Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Capt. R.C.
Myrtle Beach is a popular family vacation destination. The area is part of South Carolina’s Grand Strand and offers a hospitable atmosphere, amazing beaches, great places to eat, and picturesque beaches. While enjoying the area, you may get the itch to catch some local gamefish, and maybe throw a meal together with the day’s catch later that day for the family.
At the same time, you could be concerned about making sure the family, kids in particular, have a good time on this fishing adventure. Looking at offshore options out of Myrtle Beach may not suit everyone in your party. So, here is a popular option for those looking for a great way to spend a day on the water, while making sure the family enjoys every minute of it.
It All Starts On Coastal Highway Route 17
The best family-friendly fishing destination is located on the southern end of The Grand Strand, I will dive into those details in the next section, but, do know that this trip will check off all of the marks that matter most to you.
This adventure begins on U.S. Highway 17 out of Myrtle Beach, Highway 17 is known as “the Coastal Highway”. The road itself is considered one of the most popular road trip routes along the east coast, but during your journey – it is just a piece of the days’ fun.
You’ll head south on Highway 17 towards your fishing destination, which is under an hour away. On this route, you will find a picturesque drive loaded with roadside attractions, parks, great places to eat, and cool places to visit.
I would recommend stopping for a bite to eat, go on your fishing trip, and then gauge the energy level of your family to decide what to visit on the way back. One of these destinations, Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark on Highway 17 in Murrells Inlet, is a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. This is a great place to take a leisurely stroll to see a one-of-a-kind place.
This area, Murrells Inlet, will also make for an opportune time to stop for a bite to eat on your journey back. Whether that be seafood or barbeque, this area has something for every hungry belly in the group.
If you’re planning ahead, you can stay a night on your way back to Myrtle Beach at the Ocean Lakes Family Campground. This family-centered camping area has a family fun center, onsite food and entertainment, a nature center, and a ton more – including seasonal events.
Being a parent myself, I can say – especially with little ones, that taking them camping when they are already a bit tired from a day on the water is one of the best-laid plans. Why? Because they go to bed early and hard. In the end, the entire adventure will become an engrained memory they will always reflect back on throughout their lives.
Now, let’s (finally) talk fishing.
The Fishing Adventure Begins
Where are we headed? Georgetown. This fishing destination really captures the best of all worlds when considering a day on the water with the family. Leisurely boat rides, amazing scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, and awesome fishing.
The Fishing
Launching from Georgetown will land you immediately into Winyah Bay. Winyah Bay is an inshore fishery that is part of one of the largest coastal watersheds on the east coast. In this area, there are opportunities to target redfish, seatrout, flounder, sheepshead, and seasonal species – including tarpon! All of this while cruising within calm, shallow, coastal waters.
Alongside, those looking for offshore quality fishing without the long boat rides, this area offers that as well. DIrectly out of Winyah Bay, within sight of the Georgetown Lighthouse, you will find opportunities to target kingfish, Spanish mackerel, cobia, and many more – right inside of this nearshore fishery. This part of the Grand Strand’s coastline is lined with reefs and wrecks that make for excellent local fishing.
Immersion Learning
Making memories and taking the area all in is part of the fishing adventure. Winyah Bay is also a coastal estuary, what this means is that it is loaded with wildlife. Taking note of the marsh ecology and the animals that inhabit it will make for a great learning experience.
This estuary is inhabited by sturgeon, sharks, dolphins, red drum, stingrays, star drum, white shrimp, blue crabs, pelicans, bald eagles, cormorants, and various species of seagulls – and that doesn’t name them all.
Family-Friendly Fishing Guide
Of course, while on this family-friendly Myrtle Beach fishing charter, your fishing guide will have a major impact on your day. It is important to find an experienced guide who is family-focused himself. Captain R.C. Ferdon here at Harvest Moon Fishing Charters is just such a local guide. He often takes families into the area for a day of fishing and is known for both his attentive and informative guiding style.
Plan Your Myrtle Beach Fishing Adventure With The Family
If this sounds like the right kind of fishing trip for you and your family, planning your trip with us is easy. We have both instant online reservations available (with real-time availability), and the Captain is also available to help you plan your trip or answer any questions.
Have a question? Head over to this page for contact info.
Ready to lock in your date? This is our reservations page.