Hassle-free Folly Beach fishing with our rental packages.

Fishing from the pier or the shore at Folly Beach, South Carolina, offers a rich and varied experience for anglers of all skill levels. One of the most common catches is the whiting, a small, tasty fish that is available year-round and often found in the surf. Pompano are another popular target, especially in the warmer months, known for their fight and quality as table fare. Bluefish also make regular appearances in the spring and summer, particularly when schools move closer to shore chasing baitfish.

Red drum (commonly called redfish) are a highlight of shore and pier fishing at Folly Beach. These powerful fish can be caught throughout the year, especially in the fall when larger "bull reds" come closer to the beach to spawn. Spotted seatrout, or speckled trout, are another favorite among inshore anglers, often found along grass edges and sandbars, and they tend to bite best in the early morning or late evening hours. Sheepshead, recognized by their black vertical stripes and strong teeth, are frequently caught around the pier pilings, feeding on barnacles and small crustaceans.

Anglers also occasionally hook into black drum, which are similar in shape to redfish but typically darker in color. These can grow quite large and are often caught using shrimp or cut bait near structure. In the warmer months, small sharks such as bonnetheads and Atlantic sharpnose sharks are a common sight from the shore or pier, especially during high tide or at night. With a simple rig and some local bait, fishing from the shore or the Folly Beach Pier can yield a fun and fruitful day of catching a wide variety of coastal species.

For more information, please check out the South Carolina Saltwater Fishing Guide.

Fishing at Folly Beach, South Carolina, requires adherence to specific licensing and regulatory guidelines. Individuals aged 16 and older must possess a valid South Carolina saltwater recreational fishing license when fishing from the shore, pier, or boat, unless they are on a licensed charter or commercial pier. Licenses can be conveniently purchased online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) or at local retailers. For those fishing on the Folly Beach Pier, a daily fishing pass is also required and can be obtained at the pier's gift shop.

Folly Beach enforces specific fishing restrictions to ensure public safety and protect marine life. Intentional shark fishing is prohibited between 3rd Street West and 3rd Street East, with violations subject to fines up to $500 and possible jail time. If a shark is unintentionally caught, those under three feet must be hand-lined and released immediately, while larger sharks should be released by cutting the line without using landing nets. Additionally, fishing from the pier is not allowed after sunset, and anglers are limited to using two supervised rods per person.

To promote responsible fishing practices, Folly Beach has established equipment and bait regulations. For bottom fishing, hooks must be size 4/0 or smaller, whole bait should not exceed the size of a finger mullet, and cut bait must be smaller than 2 inches in any dimension. The use of steel or wire leaders for bottom fishing is strictly prohibited to minimize harm to marine life. When targeting species like King Mackerel, only trolley rig setups are permitted, and each angler is allowed one rod holder per paid fishing pass.

For full details, please see the SC Saltwater Fish Regulations.

Have a look at this page on basic fishing instruction.

Please don't hesitate to call or text 843-647-1115 or email us at [email protected] with ANY questions.

If you get very lucky, you might run into G-Pop himself on the Folly Beach pier...

We also have a great network of anglers around the area so we may be able to connect you with someone in person.