Where to go Crabbing in Murrells Inlet SC

If you haven’t been to Murrells Inlet, it’s saltwater marshes as far as the eye can see. I think the better question to ask is where can I not go crabbing. My top three spots to go crabbing are at Veterans Pier near the Marshwalk, the pier at Morse Park Landing, and Oyster Shell Landing.

But first things first, crabbing regulations.

South Carolina Blue Crab Rules & Regulations

Before we can find a good crabbing spot, it’s important that we know South Carolina’s crabbing rules and regulations. Check out SCDNR’s website for the most accurate information.

Crabs you can keep

You’ll be catching Blue Crabs on your crabbing trip. They’re native to South Carolina, and thrive in Murrells Inlet’s saltwater marshes.

As of January 2019, blue crabs must be at least 5 inches wide from each carapace, or point. You can keep both male and female crabs, but if the female shows any sign of an egg mass must be thrown back. Be sure to bring a ruler when you go crabbing.

To tell the difference between a male and female crab, turn the crab over. On its belly you’ll find the crab’s apron. A male crab’s apron is long and narrow with a pointy top, while a female crab apron is wide and oval shaped with a small point at the top. Check here to learn more.

Seasons

Blue crab season lasts from October 1st through May 15th, however these dates are subject to change. Check South Carolina’s DNR website for the most accurate season dates.

License

To go crabbing in public places, you’re going to need a Saltwater Recreational Fishing license. It isn’t required if you’re using 3 or fewer drop nets, box traps, star traps, or hand lines. I do recommend buying them even if you plan to use less than three traps.

You will need a crabbing license to use up to two crab pots. We’ll get more into crab pot regulations later.

Saltwater Recreational Fishing Licenses are pretty cheap. You can buy one online at South Carolina’s DNR website at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/licensing.html\

Places to go Crabbing

Murrells Inlet Marshwalk

Murrells Inlet Marshwalk is an exciting place to go in Murrells Inlet. It’s dotted with great restaurants, great bars, and walking areas. There’s something for everyone along the Marshwalk.

At the south end of Murrells Inlet Marshwalk is Veterans Pier, a long stretch of pier that draws fishermen and recreational crabbers for miles.

The pier is a great spot for ring nets and drop traps. I recommend bringing two to three traps, which is the max unless you have a fishing license.

As of June 2016 Marshwalk parking costs $5.00. Each restaurant has plenty of parking, along with overflow parking along the street.

I recommend packing light. You’re going crabbing in a public area, so don’t haul traps that would overfill a small backpack. Three ring nets and a small plastic cooler full of bait is all you need for your trip.

Veterans Pier can be a bit crowded at times, let’s look at a more peaceful spot for your crabbing trip.

Morse Park Landing

Morse Park Landing, home to a beautiful memorial honoring sailors who lost their lives at sea, has beautiful views of the marsh, tranquil greenery, and best of all a crabbing dock for us recreational crabbers.

You’ll also find a boat landing, several restaurants with outstanding reviews, and a small park. This is a great spot for you and everyone in your family to spend a day on the marsh.

The best time to go crabbing at the park is during, or around, high tide. The water is either too low or nonexistent during low tide. You’ll be crabbing from above water, so ring nets, star traps, and box traps would work best.

You can also break out a few hand lines to up your chances of catching a crab. You’ll have to step below the crab dock and get as close to the water as possible to set your lines. Bring some boots you don’t mind getting muddy.

There is no seating on the crabbing dock so I recommend you bring a chair to relax while you wait to pull your crab traps. Don’t forget a cooler to hold your crabs, more than one trap, and some bait. If you use more than three traps, you will need a South Carolina Saltwater Fishing License, which I’ll get into later.

Next, let’s look at a crabbing spot for you serious crabbers who are dying to use their hand lines.  

Oyster Shell Landing

Oyster Shell Landing, south of southern split between Highway 17 Bypass and 17 Business, is a great spot to go crabbing. It’s sandy beaches make it perfect for handlines and crab snares. You might as well leave your ring nets at home, the water is very shallow here.

The beach can get a bit crowded with everyone bringing their boats, a few minute walk north or south you’ll find plenty of room to go crabbing. Be sure to bring a few chairs, a dozen hand lines (you need a license to use more than three hand lines), and plenty of bait.

Crabbing with Crab Pots

If you are serious about catching a crab dinner, you might want to take a boat, kayak, or even a paddleboard and set a couple of crab pots in Murrells Inlet’s saltwater marshes.

Oyster Shell Landing has access to the water and has a great boat ramp. Just be careful to park far enough away from shore, high tide has been known to swallow up the beach.

Remember, with a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License you are legally allowed no more than two crab pots. Pro tip: have a couple of your friends each to get a license; each licensed person can use two traps. More pots equals more crabs!

You can buy your traps at any nearby bait and tackle stores, and online on Cabela’s, Amazon’s, and Walmart’s website.

Before you hit the water, be wary of the water quality. South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control (SCDHEC) determines if the water is safe to go crabbing. If the water has high bacteria levels, the SCDHEC can close that certain section until it clears up.

For more information and all restricted waters in Murrells Inlet, SC, check out their page on shellfish grounds.  

Murrells Inlet Crab Pot Rules & Regulations

I found this information from South Carolina’s DNR website. Be sure to check their site for any updated rules and regulations.

A recreationally licensed crabber cannot use more than two pots. Each pot, if left unattended, has to bear the name, address, and license number of  its owner.

Also, you cannot leave your pot in the water for more than 5 days. Don’t leave it within 200 yards of a public boat ramp.

Lastly, make sure your crab pot has a functional, easy-to-see buoy. It needs to be at least 6 inches in diameter.

Nearby Crabbing Spots

Myrtle Beach

Murrells Inlet not your style? Well, with Myrtle Beach has several fishing piers that work great for crabbing with ring nets. Click here for my complete guide to crabbing in Myrtle Beach.

Pawley Island

Twenty Minutes south of Murrells Inlet lies quiet Pawley Island. If you want to get away from the hype of Murrells Inlet and Myrtle Beach, be sure to plan a crabbing trip there. Click here for my top three crabbing spots in Pawley Island.