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DESTINATION SEA TOW: Little River Inlet, North and South Carolina
Looking at the charts, South Carolina’s Little River Inlet appears to be a simple nick on the Southeast Coast – but don’t let that fool you. This place is flush with options for boaters offering safe, quick and easy access to a variety of intriguing ports, waterfront dining, shops and nature preserves. Plus the Inter-Coastal Waterway (ICW) and, several miles further south, Myrtle Beach and its satellite suburbs.
“This really is a paradise for boaters, and it packs plenty of opportunity into a fairly tight area,”
says Capt. Clay Hughes. Hughes, who with his wife, Heather, has owned and operated Sea Tow Myrtle Beach since 2017 and the nearby Ocean Isle franchise just over the border in North Carolina since 2004. “Straddling the Carolinas, you could say it offers the best of both worlds from a boating perspective. It’s a beautiful, fun and welcoming stretch of coastline with plenty to do for everyone, including those who simply want to kick back, drop the hook and relax.”
Indeed, Little River Inlet provides an easy entranceway to access all the fun. “It’s a good, safe deep-water inlet taking you out to the ocean or into the ICW,” notes Hughes. Adding that it’s well-protected by rock jetties, well-marked, and experiences minimal shoaling for an ocean cut. Take a few casts here and you’ll find great fishing, too, with bluefish, Spanish mackerel, red drum, sea trout and southern flounder on the menu.
Pushing inside the inlet and into the Little River you’ll find Bird Island immediately to the east and extending behind Carolinas-Stateline Island.
“It’s one of the most popular anchorages you’ll find around here for both motorboats and sailboats.
“Expect to see a large fleet on the hook and rafted-up with people swimming, enjoying the sun, exploring the beach and dune edges of the undeveloped island, and maybe enjoying a cold beverage or two,” says Hughes. “People also camp out overnight here, too. If you have the time, stroll over to the oceanside and check out the Kindred Spirits Mailbox where people leave behind letters, musings and memoirs for others to enjoy.”
Another popular anchorage is the Calabash Crossroads where the Little River, the ICW and Calabash River meet. This is a four-corners intersection. Head west on the ICW toward Barefoot Landing where you’ll find tons of restaurants and shops with easy dockside access. Plus the Alabama Theater and House of Blues both offering nightly entertainment. Keep heading west on the ICW and you’ll eventually make your way to Myrtle Beach.
You can also head north at “The Crossroads,” cutting across the ICW and up into the Calabash River where you’ll find plenty of places to fish, drop anchor or tie up to the numerous floating docks along the bank. This area is famous for its many fine restaurants and super-fresh seafood. “Be sure to try The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood,” advises Hughes.
“It’s simply phenomenal – in a beautiful setting right on the river.”
“Be sure to try the fresh seafood and the daily specials.” Don’t venture north of the restaurant docks, however, warns Hughes, as there is unmarked shallow water further upriver.
For anglers, Calabash River offers enough casting room with plenty of structure to investigate. Here you’ll find speckled sea trout, redfish and the occasional southern flounder, amongst other species. The same species also inhabit a lot of the backwater creeks throughout the area for those who enjoy poking around off the beaten track. For the latest fishing reports, bait and tackle, check in at Dave’s Outpost in nearby Sunset Beach
“This certainly is a great place for boaters to explore,”
sums up Hughes. “No matter which way you point the bow, good water, fun and opportunity await – and should you find yourself in need of assistance it’s good to know that Sea Tow Myrtle Beach and Sea Tow Ocean Isle are always on call.”