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Voyager: South Carolina's Public Fishing Pier and What to Expect There

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Voyager is and where to find it

Voyager is a public fishing pier in Murrells Inlet, near Georgetown on South Carolina's coast. It sits in a working fishing village where commercial boats dock alongside recreational anglers, and the pier itself extends into the inlet where saltwater species move with the tide. The pier is open to the public year-round, and you do not need a fishing license to fish from it—that exemption applies to public piers in South Carolina.

Murrells Inlet lies about 90 minutes north of Charleston and 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, making it accessible from both directions. The village has restaurants, bait shops, and parking near the water. Voyager's location in the inlet means you are fishing tidal waters where flounder, mullet, spot, and seasonal species like Spanish mackerel and king mackerel pass through depending on the time of year.

Key Takeaways

  • Voyager is a public pier in Murrells Inlet where you can fish without a South Carolina fishing license.
  • The pier sits in a working inlet where tidal movement brings different fish species throughout the year and throughout each day.
  • You will need your own rod and tackle, bait from a local shop, and knowledge of tide times to fish effectively.
  • The pier is busiest on weekends and during peak seasons like spring and fall, when water temperatures favor active feeding.

What fish you can catch and when

Voyager sits in water where saltwater species are present year-round, but what bites changes with the season and the tide. Spring and fall are the most active periods—water temperatures sit in the range where fish feed aggressively, and species like Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and flounder move through the inlet. Summer brings heat, and fish move deeper or into cooler water, though early morning and evening fishing can still be productive. Winter is slower, but anglers still catch flounder and mullet.

Tide matters more than season at Voyager. Fish feed during moving water—the incoming and outgoing tides—because bait and small fish move with the current. Slack tide, when water is still between incoming and outgoing, is typically slower. Local bait shops near the pier can tell you the tide times for the day and which species are biting that week. They also know which baits work best: mullet and shrimp are standard, but live bait often outperforms cut bait.

What to bring and what to rent or buy

You will need a fishing rod, reel, and line. If you do not own these, some piers rent equipment, though you should call ahead to confirm Voyager offers rentals and what the cost is. Bait shops in Murrells Inlet sell live and cut bait, tackle, weights, and hooks. Buying bait fresh from a local shop rather than bringing it from home means you are using what is working that day in that water.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and a cooler if you plan to keep fish. The pier has no shade, and South Carolina sun reflects off the water. Wear shoes with grip—pier decks can be slippery, especially in the morning or after rain. If you are new to saltwater fishing, a local tackle shop can recommend rod weight and line strength for the species you want to target; they can also show you how to rig for the fish that are biting.

Parking, hours, and what it costs

Voyager charges a daily pier fee to fish. The fee varies and can change seasonally, so call ahead or check with the pier directly before you go. Parking is available near the pier, typically in a lot shared with other businesses in Murrells Inlet. The pier is open year-round, though hours may shift with daylight—early morning and late afternoon are popular times, and the pier is often less crowded on weekdays.

Murrells Inlet has restaurants and shops within walking distance, so you can make a half-day or full-day outing of it. If you catch fish, you can clean them at the pier or take them to a local restaurant that will cook your catch for you—a tradition in fishing villages along the coast.

Rules and what you need to know before you go

South Carolina exempts public pier fishing from the saltwater fishing license requirement, so you do not need one to fish from Voyager. However, size and bag limits still apply to most species—flounder, redfish, and other regulated fish have minimum lengths and daily catch limits set by the state. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources publishes these limits, and local bait shops post them or can tell you what they are.

The pier has its own rules: no nets, no chumming in some areas, and respect for other anglers' space. If the pier is crowded, cast carefully and keep your line clear of others. Bring a net or gaff if you plan to land large fish—trying to hand-line a king mackerel or large flounder can be dangerous and often results in a lost fish.

Getting there and nearby options

Murrells Inlet is on US 17 between Georgetown and Myrtle Beach. From Charleston, take US 17 north for about 90 minutes. From Myrtle Beach, head south on US 17 for about 30 minutes. The inlet is well-marked, and GPS will take you to the pier. Parking is on-site or in nearby lots.

If Voyager is crowded or you want other options, Murrells Inlet has other public fishing access points, and the nearby Huntington Beach State Park offers pier fishing as well. The area is also home to charter boat services if you want to fish offshore or in deeper water. Restaurants in the village serve fresh seafood, and the Huntington Beach boardwalk is a short walk away if you want to explore after fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish from Voyager?

No. South Carolina exempts public pier fishing from the saltwater fishing license requirement. You do not need a license to fish from Voyager, but size and bag limits for individual species still apply.

What is the best time of day to fish at Voyager?

Early morning and late afternoon are typically most productive because water is cooler and fish feed more actively. Tide is more important than time of day—fish bite during moving water (incoming or outgoing tide) better than during slack tide. Check tide times before you go.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes, as long as they meet South Carolina's size and bag limits. Flounder, redfish, and other regulated species have minimum lengths and daily catch limits. Local bait shops and the pier staff can tell you the current limits. You can clean fish at the pier or take them to a local restaurant to cook.

What if I do not have fishing equipment?

Some piers rent rods and reels, though you should call Voyager ahead to confirm they offer rentals and what the cost is. Bait shops in Murrells Inlet sell all tackle and bait you need. Staff at these shops can also help you choose the right setup for the fish you want to target.

Is Voyager crowded on weekends?

Yes, weekends and peak seasons (spring and fall) are busier than weekdays. If you prefer a quieter experience, fish on a weekday morning. Tide times matter more than day of the week—a productive tide on a busy day will still produce fish.