First Casts on the Grand Strand: A Kids Fishing Trip in North Myrtle Beach
Ages 17 and under • 2 hours • Up to 5 anglers
The day starts with a soft low-country hush. Salt marsh reeds stand like sentries as the tide inhales, exhale, and the Intracoastal Waterway flexes its quiet strength beneath the transom. A heron lifts off the spartina with an unhurried wingbeat that makes your kids gasp, and the boat noses into a ribbon of green where silver bait pops at the surface like rain. This is where a first cast can feel like a rite of passage. It’s not a grueling expedition or a trophy chase; it’s a two-hour window tailored to young anglers—simple, focused, and seriously fun.
Trail Wisdom
Aim for Moving Water
Ask your captain to plan around an incoming or outgoing tide—feeding fish stage up on current seams for easy casting and quick action.
Keep It Hands-On
Let kids bait a hook and cast with guidance; the tactile steps keep them engaged and build confidence fast.
Sun First, Fun Always
Low-country sun reflects off water—pack UPF clothing, hats, and child-safe sunscreen to stay comfortable for the full two hours.
Gentle Fish Handling
Use wet hands, support the fish’s belly, and release quickly when needed—healthy releases mean better fishing tomorrow.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Twin tidal creeks off Little River Neck that hold redfish on a falling tide
- •Oyster-studded dock lines near the swing bridge where trout ambush bait
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Great blue herons
Conservation Note
These salt marshes are vital nurseries—handle fish with wet hands, follow state size/bag limits, and avoid damaging oyster mounds or marsh grass with wakes.
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway reached this stretch of South Carolina in 1936, linking historic fishing villages like Little River with modern ports and marinas.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Redfish schools, Speckled trout on popping corks
Challenges: Cool mornings, Windy transitional fronts
Warming creeks kick-start the bite; expect active drum and trout around oyster edges and current breaks.
summer
Best for: Family-friendly calm mornings, Spanish mackerel near inlets
Challenges: Midday heat, Afternoon pop-up storms
Go early for cooler temps and steady action; nearshore runs may add mackerel or bluefish when seas allow.
fall
Best for: Peak redfish action, Clear water sight-casting
Challenges: Strong tidal swings, Occasional northeasterlies
Bait is abundant and predators feed hard—an ideal window for kids to feel consistent bites.
winter
Best for: Schooling redfish in shallow creeks, Quiet waterways
Challenges: Chilly winds, Shorter daylight
Bundle up and target sunny mid-day tides; clear water rewards stealthy presentations and patient drifts.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
UPF Sun Shirt and HatEssential
Protects from reflected sun and wind, keeping kids comfortable the entire charter.
Polarized Sunglasses (Youth Fit)Essential
Helps spot fish, see corks more clearly, and cuts glare on bright days.
Non-Marking Deck Shoes or SandalsEssential
Provides good grip on wet decks without leaving scuffs.
Reusable Water BottleEssential
Hydration matters on warm coastal days—fill before boarding to avoid plastic waste.
Common Questions
Do kids need a fishing license on this charter?
No. While aboard a licensed South Carolina charter, anglers are covered under the boat’s permit.
What fish might we catch?
Season-dependent staples include red drum, speckled seatrout, flounder, black drum, and in summer, Spanish mackerel or bluefish near inlets.
Is two hours enough time for beginners?
Yes. The trip is designed for young anglers, keeping the action focused with simple techniques and short runs between spots.
Will we go into the ocean?
Trips focus on protected inshore creeks and the Intracoastal Waterway; brief nearshore runs are weather-dependent and at the captain’s discretion.
Can we keep fish?
When in season and within legal size and bag limits, your captain will advise on keepers; many families choose catch-and-release.
What should we wear?
Dress in layers with sun protection; bring a light windbreaker for morning runs and shoes with good deck traction.
What to Pack
UPF long-sleeve and hat for sun; Polarized sunglasses to spot fish and protect eyes; Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated without single-use plastic; Light windbreaker for early runs and breezy afternoons.
Did You Know
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway segment through North Myrtle Beach was completed in 1936, creating a continuous inland navigation route along the East Coast.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 15 minutes early to size youth life jackets and stow gear; Confirm tide timing with your captain when booking; Morning trips are cooler and often calmer for kids; Plan post-trip meals nearby to keep the day easy and fun.
Local Flavor
After you dock, swing by Captain Archie’s on the waterway for shrimp baskets and a casual deck scene, or head to Crooked Hammock Brewery at Barefoot Landing for kid-friendly lawn games and local brews. If you want classic coastal vibes, Crab Catchers in Little River serves fresh seafood with marsh views that keep the day’s mood alive.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Myrtle Beach International (MYR), ~35–45 minutes by car. Departure: Marinas along the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach. Drive time from most beach hotels: 10–20 minutes. Cell service: Generally strong near the ICW, with occasional weak spots in back creeks. Permits: No license needed for guests on a licensed charter; captain provides gear and bait.
Sustainability Note
This is a living estuary—pack out all trash, use barbless or circle hooks when possible, observe size/bag limits, and minimize wake in shallow creeks to protect marsh banks and oysters.