Morning Fishing Trip - North Myrtle Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Early 7 AM start for prime inshore fishing conditionsTarget Redfish and Black Drums with included fishing licensesChildren 11 and under fish completely free of charge
If you're looking for a killer start to your day on the water, Captain Dickey's 7:00 AM morning trip is exactly what you need. This top-rated inshore fishing charter takes you and up to two other anglers into some of the most productive waters around North Myrtle Beach. Kids 11 and under fish for free, making it a perfect family outing that won't break the bank. Your fishing licenses are covered, so all you need to bring is your appetite for action and maybe some snacks to keep everyone happy between fish.
Getting on the water at first light puts you right in the sweet spot when fish are most active. The early morning bite is legendary around these parts, and Captain Dickey knows exactly where to find the action. You'll be targeting prime inshore spots where redfish cruise the shallows and black drum patrol the deeper channels. The boat stays comfortable with just three anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. This isn't some crowded cattle boat experience - it's intimate fishing at its finest. The captain provides all the tackle you'll need, from light spinning gear for smaller fish to heavier setups when the big drums show up. Morning trips typically run four to six hours, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques.
Captain Dickey runs a variety of techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. For redfish, you'll likely be working with live or cut bait around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths - classic redfish territory. These copper-colored fighters love to ambush prey in shallow water, so expect some sight fishing opportunities when conditions are right. When targeting black drum, the approach shifts to bottom fishing with heavier tackle and chunk baits like crab or shrimp. These bruisers hang around structure and pilings, so you'll be dropping baits near docks, bridges, and jetties. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, but if you've got a lucky rod you can't fish without, feel free to bring it along. Circle hooks are the standard here - they're easier on the fish and give you better hookup rates. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing; the captain will walk you through everything from rigging baits to proper fighting techniques.
Redfish are the bread and butter of North Myrtle Beach inshore fishing, and these bronze bulldogs never disappoint. Slot-sized reds between 14 and 23 inches are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls put up fights you'll remember for years. Reds are year-round residents here, but they really turn on during spring and fall when they school up in massive numbers. What makes redfish so special is their aggressive nature - they'll crush topwater plugs, inhale live shrimp, and even eat cut bait when they're feeding hard. You'll find them tailing in skinny water on low tide or stacked up around structure when the water's moving.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and North Myrtle Beach has some real tanks swimming around. These fish can live over 50 years and grow to massive sizes - we're talking 30, 40, even 50-pound fish that will test your tackle and your stamina. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws designed to crack open crabs and oysters, so when one picks up your bait, you'll know it immediately. Spring brings the big drum into shallow water for their spawning runs, creating world-class fishing opportunities. Smaller drum, called "puppy drum," are excellent eating and great fun on lighter tackle.
Sheepshead round out the triple threat of target species, and these black-and-white striped convicts are some of the craftiest fish in the ocean. They've got human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and small crabs, making them notorious bait stealers. Catching sheepshead requires finesse - they're incredibly light biters that will clean your hook without you even knowing they were there. But once you figure them out, they're addictive to target. Sheepshead are most active during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn, typically from late fall through early spring. They're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the ocean.
This morning fishing trip with Captain Dickey delivers exactly what serious anglers want - quality fishing in a relaxed setting with an experienced guide who knows these waters inside and out. The early start time puts you on fish when they're most active, the small group size ensures personal attention, and the family-friendly pricing makes it accessible for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or a family wanting to create lasting memories together, this charter hits all the right notes. Morning trips book up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Give Captain Dickey a call and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing North Myrtle Beach has to offer.
This custom skiff is perfect for your morning fishing adventure in North Myrtle Beach's inshore waters. Built to handle up to 6 anglers but sized right for your group of 3, she's equipped with GPS navigation to get you to the best fishing spots and a fish finder to locate those Redfish and Black Drums hiding in the shallows. The shallow draft design lets us slip into those productive backwater areas where the big fish feed. With a toilet onboard for convenience and plenty of deck space to move around while fighting fish, this boat is set up for a comfortable morning on the water. The early 7 AM start means we'll be fishing prime time when the fish are most active, and with all your licenses included plus room for your own snacks and drinks, you're all set for a productive day targeting the area's best inshore species.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweight champions around here, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish hang around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths in 1-15 feet of brackish water. They get their name from the drumming sounds they make, especially during spring spawning season when they school up and become much easier to target. What makes them special is their crushing power - they'll demolish crabs and shellfish with those massive jaws. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near oyster bars during an incoming tide. The scent drives them crazy and they can't resist.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-red color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Most run 18-28 inches, but we regularly see slot-busters over 27 inches that'll test your drag. These fish love super shallow water - often so shallow their backs show above the surface on grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths. They're year-round residents here, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights in shallow water. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Here's my go-to trick: work a gold spoon or topwater plug early morning over grass beds during moving tides. When you see that wake coming at your lure, hold on tight.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth that'll creep you out. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see 20-pounders. These crafty fish live around any structure - docks, bridge pilings, jetties, and reefs where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time when they move to spawn around structures. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that require lightning-fast hook sets. The payoff is sweet, white meat that rivals any fish on the table. Pro tip: pin your fiddler crab bait firmly through the shell and get your hook as close to the pilings as possible. They rarely venture far from cover to feed.
Myrtle Beach