Murrells Inlet Gulfstream Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore gulfstream fishing targeting tuna, grouper, wahoo, and mahi mahiAll gear, licenses, bait, and catch cleaning included with tripProfessional first mate provides assistance throughout the fishing expedition
Ready to hit the deep blue waters off Murrells Inlet for some serious offshore action? Aces Up Fishing Charters is your ticket to the legendary Gulfstream, where warm currents bring big fish and bigger memories. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about heading out to where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the fish get real interesting. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Atlantic, from screaming tuna runs to heavyweight grouper battles that'll test your drag system.
This Gulfstream adventure puts you right in the heart of South Carolina's premier offshore fishing grounds. We're talking about a full day on the water where you can switch between trolling the blue water for pelagics and dropping down to structure for bottom dwellers. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one minute you might be fighting a wahoo that's peeling line like there's no tomorrow, and the next you could be cranking up a monster grouper from 200 feet down. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the current breaks, water temperature changes, and bird activity that signal where the fish are stacked up. The first mate will be right there with you, helping with everything from rigging baits to gaffing your trophy fish. All your licenses, tackle, bait, and even fish cleaning are handled, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat.
The Gulfstream offers two distinct fishing styles that keep things interesting all day long. When we're trolling, we'll be pulling a spread of lures and ballyhoo through the current edges where mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna cruise for baitfish. The captain will set up a pattern that covers different depths and speeds, giving you the best shot at multiple hookups. You'll learn to read the outriggers and watch for that telltale snap when something big inhales your bait. For bottom fishing, we're talking about heavy tackle and serious structure – artificial reefs, ledges, and rocky bottom where the grouper and snapper live. The mate will show you how to work a jig or live bait in the current, feeling for that distinctive thump of a big fish picking up your offering. The key is keeping your bait just off the bottom where these fish feed, but not so close that you get hung up in the rocks.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing here, and when they're in season, there's nothing quite like the fight these fish put up. They'll typically run 5-15 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 20-plus. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, so you'll be dropping baits around ledges and artificial reefs in 80-150 feet of water. What makes red snapper so special is their pure determination – they'll head straight for the rocks when hooked, testing your drag and nerve. The bite is usually best during the moving tide, and once you find them, you can often catch several before they wise up.
Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the bottom fishing world, and the Gulfstream waters off Murrells Inlet hold some real tanks. These fish can exceed 30 pounds and will put your tackle to the test with their powerful runs and rock-hugging tendencies. Gag grouper are ambush predators that lurk around structure, so you'll be targeting the same areas as the snapper but with heavier tackle. The best technique is often a large live or cut bait fished near the bottom, and when a big gag eats, there's no mistaking it – they hit hard and immediately try to get back to their cave.
Blackfin Tuna bring the speed and aerial acrobatics that make offshore fishing so addictive. These smaller tunas, typically running 5-25 pounds, are absolute rockets when hooked and will often jump clear of the water multiple times during the fight. They school up around temperature breaks and current edges, making them perfect targets for trolling. What's amazing about blackfin is their stamina – they'll make long, burning runs that test your reel's drag system and your endurance. The bite is usually best during dawn and dusk hours when they're actively feeding on baitfish.
Mahi Mahi are the most colorful and acrobatic fish you'll encounter on this trip, with their brilliant gold and green colors that light up when they're excited. These fish travel in schools and are often found around floating debris, sargassum lines, or current edges. Mahi are known for their spectacular jumps and rapid color changes during the fight. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. When you find one mahi, there are usually more in the area, so the action can be fast and furious.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph and armed with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through leader material like butter. These fish are built for speed, with a torpedo-shaped body and incredible burst capability. When a wahoo hits a trolled bait, the strike is violent and unmistakable – they'll often hook themselves with their aggressive attack. The key to landing wahoo is using wire leader and keeping steady pressure, as they're notorious for throwing hooks with their powerful head shakes.
Cobia are the wild cards of the offshore scene, often showing up when you least expect them but providing some of the most exciting visual fishing opportunities. These brown sharks look-alikes are curious fish that will often follow the boat, giving you a chance to sight-cast with live bait or jigs. Cobia are powerful fighters that will make long runs and can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon in these waters. They're also excellent table fare, making
Get ready to chase Gulf Stream pelagics aboard this 34' Hydra Sports with Aces Up Fishing Charters out of Murrells Inlet. This offshore-ready sportfish comes equipped with GPS navigation, radar, and VHF radio to keep you connected and safe in deep water. Whether you're trolling for Wahoo and Mahi or dropping lines for Grouper and Tuna, the boat's layout gives you plenty of room to work the fish. Your captain and first mate know these waters inside out, and they'll have you rigged up with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the licenses you need. After you boat your catch, they'll handle the cleaning so you can focus on the fishing. The onboard head keeps things comfortable during those long runs to productive water. Built for serious angling, this Hydra Sports will get you out to where the big fish swim in the legendary Gulf Stream current.
Mycteroperca XenarchaBroomtail Grouper get their name from that distinctive fan-shaped tail that sets them apart from other grouper species. These robust fighters average 30-60 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds, making them serious bottom bruisers. We find them around deep rocky structure and continental shelves, usually 100-200 feet down where adults prefer to hang out. They're year-round targets but can be tricky to locate since they're less common than other grouper. What draws anglers? The challenge of their bulldogging fight and their excellent table fare - soft, white meat that's perfect for any preparation. These opportunistic feeders love live bait, especially local pinfish or shrimp. My key advice: use braided line with heavy tackle and a quality drag system. The moment they bite, crank hard - don't give them a chance to reach the rocks. Once you feel their initial power fade, that's when you start winning the battle and bringing them up.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are ambush predators that pack serious power in their chunky bodies. These gray, marbled fish average around 20 inches but can reach 4+ feet and 80 pounds. Look for them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure from 30-200 feet deep. They're year-round targets, but spring and fall fishing is typically best. What draws anglers? The challenge - they're notorious for their initial bulldogging run straight to the rocks, trying to break you off. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key difference from other grouper is males have reticulated dorsal fins and darker coloring. Here's my go-to technique: use braided line with heavy tackle, drop live pinfish or cut bait to the bottom, and the second you feel that thump, crank hard and don't let up. They change sex from female to male as they mature - pretty unique fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are true bottom fighters that'll give you a real battle once hooked. These pink-to-red beauties average 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but can grow much larger. They love deep structure - we find them around 30-200 feet near wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that 50-70 degree sweet spot. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving straight for cover to cut your line, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect grilled or blackened. My tip: use heavy tackle with circle hooks and cigar minnows or fresh squid. The moment you feel that bite, lock your reel and pull hard - don't give them a chance to reach the rocks.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the chameleons of the sea with their brilliant gold, blue, and green colors that flash like neon underwater. They average 15-30 pounds and rarely live past 4 years, but what they lack in longevity they make up for in pure excitement. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Summer through fall brings the best action when they're chasing flying fish near the surface. Why guests love them? They're acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly, plus they're fantastic eating - mild, sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. My trick: once you hook up, leave one fish in the water while others cast to the school. The hooked fish acts as a live teaser, keeping the school fired up and close to the boat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown sharks that aren't sharks - these unique fish cruise near the surface and often get mistaken for their toothy cousins. They average around 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. We typically find them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet during spring migration and spawning season. What makes them special? They're excellent sight fishing targets that'll eat almost anything, plus they're some of the best eating fish around - firm, white meat that rivals any premium fish. Being the only member of their family in North America makes them pretty unique too. They're aggressive fighters that make powerful runs. Here's my tip: when you spot one cruising, drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them. Color doesn't matter much, but a 4-8 oz jig works best. They're curious fish, so sometimes they'll just swim up to the boat to investigate.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the deep - hitting 60 mph and capable of making blistering runs that'll test your drag system. These silver missiles with blue stripes average 3-5 feet and pack razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono like butter. We find them in blue water year-round, but they're most active during cooler months around structure or current breaks. What makes them special? Pure speed and power, plus they're premium table fare - firm, white, flaky meat that's called "ono" (delicious) in Hawaiian. They're solitary hunters that'll smash trolled baits at high speed, often around 12-15 knots. Essential gear includes wire leaders - their serrated teeth will cut anything else. My go-to setup: bullethead lures or skirted ballyhoo trolled fast near drop-offs. When they hit, hang on tight because that first run is something you'll never forget.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but don't let that fool you - they're fierce fighters with serious speed. These beauties average 15-30 pounds with distinctive golden sides and black finlets. We target them in blue water near the continental shelf, usually trolling or chunking around schools of baitfish. Best months are typically fall through spring when water temps stay above 68 degrees. What makes them special? They school up with other species and put on aerial shows when hooked. Plus, the meat is outstanding - similar to yellowfin with that rich, meaty flavor perfect for sashimi or searing. They're fast growers but short-lived, rarely exceeding 5 years. Pro tip: scale down your tackle - they're line-shy with sharp eyesight. Use 30-pound fluoro leaders with 5/0 circle hooks, and try live pilchards or small jigs. When you find one, there's usually more nearby.
Murrells Inlet