Morning Inshore Fishing Trip Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Morning inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and flounderAll gear, bait, and fish cleaning includedFamilyfriendly charter accommodates up to 4 guests
Nothing beats the satisfaction of hauling in quality fish before most folks have finished their morning coffee. This 3-hour inshore fishing charter out of Murrells Inlet gets you on the water at 7 AM sharp, when the bite is typically at its best and the crowds haven't hit the popular spots yet. You'll fish the protected creeks, marshes, and nearshore waters where South Carolina's most sought-after gamefish hang out year-round. With all gear and bait included plus professional fish cleaning service, you just need to show up ready to wet a line. This top-rated charter accommodates up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for couples, small families, or a tight group of fishing buddies who want personalized attention from an experienced captain.
Your morning starts at the dock in Murrells Inlet, where you'll meet your captain and get a quick rundown of the day's game plan. The boat heads out into the maze of tidal creeks and salt marshes that make this area famous among inshore anglers. These waters stay relatively calm compared to offshore conditions, so even if you're prone to seasickness, you'll likely feel comfortable throughout the trip. The captain reads the tides, water temperature, and baitfish activity to determine which spots offer the best action for the day. You might find yourself casting around oyster bars where redfish cruise for crabs, or working deeper channels where black drum patrol the bottom. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast might produce a hard-fighting cobia while the next brings up a tasty flounder. Kids aged 4 and up are welcome with proper safety gear provided, and the captain takes extra care to ensure younger anglers stay engaged and safe while learning proper fishing techniques.
All fishing equipment comes included, from medium-action spinning rods perfect for inshore species to a full selection of terminal tackle suited for local conditions. You'll primarily use live and cut bait like shrimp, mullet, and mud minnows – the proven producers in these waters. Depending on what's biting, expect to deploy various techniques throughout the morning. Bottom fishing with Carolina rigs works great for black drum and black sea bass around structure, while free-lining live shrimp near grass beds often triggers strikes from speckled trout and redfish. When spanish mackerel are running, the captain might break out lighter tackle with small jigs or spoons for some fast-paced action. The boat carries a fish finder to locate schools of baitfish and deeper holes where gamefish congregate. Circle hooks are standard to promote catch-and-release conservation, though you're welcome to keep fish within legal limits. Your captain handles all the net work and provides expert guidance on hook setting, fighting techniques, and proper fish handling. At trip's end, any keeper fish get professionally cleaned and bagged so you can head straight home or to your vacation rental with dinner ready for the pan.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Murrells Inlet inshore fishing, with these copper-colored bruisers available year-round in the marsh creeks and grass flats. These fish average 18-27 inches and put up a memorable fight with powerful runs and stubborn determination. They feed heavily on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish around oyster bars and dock pilings. Fall and spring offer peak action when schools of reds move through the area, but summer mornings still produce quality fish before the heat drives them to deeper, cooler water. What makes redfish special is their aggressive nature – when you find one, there are usually others nearby, leading to multiple hookups that get everyone on the boat excited.
Cobia show up as welcome surprises during the warmer months, typically from April through October. These brown sharks (as locals sometimes call them) cruise the shallows looking for crabs and can reach impressive sizes of 20-40 pounds in local waters. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving anglers a clear shot at sight-casting live bait or jigs. Cobia are excellent table fare and provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience inshore, often making long runs and testing your drag system. When hooked, they have a habit of diving toward structure, so the captain's boat-handling skills become crucial in landing these prized gamefish.
Spanish Mackerel arrive in schools during spring and fall migrations, providing fast-paced action that keeps everyone busy. These silver speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and hit small jigs, spoons, or live bait with aggressive strikes. While not the biggest fish in local waters, they make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. Spanish mackerel are also fantastic eating when prepared fresh, with firm white meat perfect for grilling or blackening. When a school moves through, it's not uncommon to boat a dozen or more in quick succession.
Black Sea Bass hang around hard bottom areas, reefs, and structure throughout the year, offering consistent action when other species prove finicky. These chunky bottom dwellers average 1-2 pounds but can reach 4-5 pounds in deeper water. They readily take cut bait, live shrimp, and small jigs, making them great confidence builders for novice anglers. Black sea bass have sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a classic fish fry, and they're generally easy to clean and prepare.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized juveniles to monster adults exceeding 30 pounds. These bottom feeders love crabs, shrimp, and cut bait presented right on the seafloor near oyster beds and channel edges. Larger black drum provide serious battles on medium tackle, often requiring 10-15 minutes to bring to the boat. They're
Hit the waters of Murrells Inlet aboard our reliable 22' Sea Hunt motorboat, your ticket to a productive morning of inshore fishing. This well-equipped vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to cast lines and land fish. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for success - a fish finder to locate schools of redfish and speckled trout, GPS navigation to hit the best fishing spots, and a live bait tank to keep your bait fresh and active. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while the private toilet adds convenience for longer trips. Built for both performance and comfort, this Sea Hunt handles Murrells Inlet's inshore waters with ease, whether you're targeting flounder in the grass beds or chasing Spanish mackerel near the jetties. Family-friendly and stable, it's perfect for introducing kids to saltwater fishing while giving experienced anglers the platform they need to boat their limit.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldozers of the inshore flats - powerful, gray-black fish with chin whiskers that can range from 5-pound "puppy drum" up to 30+ pound bruisers. They love shallow, muddy areas around oyster beds and creek mouths where they use their strong jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, but we catch them year-round in the right spots. What guests enjoy is the steady, bulldogging fight - no flashy jumps, just pure pulling power. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones get tough and stringy. Here's the thing about black drum: they make drumming sounds you can actually hear and feel through the boat hull when a school moves in. Fresh crab bait fished right on the bottom is your best bet.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that love hanging around structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky areas in 20-60 feet of water. These guys typically run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, with their distinctive black and white coloring and that spiny dorsal fin. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore to spawn and feed. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything that hits the bottom, and they fight harder than their size suggests. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find, similar to grouper. Here's something cool: they actually change from female to male as they grow larger. My advice: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips and keep your bait right on the structure.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the brown sharks of the inshore world - dark brown bodies that often get mistaken for sharks until you see that single dorsal fin. These bruisers average 3-4 feet and 20-40 pounds, making them one of the strongest fighters you'll hook nearshore. They're curious fish that cruise around structure like buoys, wrecks, and even follow rays in 15-50 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June gives us the best shots at them around here. What guests love most is the raw power - these fish will test your arms and your drag system. The meat is outstanding too, firm and mild like a cross between shark and grouper. My tip: when you spot one, don't cast right at it. Lead them by 10 feet and work your jig slowly past their nose.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down one of the most popular targets in our shallow waters around Murrells Inlet. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive black spots near the tail typically run 20-35 inches and love cruising the grass flats and oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. You'll often spot their backs breaking the surface as they tail-feed in the shallows. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding in warmer water. What makes them special is their stubborn fight - they'll make long runs and test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you see one tailing, cast your bait 3-4 feet ahead of where they're heading, not right on top of them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters - silver rockets with yellow spots that'll run 12-20 inches and 1-3 pounds. These schooling fish love to hunt baitfish near the surface around jetties, piers, and open water from spring through fall. When they're feeding, you'll see birds diving and bait jumping everywhere. They're fast swimmers that put up a scrappy fight for their size, and kids especially love the non-stop action when a school moves through. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. They're also one of the easier fish to hook, making them great confidence builders for new anglers. Quick tip: use a small wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat, and you'll lose more fish than you catch.
Murrells Inlet, SC