6-Hour Murrells Inlet Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour charter targets redfish, trout, flounder, and black drumExtended time allows fishing both tide cycles for better resultsSmall group capacity of three guests ensures personalized attention
When you want to seriously fish the inshore waters around Murrells Inlet, this extended half-day charter gives you the time to do it right. Captain Cush knows that good fishing isn't about rushing—it's about working with the tides, adjusting your approach, and staying on the water long enough to find where the fish are holding. This 6-hour trip lets you fish both sides of the tide change, which is when the magic really happens. You'll target the bread-and-butter species that make Murrells Inlet famous: redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum. With just three anglers max, you get personal attention and prime fishing spots without the crowd.
This isn't your typical quick-hit charter. Six hours gives Captain Cush the flexibility to move with the fish and work different areas as conditions change throughout the day. You'll start by reading the water—checking tide flows, baitfish activity, and structure that's holding fish. The beauty of Murrells Inlet's inshore waters is the variety: grass flats for trout, oyster bars for redfish, sandy bottoms for flounder, and deeper channels where black drum cruise. As the tide shifts, so does your strategy. Maybe you start working shallow flats on the incoming tide, then move to deeper structure as the water peaks. This extended time means you're not rushed to one spot—you can adapt and follow the bite. The small group size keeps things relaxed and personal, giving everyone plenty of rod time and individual coaching on techniques that work best for each species you're targeting.
Captain Cush runs a well-equipped boat with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for inshore fishing. You'll primarily use medium-action spinning gear that can handle everything from 14-inch trout to bull redfish in the slot. Live bait is the go-to here—mud minnows, shrimp, and finger mullet that match what these fish are naturally feeding on. Depending on conditions and target species, you might also throw soft plastics on jig heads, work topwater plugs during low-light periods, or drift cut bait for black drum. The captain adjusts rigging based on structure and tide flow: Carolina rigs for working sand bottoms, popping corks for grass flats, and free-lined baits around oyster bars. With six hours to work with, you'll likely use several different techniques as you move between spots and target different species. The extended trip time means there's opportunity to fine-tune your approach and really dial in what's working best that day.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Murrells Inlet inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters love the oyster bars, grass edges, and shallow flats that define this area. Reds typically run 18 to 27 inches in the slot here, with the occasional oversized bull mixed in. They feed aggressively on incoming tides when baitfish get pushed into the shallows. What makes them special is their fight—they'll make strong runs and use their broad sides to bulldoze against the drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within the slot limit.
Spotted seatrout are the most consistent biters in these waters, especially around grass flats and channel edges. They range from keeper-sized 14-inchers up to gator trout pushing 20 inches or better. Trout are most active during moving water, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish in 3 to 8 feet of water. They're relatively easy to catch once you locate them, making them perfect for building confidence and keeping rods bent. The bigger ones put up a surprising fight and make excellent eating.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to swim by. They typically run 16 to 22 inches around Murrells Inlet, with doormat-sized fish over 24 inches caught regularly. Flounder fishing requires patience—they often mouth the bait before fully committing, so you need to give them time. Fall months are prime time when they're staging for their offshore spawning migration, feeding heavily and reaching peak size. They're prized for their mild, flaky white meat.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, often running 20 to 40 pounds around deeper channels and structure. These fish are bottom feeders with crushers for teeth, perfect for munching crabs and oysters. They're not the fastest fighters, but their size and power make them bulldogs on the line. Black drum are most active during cooler months and can provide steady action when other species slow down. While not the best eating, the fight alone makes them worth targeting, and smaller ones under 16 inches are actually quite good on the table.
Blacktip sharks add some serious excitement to any inshore trip. These aggressive predators roam the same flats and channels where you're targeting other species, often showing up as bonus catches. They typically run 3 to 5 feet long and are known for their spectacular jumping ability when hooked. Blacktips are catch-and-release only, but they provide some of the most memorable moments on the water with their speed and acrobatics.
This 6-hour format is perfect for serious anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water without committing to a full day. You get the benefits of fishing multiple tide stages, trying different techniques, and working various spots all in one trip. Captain Cush's local knowledge and quality equipment give you the best shot at a successful day, whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or just enjoy some quality time on the water. With only three spots available, this charter books up quickly, especially during prime fishing months. The extended time an
Step aboard this freshly restored 25' Carolina Skiff and get ready to work the flats around Murrells Inlet. Powered by a brand-new 2025 Yamaha 200HP outboard, this shallow-draft fishing machine cruises at 40 knots, getting you to the productive backwaters fast. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on redfish without spooking them, while the fish finder helps locate schools of trout and flounder holding in the grass beds. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot South Carolina afternoons, you'll have everything needed for a solid day targeting the area's best inshore species. The stable platform handles Murrells Inlet's choppy waters with ease, giving you and two fishing buddies plenty of room to cast and fight fish. GPS navigation ensures you hit all the honey holes where black drum cruise the oyster bars and redfish tail in the shallows.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that provide steady action and excellent table fare. These guys typically run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds in our waters, with the bigger males showing off that distinctive blue coloration during spawning season. They hang around structure like jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-80 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What guests appreciate about sea bass is their willingness to bite and their fantastic eating quality - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're reliable and fun for all skill levels. The trick is getting your bait right on the bottom where they feed on crabs and small fish. Use a two-hook rig with squid strips or cut bait, and don't be surprised when you feel that classic tap-tap bite. Keep your line tight and reel steady once you hook up.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter in our waters. These sleek sharks average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 8 feet, and they're known for those distinctive black-tipped fins. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around structure like artificial reefs and wrecks where they patrol for mackerel, sardines, and other baitfish. Late spring through early fall is prime time when the water warms up. What guests love about blacktips is their aerial show - they can jump 20 feet out of the water when hooked, spinning and thrashing like no other shark. They're also surprisingly fast swimmers but can be a bit timid until they smell food. For the best results, use heavy tackle with circle hooks and plenty of oily chum. Fresh mackerel or sardines work great as bait. Once you get them fired up, they'll put on a show you won't forget.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that put up a serious fight once hooked. These blue-green torpedoes usually run 2-10 pounds in our area, with sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They roam open water and surf zones, often following bait schools in feeding frenzies that churn the water white. Summer months bring the best action when they move into our coastal waters from deeper offshore areas. What anglers love about blues is their pure aggression - they'll hit lures hard and fight dirty all the way to the boat. They're also good eating when handled properly, especially the smaller ones. You'll find them in 20-60 feet of water around structure or chasing bait on the surface. Use wire leaders because those teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat. When they're feeding, almost any moving lure will work, but cut bait like menhaden is hard to beat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of the most popular targets in our shallow waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches around here, with their signature black spots near the tail making them easy to identify. They love cruising the 1-4 foot flats, especially around oyster bars and grass beds where they hunt for crabs and shrimp. The shallow water means you'll often see their backs breaking the surface - that's when the fun really starts. Spring through fall gives you the best action, with moving tides being key. What makes redfish special is their bulldogging fight and that distinctive bronze color. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait settle on the bottom. They spook easily, so keep noise to a minimum.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and keep you busy all day. These silver rockets typically measure 12-20 inches and weigh 2-4 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they're fast as lightning and travel in large schools. Look for them in 15-40 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and near baitfish schools. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. What makes them so popular is their willingness to bite almost anything that moves, plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They hit hard and make screaming runs that'll wake you up. The key to success is using small, shiny spoons or jigs and keeping them moving. When you find one, there's usually a whole school nearby, so work the area thoroughly and be ready for multiple hookups.
Murrells Inlet, SC