What You'll Find at Cherry Grove Pier

Cherry Grove Pier is a public fishing pier in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, extending into the Atlantic Ocean near the Cherry Grove neighborhood. The pier is open year-round and charges a daily access fee to fish or walk. You can catch Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, flounder, pompano, and black drum depending on the season, along with smaller species like mullet and croaker that are reliable throughout the year.

The pier is roughly 850 feet long and sits in water that ranges from shallow near shore to deeper channels farther out. This depth variation means different species hold at different distances from the beach, so where you cast matters. The pier has covered areas, benches, and a tackle shop on-site, making it accessible for anglers who want to spend several hours without much preparation.

Access is straightforward: you pay at the entrance, walk onto the pier, and fish from any open section. No reservation is needed. The pier is popular with both locals and visitors, especially during spring and fall when larger fish move through the area.

Key Takeaways

  • Cherry Grove Pier charges a daily fee and is open year-round, with the best fishing typically from April through October.
  • Spanish mackerel and king mackerel are the primary target species in spring and fall, while flounder and pompano show up in summer and early fall.
  • The pier has a tackle shop on-site, so you can buy bait, terminal tackle, and basic gear without leaving the property.
  • Bring your own rod and reel or rent one at the pier; a South Carolina fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (March through May) brings Spanish mackerel and king mackerel to the pier as water temperatures warm. Spanish mackerel are smaller and more numerous, typically 1 to 3 pounds, while kings run larger and are less frequent but more prized. Pompano also arrive in late spring and stay through early summer. Live mullet and small baitfish work well for mackerel; pompano respond to sand fleas and small shrimp.

Summer (June through August) is slower for large pelagic fish but reliable for flounder, which hold in deeper channels and around structure. Pompano continue through early summer. Croaker and mullet are steady throughout, making summer a good season for beginners or anyone wanting consistent action even if the fish are smaller. Early morning and late afternoon are typically more productive than midday.

Fall (September through November) is the second-best season after spring. King mackerel return, Spanish mackerel are abundant, and flounder bite heavily as they move offshore. Water temperatures cool, and baitfish concentrate, drawing larger predators. October is often the peak month for both numbers and size.

Winter (December through February) is slowest. Fishing does not stop, but species are fewer and bites are less frequent. Flounder and black drum are the most reliable winter targets. Many anglers skip winter at the pier and fish elsewhere, so crowds are lighter if you do venture out.

Access, Fees, and What to Bring

Cherry Grove Pier is located at 3500 North Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach. Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the pier entrance. The daily fishing fee varies but typically runs $10 to $15 for adults; children and seniors may have reduced rates. The pier is open from early morning (usually around 6 a.m.) until dusk or later, depending on the season.

You will need a valid South Carolina fishing license if you are 16 or older. Licenses are available online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website or at many tackle shops and sporting goods stores in the area. A three-day temporary license is an option if you are visiting and do not want a full-year license.

Bring your own rod and reel, or rent one at the pier's tackle shop. The shop stocks live bait (mullet, shrimp, and squid), artificial lures, hooks, weights, and other terminal tackle. Prices are higher than off-pier tackle shops, so if you are a regular, buying bait and tackle in town beforehand saves money. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water; the pier offers no shade except in covered areas, and sun exposure is intense over open water.

Regulations and Catch Limits

South Carolina has specific size and bag limits for each species. Spanish mackerel must be at least 12 inches and you can keep up to 15 per day. King mackerel have a 24-inch minimum and a 2-fish daily limit. Flounder must be 14 inches with a 10-fish daily limit. Pompano are 10 inches minimum with a 6-fish limit. Black drum are 14 inches minimum with a 5-fish daily limit.

These limits change periodically, so check the current South Carolina Department of Natural Resources regulations before you fish. The pier staff can also answer questions about current rules. Undersized or over-limit fish must be released immediately. Violating catch limits results in fines.

Certain species have seasonal closures. King mackerel, for example, have a closed season in summer months when they move offshore. Check the regulations calendar to confirm the species you want to target is in season when you plan to fish.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For Spanish and king mackerel, use medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional rods with 15- to 30-pound test line. Live mullet (4 to 6 inches) or live shrimp work well; if live bait is not available, small silver spoons or jigs cast toward deeper water produce strikes. Mackerel are aggressive and will hit moving baits, so keep your line tight and be ready to set the hook.

Flounder fishing requires a different approach. Use a medium rod with 12- to 20-pound line and fish live mullet or shrimp on the bottom near structure or drop-offs. Flounder are ambush predators and wait for prey to pass nearby, so patience and slow movement are key. Jigging with small bucktail jigs also works.

Pompano respond to sand fleas (the small crustaceans, not the insects) and small shrimp. Use light tackle with 8- to 12-pound line and small hooks. Pompano are skittish and prefer light presentations. Fish near the bottom in shallow to moderate depths.

For croaker and mullet, simple rigs with small hooks and light weights work fine. These species are not picky and are good targets for learning basic pier fishing.

Crowds, Weather, and Best Times to Fish

Cherry Grove Pier is busiest on weekends and during peak vacation seasons (summer and spring break). Weekday mornings, especially in fall and spring, offer fewer people and often better fishing because fish are less pressured. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late afternoon (last two hours before sunset) are typically more productive than midday regardless of the day.

Weather affects fishing significantly. Calm days with light winds are ideal for sight-fishing and accurate casting. Strong winds make it harder to feel bites and control your line, but some anglers prefer windy days because fish feed more actively. Rain does not stop fishing and often improves it; fish bite more readily when barometric pressure drops.

Check the forecast before you go. Thunderstorms close the pier for safety, and rough seas can make the pier uncomfortable or inaccessible. Swell and current strength also influence where fish hold and how they feed, so conditions matter as much as the season.

Nearby Amenities and Other Fishing Options

North Myrtle Beach has restaurants, shops, and accommodations within a short drive of the pier. The pier's tackle shop can point you to nearby bait and tackle stores if you need supplies not available on-site. Several hotels and vacation rentals are within walking distance, making it convenient if you want to fish multiple days.

If pier fishing does not produce or you want to explore other options, the North Myrtle Beach area has charter boats for offshore fishing, inlet access for surf fishing, and nearby creeks and marshes for inshore species like redfish and spotted seatrout. The Intracoastal Waterway runs behind the beach and holds flounder, drum, and other species accessible by boat or from shore in certain areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish from Cherry Grove Pier?

Yes, anyone 16 or older must have a valid South Carolina fishing license. You can purchase a three-day temporary license if you are visiting, or a full-year license online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The pier staff can direct you to nearby locations where licenses are sold.

Can I keep fish I catch at the pier?

Yes, you can keep fish that meet the size and bag limits for each species. The pier has no restriction on keeping fish; the limits are set by South Carolina regulations. If you want to eat your catch, bring a cooler with ice to keep fish fresh until you leave.

What if I don't have my own fishing rod?

The pier's tackle shop rents rods and reels by the day. Rental rates vary but are typically $10 to $15. You still need to buy or bring your own bait and terminal tackle, though the shop sells both on-site.

Is Cherry Grove Pier good for beginners?

Yes. The pier is accessible, has a tackle shop for advice and supplies, and holds species that are forgiving for new anglers. Croaker and mullet are abundant and easy to catch, making them good targets to learn on. The pier staff and other anglers are usually willing to offer tips.

What's the best month to fish Cherry Grove Pier?

October is typically the best month for both numbers of fish and size, with king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and flounder all biting well. April and May are also excellent. Summer is slower for large fish but reliable for flounder and pompano. Winter is the slowest season overall.