Where to go Crabbing in South Carolina (My favorite spots)
South Carolina is no Chesapeake Bay, but it has more than plenty to offer when it comes to Crabbing and Shrimping. To help you plan your next crabbing trip, I put together the ultimate resource of crabbing locations in the state of South Carolina.
South Carolina Crabbing Spots Map
To make the map as easy to read as possible, I color-coded the spots:
- Public piers which are perfect for crabbing are labeled with a blue pinpoint.
- Bridges you can throw a ring net off of are labeled with a yellow pinpoint.
- Boat Landings to go crabbing by boat are labled with a green pinpoint.
- Shoreline crabbing spots are labeled with a red pinpoint.
I’ve talked to locals, read reviews, and scoured maps to find only the best public crabbing spot up and down South Carolina’s coast. Whether you’re staying in Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head, you’re bound to find the ideal spot to set some traps and bring home some blue crabs.
The map above includes dozens of crabbing spots. It’s up to you whether you want to go crabbing from a pier, shoreline, or bridge. Each one has the opportunity to be a good crabbing trip.
I went through each spot and hand-picked 8 spots. I dug up some information that may come in handy for crabbing trips including parking information, when to go to these spots, and what to expect. I hope it comes in handy for your next crabbing adventure.
Before Anything, Consider a Fishing Charter.
Crabbing isn’t overly complicated, but it can be overwhelming for anyone going on their first trip. You will need to buy licenses, gear, and bait to catch the crabs. Once you catch the crabs, you will need a cooler and steamer to cook them. This will add up in price, and it’s a lot to carry around. I’m also going to assume you’re vacationing here, and don’t have all this stuff on hand.
I don’t say this to deter you from crabbing, but it’s something you have to keep in mind. I recommend you ask yourself why you’re going crabbing. If you just want an experience on the water and don’t plan to make this a regular activity, I do not recommend investing all that time and money in stuff you’ll never use again.
On top of the price tag, there’s still a learning curve. If you’re new to crabbing, I wouldn’t bet on bringing in a bushel of blue crabs on your first try. It takes some experience to get good at crabbing.
Hearing all this may sound a bit discouraging, but I have a solution for you. Beginners will benefit by going crabbing and fishing with a knowledgeable guide. A fishing charter is exactly that. On a charter boat, you do not need to buy any gear as they will provide for you. This includes bait, traps, and sometimes even fishing licenses.
On Fishingbooker, you can browse hundreds of Captains in your area. The site is kind of like Airbnb but for fishermen. Instead of their house, they list their boat. On a trip, they’ll take you out on their boat, help you catch fish or crabs, and teach you a thing or two along the way. At the end of the day, most charters will fillet your catch and let you take it home. You get a cool experience and a meal at the end of the day. If you’re interested, Click here to browse fishing charters on FishingBooker.com (Affiliate Link).
My 6 favorite public crabbing spots in South Carolina
Broad River Fishing Pier
Just north of Hilton Head, the Broad River Fishing Pier is a great spot to go crabbing. It’s a popular spot so expect some competition. However, the fishing pier stretches a quarter of the width of Broad River, so there’s plenty of room to go around.
For this spot, I would recommend using collapsible traps. Ring nets, star traps, and box traps will work best for this crabbing spot. You’re on a busy river so be sure to add weight to your traps. Otherwise, they’ll get carried by the current.
This spot will get mobbed on weekends, so it’s best to plan your trip for sometime during the weekday. Otherwise, plan to arrive early on weekends. There’s parking right as you enter the park, just aim for a parking spot on the riverside. Occasionally, the mash-side of the parking lot ends up a few inches underwater during high tide.
The park comes with ample free parking, a free boat launch, restrooms, and park benches along the pier. There’s a small beach, but people mostly come here to go fishing. It would be a great spot for a picnic!
Crabbinghub Star Rating
It’s the perfect spot to set a few crab traps and enjoy a day on the water. However, the popularity of the spot and occasional parking lot flooding leaves this at 4 out of 5 stars.
C.C Haigh Jr Boat Landing
Next up we have C.C. Haigh Jr Boat Landing. Believe it or not, this tiny boat landing is a nice place to go crabbing.
I’m tempted to keep this crabbing spot to myself. This little-known crabbing spot is a tiny boat landing that sits alongside Karl Bowers Bridge. Here you’ll see beautiful views of the Mackay River and its surrounding tidal marshes. I highly encourage you to bring a kayak to go exploring if the crabbing gets slow.
This spot is small. You’ll be crabbing on the pier that leads up to the boat launch as well as the boat launch itself, just make sure to stay out of the way of anyone launching boats or kayaks. It’s not too popular of a spot but get there early to make sure the boat launch is yours.
Another downside is the lack of amenities. You’re not going to find benches or public restrooms like you would at a public fishing pier. I feel this is a good spot as long as you remember to use the bathroom before you get here. I feel this place makes up for it with plenty of parking space and historic plagues to read and appreciate.
Crabbinghub Star Rating
A beautiful spot with plenty of parking and crabs to catch. It just needs a larger dock with some restrooms.
Pitt Street Bridge
As we move up the coast we find ourselves outside of Charleston on Pitt Street Bridge. This scenic spot at Mt. Pleasant, SC is the perfect spot to go crabbing at one of the state’s many crab-filled marshlands.
It’s low enough to the water to warrant using hand-lines, however, I find that collapsible traps work best. I would bring ring nets and box traps (my two favorite collapsible traps) for this spot. I would also go crabbing here during incoming high tide. The water gets too low for crabbing for most of the pier during low tide.
One nicer thing about this spot is that you’re crabbing on marshland, which means there will be less current. You’ll also be competing with fewer fishermen as most people come here for the views. This spot can be a nice escape from the busy fishing piers on this list.
With positives always come a few negatives! The parking here is limited and there are no restrooms. I already mentioned the low tide problem, but I feel crabbing is better during incoming high tide anyway. Be sure to plan your trip with the area’s tide charts. I explain this further in my article: When’s The Best Time To Go Crabbing?
Like most crabbing spots on this list, this place will be the busiest on weekends. If you plan on going, I recommend coming early. Parking is limited! Plus, the later you come in the day, the further you have to walk from your parking space.
Crabbinghub Star Rating
It’s an amazing spot to go crabbing with friendly people, plenty of room, and beautiful views. Just get here before the rush and high tide.
Garris Public Boat Landing Pier
Tucked away behind Bulls Bay lies Garris Public Boat Landing. Here you’ll find a well-kept fishing pier that’s just perfect for crabbing.
It’s a popular fishing spot on weekends and weekday mornings. If I was planning my own crabbing trip here, I would go as the pier opens at 6 am to beat the fishing rush. I wouldn’t bother going on weekends as the good crabbing spots crowd with fishermen.
This spot has plenty of parking, clean bathrooms, and a friendly atmosphere. Plus, if you have a boat you can launch it here free of charge. The boat landing gives you access to Sewee Bay and Bulls Bay which are great for crabbing as well as shrimping.
What I really like about this spot is that it takes you well out into the water like any high-end fishing pier would charge you for. This spot is free and placed in the middle of South Carolina’s crab-filled marshlands. Plus, it’s been known to be a clean spot and overall friendly environment.
Crabbinghub Star Rating
This is truly a perfect pier to go crabbing from. There’s no wonder why it’s packed on weekends!
S-22 Causeway Bridge
Pawley Island is a small beach town due south of Myrtle Beach. Leading in and out of the island are two roads: S-22 and N Causeway Rd. On these quiet, beach town roads wedged between endless marshlands lies three bridges that work perfectly for crabbing.
I understand there are dozens of great public piers and docks to go crabbing from. Why would I recommend going crabbing from a bridge? I do so to provide variety in my crabbing location recommendations. I’ve set traps from bridges on backroads several times and had plenty of luck.
These bridges heading off the island put you in the perfect position to set collapsible traps. You’re a bit too high off the water to set handlines, but if you walk along the road you will find a few spots along the shoreline where they should work.
You’ll most likely be the only one crabbing here, which is a huge advantage. Bear in mind this isn’t a very busy road, so prepare for a quiet and relaxing day of crabbing. Plus you’re in the heart of tidal marshland, which is literally crawling with blue crabs.
The obvious downsides include a lack of amenities, you’re literally pulling over on the side of the road and going crabbing. You won’t find any public restrooms or park benches. There’s plenty of room on the bank to park but your vehicle will be at a small slope. If this makes you uneasy, I’d look at another spot.
Crabbinghub Star Rating
The lack of piers, people, and porta-potties may deter some, but make a great crabbing spot for others.
Myrtle Beach State Park Pier
Most of these crabbing spots have been in Southern SC nearby Charleston. It’s about time we showed some appreciation for Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach State Park is home to one of the state’s most prominent fishing piers imaged above.
The pier opens at 6 am and closed at 8 pm and fills up fast. If you’re going crabbing you want a spot at the end of the pier away from the breaking waves, so I’d get there early. To go crabbing on the pier, you’ll need to buy an $8 (cost may vary) daily fishing pass.
One nice thing about this pier is that it is very beginner-friendly. The park boat shop sells ring nets and crab bait at the start of the pier. There are also plenty of part rangers around who will help you if you have any crabbing questions.
The park has plenty of parking (although you have to pay for parking) and clean facilities. You’ll have no problem finding a restroom, picnic table, or place to eat.
One downfall about this spot is that is a very heavily fished and crabbed area. It’s a very popular spot to catch blue crabs so you’ll be up against other anglers.
The main selling point of this crabbing spot is everything else you can do. You’re on a mile stretch of protected beach and SC wildlife! There’s plenty to do and see. Spend some time in the water, on the sand, and along the park’s hiking trails. Read more at the South Carolina Park Website.
Crabbinghub Star Rating
This spot has everything a beginner needs plus more to go crabbing and have a great day on the water. The only problem is that it gets crowded.
Check out the rest of our South Carolina Crabbing Spots Articles & more
I’ve written articles on more specific areas in South Carolina, such as Pawley Island, Myrtle Beach, and More! Click here to read all of my South Carlina Articles.
