Murrells Inlet Marsh Tour & Light Fishing
Private Trip
Cruise
Private 2hour boat ride through Murrells Inlet coastal watersWildlife spotting includes dolphins, sea turtles, and marsh birdsLight fishing opportunities combined with scenic marsh exploration
Looking for a laid-back way to explore South Carolina's stunning coastal waters? This 2-hour private marsh tour with Capt Cush Calmwater Charters gives you the perfect blend of sightseeing and light fishing action in beautiful Murrells Inlet. You'll cruise through winding creeks, spot dolphins playing in your wake, and maybe even catch dinner while soaking up the coastal charm that makes this area so special. With room for up to 3 guests, this intimate tour feels more like hanging out with a local friend than your typical tourist trap.
Captain Cush knows these marshes like the back of his hand, and he'll show you spots that most visitors never see. Your private charter starts from Murrells Inlet, where you'll board a comfortable boat perfect for navigating the shallow creeks and open water. The pace is relaxed—this isn't about rushing from spot to spot. Instead, you'll meander through pristine salt marshes, learning about the ecosystem while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. Dolphins are regulars here, often curious enough to swim right up to the boat. Sea turtles pop their heads up when you least expect it, and the variety of birds will keep your camera busy. The fishing component is low-key but effective—think of it as a bonus to an already great day on the water.
Captain Cush provides all the fishing gear you'll need, so just bring yourself and your sense of adventure. The boat is equipped with light tackle perfect for the species that call these waters home. You'll be using mostly live bait and light lures, techniques that work perfectly in the shallow marsh creeks and deeper channels. The captain will handle all the navigation through the intricate waterway system—these marshes can be tricky if you don't know where you're going, but that's exactly what makes this tour so special. He'll position you in the best spots for wildlife viewing and drop lines where the fish like to hang out. The marsh grass provides perfect cover for feeding fish, and the tidal movements bring in fresh nutrients that attract everything from small baitfish to the predators that chase them.
Redfish are the stars of these marshes, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties love cruising the shallow flats, especially during moving tides. You'll often spot them tailing in water so shallow their backs break the surface. They're tough fighters that'll give you a real workout on light tackle. Redfish here typically run 18-27 inches, with some bigger bulls mixed in during fall months. What makes them so exciting is their willingness to eat—they're not overly picky about lures or bait.
Spotted Weakfish, locally called "speckled trout," are another marsh favorite. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots are most active during cooler parts of the day and love structure like oyster beds and grass lines. They're perfect for light tackle fishing, usually running 14-20 inches in these waters. Spring and fall offer the best action, when they school up and feed aggressively. Their soft mouths mean you need to keep steady pressure—no jerking the rod.
Spanish Mackerel bring speed and excitement to your line. These torpedo-shaped fish are absolute rockets, known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They typically show up in warmer months, chasing schools of baitfish near the inlet mouth. Most Spanish Mackerel here run 2-4 pounds, but their fight feels much bigger. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise, laying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms near creek mouths and deeper channels. Fall is prime time for doormat flounder, when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning run. These flatfish are ambush predators that strike fast and hard. Finding a good-sized flounder—anything over 18 inches—is always a highlight. They're prized for their sweet, delicate meat.
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of these waters, traveling in schools and attacking anything that moves. When you find them, the action is fast and furious. They have razor-sharp teeth and attitude to match, making for exciting fishing. Blues here typically range from 2-8 pounds, with larger fish showing up in fall. They're excellent fighters and surprisingly good eating when iced immediately and prepared fresh.
This top-rated marsh tour offers something you won't find on crowded party boats—personal attention, local knowledge, and the flexibility to focus on what interests you most. Whether you're hoping to photograph dolphins, learn about coastal ecosystems, or land your first redfish, Captain Cush tailors each trip to his guests' interests. The 2-hour timeframe is perfect for families with kids or anyone who wants a taste of coastal South Carolina without committing to a full day. At just 3 guests maximum, you're guaranteed a personal experience that feels more like touring with a friend than another tourist activity. Book now and discover why Murrells Inlet is considered one of South Carolina's best-kept secrets for coastal touring and light fishing action.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldogs of our waters - aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. These blue-green fighters typically run 2-10 pounds and travel in schools that can turn the water into a washing machine when they're feeding. You'll find them around jetties, nearshore structures, and open water during their summer visits from June through October. They're not picky eaters - they'll hit everything from cut bait to flashy spoons. Guests love the non-stop action when blues are around, plus smaller ones under 5 pounds make good eating if you bleed them right away. Fair warning: always use a wire leader and watch your fingers - these fish will bite anything that moves. When you find feeding birds diving on baitfish, that's usually bluefish underneath causing the chaos. Get there fast and you'll have fish on every cast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore waters here in Murrells Inlet. These copper-colored beauties average 20-28 inches and love cruising the shallow flats and oyster bars in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespot near the tail and that bronze back that fades to white underneath. They're year-round residents but fish best during spring and fall when they're actively feeding on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great with that mild, sweet flavor, and aren't too picky about baits. My local tip: when you see their backs pushing water in the shallows, cast just ahead of where they're heading and let your bait settle naturally. These fish spook easy in skinny water, so keep noise to a minimum.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise in our shallow waters - flat, oval-shaped fish with both eyes on their left side that bury themselves in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches, though we catch some real doormat-sized ones pushing 5+ pounds. They love hanging around creek mouths, drop-offs, and sandy bottoms in 3-20 feet of water. Fall and winter are peak times when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What makes them special is the challenge - you're sight fishing for fish you can barely see, plus they're some of the best eating in the ocean with sweet, white, flaky meat. My local secret: look for subtle depressions or slightly different colored sand patches. When you spot one, drop a live minnow or shrimp right on their nose and wait. They'll inhale it whole, so give them a second before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are the speed demons of our coastal waters - silver bullets with bright yellow spots that'll test your reflexes. These fish typically run 1-2 feet long and travel in fast-moving schools near the surface. You'll find them around jetties, piers, and open water structures during their peak season from late spring through early fall. They're voracious feeders that'll hit everything from small spoons to live shrimp, making them perfect for light tackle action. What guests love most is the non-stop action when you find a school, plus they're outstanding eating - mild, firm meat that's great grilled or smoked. Pro tip from years of chasing them: when you hook one, keep your line tight and reel fast. They'll jump and throw the hook if you give them any slack, and once you boat one, get your line back out quick - the school won't stick around long.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted weakfish, or "specks" as we call them locally, are some of the prettiest fish you'll catch in these marshes. Running 12-16 inches on average, they're silver with distinct dark spots scattered across their backs and that telltale long dorsal fin. These ambush predators hang around grass beds, sandy bottoms, and oyster bars, usually in 3-15 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially on moving tides when they're actively hunting shrimp and small baitfish. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters for their size and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's my go-to trick: retrieve your lure slowly at first, then speed up when you see them following. Their mouths are soft, so don't horse them in or you'll pull the hook right out.
Murrells Inlet, SC