It’s oyster season. Where to find, roast and eat local oysters near Myrtle Beach
The fall season often brings certain foods to mind, such as pumpkin bread and turkey. On the Grand Strand, cooler weather means it’s time to indulge in oysters.
As October draws nearer, some ambitious foodies might be preparing to get on the water and harvest their own oysters. Others might just be looking for the best spot to enjoy fresh oysters harvested locally by knowledgeable hands. Whichever oyster-eating experience diners are looking for, there are plenty of options not far from the Myrtle Beach area.
Harvest your own shellfish
During the summer, shellfish harvesting is strictly limited because of the higher bacterial levels that occur when water temperature exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. But harvesting areas open back up on Oct. 1 throughout the state — one is just south of Myrtle Beach, in Murrells Inlet; another is further south in Georgetown County, near Winyah Bay.
The Murrells Inlet location, near Huntington Beach State Park, can be accessed without a boat by those willing to do some wading, The Sun News previously reported.
Recreational oyster harvesters will need a SCDNR Saltwater Fishing License, which can be obtained online or at many fishing supply stores.
Shellfishing regulations
Those looking to recreationally harvest oysters or clams should be aware of the regulations and recommendations set forth by SCDNR.
Recreational harvesters are limited to two days of shellfishing per seven day period. A recreational harvester can also only harvest two bushels of oysters — which amounts to 16 gallons — or a half bushel of clams — four gallons — on those days. Only three personal limits are allowed per boat or vehicle, The Sun News previously reported.
Clams must be an inch thick to be harvested. There is no size regulation for harvesting oysters, but it is recommended to harvest oysters three inches or longer, The Sun News previously reported.
SCDNR also recommends that harvesters break apart oyster clusters to allow smaller oysters to grow, and leaving behind dead shells to provide habitats for other oysters.
Enjoy a local oyster roast
For diners who don’t want to try their hand at harvesting and roasting their own oysters, there are plenty of local eateries in the Myrtle Beach area ready to oblige. Here are just a few of the area’s offerings:
- Nance’s Creekfront Restaurant and Oyster Roast at 4883 Highway 17 Business in Murrells Inlet is known for its oyster roasts. The restaurant harvests its own fresh oysters daily.
- Shuckers Raw Bar at 300 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach has a weekly oyster roast on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., where diners can enjoy a festive atmosphere, freshly roasted oysters and college football.
- Gulfstream Cafe at 1536 South Waccamaw Drive in Garden City also has a regular oyster roast during the fall oyster season, serving up buckets of oysters every Thursday from 6-9 p.m. on its Sunset Deck through Oct. 30.
Throughout the year, there are also several area community and charity oyster roasts. For example, Timmy Ray’s Oyster Roast will be held on Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. in the parking lot on First Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach. The roast raises money for TR’s Cancer Fighters to help families struggling financially due to cancer.
After you eat
After enjoying some fresh local oysters, diners can help to keep oysters available for future harvests, as well as keep local salt marshes healthy by recycling their shells.
SCDNR operates numerous shell recycling stations throughout the Grand Strand, where shells can be taken to be re-used in the environment, providing habitat, preventing erosion and keeping the water clean.
Taking shells from any of the shell recycling receptacles is illegal under state law, as is placing oysters harvested outside of the state in South Carolina waters, according to SCDNR.
