Morning Trip in North Myrtle Beach, SC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Early morning inshore fishing trip starts at 7:00 AMTarget Redfish and Black Drums with included fishing licensesChildren 11 and under fish free with family groups
There's something special about getting on the water at first light in North Myrtle Beach. Captain Dickey's morning fishing charter kicks off at 7:00 AM sharp, giving you and your crew the best shot at some seriously productive inshore action. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to target some of the Grand Strand's most sought-after species while the water's calm and the fish are hungry. With room for up to 3 anglers, this intimate charter keeps things personal and focused on putting fish in the boat.
Captain Dickey knows these North Myrtle Beach waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right where the redfish, black drum, and sheepshead are feeding. The early start time gives you a huge advantage – less boat traffic, cooler temperatures, and fish that haven't been spooked by the midday hustle. You'll be working the inshore flats, creeks, and structure where these species love to hang out. The best part? Kids 11 and under fish for free, making this a top-rated family adventure that won't break the bank. Your fishing licenses are already covered, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks and drinks to keep everyone fueled up between hookups.
This inshore charter is all about sight fishing and bottom fishing techniques that produce consistent results in these coastal waters. You'll be using light tackle that lets you feel every bump and bite, whether you're working live shrimp around dock pilings for sheepshead or casting cut bait to redfish cruising the grass flats. Captain Dickey provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, from circle hooks perfect for drum fishing to the right weights for these shallow water conditions. The boat is equipped with everything from a trolling motor for those stealthy approaches to fish finders that help locate structure and baitfish. Depending on the tide and conditions, you might find yourself sight casting to tailing reds or anchored up over a productive bottom spot where black drum congregate.
Redfish are the crown jewel of North Myrtle Beach inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters put on a show every time. These fish typically run 18 to 30 inches in these waters, with the bigger "bull" reds showing up during their fall migration. What makes redfish so exciting is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights – they'll peel drag and make long runs that get your heart pumping. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can surprise you with some monster fish. Look for them around oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow grass flats where they're hunting for crabs and baitfish.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the ocean, but they're absolute brutes when it comes to fighting power. These bottom-dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon in these waters. They're notorious for their steady, powerful runs that test your drag system and your patience. The best black drum action typically happens during cooler months, and they love hanging around structure like bridge pilings, oyster beds, and channel edges. What anglers love most about drum fishing is the anticipation – that steady thump-thump-thump on your rod tip before they wake up and realize they're hooked.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of this trio, requiring finesse and quick reflexes to hook consistently. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. They typically range from 12 to 16 inches, with the occasional 4 or 5-pounder that'll surprise you with its strength. Peak sheepshead season runs from late fall through early spring when they school up around structure. What makes them so rewarding to catch is the skill factor – once you figure out their feeding pattern and perfect your technique, you'll feel like you've cracked the code on one of inshore fishing's trickiest targets.
Captain Dickey's morning charter delivers everything you want in a North Myrtle Beach fishing experience – expert local knowledge, family-friendly atmosphere, and consistent action on quality fish. With fishing licenses included and kids fishing free, this customer favorite represents serious value for groups looking to make lasting memories on the water. The 7:00 AM start time means you'll beat the crowds and fish during prime feeding hours when your chances of success are at their peak. Don't wait around – morning slots fill up fast, especially during peak season when word gets out about the hot bite. Book your trip today and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Grand Strand has to offer.
This custom skiff is built for serious inshore fishing in North Myrtle Beach waters. At 7 AM, you'll step aboard a boat designed to get you close to where the redfish and black drum are feeding in the shallow flats and marshes. The GPS navigation keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate schools hiding in the creeks and channels. With space for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast without tangling lines. The onboard toilet means more time fishing and less time heading back to shore. Kids 11 and under fish free, making this perfect for families wanting to introduce young ones to the sport. Bring your own snacks and drinks – licenses are covered. This skiff handles the skinny water where bigger boats can't go, putting you right where the fish are biting in North Myrtle's productive inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These grey-black bruisers get their name from the drumming sounds they make - you'll actually hear them underwater sometimes. They love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats in 2-10 feet of water, using those powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. Guests love the fight these fish put up - they're bulldogs that will test your drag. For eating, keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds as the big boys get tough and stringy. Pro tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and keep it right on the bottom - they won't chase food very far up in the water column.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter here - copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails that average 20-35 inches. These fish love super shallow water, often so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. They're around all year but really fire up in spring and fall when water temps are comfortable. What guests love most is sight fishing for them in skinny water - watching a 25-pound red blow up on a topwater lure never gets old. They fight like bulldogs and make great table fare when kept in slot. The key is staying quiet and making long casts ahead of cruising fish. I always tell folks to use gold spoons or live shrimp under a popping cork - redfish can't resist either one.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the tricksters of our waters - they'll steal your bait faster than you can blink. These grey fish with black prison stripes average 1-8 pounds and sport human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles off dock pilings. You'll find them tight to any structure: bridges, piers, and jetties in 5-20 feet of water. They're year-round residents but really active in cooler months when they move closer to shore. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves that require lightning-fast hook sets. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our area with sweet, white meat. My advice: use small hooks with fresh fiddler crabs, get as close to structure as possible, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately.
Myrtle Beach