Murrells Inlet at a glance
- Location
- South end of the Grand Strand, Georgetown County, about 15 miles south of central Myrtle Beach
- Ocean access
- Murrells Inlet, between two rock jetties
- Shore fishing
- The jetties (south jetty via Huntington Beach State Park), docks, and the Marsh Walk area
- Boats
- Headboats, offshore and inshore charters along U.S. 17 Business
- State records
- More SC saltwater records list Murrells Inlet than any other Grand Strand port (SCDNR)
Why Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet is a small, deep-enough inlet with a stable channel between two rock jetties, a marsh that drains a large estuary, and a waterfront lined with marinas, seafood restaurants, and the Marsh Walk boardwalk. That combination puts headboats, offshore boats, inshore guides, bait shops, and shore anglers within a couple of miles of each other.
The records back it up. SCDNR's saltwater records list Murrells Inlet as the port for more state records than any other Grand Strand town, including red drum (75 lb, 1965), wahoo (130 lb 5 oz, 1998), amberjack (129 lb, 2024), Warsaw grouper (310 lb, 1976), spotted seatrout (11 lb 13 oz, 1976), and a tie for southern flounder (17 lb 9.6 oz, 2003). See state records.
Fishing from the boats
- Headboats run half-day, full-day, and Gulf Stream bottom trips. See headboats.
- Offshore charters troll and bottom fish from the nearshore reefs to the Gulf Stream.
- Inshore guides fish the inlet's creeks, oyster bars, and jetties.
The directory lists Murrells Inlet fleets, charters, tackle shops, and marinas.
Fishing from shore
- The jetties. The south jetty is reached through Huntington Beach State Park. Sheepshead, black drum, and red drum feed along the rocks; flounder and trout work the edges.
- Docks and the marsh. Public access is limited, so check posted rules before fishing from a dock. Many anglers crab and fish from the edges near public landings.
- The boat landing. Georgetown County's Murrells Inlet Boat Landing on U.S. 17 Business serves trailer boats and kayaks; it is busy on summer weekends.
Seasons in the inlet
- Spring: trout and reds on the flats; flounder arrive; black drum on the jetties.
- Summer: early-morning reds and flounder; Spanish mackerel at the inlet mouth.
- Fall: the best months. Trout, reds, and flounder feed hard; bull reds at the jetties.
- Winter: schooling reds in clear water; sheepshead on the rocks; oyster season.
Practical notes
- The inlet is about a 20 to 30 minute drive from central Myrtle Beach.
- Park where the boat or restaurant tells you; Marsh Walk parking fills on summer evenings.
- Some local restaurants will cook a cleaned catch for you; call ahead and ask.
In pictures
Photo credits and licenses · Photos are illustrative, not a specific local boat, business, or catch.
Who you will deal with
NWS Wilmington marine forecasts
More offices, with notes, are on the local resources page.
Find local help
- Fishing charters on the Grand Strand
- Headboats and party boats on the Grand Strand
- Bait and tackle shops on the Grand Strand
- Marinas on the Grand Strand
Listings come from public records or from the business itself. A listing is not a recommendation.
Common questions
Can you fish the Murrells Inlet jetty?
Yes. The south jetty is reached from the north end of Huntington Beach State Park (park admission applies), and anglers fish the rocks for sheepshead, black drum, red drum, flounder, and trout. The rocks are slippery; wear shoes with grip and watch the tide and waves. A South Carolina saltwater license is required.
Where do the headboats leave from in Murrells Inlet?
Most leave from marinas along U.S. 17 Business on the inlet, including Crazy Sister Marina. Check the departure dock and parking with the fleet when you book.
Is Murrells Inlet good for oysters and clams?
The inlet has public shellfish grounds during the recreational season, October 1, 2026 through May 15, 2027 this year. Check the SCDNR shellfish maps for open areas and SCDES closures, and carry a saltwater license.
Related guides
Sources
Official sources checked on October 29, 2026.