TikTok video shows visitors reel in big catch at Broadway at the Beach. Is it legal?
In a video circulating on TikTok, visitors to Broadway at the Beach are shown reeling in some of the big fish that inhabit the shopping center’s lake.
The video shows three young men venturing into Broadway at the Beach at night with fishing rods, nets and a pack of Piggly Wiggly hot dog buns in lieu of bait. They are then seen showing off their catches before releasing them back into the man-made lake with the WonderWorks building visible in the background.
Footage of the fishing excursion was posted two days ago, and has already accumulated almost 5,000 likes and over 100 comments expressing surprise and questioning the legality of fishing at the popular Myrtle Beach tourist destination.
Though the fish in the Broadway at the Beach lake can be fed with pellets available for purchase throughout the shopping center, there are no designated fishing spots or specific regulations available about catching the fish.
Representatives of Broadway at the Beach did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the legality of fishing on the property or about the incident. The security office declined to comment.
While the carp-filled water of Broadway at the Beach isn’t considered by many to be an ideal fishing spot, there are plenty of other fishing locations for tourists and locals alike to score some salt- or freshwater catches. When scoping out a place to fish though, it’s important to keep an eye on local and state regulations.
Both freshwater and saltwater fishing require a valid license for those 16 and older. Fishing licenses can be obtained through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and are available in several non-resident formats, including $10 one-day licenses. Licenses are not required for those fishing in private ponds, but permission from the owner of the pond is necessary. Local HOA’s may restrict or ban fishing in community ponds.
Fishing in private retention ponds, like those in residential communities or on golf courses, is subject to owner permission, but some ponds are open to the public for fishing.
For example, in Market Common, fishing is permitted in the 6-acre pond in Thunderbolt Park, but it is catch and release only. Following a $2,500 grant form Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor earlier this year, the pond now houses more than 5,000 fish, including largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill and flathead minnows.
For those looking to fish on South Carolina beaches or marshes from shore, a Saltwater Fishing License is required unless fishing is being conducted from a licensed pier or guide boat.
Local piers in the Myrtle Beach area are Cherry Grove Pier, Springmaid Pier, Apache Pier, Pier 14, 2nd Avenue Pier, Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, Garden City Beach Pier and Surfside Beach Pier.
Limits on the number and size of fish caught can vary by species and location.
This story was originally published June 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
