What You'll Find in the Myrtle Beach Intracoastal

The Myrtle Beach Intracoastal Waterway is a 40-mile stretch of protected saltwater running parallel to the coast between North Inlet and the South Carolina–North Carolina border. It sits behind the barrier islands and offers shallow-water fishing for redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and tarpon in a setting far calmer than the open Atlantic. The water depth ranges from 2 to 12 feet across most of the system, with extensive marsh grass, oyster beds, and sandy flats that hold fish year-round.

Access points are scattered along Highway 17 and side roads, with public boat ramps at Barefoot Landing, Huntington Beach State Park, and several marinas that rent boats if you don't have your own. The waterway is also navigable by kayak and small skiff from multiple launch sites, making it accessible to anglers with different budgets and experience levels. Most of the fishing happens within sight of development, but the water itself remains productive because the marsh ecosystem supports a steady food chain.

Key Takeaways

  • Redfish and spotted seatrout are the primary targets year-round, with redfish most active in fall and winter when they move into shallow grass flats.
  • Public boat ramps exist at Barefoot Landing, Huntington Beach State Park, and several marinas, though some charge a small launch fee.
  • Shallow-water fishing with light tackle and topwater lures works best in the grass flats and along oyster bars during early morning and late afternoon.
  • South Carolina saltwater fishing regulations require a saltwater recreational license for anyone 16 and older, with specific size and bag limits for each species.
  • Summer brings heat and lower water clarity, while fall and winter offer the most consistent fishing and comfortable conditions.

Redfish and Spotted Seatrout: The Core Species

Redfish (also called red drum) are the signature fish of the Myrtle Beach Intracoastal. They hunt in water 2 to 6 feet deep, often tailing in the grass flats where their backs break the surface. Fall and winter are peak seasons—September through March—when redfish move shallow to feed before spawning. A South Carolina saltwater license is required for anyone 16 and older, and redfish must be between 18 and 27 inches to keep (with a one-fish daily bag limit).

Spotted seatrout (speckled trout) are equally abundant and often easier to catch than redfish, especially for beginners. They school in deeper pockets within the marsh—4 to 8 feet—and respond well to small shrimp patterns and soft plastics. Winter is prime time for trout; they concentrate in the deepest holes when water temperature drops. The size limit is 12 inches minimum with a 15-fish daily bag limit, so you can keep more and experiment with different techniques without worrying about the regulations.

Seasonal Patterns and Water Conditions

Fall (September through November) is the most reliable season. Water temperature drops from the 80s to the 60s, redfish move into the shallows to feed, and the air is cool enough for a full day on the water. Tides are moderate, and visibility is usually good. This is when most visiting anglers plan their trips, and for good reason—the fishing is consistent and the conditions are comfortable.

Winter (December through February) brings cold water and occasional rain, but the fishing remains strong. Redfish and trout concentrate in the deepest available pockets, making them easier to locate. Water clarity improves, and fewer recreational boats mean less pressure. Spring (March through May) is a transition period; fish begin to spread out as water warms, and the bite becomes less predictable. Summer (June through August) is hot and humid, water clarity drops due to algae and sediment, and fish move to the deepest channels during the day. Early morning and late afternoon are the only reliable windows.

Boat Ramps, Marinas, and Access Points

Barefoot Landing, located on Highway 17 in North Myrtle Beach, has a public boat ramp with parking and is one of the most convenient launches for the northern section of the waterway. Huntington Beach State Park offers a ramp and day-use parking, with access to the central waterway. Several private marinas—including Calabash Marina just across the state line in North Carolina—rent boats, sell tackle, and provide fuel if you prefer not to trailer your own.

Kayak and small skiff anglers can launch from multiple points along Highway 17 and from residential areas with water access. The waterway is shallow enough that a 16-foot boat with a shallow-draft motor (or a poling skiff) is ideal, but many anglers fish successfully from kayaks and canoes. Parking at public ramps fills quickly on weekends, especially in fall, so arriving early is worth the effort.

Tackle, Lures, and Techniques for Shallow Water

Light spinning tackle (6 to 8-pound test) is standard for the Intracoastal. Redfish and trout are not large—most run 2 to 5 pounds—and light gear lets you feel the bottom and detect subtle bites. Topwater lures work well in early morning when fish are feeding in the shallows; a small popper or walk-the-dog plug can trigger aggressive strikes. Soft plastics (2 to 3-inch shrimp patterns or paddle-tail minnows) are reliable all day and work in deeper pockets where sight-casting isn't possible.

Live shrimp is the most effective bait, especially for spotted seatrout. Cast near oyster bars and grass edges, and let the shrimp work naturally. Sight-casting to tailing redfish in the grass flats is the most exciting approach—look for the telltale wake or the fish's tail above the water, then cast ahead of it and strip the lure slowly. This technique requires clear water and calm conditions, so it works best in fall and winter mornings.

Regulations and Licensing

South Carolina requires a saltwater recreational fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a three-day license, annual license, or lifetime license through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores. The cost varies by license type; a three-day license is the least expensive option for visiting anglers.

Redfish must be 18 to 27 inches with a one-fish daily bag limit. Spotted seatrout must be 12 inches or longer with a 15-fish daily bag limit. Flounder (a secondary target in the Intracoastal) must be 14 inches with a 10-fish daily bag limit. Tarpon, which appear in summer and early fall, cannot be kept—they are catch-and-release only. Check the current regulations before you fish, as rules can change year to year.

What Makes the Myrtle Beach Intracoastal Different

The Intracoastal is a working waterway, not a wilderness. You'll see homes, docks, and commercial traffic, especially near Barefoot Landing and the marinas. This means the fishing is accessible and well-developed—tackle shops, boat rentals, and restaurants are nearby—but it also means the water receives steady pressure from recreational anglers. The trade-off is that the fish are accustomed to boats and lures, so they can be less spooky than fish in remote areas, but also more selective about what they'll eat.

The shallow-water environment rewards technique over power. You don't need a large boat or expensive gear to succeed. A kayak, a light spinning rod, and knowledge of where to cast will catch fish. The marsh ecosystem is productive year-round, so there's no single "best" time—only seasons that suit different preferences. Fall offers the most comfortable conditions and the most consistent fishing. Winter is quieter and the fish are concentrated. Spring and summer require more patience and early starts, but they're less crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Myrtle Beach Intracoastal?

No. Kayaks and small skiffs work well, and several marinas rent boats by the day. If you have your own boat, a shallow-draft design (18 inches or less) is ideal for the grass flats and oyster bars. Many anglers fish successfully from kayaks and canoes, especially in fall and winter when water is calmer.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Fall (September through November) offers the most reliable fishing, comfortable air temperature, and moderate tides. Winter (December through February) has strong fishing but cold water and occasional rain. Summer is hot and the water clarity is poor, though early morning fishing can still be productive.

Can I catch tarpon in the Intracoastal?

Yes, tarpon appear in summer and early fall, usually in the deeper channels and near the inlet. They are catch-and-release only in South Carolina—you cannot keep them. Tarpon fishing requires heavier tackle and specialized techniques, so it's not the focus for most Intracoastal anglers.

What size redfish can I keep?

Redfish must be between 18 and 27 inches long. You can keep one fish per day. Spotted seatrout must be 12 inches or longer with a 15-fish daily bag limit, so trout are a better choice if you want to keep multiple fish for a meal.

Where can I buy tackle and bait?

Several tackle shops operate along Highway 17 in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, and most marinas sell basic tackle and live shrimp. Barefoot Landing has nearby shops, and Huntington Beach State Park is close to tackle retailers. Calling ahead to confirm bait availability is a good idea, especially on weekends.