Pawleys Island Pier
Arrogantly shabby since 1726
- Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- Free (beach access)
Surf fishing only, no standing pier
Bite score
Hot
Updated 23 hr ago
Water temp
82.2°F
Air 79.2°F
Wind
7 kn SW
Gusts 9 kn
Tide
Rising
From NOAA CO-OPS
Pressure
1021 mb
Low Hazard
Beach flag: Low Hazard
Calm conditions. Exercise normal caution.
About Pawleys Island Pier
Pawleys Island is one of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast, known for its 'arrogantly shabby' charm. While the island does not currently have a standing commercial fishing pier (the original pier was destroyed by hurricanes), the beach and creek access points offer excellent surf fishing. The island's laid-back atmosphere and rich history make it a unique fishing destination on the southern end of the Grand Strand.
House rules
- SC saltwater fishing license required
- Respect private property. Use public beach access points
- No vehicles on the beach
- Leave no trace
House rules are set by the pier. State-wide size and bag limits are on the regulations page.
6 species
What you can catch at Pawleys Island Pier
2 species are in peak season here right now.
Peak seasonRed Drum (Redfish)
Sciaenops ocellatus
Mar–Nov
Best bait: Live shrimp, cut mullet
Peak seasonFlounder
Paralichthys dentatus
Mar–Nov
Best bait: Live minnows, mud minnows
BitingWhiting (Kingfish)
Menticirrhus spp.
Year-round
Best bait: Shrimp, bloodworms
BitingBluefish
Pomatomus saltatrix
Apr–Nov
Best bait: Cut bait, spoons
BitingSpot
Leiostomus xanthurus
Sep–Dec
Best bait: Bloodworms, shrimp bits
slowPompano
Trachinotus carolinus
Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
Best bait: Sand fleas, shrimp
Bait that works here
What to buy on the way
Live Shrimp
liveRed Drum, Flounder, Sheepshead, Black Drum
Rig: Carolina rig or float rig
Bloodworms
liveWhiting, Spot, Croaker, Pompano
Rig: Two-hook bottom rig (pompano rig)
Cut Mullet
cutRed Drum, Black Drum, Bluefish, Sharks
Rig: Fish-finder rig on the bottom
Sand Fleas (Mole Crabs)
livePompano, Whiting, Red Drum, Sheepshead
Rig: Pompano rig with small hooks