Murrells Inlet Bottom Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target grouper, snapper, and mahi mahi 40 miles offshoreSingle guest capacity provides personalized fishing experienceBottom fishing charter focuses on hard-fighting species
Looking for a serious offshore fishing challenge? This Murrells Inlet bottom fishing trip takes you 40 miles out into the deep blue where the real monsters live. We're talking about some of the hardest-fighting fish you'll find anywhere along the South Carolina coast. Pack your cooler with food and drinks, slather on that sunscreen, and get ready for a day of arm-burning action targeting Grouper, Snapper, Black Sea Bass, Cobia, and if we're lucky, some beautiful Mahi Mahi cruising the offshore waters.
This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading way out where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish hang out. The ride out takes some time, but that 40-mile run puts us right in the sweet spot where structure holds serious fish. You'll be fishing solo on this charter, so all the action is yours. The captain knows these offshore ledges and humps like the back of his hand, and we'll be anchoring up on productive bottom where fish stack up in numbers. Bring layers because it can get breezy out there, and the temperature drops a few degrees once you get away from shore. Don't forget a good hat and plenty of water – the sun reflects off that blue water something fierce.
We're doing serious bottom fishing here, which means heavy tackle and strong drags. You'll be dropping baits down 80 to 120 feet in most spots, using circle hooks and enough weight to hold bottom in the current. The captain provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle – we're talking about conventional reels spooled with heavy braid that can handle whatever comes up from the depths. Bait selection is key out here, and we'll have a mix of cut squid, cigar minnows, and whatever fresh bait works best for the conditions. The technique is straightforward but requires some finesse – drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a turn or two, and stay ready. When something grabs hold down there, you'll know it instantly.
Mahi Mahi: These guys are pure gold when they show up offshore. Mahi love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, usually in 100+ feet of water. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they light up in neon colors when hooked. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Red Snapper: The king of bottom fish around here, Red Snapper are incredibly smart and can be finicky about what they'll bite. They hang around hard bottom and ledges in 60 to 200 feet of water, and peak season runs from late spring through summer. These fish have serious attitude and will test your drag system. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with sweet, flaky meat that's worth every bit of effort.
Gag Grouper: These bruisers are ambush predators that live in caves and under ledges, waiting to inhale whatever swims by. Gags are most active during cooler months and can grow massive – we're talking 20 to 40-pound fish that will try to drag you back to their hole. They're incredibly strong and have zero quit in them. The meat is excellent, with a firm texture that holds up to any cooking method.
Cobia: Brown sharks, as some folks call them, are wandering predators that show up around structure and in the open water column. They're most common in warmer months and are absolute freight trains when hooked. Cobia fight dirty – they'll run straight at the boat, then turn and burn line like crazy. They're also fantastic eating, with meat that tastes almost like shark but with a cleaner flavor.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – these fish punch way above their weight class. They're structure-oriented bottom dwellers that are active year-round but peak in spring and fall. Sea Bass are scrappy fighters that use every bit of cover they can find. They're also some of the best eating fish out there, with sweet, delicate meat that's perfect for any preparation.
Broomtail Grouper: These deep-water giants are the ultimate prize for bottom fishermen. They live in 150+ feet of water around hard structure and can reach impressive sizes. Broomtails are less common than other grouper species, which makes landing one extra special. They fight like bulldogs and have the power to snap heavy tackle if you're not ready for them.
This offshore bottom fishing adventure offers everything serious anglers dream about – deep water, big fish, and the chance to test your skills against some of the ocean's toughest fighters. With Aces Up Fishing Charters, you're getting local knowledge that comes from years of working these offshore waters. The fish are out there waiting, but spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Don't wait around – book your Murrells Inlet offshore bottom fishing trip today and get ready for the kind of fishing that creates lifelong memories and sore arms.
This 34' Hydra Sports is built for serious offshore bottom fishing adventures along the South Carolina coast. With GPS navigation and radar systems, you'll cruise confidently through 40 miles of open water to reach prime fishing grounds where Grouper, Snapper, Black Sea Bass, Cobia, and Mahi Mahi are waiting. The boat's equipped with VHF radio for marine communication and includes an onboard toilet for comfort during those long fishing sessions. Whether you're dropping lines over structure or fighting trophy fish back to the boat, this vessel handles the offshore conditions with ease. Pack your cooler with food and drinks, bring sun protection, and dress for changing weather - you'll be spending quality time on the water targeting some of the hardest fighting species the Atlantic has to offer.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - beautiful red fish that start pink when young and develop that classic crimson color as adults. Most run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, though they can grow much larger. We target them around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 60-200+ feet of water. They're true warriors that'll give you a real scrap, often trying to cut your line on structure or debris. What makes them special is the combination of great fight and outstanding table fare - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. They spawn May through October, making summer trips productive. Here's the key: get your bait to the bottom fast with enough weight, and use circle hooks with live or fresh cut bait. Cigar minnows and squid work great, but live pinfish will land the biggest ones.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are often mistaken for sharks at first glance due to their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These powerful fish average around 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+. They're typically found cruising near structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-70 feet of water, though they'll venture deeper to 300 feet around offshore rigs. Spring and summer are peak seasons when they move inshore for spawning. What makes cobia special is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight - they'll make strong runs and test your drag. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Since they're usually solitary, spotting one is exciting. My tip: use a bucktail jig in any color and work it near bottom structure. They're not picky about color, but they love that erratic jig action.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll encounter offshore - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach up to 50+. We find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks, usually in the top 30 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime seasons when they're most active. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and aerial acrobatics - they'll jump and tail-walk like crazy. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, mild meat. One tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for others nearby. They sometimes travel in small groups, so have another rod ready to go while fighting the first one.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy members of the grouper family that pack a punch despite their smaller size. Most run under 4 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size until they break the surface. These plump, dark fish hang around structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. Males turn bright blue during spawning and develop a distinctive hump. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit jigs, live bait, or cut squid with authority. They're also great eating and relatively easy to target. Here's a tip: use a simple two-hook rig with squid strips. They're bottom feeders that stack up around structure, so once you find them, you can often catch several from the same spot.
Mycteroperca XenarchaBroomtail grouper are the rare prize of the grouper family, easily recognized by their fan-shaped tail that looks nothing like other groupers. These bruisers average 30-60 pounds and can stretch over 4 feet. They hang around rocky bottoms and structure in deeper water, usually 100+ feet, though younger ones venture into shallower areas. While they're uncommon in our waters, when you connect with one, you're in for a serious battle. They'll try to drag you straight into the rocks the moment they feel the hook. What sets them apart is their incredible strength - they don't have stamina, but their initial power is tremendous. My advice: use heavy braided line and lock that drag down tight. Don't give them an inch or they'll find a hole to break you off in.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper might not win beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure fighting power. These gray, mottled fish average around 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. They love hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks where they can ambush prey. You'll often find them mixed in with kingfish and Spanish mackerel. What makes gags exciting is their brute strength - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. They're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Spring through fall are best when they're most active. My advice: use live pinfish or mullet, keep your rod tip low, and don't let them freewheel once hooked. Lock that reel down and horse them up before they can dive into structure and break you off.
Murrells Inlet