Morning Inshore Fishing Charter Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour morning charter targets multiple inshore speciesAll gear, bait, and fish cleaning includedCaptain explores nearshore and potential offshore waters
There's nothing quite like getting on the water early when the fish are actively feeding and the crowds haven't hit yet. This 4-hour morning charter out of Murrells Inlet kicks off at 7:00 AM, giving you and up to 3 other anglers prime time on some of South Carolina's most productive fishing grounds. Captain and crew from ALL HOOKED UP FISHING CHARTERS LLC know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet.
Your morning starts at the dock in Murrells Inlet, one of the area's top fishing ports. The captain will brief you on the day's game plan while the crew gets gear ready and ice in the fish box. You'll be targeting a mixed bag of species in the inshore creeks and nearshore reefs, with the possibility of running offshore if conditions are right and time permits. The beauty of this trip is the variety – you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in shallow water one minute, then dropping down on a productive reef for grouper the next. All your tackle, bait, and safety gear comes with the trip, so you can focus on fishing instead of packing. At the end of the day, the crew handles cleaning and bagging your catch, which is a nice touch that saves you time and lets you head home with restaurant-quality fillets.
The fishing approach depends on what's biting and where the captain finds fish that morning. In the inshore creeks and marshes around Murrells Inlet, you'll likely be using live bait like shrimp, mud minnows, or finger mullet on light tackle – perfect for redfish cruising the oyster bars and flounder lying in ambush along drop-offs. When you move to nearshore structure, expect heavier tackle for bottom fishing. Circle hooks with cut bait or live baitfish work great for black sea bass, while trolling with spoons or live bait can produce king mackerel and cobia. The crew knows which techniques work best for each species and will set you up for success. They'll also coach you through fighting larger fish and help with netting and gaffing when needed.
Bluefish are aggressive predators that travel in schools and hit hard when they're feeding. Around Murrells Inlet, they show up in good numbers during cooler months and provide fast action on light tackle. These fish fight well above their weight class and make great table fare when properly bled and iced. You'll find them anywhere from nearshore reefs to inshore creeks, often feeding on baitfish near the surface.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of nearshore bottom fishing here. These chunky fish live around hard structure and reefs, typically in 20-60 feet of water. They're not huge – most run 1-3 pounds – but they're plentiful, fight hard for their size, and are excellent eating. Sea bass are active year-round but fishing is best during fall and winter months when they're feeding heavily.
Goliath grouper are the giants of the reef. These massive fish can exceed 400 pounds and provide an epic battle on heavy tackle. While they're catch-and-release only in South Carolina waters, hooking into one is a bucket-list experience. They hang around wrecks and artificial reefs in 60+ feet of water and will absolutely test your arms and your drag system.
King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as locals call them, are fast-moving pelagic fish that show up nearshore from spring through fall. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Kings typically range from 10-30 pounds around here and can be caught trolling or with live bait. Their blistering runs and aerial displays make them a favorite target for many anglers.
Cobia are prized gamefish that look like sharks but fight even harder. These brown, torpedo-shaped fish cruise nearshore waters during warmer months, often following rays and sharks. They're curious fish that will come up to investigate the boat, giving you shots at sight-casting. Cobia are fantastic table fare and most fish here run 20-50 pounds, providing serious battles on appropriate tackle.
This morning charter hits the sweet spot for anglers who want variety, quality fishing, and a professional crew that knows how to find fish. The early start means you're fishing during prime feeding times, and the 4-hour duration gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots without burning the whole day. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with quality fillets or just want to experience some of the best fishing South Carolina has to offer, this trip delivers. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for couples, families, or small groups of friends. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check your schedule before booking. Don't wait too long – prime morning slots fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Our 22' Sea Hunt is your ticket to productive fishing waters around Murrells Inlet. This reliable motorboat handles both inshore flats and nearshore ledges with ease, keeping up to 4 anglers comfortable while chasing Redfish, Flounder, King Mackerel, and Grouper. The live bait tank keeps your bait frisky, while the fish finder helps locate those honey holes where the action heats up. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, plus there's a private toilet for convenience during those longer fishing sessions. With GPS navigation, your captain can hit the productive spots efficiently, and if conditions allow, you might even venture to offshore waters for some variety. Built for both safety and performance, this Sea Hunt makes morning fishing trips smooth and successful.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky bottom-dwellers that hang around structure in 20-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, though we occasionally see nice ones pushing 6-8 pounds around wrecks and rocky bottom. These guys love jetties, artificial reefs, and hard bottom during late spring through summer when they move inshore to spawn. They're members of the grouper family and put up a solid scrap until they break the surface. What makes them interesting is they're all born female and some change to males as they grow - the bigger fish are usually the boys. The meat's sweet and flaky, making them one of the best eating fish we target. They'll hit squid strips, clams, or small jigs bounced near bottom. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them up quick before they duck back into the rocks.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our waters during warmer months, typically running 2-10 pounds with occasional larger specimens. These blue-green fighters have razor-sharp teeth and travel in schools, making for fast action when you find them. You'll encounter them around jetties, surf zones, and nearshore waters where they chase baitfish like menhaden and anchovies. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, especially when water temps hit 65-75°F. Guests love their hard strikes and strong runs - they fight dirty and don't give up easy. The meat's excellent when fresh, though smaller fish taste milder than the big ones. Pro tip: use wire leaders and keep your fingers clear when handling them - those teeth will slice you up quick. They often feed in a frenzy, so when you hook one, keep your lines in the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that cruise shallow waters solo, typically weighing 20-60 pounds around our area. They're curious and often approach the boat, making for exciting sight-fishing opportunities. You'll find them around buoys, channel markers, and structure in 20-50 feet during spring and summer months. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish we catch. They spawn in our backwaters from June through August, offering consistent action. These fish eat crabs, squid, and small fish, so they'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, or even topwater lures. The fight's strong and sustained with powerful runs. Here's my trick: when you spot one cruising, cast ahead of where it's heading, not right at it. Let the jig sink and work it slow - they like to inspect before they eat.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the giants of our reefs - true monsters that can reach 400-600 pounds and live over 50 years. These protected fish hang around shallow structure, wrecks, and ledges in 20-100 feet of water year-round. They're completely fearless and curious, often approaching divers and boats. What makes targeting them special is the sheer power - that first run can snap heavy tackle if you're not ready. We practice strict catch-and-release since harvest is prohibited, but the photo opportunities are unmatched. Summer months offer the best action when they're most active. The fight is intense but short-lived as they try to get back to their holes. Bring your heaviest gear - 80-class reels with 400+ pound mono are minimum. My tip: anchor close enough to get them interested but far enough to pull them away from structure, and be ready for that bone-jarring first hit.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that patrol our nearshore waters in 40-150 feet, averaging 15-30 pounds with some topping 50. These silver bullets show up when water temps hit 68°F and stick around through fall. They're built for speed with razor teeth, hunting schools of baitfish along temperature breaks and current lines. What guests love most is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish we target. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for the grill when fresh. We find them trolling along ledges, around live bottom, and near bait schools. Spring and fall migrations offer the hottest action. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig live bait with two hooks - one through the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail section of baits, so that stinger hook back there saves a lot of missed fish. Watch for diving birds marking bait.
Murrells Inlet, SC