Morning Inshore Fishing Trip Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Early morning departure at 7:00 AM for productive fishing hoursTarget redfish, flounder, mackerel, and trout in calm watersAll gear included plus complimentary fish cleaning service
There's something special about being on the water at first light, and this 3-hour morning inshore fishing trip in Murrells Inlet captures that magic perfectly. Departing at 7:00 AM, you'll beat the heat and the crowds while targeting some of South Carolina's most sought-after nearshore species. Captain and crew from ALL HOOKED UP FISHING CHARTERS LLC know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish in the calm, protected waters around Murrells Inlet. With room for up to 4 guests, this trip works great for families, couples, or small groups who want a more intimate fishing experience without the chaos of larger party boats.
Your morning starts early, but trust me – it's worth it. The calm waters of Murrells Inlet and surrounding creeks offer some of the most consistent inshore fishing on the Grand Strand. We're talking about protected backwaters, grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where fish love to hang out and feed. The beauty of inshore fishing here is that even when it's rough offshore, these spots stay fishable and comfortable. Your captain will have all the gear ready – rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait – so you can focus on what matters: catching fish. The boat is equipped with safety gear for everyone 4 years and older, making this a family-friendly adventure. Plus, at the end of the trip, your catch gets cleaned and bagged at no extra charge, so you're ready to head straight home or to your favorite restaurant for a fresh fish dinner.
Inshore fishing around Murrells Inlet is all about reading the water and understanding fish behavior. Your captain will likely start by working the grass flats and creek edges where redfish cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. Expect to use both live bait like mud minnows and shrimp, plus artificial lures like spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs when conditions are right. The technique varies based on what's biting – sometimes we're sight fishing for tailing reds in shallow water, other times we're dropping baits around structure for flounder or black drum. Spanish mackerel often show up around the inlet mouth and nearshore structure, where fast-moving lures and live bait work best. The captain knows exactly where to find productive water based on tide, weather, and seasonal patterns, and they'll teach you the local tricks that make all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Murrells Inlet inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters range from 14 to 27 inches (slot size), with some bull reds over 27 inches that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the best action, with reds feeding heavily in shallow grass flats and around oyster bars during moving tides. What makes them so popular is their aggressive strike and strong runs – plus they're absolutely delicious when prepared right. You'll often spot them tailing in shallow water or see their backs as they cruise the flats.
Cobia are the wildcard species that can turn a good trip into an epic one. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) show up around structure, pilings, and sometimes just cruising in open water. They typically run 20 to 40 pounds, though bigger fish are caught regularly. Spring migration (March through May) is prime time, but resident fish stick around year-round. Cobia are curious fish that often come right up to the boat, and their powerful runs will have you questioning your tackle choices. The meat is white, flaky, and rivals any offshore species.
Spanish Mackerel provide fast action and are perfect for kids or anyone who wants steady bites. These silver bullets typically run 1 to 3 pounds and have razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through light tackle in a heartbeat. They show up in spring and hang around through fall, often feeding in schools around the inlet and nearshore waters. Wire leaders are a must, and they love fast-moving baits like small spoons and live shrimp. They're excellent eating when bled and iced properly, and their aggressive nature makes them a blast on light tackle.
Black Sea Bass are bottom dwellers that love structure – rocks, reefs, and hard bottom areas near the inlet. They're not the biggest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. Most run 1 to 3 pounds, though larger fish are common around deeper structure. They're year-round residents but fishing is best during cooler months when they move into shallower water. Black sea bass have excellent white meat and are perfect for fish tacos or grilling whole. They're also great for novice anglers since they bite readily and fight close to the bottom.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore world, often called "big uglies" for their appearance but prized for their fighting ability. Around Murrells Inlet, they range from 5-pound juveniles to 40-pound-plus giants that'll make your arms ache. They love oyster bars, creek mouths, and around docks where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and worms. Fall and winter typically provide the best action for larger fish. Smaller black drum (under 16 inches) are excellent eating, while the big ones are usually released to fight another day. Their runs are bulldogging and powerful – pure strength rather than speed.
This morning inshore trip offers everything you want from a Murrells Inlet fishing experience – knowledgeable local guides, productive fishing grounds, and the chance to catch dinner while
The 22' Sea Hunt is your ticket to productive morning fishing in Murrells Inlet's prime inshore waters. This well-equipped motorboat handles up to 4 guests comfortably while you chase redfish, flounder, and speckled trout in the shallows. Built with serious anglers in mind, she features a fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and a live bait tank to keep your bait fresh. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while the private toilet adds convenience for longer fishing sessions. Perfect for families and small groups, this reliable vessel gets you to the fish safely and comfortably. All gear and bait included, plus your captain will clean your catch so you can head straight home with dinner ready for the table.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the inshore flats, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish have barbels under their chin and crushing jaws built for eating oysters and crabs. Around Murrells Inlet, we target them on shallow oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring is prime time during their spawn when they school up and make those famous drumming sounds you can actually hear through the boat hull. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight - they don't jump but they'll pull drag and test your tackle. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are good eating, but the big ones are best released. Fresh blue crab is the ultimate bait, especially peeler crabs. Fish it right on the bottom and be patient - they're methodical feeders.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable bottom dwellers that make great targets for families since they bite consistently. These chunky, dark fish with white-edged fins average 1-3 pounds around our nearshore structure. You'll find them hanging around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 20-80 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What guests appreciate is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - firm, white meat with a mild flavor that's hard to beat. They fight well for their size, making multiple runs toward structure. The key is fishing right on the bottom with cut bait or squid strips on a two-hook rig. Drop your bait straight down and keep it pinned to the bottom. When you feel that tap-tap bite, set the hook quick before they head back to their rocky hideout.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of the inshore waters - these brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds. They're loners, not schoolers, so spotting one swimming near the surface is always exciting. Around Murrells Inlet, we find them near structure like channel markers, crab pots, and floating debris in 15-50 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're migrating and spawning. What guests love about cobia is the visual aspect - you can actually see them cruising and cast right to them. They fight hard with powerful runs and are top-notch eating with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. My tip: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where it's swimming. They spook easy but once hooked, hang on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of the most sought-after inshore species around Murrells Inlet. These copper-colored beauties average 18-28 inches and are famous for their black eyespot near the tail. You'll find them cruising shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, around oyster bars, grass beds, and creek mouths where they feed on crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes redfish special is their powerful fight - they'll make long runs and put serious bend in your rod. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The key to success here is keeping your bait on or near the bottom and watching for tailing fish in skinny water. A fresh shrimp under a popping cork works magic when they're spooky.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you arm-burning fights on light tackle. These silvery speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in schools near the surface. Around Murrells Inlet, we catch them over nearshore reefs, around jetties, and along the beach in 10-30 feet of water. Summer and fall are peak times when they're feeding aggressively on baitfish. What makes them fun is their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're also fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker. The trick is using light tackle and small, fast-moving lures. I like to troll small spoons or cast tiny jigs when we see birds diving on bait. Keep your drag loose because these fish have soft mouths and will throw the hook if you horse them.
Murrells Inlet, SC