Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
The seafood capital of South Carolina
- 4012 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- 300 ft
- Free (public access)
- Official site
Marsh/inlet fishing, not a traditional ocean pier
7 species logged
What's biting at Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
3 species are in peak season here. Everything else is listed below in the order you are likely to run into it.
Peak season
3Running now. These are the fish worth building a trip around this month.
Red Drum (Redfish)
Sciaenops ocellatus
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, cut mullet
- Average size
- 18–27 in
- Pier record
- 75 lbs (SC state)
The most sought-after species on the pier. Look for them near the pilings during incoming tide.
Flounder
Paralichthys dentatus
- Best bait
- Live minnows, mud minnows
- Average size
- 14–20 in
- Pier record
- 20+ lbs
Best caught on bottom rigs near the pier structure. Incoming tide is prime time.
Spotted Seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus
- Best bait
- Live shrimp, MirrOlure
- Average size
- 14–20 in
- Pier record
- 12 lbs (SC state)
Excellent in the inlet waters. Fish around oyster beds and grass flats.
Biting
4Around and catchable, but not the main event. Expect to work for them.
Whiting (Kingfish)
Menticirrhus spp.
- Best bait
- Shrimp, bloodworms
- Average size
- 10–14 in
- Pier record
- 3 lbs
Reliable year-round catch. Great eating fish and perfect for beginners.
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
- Best bait
- Fiddler crabs, barnacles
- Average size
- 12–18 in
- Pier record
- 21 lbs (SC state)
Found around pier pilings feeding on barnacles. Tricky to hook, so set the hook fast.
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
- Best bait
- Shrimp, clams, crab
- Average size
- 14–30 in
- Pier record
- 113 lbs
Larger specimens found near the pier base. Use heavy tackle for big bulls.
Spot
Leiostomus xanthurus
- Best bait
- Bloodworms, shrimp bits
- Average size
- 6–10 in
- Pier record
- 2 lbs
Arrive in huge schools in fall. Excellent pan fish and great fun for kids.
How this list is put together
Seasons and records here are what Murrells Inlet MarshWalk and regular anglers report — they are not a survey. A fish listed as slow can still show up in numbers on the right tide. Before you keep anything, check the size and bag limits, and see the species directory for full profiles.