Founded in 1948 by Buster Gay, Gay Fish Company has been a cornerstone of the St. Helena Island community for over 75 years. It continues the legacy of providing fresh, wild-caught seafood to locals and visitors alike.
Gay Fish Co Inc
Gay Fish Co. in Beaufort, South Carolina, is a historic seafood market offering fresh shrimp, grouper, snapper, and tuna. It’s even cool just to look at the place from the road across the marsh. In fact, Gay Fish Co. was one of the sets used for the movie "Forrest Gump," where it was immortalized as the place from which Forrest and his friend Bubba set out to build their shrimping business.
The best on the coast. Friendly staff and a nice selection of handmade items to pick up for gifts for friends and family.
Picked up several pounds of shrimp! His daughter, Cyndy Carr, joined him recently, representing the third generation of the Gay family at the helm. 🍤🦐🍤 Very convenient location to pick up on the way to the islands and campground at Hunting Island.

This small but iconic establishment is known not only for the quality of its products, but also for its connection to popular culture. Customers can find a wide selection of condiments, veggies, and handmade items to complement their seafood purchases. – Marco L.
The fish variety is always excellent, and the shrimp, caught in local waters, is fresh and tasty.
Charles and Robert are the only two still involved in the business, His children grew up working at the company and have carried on the family tradition. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist exploring Beaufort, a visit to Gay Fish Co. promises a delightful experience filled with fresh, delicious seafood and a connection to the region's culture and heritage.
Visitors appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the convenient location for picking up seafood before heading to Hunting Island or other nearby destinations. We have been on the island for 5 days so far and almost every meal we have had has been made from fresh seafood we got at Gay Fish Company.