What You'll Find at Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park sits on a barrier island near Murrells Inlet in Georgetown County, about 40 miles north of Charleston. The park offers saltwater fishing from the beach, jetties, and a fishing pier, with access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the tidal creeks that run behind the island. You can fish year-round, though conditions and what bites change significantly between seasons.

The park itself covers 2,500 acres and includes a mile-long beach, maritime forest, and salt marsh. Most anglers focus on the beach and the north and south jetties that frame the inlet. The pier is shorter than some coastal piers but gives you a different angle on the water and is less crowded than the beach during peak season.

Key Takeaways

  • Huntington Beach fishes best in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) when drum, flounder, and Spanish mackerel move through the inlet.
  • You can fish the beach, jetties, and pier without a saltwater license if you use a rod and reel and keep only what state regulations allow.
  • The park charges a day-use fee of $7 per vehicle; overnight camping is available but fills quickly on weekends.
  • Parking at the beach lot fills by mid-morning on warm weekends, so arrive early or plan a weekday trip.
  • Bait and tackle shops in nearby Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island carry live shrimp, mullet, and frozen options year-round.

Seasons and What Bites When

Spring (April–May) brings the most consistent action. Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and permit move into the inlet as water temperatures climb. Drum—both black drum and red drum—are active on the jetties and in the deeper holes near the pier. Live shrimp and small mullet work well; many anglers also cast small metal jigs and spoons along the jetties.

Summer (June–August) is slower for most species. Water gets warm and fish move to deeper channels or offshore. Catfish bite at night on the beach and from the pier, and you may find flounder in the deeper holes near the inlet mouth. Early morning and evening produce better results than midday.

Fall (September–October) rivals spring for fishing quality. Spanish mackerel return, flounder move through the inlet on their way to deeper water, and drum are active again. Water temperatures drop into the 70s, and fish feed more aggressively. This is also when the park gets crowded with anglers, so expect company on the jetties.

Winter (November–March) is quieter but still fishable. Drum remain the most reliable target, especially on the jetties during slack tide. Mullet are present but less aggressive. Cold water and rough conditions make jetty fishing risky; the beach is safer but produces fewer fish.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

The park entrance is on Murrells Inlet Road (Highway 17 Business), about 3 miles south of Murrells Inlet proper. Day-use parking costs $7 per vehicle and includes access to the beach, pier, and jetties. The main parking lot holds roughly 100 spaces and fills by 10 a.m. on weekends during spring and fall; arrive early or visit on a weekday if you want a may provide spot.

The fishing pier is open dawn to dusk and does not charge an extra fee beyond the day-use parking. It is about 800 feet long and has benches, shade structures, and a small bait shop that operates seasonally. The jetties are accessible from the beach at low tide; wear shoes with good grip because the rocks are slick and sharp.

The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a small concession stand near the beach entrance. There is no on-site tackle shop, so bring your own gear or stop in Murrells Inlet before you arrive. Overnight camping is available at nearby Huntington Beach State Park campground (separate from the day-use area), with sites that book through South Carolina Parks and Recreation.

Regulations and Licensing

South Carolina does not require a saltwater fishing license if you fish from shore with a rod and reel. This includes the beach, jetties, and pier at Huntington Beach. If you fish from a private boat, you need a saltwater license; charter boats provide one as part of the trip.

Bag limits and size restrictions vary by species. Spanish mackerel have a 15-fish daily limit and must be at least 12 inches. Red drum (redfish) have a 5-fish limit and must be between 18 and 27 inches—this is a strict slot limit, so fish outside that range must be released. Black drum have a 5-fish limit with a 14-inch minimum. Flounder must be 12 inches and have a 10-fish limit. Permit and tarpon are catch-and-release only.

Check the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website or call their hotline before you fish to confirm current regulations, as limits and seasons change. Jetty fishing is allowed, but do not block access for other anglers or leave tackle and trash behind.

What to Bring and How to Fish

For beach fishing, a 7- to 8-foot medium-power rod with a spinning reel works for most species. Bring 20- to 30-pound braided line and a 30-pound fluorocarbon leader to handle drum and mackerel. A tackle box with hooks (1/0 to 3/0 for drum, smaller for mackerel), sinkers, and a net will cover most situations.

Live shrimp is the most versatile bait at Huntington Beach. Fish it on a simple rig—a small hook, a split shot or two, and no weight if the tide is moving—and cast near the jetties or along the deeper channels visible from the beach. Mullet works for drum and larger fish; cut mullet draws catfish and sharks at night. Small metal jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) and spoons cast well from the jetties and produce Spanish mackerel and permit.

Fish the jetties at slack tide or early in the incoming tide, when current is manageable and fish are feeding. The north jetty (closer to the inlet mouth) tends to hold more fish but is more exposed to wave action. The south jetty is slightly more protected. The pier is best at dawn and dusk, and live shrimp fished near the pilings often produces drum and flounder.

Nearby Bait, Tackle, and Services

Murrells Inlet, 3 miles north, has two tackle shops: Murrells Inlet Seafood and Tackle and Lee's Inlet Marina. Both carry live shrimp and mullet, frozen bait, and basic tackle. Lee's also rents boats and can point you toward current hot spots. Pawleys Island, about 10 miles south, has additional shops and a wider selection of specialty gear.

If you need a meal or want to clean your catch, Murrells Inlet has several seafood restaurants and a fish-cleaning station at Lee's Inlet Marina (small fee). The nearest gas and groceries are in Pawleys Island or Murrells Inlet proper.

When to Go and What to Expect

Spring and fall are peak seasons for both fish and crowds. April through May and September through October see the most anglers on the jetties and pier. If you prefer solitude, fish on a weekday or visit in summer or winter, though action will be slower.

Huntington Beach is exposed to Atlantic swells and nor'easters, especially in fall and winter. Check the forecast before you go, and avoid the jetties if waves are above 4 feet or winds are gusting above 20 knots. The beach is safer in rough conditions but produces fewer fish.

Bring sun protection, water, and a hat. The beach offers little shade, and reflected sun off the water intensifies UV exposure. Wear polarized sunglasses to spot fish in the shallows and to protect your eyes from glare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish at Huntington Beach?

No. South Carolina does not require a saltwater license for shore fishing with a rod and reel, which includes the beach, jetties, and pier. If you fish from a private boat, you need a license; charter boats provide one.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the most consistent fishing and the widest variety of species. Spanish mackerel, drum, and flounder are all active during these months. Summer is slower; winter is quieter but still fishable for drum.

Can I keep everything I catch?

No. Each species has a daily bag limit and minimum size. Red drum must be between 18 and 27 inches; Spanish mackerel must be at least 12 inches; flounder must be 12 inches. Permit and tarpon are catch-and-release only. Check current regulations with South Carolina DNR before you fish.

Is the pier crowded, and do I need to reserve a spot?

The pier does not require a reservation and is first-come, first-served. It is less crowded than the beach and jetties, especially on weekends. Arrive early or fish on a weekday if you want more space.

Where can I buy bait and tackle?

Murrells Inlet Seafood and Tackle and Lee's Inlet Marina, both about 3 miles away, carry live shrimp, mullet, and basic tackle. Bring your own gear if you want to avoid the drive, or stop on your way to the park.