Springmaid Pier is a 1,000-foot public fishing pier in Myrtle Beach open year-round
Springmaid Pier extends into the Atlantic Ocean at 3000 North Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. It is one of the oldest and most accessible piers on the South Carolina coast, built in 1948 and rebuilt after Hurricane Hazel in 1954. The pier charges a daily fishing fee (currently around $10 to $15 for adults, with lower rates for children and seniors), and you do not need a saltwater fishing license to fish from it — the pier itself holds the license. You can walk the pier without paying if you are not fishing, though access to the actual fishing deck requires the fee.
The pier operates from sunrise to sunset most of the year, though hours extend during summer months. It has a tackle shop on-site, a restaurant, and restrooms, making it practical for a full day of fishing without leaving the property. The pier is heavily used by tourists and locals alike, so expect crowds during summer vacation weeks and weekends year-round.
Key Takeaways
- Springmaid Pier charges a daily fishing fee of roughly $10 to $15 per adult and does not require a separate saltwater license.
- Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and bluefish are the most common catches in spring and fall; flounder and pompano appear in summer.
- The pier has a tackle shop, restaurant, and restrooms on-site, so you can fish all day without leaving.
- Bring your own rod and reel or rent one from the pier's tackle shop if you do not have equipment.
- Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish; avoid midday when crowds peak and fish activity drops.
What Fish You Will Find by Season
Spring (March through May) brings Spanish mackerel and bluefish to the pier. Spanish mackerel run from about 12 to 24 inches and hit small shiny lures and live baitfish. Bluefish are aggressive and larger, often 3 to 8 pounds, and will strike almost anything that moves. This is one of the best times to fish Springmaid because the water is warming and fish are feeding heavily after winter.
Summer (June through August) shifts the bite toward flounder, pompano, and smaller Spanish mackerel. Flounder hold near the pilings and in deeper holes; they prefer live mullet or shrimp. Pompano are smaller (8 to 14 inches) but plentiful and fun on light tackle. Summer also brings king mackerel, though they are less predictable than Spanish mackerel. The pier gets crowded in summer, and midday fishing is slow because heat drives fish deeper.
Fall (September through November) is excellent for king mackerel and large Spanish mackerel. King mackerel can exceed 30 pounds and require heavier tackle and live baitfish or large lures. Bluefish return in October and November. Water temperatures drop, fish feed aggressively, and the crowds thin out after Labor Day, making fall one of the best times to fish the pier.
Winter (December through February) is slower overall. Whiting, sea mullet, and small drum are the primary targets. Some Spanish mackerel linger in mild winters. Winter fishing is less crowded and can be productive if you are patient, but expect fewer and smaller fish than other seasons.
Tackle, Bait, and Technique
Springmaid's tackle shop rents rods and reels and sells live and cut bait, so you do not need to bring your own equipment. If you bring your own, a medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) works well for most species. For Spanish mackerel and bluefish, use 15- to 20-pound test line and small shiny lures (spoons, small plugs, or jigs). For king mackerel, step up to 30-pound test and larger lures or live mullet.
Live bait — mullet, mackerel, or herring — works for nearly everything on the pier. Cut bait (chunks of mackerel or mullet) is cheaper and effective for flounder, drum, and catfish. Shrimp works for pompano and flounder. The tackle shop can tell you what is working that day and what bait is in stock.
Fish the pilings and the deeper holes along the pier's length. Spanish mackerel and bluefish often cruise the open water; cast lures and work them back steadily. Flounder and pompano stay near structure; drop bait near pilings and wait. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive; fish slow down during midday heat, especially in summer.
Access, Parking, and Facilities
Springmaid Pier is located at 3000 North Ocean Boulevard, about 2 miles north of the Myrtle Beach downtown area. Parking is available in a dedicated lot adjacent to the pier; parking is free for pier customers. The pier is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps leading to the fishing deck.
The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the tackle shop stocks live bait, cut bait, lures, and basic supplies. Restrooms are clean and well-maintained. There is no overnight lodging on the pier itself, but Myrtle Beach has hundreds of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals within a few miles.
Regulations and Catch Limits
South Carolina saltwater fishing regulations apply to Springmaid Pier. You do not need a personal saltwater license because the pier holds one, but you must follow state size and bag limits. Spanish mackerel have a 15-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit per person. King mackerel have a 24-inch minimum and a 2-fish daily limit. Flounder have a 12-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Bluefish have no minimum size but a 10-fish daily limit.
Regulations change, so check the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website before you go. The pier staff can also answer questions about current rules. Catch-and-release is always allowed and encouraged if you do not plan to keep fish.
When to Fish and How Crowded It Gets
Springmaid is busiest from late May through early August, especially on weekends and during school holidays. If you prefer fewer people and better fishing, visit in spring (April and May) or fall (September and October). Winter is quiet but slower for fish.
Time of day matters more than season. Fish early (sunrise to mid-morning) and late (late afternoon to sunset). Midday is crowded and slow, especially in summer. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends year-round. If you are flexible, a weekday morning in April or October will give you the best combination of good fishing and manageable crowds.
Nearby Fishing Options
If Springmaid is too crowded or you want to explore other water, Myrtle Beach Pier (also called Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Pier) is about 1 mile south and offers similar fishing. North Myrtle Beach Pier is about 10 miles north. Both charge daily fees and do not require a license.
For boat fishing, charter services operate out of Myrtle Beach Harbor and can take you to offshore wrecks and reefs where king mackerel, wahoo, and grouper are found. Inshore charters target flounder and redfish in the salt marshes. If you prefer land-based fishing without a pier, the jetties at Barefoot Landing (about 15 miles north) and the public beach access points along the coast offer free fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish Springmaid Pier?
No. The pier itself holds a commercial license that covers all anglers fishing from it. You pay a daily pier fee (around $10 to $15 for adults) instead of buying an individual saltwater license. Children and seniors often have reduced rates.
Can I keep fish I catch at Springmaid?
Yes, as long as they meet South Carolina's minimum size and you do not exceed the daily bag limit for that species. Spanish mackerel must be 15 inches, flounder 12 inches, and king mackerel 24 inches. The pier staff can help you measure and confirm your catch is legal.
What is the best time of year to fish Springmaid?
Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) offer the best combination of good fishing and manageable crowds. Spring brings Spanish mackerel and bluefish; fall brings larger king mackerel and Spanish mackerel. Summer is productive but very crowded.
Can I rent a rod and reel at the pier?
Yes. The tackle shop on-site rents rods and reels by the day. They also sell live bait, cut bait, lures, and tackle. Rental rates vary but are typically $10 to $15 per rod per day.
Is Springmaid Pier open year-round?
Yes, it operates sunrise to sunset most of the year, with extended hours during summer. Hours may change due to weather or maintenance, so call ahead or check the pier's website before you visit.