Sunset Beach Fishing Guide: Piers, Charters, and More
The waters off the coast of Sunset Beach are perfect for all sorts of activities, including fishing. Whether planning a North Carolina vacation that’s all about fitting in as much casting as you can, or finding yourself with a bit of free time and wanting to see what you can reel in, there are plenty of places and ways to fish.
So, where should you actually go, and what do you need to know before you start? To help guests at our Sunset Beach vacation rentals make the most of their time casting their line, we’ve put together this guide filled with our favorite piers, charters, and more information you need to know.
Sunset Beach Fishing Charters
Want better odds at a good catch? Booking a trip with a local North Carolina fishing charter is one of the best ways to ensure you come home with something worth bragging about.
- Tideline Charters is a great family-friendly option. Choose from a 4, 6, or 8-hour in-shore trip that is ideal for everyone, from kids and beginners to experienced anglers. Your reservation includes all necessary gear, and they’ll even clean your fish.
- Lucky Strike Charters has a number of Myrtle Beach charters to choose from, including specialized night fishing trips. There is a limit of 12 people per trip, and all necessary gear is provided, including a fishing license.
- Located in Ocean Isle Beach, Salty Dawg Fishing Charters specializes in year-round inshore, nearshore, and kids fishing charters. They also offer seasonal shark fishing and bull redfish trips.
For more great charter options, check out our blog.
Cast from a Pier
You don’t have to leave dry land to have a successful day of fishing. There are several piers within 30 minutes of Sunset Beach that are perfect for casting your line from. Most piers have a blanket license, so you do not need to purchase your own fishing license.
- The Sunset Beach fishing pieris the southernmost fishing pier in the state. There isa feeto fish on the 900-foot-long pier, and you can also rent a rod and purchase bait on-site.
- Another great option is the Ocean Isle Beach Pier. Fishing passes can be purchased from the desk and are sold by the day, week, or season. You can bring your own gear or rent theirs.
- Found in North Myrtle Beach, the Cherry Grove Pieroffers different pricing options depending on whether you’re fishing with your own rod or a rental. There is also a pass for King Mackerel fishing.
North Carolina Fishing Regulations
Planning to fish on your own? Then it’s worth getting familiar with North Carolina’s regulations before you cast your first line.
- Anyone 16 or older needs a Coastal Recreation Fishing License. Children under 16 do not need a license, and no license is required aboard a licensed saltwater charter boat.
- There are both short-term and annual license options.
- Become familiar with the different seasons and size requirements for different species.
- Total length is measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the compressed tail.
- Regulations can change based on stock assessments. Check the NC Division of Marine Fisheries site for the latest numbers.