Pawleys Island Pier
Arrogantly shabby since 1726
- Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- Free (beach access)
Surf fishing only, no standing pier
4 baits that work here
What to buy on the way to Pawleys Island Pier
Pier-specific first — these are the baits regulars actually put in the water here. The general guide below covers everything else that works on the Grand Strand.
Live Shrimp
liveTargets: Red Drum, Flounder, Sheepshead, Black Drum
Rig: Carolina rig or float rig
Hook through the tail for natural swimming action. Keep in an aerated bucket.
Available at most pier tackle shops year-round
Bloodworms
liveTargets: Whiting, Spot, Croaker, Pompano
Rig: Two-hook bottom rig (pompano rig)
Thread onto the hook. A little goes a long way. Best for bottom feeders.
Seasonal, best availability spring through fall
Cut Mullet
cutTargets: Red Drum, Black Drum, Bluefish, Sharks
Rig: Fish-finder rig on the bottom
Fresh is always better than frozen. Cut into 1–2 inch chunks for drum.
Year-round at bait shops; catch your own with a cast net
Sand Fleas (Mole Crabs)
liveTargets: Pompano, Whiting, Red Drum, Sheepshead
Rig: Pompano rig with small hooks
Rake them from the wet sand at the waterline. Hook through the shell.
Seasonal, best in warmer months along the surf
Tying it on
A bait is only as good as the knot holding it. Every knot on the site is shown step by step with the line it suits.
Knot librarySetting it up
Double-drop bottom rig, fish-finder, float rig — the rig diagrams show what each bait wants and which fish it puts in front of.
Rig diagramsGrand Strand bait guide
Everything else that works around here
Not specific to this pier, but all of it catches fish off the Grand Strand. Use it when the shop is out of what you came for.
Fiddler Crabs
Sheepshead, Black Drum
Rig: Drop shot rig near pilings, 1/0 hook
Dig them at low tide in the marsh or buy at bait shops
Live Minnows / Mud Minnows
Flounder, Red Drum, Bluefish
Rig: Carolina rig on bottom, 2/0 circle hook
Available at most Grand Strand bait shops
Gotcha Plugs
Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish
Rig: Cast and retrieve on medium spinning rod, 20lb leader
Available at any tackle shop, $3–$5 each
Metal Spoons (Hopkins, Kastmaster)
Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Pompano
Rig: Direct tie with snap swivel, fast retrieve
Available everywhere, $4–$8 each
Buying live bait? Check the house rules for this pier first — some piers restrict cast nets and live-lining from the deck.