10-Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure in Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore fishing adventure targeting premium speciesChase Snapper, Cobia, Kingfish, Grouper and Black SeabassAll gear provided with experienced guide assistance
When you're ready to get serious about fishing the South Carolina coast, this 10-hour charter with First Response Fishing Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a full day on the water, running from nearshore reefs all the way out to the deep blue offshore grounds where the big fish live. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters - King Mackerel, Cobia, Red Snapper, and Black Sea Bass - with an experienced captain who knows exactly where to find them. This isn't a quick morning trip; it's a proper fishing adventure that gives you the time to really work the water and fill the cooler.
Your day starts early at the Murrells Inlet docks, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the day's game plan. The beauty of a 10-hour trip is the flexibility - we can hit multiple spots depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. We'll start by checking the nearshore structure for Cobia and smaller Kings, then work our way out to the deeper water where the real action happens. The boat holds up to 5 anglers, so you've got plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably without bumping elbows. All your rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks and drinks for the day. The captain will be working hard to put you on fish, reading the electronics, watching the water, and adjusting tactics as conditions change throughout the day.
This is serious offshore fishing, so we're using the gear and methods that actually produce results out here. For Kings, we'll be trolling with planers and wire line, covering water to locate schools and picking off the bigger fish. When we find Cobia, it's sight fishing with live bait or heavy jigs - these fish cruise the surface and you'll actually see them coming to the boat. Red Snapper fishing happens on the bottom structure, using heavy sinkers and circle hooks to get baits down to where these fish live. The Black Sea Bass bite is typically a bottom fishing game too, but these guys are aggressive and will hit just about anything you drop down there. Your captain will have multiple rods rigged and ready, switching between techniques as we move through different areas and target different species. The key to success on these longer trips is staying versatile and being ready to adapt when fish behavior changes throughout the day.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of offshore fishing around Murrells Inlet, and these fish are built for speed and power. Most Kings we're catching range from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50 or more. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and they love to cruise the temperature breaks and current lines offshore. When a King hits your bait, you'll know it - they make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. What makes them so popular is that combination of fighting ability and excellent table fare. Cobia are another favorite target, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These chocolate-colored bruisers average 20 to 50 pounds and are curious fish that will actually follow the boat. They're fantastic eating and put up a solid fight, making long runs and diving for structure. Red Snapper are the prize of the bottom fishing world here, with their beautiful red coloration and excellent taste. Most of our Snappers run 3 to 8 pounds, and while they might not be the biggest fighters, the challenge is in the precision required to fish the bottom structure where they live. Black Sea Bass round out the mix perfectly - they're aggressive biters that provide steady action when the other species are being finicky. These fish typically run 1 to 3 pounds and are perfect for filling out the cooler and keeping rods bent throughout the day.
A 10-hour offshore charter is an investment in a proper fishing experience, and with First Response Fishing Charters, you're getting the local knowledge and equipment needed to make the most of your time on the water. The Murrells Inlet area offers some of the best offshore fishing on the East Coast, with easy access to both nearshore reefs and deep water structure. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for a serious fishing day or someone who wants to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers the goods. The boat only takes 5 anglers, so spots fill up fast during peak season. Don't wait around - book your charter and get ready to see what South Carolina offshore fishing is really about. Bring your camera for the fish photos, pack a good cooler for your catch, and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the classic bottom fish - most run 2-8 pounds but the big sows can hit 15+ pounds around deep structure. We target them on hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. Summer months are prime time when they're active and feeding. What makes snappers special is that headshaking fight and the fact they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect any way you cook it. These fish are smart though, and they'll test your patience. The key is getting your bait down fast before the smaller fish steal it. Drop a whole squid or big piece of cut bait on a 6-8 ounce sinker, and don't set the hook on the first tap - let them take it and run before you lean into them.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of the most underrated fighters we target - these brown torpedoes average 20-50 pounds and fight dirty all the way to the boat. They're loners, usually found cruising wrecks, reefs, and structures in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best action, especially May through July when they're moving through our area to spawn. What guests love about cobia is the visual game - we often spot them just under the surface, then pitch baits right to them. The fight is relentless, and the white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the ocean. Here's the trick: when you see one, don't cast directly at it. Lead them by 10-15 feet with a bucktail jig or live bait - they spook easily but once hooked, they're yours to earn.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are built for speed and make explosive runs that'll test your drag system. These silver rockets typically run 15-40 pounds, with bigger fish pushing 60+ in deeper water. We find them from 40-150 feet, usually around structure or temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on our abundant menhaden and blue runners. What makes kings special is that blistering first run - they'll peel line like few other fish. The meat's rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: use a dual-hook rig with wire leader when live baiting. Hook one through the nose, let the second dangle near the tail - kings love to hit bait from behind and you'll miss half your strikes without that stinger hook.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are scrappy little fighters that punch above their weight class. Most run 1-4 pounds, but the bigger males can hit 6-8 pounds around deeper structure. You'll find them on wrecks, rocky bottom, and around jetties in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is when they move inshore and feed actively. What makes sea bass fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything you drop down, from bucktails to strips of squid. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. These fish school up tight, so when you find one, there's usually more below. Here's what works: use a two-hook bottom rig with small pieces of squid or clam. Keep your bait moving slightly off bottom - they're curious and will come investigate.
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