2016 as a result of Hurricane Matthew. Many parts of the pier were destroyed and it was closed to the public for repair and renovation. The new pier project is near its completion, which is projected to finish in the summer of 2023. The new pier will have plenty of seating, updated walkways, and a covered pavilion at the end.

While not open yet, the fishing at Surfside Pier has always been great. Fish such as king mackerel, bluefish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel all frequent the water near Surfside Pier.

Surfside Pier and the surrounding areas have family-friendly atmospheres. The town of Surfside Beach has taken additional steps to be “autism-friendly,” including providing those who request them with CAN cards through the Champion Autism Network. Families can use these cards to alert business owners and lodging facilities that they may need additional support or accommodations, which participating businesses have been trained to provide.

#7 2nd Avenue Pier

If you want to enjoy nightlife after a day of fishing, 2nd Avenue Pier is the place to go. It is located in the heart of Myrtle Beach so gets a lot of foot traffic and busy crowds. Expect parking to be a little bit tougher to find near this popular area. But don’t let that deter you from a day spent casting your line. It is a hot spot for anglers because the fishing can be great. You can go out further into the ocean than on any other pier, nearly 900 feet. Deeper water often means bigger fish, so be ready with the right tackle and bait. Fortunately, you can check in with the experts at the tackle shop or get tips from one of the more seasoned fishermen next to you on the pier. Sea bass, flounder, Spanish mackerel, and trout are all pretty common to catch at the 2nd Avenue pier.

There is also great dining and seafood on the pier. You can sit at the restaurant or enjoy the open-air bar on the 2nd level. This is a great place to people-watch. You may even get to see a fisherman bring in a large fish on the pier as you eat. 2nd Avenue Pier is the perfect vantage point for the Myrtle Beach fireworks show, which they host every week during the peak seasons. Fireworks are prohibited on the beach except by special permit, making the sponsored shows very popular.

You can also walk from the pier to Plyler Park to dance to some live music. There are plenty of concerts during the summer, many of which are free. It is also close to the Skywheel so you can enjoy all of the sights and experiences of Myrtle Beach nightlife after a day of fishing.

Summary of the 7 Best Fishing Piers in Myrtle Beach

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock.com