This SC city is the best Thanksgiving destination for fishing, new ranking says. Here’s why

While Thanksgiving traditions vary, a fishing trip isn’t the most common way to spend the holiday. But for dedicated anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, Turkey Day can be a great time to enjoy nature on the water.

FishingBooker, an online platform for fishing trip bookings and guides, recently released a list of the best U.S. fishing destinations this Thanksgiving. Here’s why Myrtle Beach took the number one spot.

While the list cites Myrtle Beach specifically as an, “angling epicenter,” FishingBooker highlights the Grand Strand’s 60 miles of Atlantic coast. With mild fall weather and fewer tourists in the off-season, anglers visiting the Myrtle Beach area for Thanksgiving can enjoy a cool, calm fishing trip.

In addition to migratory fish like bluefish and king mackerel, which pass through the area in November, FishingBooker recommends keeping an eye out for “brag-worthy catches” like amberjack, black drum, flounder, redfish, sheepshead and speckled trout in Grand Strand waters.

Whether you’re interested in fishing or simply watching the waves, beach parking for Grand Strand visitors is more relaxed in the tourism off season.

Thanksgiving visitors can take advantage of free parking in the city of North Myrtle Beach and the town of Surfside Beach. Horry County also offers free parking all year in three beach access lots.

Myrtle Beach was the only Carolina city to make the list. Other destinations are a mix of coastal and inland areas around the U.S. The complete list includes:

1. Myrtle Beach, SC

Possible catches: amberjack, black drum, bluefish, flounder, king mackerel, redfish, sheepshead and speckled trout

2. Fort Lauderdale, FL

Possible catches: grouper, kingfish, sailfish, snapper, swordfish and wahoo

3. Naples, FL

Possible catches: cobia, grouper, king mackerel, pompano, redfish, snapper and snook

4. San Francisco, CA

Possible catches: Dungeness crabs, largemouth bass, lingcod, rockfish and trout

5. Tacoma, WA

Possible catches: cabezon, Dungeness crab and trout

6. Plymouth, MA

Possible catches: cod, haddock, tautog and trout

7. Lake Buchanan, TX

Possible catches: largemouth bass, striped bass and white bass

8. Lake Shelbyville, IL

Possible catches: crappie, muskellunge, sauger, walleye and white bass

9. Silverthorne, CO

Possible catch: trout

This story was originally published November 22, 2024 at 6:00 AM.