Fishing in North Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove can feel simple. You grab a rod, pick up bait, find a good spot and cast a line. But before you fish, you need to know one important thing: Do you need a fishing license?

In many cases, yes. South Carolina has fishing license rules for saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, crabbing, shrimping, shellfish harvesting and some bait-catching activities. The type of license you need depends on where you fish, how old you are, what you plan to catch and whether you fish from the beach, pier, boat, private dock or freshwater spot.

This guide gives locals and visitors a simple starting point for fishing license rules in North Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove. It does not replace official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources rules, but it can help you know what to check before your next fishing trip.

Do You Need A Fishing License In North Myrtle Beach?

In most cases, people age 16 and older need a South Carolina fishing license when fishing in North Myrtle Beach. If you fish in saltwater, you usually need a South Carolina saltwater recreational fishing license. If you fish in freshwater, you usually need a South Carolina freshwater fishing license.

North Myrtle Beach has several types of fishing nearby. You can surf fish from the beach, fish from Cherry Grove Pier, launch from Cherry Grove Park and Boat Ramp, fish the marsh, fish around docks or head inland to freshwater. Each of those fishing spots can have different license needs.

The easiest way to think about it is this: Saltwater fishing usually needs a saltwater license, and freshwater fishing usually needs a freshwater license. If you plan to fish both, check whether you need both licenses before you go.

Do You Need A License To Surf Fish In Cherry Grove?

Yes, most anglers age 16 and older need a South Carolina saltwater recreational fishing license to surf fish from the beach in Cherry Grove or North Myrtle Beach. Surf fishing counts as saltwater fishing because you’re fishing from the beach into the ocean.

Surf fishing can target whiting, pompano, bluefish, croaker, flounder, red drum and other fish that move through the surf. Even if you only plan to fish for a short time, you should check your license before you cast.

Visitors sometimes think they don’t need a license because they’re fishing from shore. In South Carolina, shore-based saltwater fishing still usually requires a saltwater recreational fishing license.

Before you set up, also check local beach rules. Some areas can have limits during busy beach times or special rules for safety around swimmers, walkers and families.

Do You Need A License To Fish From Cherry Grove Pier?

Fishing from a licensed public fishing pier can work differently from fishing from the beach or a private dock. In South Carolina, anglers fishing from a properly licensed public fishing pier do not have to buy their own saltwater recreational fishing license for that pier fishing activity.

That doesn’t mean every dock or pier counts. The exemption applies to a licensed public fishing pier. If you fish from a private dock, free public pier, beach, bank or other shore area, you should check the license rules before you fish.

This is one reason pier fishing can be a great option for visitors. It gives you ocean access without a boat and often makes the license question simpler. Still, always check the current pier rules, fees, hours and license status before you go.

If you plan to fish somewhere else before or after the pier, like the beach, boat ramp or marsh, you could still need your own license for that separate fishing activity.

Do You Need A License On A Fishing Charter?

If you fish from a licensed charter vessel while under hire, you usually do not need to buy your own South Carolina saltwater recreational fishing license for that charter trip. The charter license can cover anglers during that paid trip.

This can make guided fishing easier for visitors because the captain helps handle the fishing plan, gear, safety and local knowledge. A charter can also help you learn where fish are biting, what bait works and what rules matter for the fish you catch.

Still, don’t guess. Ask the charter captain before your trip. Confirm that the vessel has the right license and ask what you need to bring. You should also ask about fish limits, size rules and what happens if you want to keep your catch.

If you fish on your own later from the beach, dock, marsh or boat, you’ll need to check your personal license requirements for that separate trip.

Do You Need A Freshwater Fishing License Near North Myrtle Beach?

Yes, you usually need a South Carolina freshwater fishing license if you fish freshwater spots near the Grand Strand. Freshwater fishing can include rivers, ponds, lakes and inland waters where anglers target largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and other freshwater fish.

This matters because North Myrtle Beach sits close to several kinds of water. You can fish saltwater in the ocean, marsh and inlet areas, then drive inland and find freshwater fishing nearby. The license rules can change with the type of water.

If you’re not sure whether a spot counts as freshwater or saltwater, check SCDNR’s freshwater and saltwater dividing lines or ask before you fish. That small step can help you avoid using the wrong license.

Do You Need A License To Crab In North Myrtle Beach?

Crabbing rules can depend on how you crab and what gear you use. South Carolina rules include some license exceptions for simple crabbing methods, but other crabbing activities can require a saltwater recreational fishing license.

For example, simple chicken necking with limited hand lines and no hooks can fall under certain exceptions. Traps, more gear or different setups can change what you need. Because crabbing rules involve gear limits, bait, locations and harvest rules, you should always check current SCDNR guidance before you set traps, use drop nets or keep crabs.

Blue crabbing can be a fun family activity in the Cherry Grove area. Bring chicken necks or crab bait, a dip net, gloves, a bucket and a measuring tool. Then make sure you know the current size, gear and harvest rules before you keep anything.

Do You Need A License To Throw A Cast Net?

A cast net can help you catch live bait like mullet, shrimp, pinfish and other small baitfish. License rules for cast nets depend on where you throw the net, what you catch and whether you use the bait for recreation or commercial purposes.

In South Carolina, cast nets count as a recreational fishing device when anglers follow state rules. If you use a cast net in saltwater or freshwater, you should check the license rules for that water and the species you plan to catch.

This matters in Cherry Grove because anglers often use cast nets near marsh edges, creek mouths, boat ramp areas and shallow water where bait gathers. Catching your own live bait can help when you target flounder, red drum and trout, but you still need to follow current rules.

Before you throw, check the latest SCDNR regulations for cast nets, bait species, shrimping rules and license needs.

Do You Need A License To Fish From A Private Dock?

In most saltwater situations, anglers age 16 and older need a South Carolina saltwater recreational fishing license when fishing from a private dock. A private dock does not work the same way as a licensed public fishing pier.

This can surprise visitors who stay in a rental house on the water. Even if you’re fishing right behind the house, you could still need a license. The same idea can apply to fishing from the bank, beach, free public pier or other shore area.

If your vacation rental has a dock or creek access, check license rules before fishing or crabbing. Also respect private property, neighborhood rules and posted signs.

What Fishing Rules Should You Check Before You Keep Fish?

A fishing license gives you permission to fish, but it does not mean you can keep every fish you catch. South Carolina has size limits, bag limits, seasons and special rules for many fish and marine species.

Before you keep fish, check the current rules for the species. Red drum, flounder, spotted seatrout, black drum, sheepshead, bluefish and other fish can have different rules. Some rules can change by year, season or fish population needs.

Bring a ruler or measuring board with you. Learn how to measure fish correctly. If a fish looks too small, release it. If you don’t know what species you caught, ask someone with experience or release it safely.

Good anglers protect the fishery. Keeping only legal fish helps make sure locals, visitors and future generations can enjoy fishing in Cherry Grove and North Myrtle Beach.

What Safety Rules Matter When Fishing In Cherry Grove?

Fishing safety starts with awareness. Watch the weather, tides, boat traffic, swimmers, slippery docks, sharp hooks, fish spines and changing water. North Myrtle Beach weather can shift quickly, and tide movement can change your fishing spot faster than you expect.

If you fish from the beach, keep hooks, lines and rods away from swimmers, kids and walkers. If you fish from a pier, follow posted rules and give other anglers room. If you fish from a boat, carry required safety gear and check conditions before launching.

If you crab, handle crabs with care. If you use a cast net, throw only where you have open space and no one nearby. If you fish around shells, rocks, docks or marsh mud, wear shoes that protect your feet.

Also clean up before you leave. Old fishing line can hurt birds, turtles, fish and other wildlife. Bring a trash bag, pack out bait containers and leave your fishing spot cleaner than you found it.

Where Can You Buy Fishing Gear And Get A Fishing License Before You Go?

Before you head to the beach, pier, boat ramp, marsh or dock, stop by Boulineau’s Ace Hardware in Cherry Grove. We carry fishing gear, bait, tackle, line, hooks, reels, cast nets, crab supplies, bait buckets and other local fishing essentials.

You can also get your South Carolina fishing license year-round at Boulineau’s Foods Plus, right at our service counter. That makes it easy to handle your license, grab your bait and stock up on gear before your next fishing trip.

Need bait for surf fishing? Ask us. Need a cast net for catching live bait? We can help. Need fresh line on your reel? Bring it in. Need help figuring out what gear makes sense for your trip? Tell us where you’re fishing and what you want to catch.

We can help you get set up before the first cast, and we can point you toward the gear that fits your fishing day.

How Can Visitors Get Ready To Fish In North Myrtle Beach?

If you’re visiting North Myrtle Beach or Cherry Grove, keep your fishing plan simple. First, decide where you want to fish. The beach, pier, boat ramp, marsh, dock and freshwater spots can all have different gear and license needs.

Second, check the current SCDNR license and fishing rules. Look at the type of water, your age, your fishing method and whether you plan to keep fish, crabs or bait.

Third, grab the right gear. A simple spinning combo, bait, hooks, sinkers, pliers, sunscreen, water and a cooler can cover many beginner trips. Surf fishing, marsh fishing, pier fishing and crabbing can need extra items.

Last, ask local questions and take care of your last-minute stops. You can get your fishing license year-round at Boulineau’s Foods Plus, right at our service counter, then stop by Boulineau’s Ace Hardware for bait, gear and fishing supplies. We’ll help you choose what you need so you can spend less time guessing and more time fishing.

Helpful Fishing License And Rules Links

1. SCDNR Fishing Regulations Hub

Use this as the main starting point for South Carolina fishing rules. It links to freshwater regulations, saltwater regulations, size and catch limits, how to measure fish, license requirements, the freshwater and saltwater dividing line and public fishing access.

2. SCDNR Purchase Licenses And Permits

Use this to confirm official license purchase options, access the Go Outdoors SC system and avoid fraudulent license websites. This is also a good link to include even though visitors can get fishing licenses year-round at Boulineau’s Foods Plus at the service counter.

3. Go Outdoors South Carolina License Portal

Use this if someone wants to purchase or view a South Carolina fishing license online. The portal lets users buy licenses and store them through the Go Outdoors SC mobile app.

4. SCDNR Saltwater Recreational Fishing License Program

Use this to check saltwater license fees, license types and where to buy licenses. It also explains that saltwater licenses cover marine finfish, oysters, clams and crabs, with some crabbing exceptions.

5. SCDNR Saltwater Fishing License FAQs

Use this for quick answers about when a saltwater license is needed. It covers fishing from shore, boats, private docks, free public docks, wading, cast nets, crab traps, beach fishing, licensed charter boats and licensed public fishing piers.

6. Freshwater And Saltwater Dividing Line Map

Use this when anglers aren’t sure if they’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater. SCDNR explains that waters seaward of the dividing line count as saltwater, while waters landward or upstream count as freshwater for licensing and regulation purposes.

7. South Carolina Hunting And Fishing Laws And Regulations Guide

Use this for the full statewide fishing regulation guide. SCDNR lists the current South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Laws and Regulations Guide on this page and links to online and PDF versions.

8. South Carolina Saltwater Finfish Size And Catch Limits

Use this to check size limits, bag limits, possession rules and restrictions for saltwater fish like red drum, flounder, sheepshead, spotted seatrout, bluefish, black drum, whiting, spot, croaker, pompano, Spanish mackerel and more.

9. South Carolina Crustaceans And Shellfish Size And Catch Limits

Use this before crabbing, shrimping or shellfish harvesting. It includes blue crab limits, size rules, shellfish seasons, shrimp limits and other rules for crustaceans and shellfish.

10. South Carolina Crustacean And Shellfish Methods And Devices

Use this to check rules for crab pots, traps, drop nets, hand lines, shrimp seines and shellfish harvesting methods. It also explains license requirements and gear restrictions for crabbing and shellfish activities.

11. SCDNR Nongame Device Rules For Traps

Use this for more details on trap rules, trap tags, recreational trap limits and where traps can and can’t go. SCDNR notes that crab pots or traps of like design can’t be used in South Carolina freshwaters.

12. South Carolina Freshwater Game Fishing Regulations

Use this if anglers plan to fish freshwater spots near the Grand Strand. It covers freshwater game fish, legal methods and device rules.

13. South Carolina Freshwater Fish Size And Possession Limits

Use this to check freshwater fish limits before keeping bass, bream, crappie, catfish or other freshwater catches.

14. SCDNR How To Properly Measure A Fish

Use this before keeping fish. SCDNR explains total length and fork length, which matters because different species use different measuring rules.

15. Fish Rules App

Use this for a quick mobile-friendly regulations check by location and species. SCDNR recommends the Fish Rules App to help anglers stay current on South Carolina and federal saltwater fishing regulations.

16. North Myrtle Beach Beach Laws

Use this to check local beach rules before surf fishing in Cherry Grove or North Myrtle Beach. It covers city beach laws, surf zones and public safety rules that can affect where and when people set up near the water.

17. Cherry Grove Pier FAQs

Use this to check pier-specific fishing rules, admission details, rod fees and license information. Cherry Grove Pier says individual fishing licenses are not required when fishing from the pier with paid admission because the pier pays the required state and county permits and fees.

18. Cherry Grove Park And Boat Ramp

Use this for boat ramp location, access details and parking information before launching near Cherry Grove Marsh and Hog Inlet. The City lists it as a popular fishing spot with access to the marsh and Atlantic Ocean through Hog Inlet.

FAQs

1. Do You Need A Fishing License To Fish From The Beach In North Myrtle Beach?

Yes, most anglers age 16 and older need a South Carolina saltwater recreational fishing license to fish from the beach in North Myrtle Beach or Cherry Grove. Surf fishing counts as saltwater fishing, so check current SCDNR rules before you cast.

2. Do You Need A Fishing License To Fish From Cherry Grove Pier?

Anglers fishing from a properly licensed public fishing pier in South Carolina do not usually need to buy their own saltwater recreational fishing license for that pier fishing activity. Check the pier’s current license status, fees, rules and hours before you fish.

3. Do You Need A License To Go Crabbing In North Myrtle Beach?

Crabbing license rules depend on the gear you use and how you crab. Some simple methods, like limited chicken necking with hand lines and no hooks, can fall under certain exceptions. Traps, drop nets or other setups can change the rules, so check current SCDNR guidance before crabbing.