Hook, Line, and Thanksgiving: Why Myrtle Beach is the Place to Reel in the Big One
Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for turkey, family gatherings, and a bit of reflection. While many folks are busy prepping their favorite dishes or planning that big football game, there’s a unique twist to the holiday that some adventurous souls are embracing—fishing. Believe it or not, a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts are casting their lines instead of carving turkeys, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is snagging the spotlight as the top destination for this unusual holiday tradition.
Myrtle Beach: An Angler’s Paradise
According to a recent list from FishingBooker, a handy platform dedicated to helping anglers book their dream fishing trips, Myrtle Beach has emerged as the ultimate fishing hotspot this Thanksgiving. Renowned as an “angling epicenter,” Myrtle Beach boasts a stunning 60 miles of Atlantic coastline—ideal for a relaxing day on the water. With the mild fall weather rolling in and fewer tourists trampling through, it’s the perfect backdrop for both fishing pros and novices who simply want to try their luck.
What’s Biting?
So, why should you pack your tackle box and head to the Grand Strand this Turkey Day? For starters, November brings a bounty of migratory fish swimming through these waters. Expect to reel in everything from bluefish to king mackerel, but the excitement doesn’t stop there. FishingBooker highlights the chance to hook some truly impressive specimens like amberjack, black drum, flounder, redfish, sheepshead, and speckled trout. Whether you’re dreaming of snapping a photo with a big catch or simply want to enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves, Myrtle Beach serves up a festive ambiance worth experiencing.
Parking made Easy
If the thought of navigating crowded parking lots suddenly has you feeling overwhelmed, relax! During the off-season, parking at the beach is a breeze. Visitors to North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach can enjoy free parking. Not to mention, Horry County also offers complimentary parking year-round at three different beach access lots. Who doesn’t love a bit of convenience on a holiday?
What Else is on the List?
Myrtle Beach may have snagged the top spot, but it’s not the only fishing destination to toss a line this Thanksgiving. Here’s a sneak peek at the complete list of fishing hotspots across the U.S.:
- Fort Lauderdale, FL – Possible catches: grouper, kingfish, sailfish, snapper, swordfish, and wahoo
- Naples, FL – Possible catches: cobia, grouper, king mackerel, pompano, redfish, snapper, and snook
- San Francisco, CA – Possible catches: Dungeness crabs, largemouth bass, lingcod, rockfish, and trout
- Tacoma, WA – Possible catches: cabezon, Dungeness crab, and trout
- Plymouth, MA – Possible catches: cod, haddock, tautog, and trout
- Lake Buchanan, TX – Possible catches: largemouth bass, striped bass, and white bass
- Lake Shelbyville, IL – Possible catches: crappie, muskellunge, sauger, walleye, and white bass
- Silverthorne, CO – Possible catch: trout
Perfect Timing for Fishing Lovers
While Thanksgiving may traditionally be about feasting, it seems there’s a growing trend for anglers to celebrate with a different feast—one that can be found at the end of a fishing line. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just looking for an exciting way to celebrate the holiday, Myrtle Beach and other destinations around the country offer an enticing alternative for spending time in nature and making memories on the water. So why not break from tradition and give fishing a shot this Thanksgiving?
Who knows? You might just hook ‘the big one’ while creating unforgettable holiday tales to share around the dinner table!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
