What You'll Find at Myrtle Beach State Park Pier

Myrtle Beach State Park Pier is a 1,000-foot public fishing pier in Horry County, about 15 miles south of downtown Myrtle Beach. You can fish from the pier without a license, and the structure itself is maintained by the state park system. The pier extends into the Atlantic and holds Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, flounder, pompano, and whiting depending on the season — it's a working pier where you'll see both casual anglers and people fishing seriously for dinner.

The pier charges a daily access fee to enter the park and walk the pier. You don't need to own a boat or book a charter; you show up, pay, and fish from the fixed structure. The pier has railings, benches, and a small tackle shop on-site, so you can buy bait, ice, and basic gear if you arrive unprepared. It's one of the few places in the area where you can fish the ocean without a saltwater license.

Key Takeaways

  • Myrtle Beach State Park Pier charges a daily entrance fee to the park; you do not need a South Carolina saltwater fishing license to fish from the pier itself.
  • Spanish mackerel and king mackerel are most common in spring and fall, while flounder and pompano show up in summer and early fall.
  • The pier is open year-round during daylight hours, but weather and water temperature control which species are present and biting.
  • Bring your own rod and tackle, or buy bait and basic supplies at the on-site shop; the pier has benches and shade structures but no food service.
  • Parking is included with park admission, and the pier is accessible to people with mobility limitations via paved walkways.

Seasons and What Fish You'll Catch

Spring (March through May) brings Spanish mackerel and king mackerel to the pier as water temperatures warm. Spanish mackerel are smaller and more numerous; king mackerel are larger and less frequent but worth the wait. Both hit small shiny lures and live baitfish. Pompano also arrive in spring and are excellent eating — they're small, silver, and prefer sand fleas or small shrimp.

Summer (June through August) is slower for mackerel but good for flounder, which hold near the pilings and in deeper channels. Whiting are abundant and easy to catch on small jigs or cut bait. Water temperatures peak in August, and some species move to deeper water offshore. Early morning and late afternoon are better than midday.

Fall (September through November) brings another run of Spanish mackerel and king mackerel as water cools. Pompano return, and flounder bite improves. October and November are often the most consistent months for variety and numbers. Winter (December through February) is slower overall; whiting and small flounder are the main targets, and cold snaps can shut down fishing for days.

How to Fish the Pier and What Gear to Bring

Bring a medium-action spinning rod, 15- to 20-pound monofilament or braided line, and a small tackle box with hooks, jigs, and lures. Spanish mackerel and pompano respond to small shiny spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) and soft plastics on light jig heads. King mackerel prefer live mullet or mackerel, which you can buy at the pier shop or bring from home. Flounder need live shrimp or small live fish fished near the bottom.

Fish the deeper sections of the pier — the end and the sides facing open water — rather than the shallower areas near shore. Mackerel patrol the deeper channels, and flounder hold near structure. Early morning is most productive. Cast toward the pilings and along the drop-off, and work your lure or bait slowly. If you're new to saltwater fishing, start with small jigs and shrimp; they're forgiving and catch most species the pier holds.

The pier can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in summer. Weekday mornings are quieter and often more productive. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat — there's limited shade, and the sun reflects off the water. If you're fishing in summer, plan to fish early and leave by mid-morning when heat and crowds peak.

Park Access, Hours, and Fees

Myrtle Beach State Park is located at 4401 South Kings Highway (US 17 South), about 15 miles south of Myrtle Beach proper. The park entrance is clearly marked. Hours are sunrise to sunset year-round, though exact times shift with the season. The park charges a daily vehicle entrance fee; the fee structure varies by vehicle type (car, motorcycle, RV) and whether you're a South Carolina resident. Check the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism website for current rates before you visit.

Parking is included with park admission and is located near the pier entrance. The pier itself is paved and accessible to people using wheelchairs or walkers. Restrooms are available near the pier. The on-site tackle shop sells live bait, ice, basic lures, and snacks; hours may vary seasonally, so don't count on it if you arrive very early or late in the day.

Regulations and License Requirements

You do not need a South Carolina saltwater fishing license to fish from Myrtle Beach State Park Pier — the pier is designated as a public fishing area where a license is not required. However, size and catch limits apply to most species. Spanish mackerel must be at least 12 inches; king mackerel at least 24 inches. Flounder must be at least 12 inches. Pompano have a 28-fish daily limit per person. Whiting have no minimum size but are typically too small to keep anyway.

Check the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for the most current regulations before you fish, as limits and sizes can change. If you plan to fish other waters in South Carolina — from a boat, wade, or another pier — you will need a saltwater license. The pier exemption applies only to that specific location.

What Makes Myrtle Beach State Park Pier Different from Other Options

Unlike charter boats, the pier requires no reservation, no captain's fee, and no time commitment beyond what you choose to spend. You can fish for two hours or eight hours, and you pay the same daily rate. Unlike private piers in the area, Myrtle Beach State Park Pier is open to the public and doesn't require membership. The pier is also one of the few places where you can fish without a license, which makes it a low-barrier entry point for visitors or people new to saltwater fishing.

The trade-off is that you're limited to what swims near the pier structure. You won't reach the deeper water where large king mackerel and grouper hold, and you can't move to follow fish the way a boat can. On calm days with good bait, the pier is productive and reliable. On rough days or when offshore species are deep, a charter boat is the better choice. The pier is best for people who want to fish casually, bring family, or test saltwater fishing without committing to a full-day charter.

Nearby Fishing Options and Facilities

Myrtle Beach State Park also has a lake (Huntington Beach Lake) with freshwater fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill if you want to switch gears. The park has picnic areas, a campground, and walking trails, so you can make a full day of it beyond just fishing. Several other public piers operate in the Myrtle Beach area — Cherry Grove Pier and North Myrtle Beach Pier are nearby — and each has slightly different species and conditions depending on the season.

If you want to fish offshore for larger species, charter boats operate from Murrells Inlet (about 20 minutes south) and from Myrtle Beach proper. Waccamaw River, about 30 minutes inland, holds freshwater species and is less crowded than the piers. The choice depends on your skill level, budget, and what species you want to target.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish from the pier?

No. Myrtle Beach State Park Pier is a designated public fishing area where a South Carolina saltwater license is not required. However, size and catch limits still apply to most species. If you fish other waters in the state, you will need a license.

What's the best time of year to fish the pier?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are most productive because Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and pompano are present. October and November are often the most consistent. Summer is slower for mackerel but good for flounder and whiting. Winter is the slowest season overall.

Can I bring my own bait, or do I have to buy it at the pier?

You can bring your own bait and tackle. The pier shop sells live bait and basic supplies, but it's not always staffed early in the morning or late in the day. Bringing your own ensures you have what you need when you arrive.

Is the pier crowded, and when is the best time to go?

Weekends and holidays are busy, especially in summer. Weekday mornings, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, are quieter and often more productive. Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) is best for both fish activity and fewer people.

What if the weather is bad or the water is rough?

The pier closes if conditions are unsafe — high winds or rough seas can make the pier slippery and dangerous. Call the park before you visit if weather looks questionable. Even on calm days, wear shoes with good grip and hold the railing when walking.