Any suggestions on pier fishing?

[Tack25]

I am staying in Cherry Grove (Myrtle Beach) for vacation and have a guide lined up for some saltwater fishing. However, Im not much of a beach bum and keep eyeing the piers. Any suggestions for someone thats never done any pier fishing before? According to its website the local pier offers a 1day pass & rod/reel rental for $16. Obviously they offer bait (more $), but what other do I need without going crazy? I didnt bother bringing anything with me because I knew the guide would have me covered and I dont really have anything for saltwater anyway.
Any suggestions are welcome.

[hotcap]

I have found that the tackle shop at the piers will steer you straight. Use what they suggest and change your bait often as fresh bait catches the fish. If you get the urge to get fancy get a King Mackerel rig and fish off the end of the pier preferably with live bait. They started hitting outside (12 to 20 miles out) the first of the month and should still be good I would think. Have fun.
Hotcap

[doughboy]

Live Bait, no frozen , Patience if it is crowded:D
Mike

[10MMGary]

FWIW I am long time pier fisherman and have fished several piers in SC including Myrtle Beach. The pier supports are structure and marine life love structure. I have always had most success fishing straight down near the support columns. Now having said that some piers will have rock piles or some other type of structure within casting distance and that may hold fish, but if not I say fish straight down. You'll see guys and gals walk out to the end of a long pier and then cast as far as they can away from the pier. I very rarely see those people catch anything other than rays or catfish. Also depending on the pier the tides and what you are targeting you may want to fish just past the breakers(on the outside) instead of going all the way to the end of the pier. Many species like to patrol the breakers waiting to ambush prey stirred up by the wave action.
Good luck.

[Hogchaser]

I would go with live bait instead of frozen, I did some pier fishing in Florida last month, at first we tried the frozen shrimp which didnt do well, we then went to a bait shop up the street and bought lice bait and things picked up big time, I would suggest a pair of pliers as well, they are always good to have and they cost a fortune if you buy them close to your pier.

[papapaul]

Walk out on the pier and meet the people. They will share every technique they know and love to do it. Everybody is out there for a good time. It is almost like entering another world. Like going to a good range.