Extended Half-day Murrells Inlet Inshore Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour charter targets redfish, trout, flounder, and black drumExtended format covers both tide cycles for better fishingSmall group charter accommodates up to three guests maximum
When you want to really dial in on the best fishing Murrells Inlet has to offer, this 6-hour inshore charter with Capt Cush Calmwater Charters gives you the time to do it right. We're talking about fishing both sides of the tide change – that's when the magic happens and these coastal waters come alive. With only 3 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your techniques. This top-rated charter targets the cream of the crop: redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum in some of South Carolina's most productive inshore waters.
Six hours on Murrells Inlet's inshore waters means we can adapt our game plan as conditions change throughout the day. Captain Cush knows these marshes, oyster bars, and grass flats like the back of his hand, and he'll position you where the fish are feeding. Early morning might find us working the creek mouths as the tide pushes baitfish out, then we'll shift to deeper holes during slack water, and finish strong on the flats as the tide floods back in. The extended time frame is a customer favorite because it lets us chase different species as they become active. When the trout bite slows down, we might switch over to targeting drum around structure, or slide into shallow water to sight-cast redfish. You're not locked into one technique or one spot – we fish smart and move with the conditions.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to inshore techniques. We'll be throwing live shrimp under popping corks for trout, bouncing jigs and soft plastics along oyster bars for redfish, and working mud minnows slow and steady for flounder. Captain Cush provides all the gear you need, from medium-action spinning rods perfect for these species to a selection of proven lures and fresh bait. The boat is rigged with a trolling motor for stealthy approaches in skinny water, plus fish finders to locate structure and bait schools in deeper areas. When we're sight-fishing, you'll get coached on presentation and timing. In murky water, we'll rely on feel and technique to put fish in the boat. The beauty of six hours is having time to master different methods instead of rushing from spot to spot.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Murrells Inlet inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and fight like they're twice that size. Spring through fall, they cruise the grass flats and oyster bars in schools, feeding aggressively on shrimp, crabs, and small fish. What makes reds so exciting is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging runs that test your drag. You'll find them tailing in shallow water during high tide and ganged up around structure when the water drops.
Spotted seatrout are the technical challenge that keeps anglers coming back. These fish are moody – they can be aggressive one minute and lockjawed the next. Peak season runs from April through October, with the best action on moving tides around grass beds and drop-offs. Trout have excellent eyesight and can be leader-shy, so we use light tackle and natural presentations. When you hook into a gator trout pushing 5-6 pounds, you'll understand why they're considered the ultimate inshore gamefish.
Flounder are the masters of camouflage and ambush, lying buried in sand near creek mouths, channel edges, and around bridge pilings. These flatfish can be tough to pattern, but once you dial in their location, you can have banner days. Summer and early fall produce the best action, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 15-inchers up to doormat flounder over 20 inches. They strike with authority but fight more like a wet towel – until they see the boat, then they turn sideways and use that flat profile to their advantage.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore lineup, with fish commonly reaching 30-40 pounds in these waters. They're bottom feeders with a serious appetite for crabs, oysters, and shrimp, making oyster bars prime real estate. Drum fishing requires patience and strong tackle – these fish don't run fast, but they pull hard and steady. The best bite typically happens during cooler months, though smaller "puppy drum" are available year-round and provide excellent action on lighter gear.
Blacktip sharks add some serious excitement to the mix, especially during their summer migration. These acrobatic fighters frequently leap completely out of the water and make blistering runs that scream drag. Spanish mackerel show up in schools and provide fast action when they're around, perfect for kids or anyone who likes steady bites. Bluefish are aggressive predators that hit hard and fight dirty, while black sea bass offer excellent bottom fishing around structure and provide some of the best table fare you'll find.
This extended half-day format gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Murrells Inlet inshore fishing has to offer. Six hours means we can chase active fish, adjust to conditions, and put you on multiple species instead of hoping for a quick bite. Captain Cush's local knowledge and personalized approach, combined with the productive waters around Murrells Inlet, make this a world-class fishing opportunity. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish or add some variety to your inshore experience, this charter delivers the time and expertise to make it happen. Book your 6-hour adventure today and see why anglers keep coming back to these renowned South Carolina waters.
Your fishing platform for this extended Murrells Inlet adventure is a freshly restored 25' Carolina Skiff that's built to handle the shallow flats and winding creeks where redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum love to feed. Powered by a brand-new 2025 Yamaha 200HP outboard, this boat gets you to the fish fast, cruising up to 40 knots when needed, then slows down for stealthy approaches in skinny water. The wireless trolling motor lets you ghost into those tight spots without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate structure and schools. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the full 6-hour charter. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work both sides of the tide cycle as conditions change throughout the day. This skiff's shallow-water design gets you into backcountry spots larger boats can't reach.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that pack a serious punch for their size. Most run 1-3 pounds and 12-16 inches, but they're built like little bulldozers with big mouths and attitude to match. You'll find them around hard structure - wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer offers the best fishing when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them popular is their aggressive bite and strong initial run, plus they're some of the best eating fish in our waters - firm, white, sweet meat. Use medium tackle with squid strips or live bait on a two-hook rig. The trick is staying right on the structure since they don't roam far from home. Once you hook one, get it up quick before it dives back into the rocks and breaks you off.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter in our coastal waters. These sleek sharks average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet, and they're known for those distinctive black-tipped fins. You'll find them patrolling depths from 30-100 feet around structure like artificial reefs and jetties. Summer months bring the best action when they move closer to shore following baitfish. What guests love about blacktips is their acrobatic jumps - they can launch 20 feet out of the water when hooked. They're also surprisingly strong fighters despite being relatively timid around the boat. Use heavy braided line with circle hooks and oily baits like mackerel or sardines. The key trick is getting a good chum slick going - once you get their attention, they'll hang around and put on quite a show.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll hit just about anything you throw at them. These blue-green torpedoes typically run 2-10 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds, and they're known for their razor-sharp teeth and feeding frenzies. Find them around jetties, inlets, and surf zones during spring through fall when they follow baitfish migrations. Summer evenings often produce spectacular surface action. What anglers love about bluefish is their vicious strikes and hard fights - they'll bend your rod and test your drag. Fresh blues are excellent table fare when bled immediately, with rich, flaky meat perfect for grilling. Always use a wire leader since they'll cut through mono instantly. My trick is to look for diving birds and nervous baitfish - when blues are feeding, they churn the water like a washing machine.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore waters around Murrells Inlet. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish so popular is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight once hooked. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. My go-to trick is using a gold spoon or live shrimp around moving water during tide changes - they can't resist it. Watch for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, and you'll usually find a school nearby.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These silver bullets typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds, but they're built for speed and can hit 18 mph. Look for them near the surface around jetties, piers, and offshore structure during spring and fall migrations. Summer brings consistent action when they school up chasing baitfish. What makes them a favorite is their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic jumps - plus they're outstanding eating with mild, flaky meat perfect for grilling or smoking. They've got razor-sharp teeth, so use a wire leader. My best tip is to troll small spoons or cast jigs to breaking fish. When you see birds diving and water boiling with baitfish, get there fast - the mackerel won't be far behind.
Murrells Inlet, SC