What Garden City Pier Offers

Garden City Pier is a public fishing pier in Horry County, South Carolina, located in the small beach community of Garden City just north of Murrells Inlet. The pier extends into the Atlantic Ocean and is open to the public year-round, making it one of the more accessible saltwater fishing spots along the Grand Strand. You do not need a license to fish from the pier itself — South Carolina exempts public pier fishing from licensing requirements — which removes a barrier for casual visitors and families.

The pier is best known for catching Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, flounder, and pompano, depending on the season. It also holds smaller species like croaker, spot, and mullet that make for good action when larger fish are slow. The structure of the pier — pilings, railings, and the deeper water at the end — creates habitat that attracts fish year-round, though conditions and species availability shift with water temperature and seasonal migration patterns.

Access is straightforward: the pier has a parking area, a tackle shop on-site, and basic amenities. The pier charges a daily fishing fee (the amount varies and should be confirmed before you go), and you can rent rods if you arrive without your own gear. This setup makes it realistic to show up with nothing but the clothes on your back and still fish the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Garden City Pier requires no fishing license for pier anglers and charges only a daily access fee, making it one of the lowest-barrier saltwater fishing spots in the area.
  • Spanish mackerel and king mackerel are the primary targets in spring and fall, while flounder and pompano are more reliable in summer and winter.
  • The on-site tackle shop rents rods and sells bait, so you can fish the same day you arrive without owning any gear.
  • The pier is open year-round, but water temperature and seasonal fish movement mean some months offer better action than others.
  • Parking and basic facilities are available, and the pier is accessible to anglers of all skill levels.

Seasons and What Fish You'll Find

Spring (March through May) brings Spanish mackerel and king mackerel into the nearshore waters as they migrate north. Spanish mackerel are the more abundant of the two and will hit small shiny lures and live baitfish. King mackerel are larger and less predictable but show up in the same period. Water temperatures are warming from the 50s into the 60s and 70s, which triggers feeding activity. This is one of the most consistent periods for action on the pier.

Summer (June through August) shifts the focus to flounder, pompano, and croaker. Spanish mackerel are still present but less aggressive as water temperatures climb into the 80s. Flounder hold around the pier pilings and structure, and they respond well to live mullet or shrimp fished on the bottom. Pompano are smaller but numerous and fun on light tackle. Early morning and late afternoon are better than midday when the sun is high and fish move deeper.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong run of Spanish and king mackerel as they migrate south. Water temperatures drop from the 80s back into the 60s and 50s, and feeding becomes aggressive again. This period rivals spring for consistency and size. Flounder also remain available through October and into November.

Winter (December through February) is slower overall, but flounder and croaker remain catchable, and occasional king mackerel show up. Water temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s, which slows metabolism and reduces feeding frequency. Winter fishing requires patience and is best suited to anglers who do not mind slower action or who are willing to fish through cold weather for the chance at larger fish.

Tackle, Bait, and Techniques

For Spanish mackerel, use light spinning tackle (6 to 8-pound test) and small shiny lures — spoons, small jigs, or metal shads in silver or gold. Cast toward the end of the pier and retrieve steadily. Spanish mackerel are aggressive and will chase moving targets. Live mullet or live shrimp also work well and often attract larger king mackerel alongside the Spanish.

For flounder, fish the bottom near the pilings with live mullet, live shrimp, or cut mullet on a simple two-hook rig or a flounder-specific rig. Use just enough weight to keep the bait on the bottom without dragging. Flounder hunt by ambush and will take a stationary bait more readily than a moving one. Early morning and dusk are prime times.

For pompano, use small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) in white, pink, or chartreuse, or fish small pieces of shrimp on a pompano rig. Pompano are bottom feeders and stay in shallow to moderate depths. They are not large but are plentiful and provide steady action.

The tackle shop on the pier stocks live bait (mullet and shrimp), frozen bait, and basic lures. If you rent a rod, ask the staff what is working that day — they fish the pier regularly and know what the current conditions favor. This is one of the best uses of local knowledge available to you.

Practical Details: Hours, Fees, and Parking

Garden City Pier is open year-round, typically from early morning (around sunrise) until dusk or later, depending on the season. Exact hours should be confirmed by calling ahead or checking the pier's website, as hours can shift with daylight and weather. The pier does close during severe weather or high winds, so if conditions look rough, call before you drive out.

A daily fishing fee is charged at the gate. The fee is modest but varies, so confirm the current amount before you arrive. If you do not fish, you may be able to walk the pier for a lower fee or free, depending on the pier's policy — ask at the gate. Rod rental is available if you need it, and the cost is separate from the fishing fee.

Parking is available on-site and is included with your pier fee. The lot can fill on weekends and holidays, especially in summer, so arriving early improves your chances of a close spot. There are restrooms on the pier and a small tackle shop, but no food service, so bring water and snacks or plan to leave for lunch.

Getting There and Access

Garden City Pier is located in Garden City, South Carolina, a small community just north of Murrells Inlet in Horry County. From Myrtle Beach, take US 17 North toward North Myrtle Beach. Garden City is roughly 15 to 20 minutes north of central Myrtle Beach. Once in Garden City, follow signs to the pier — it sits near the oceanfront and is well marked.

The pier is accessible to anglers of all ages and abilities. There are no steep stairs or difficult terrain — you walk from the parking area directly onto the pier. The railings are sturdy, and the surface is solid. Families with children and older anglers fish here regularly. If you have mobility concerns, call ahead to confirm what accommodations are available.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

South Carolina exempts public pier fishing from the saltwater fishing license requirement, so you do not need a license to fish from Garden City Pier. This is one of the few places in the state where you can fish saltwater without a license.

Size and bag limits still apply to the fish you catch. Spanish mackerel must be at least 12 inches long, and there is a daily bag limit of 15 per person. King mackerel must be at least 24 inches long, with a bag limit of 2 per person per day. Flounder must be at least 12 inches long, with a bag limit of 10 per person per day. Pompano must be at least 9 inches long, with a bag limit of 6 per person per day. These limits are current but can change, so check the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website before you fish if you plan to keep a large catch.

Catch-and-release fishing has no size or bag limits, so if you are fishing purely for sport and plan to release everything, you have more freedom. Many anglers on the pier practice catch-and-release, especially for mackerel.

When to Go and What to Expect

Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for consistent action and larger fish. If you are new to saltwater fishing or want the best chance of catching something, plan a trip in April, May, September, or October. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are actively feeding, and the weather is usually pleasant.

Summer is good for families and casual anglers because action is steady even if fish are smaller, and the weather is warm. Expect crowds on weekends and holidays. Winter is quieter and less crowded, but fishing is slower and the weather can be cold and windy.

Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience or want more space to cast, plan your visit for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning rather than Saturday afternoon. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) is generally more productive than midday, regardless of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish from Garden City Pier?

No. South Carolina exempts public pier fishing from the saltwater license requirement. You can fish the pier without a license, though size and bag limits still apply to the fish you keep.

Can I bring my own rod, or do I have to rent?

You can bring your own rod. The pier allows personal tackle, and many regular anglers fish with their own equipment. Rod rental is available if you arrive without gear, but it is not required.

What is the best time of year to fish Garden City Pier?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) offer the most consistent action and larger fish, particularly Spanish and king mackerel. Summer is good for families and steady smaller fish. Winter is slower but less crowded.

Can children fish from the pier?

Yes. The pier is family-friendly, and children fish here regularly. There are no age restrictions, and the pier is accessible and safe for kids. Renting a rod for a child is a good way to introduce them to saltwater fishing without a large upfront cost.

What should I bring if I have never fished before?

Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat. Rent a rod at the pier, and buy live bait from the tackle shop. Tell the staff it is your first time — they will recommend what to fish for based on current conditions and can show you basic casting and retrieval. You do not need to own any gear to have a successful first experience.