12-Hour Deep Sea Fishing in Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing adventure in Murrells Inlet watersTarget Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, and Black Seabass speciesSmall group charter accommodates up to 5 guests maximum
Ready to spend a full day chasing fish in some of South Carolina's most productive offshore waters? This 12-hour charter with First Response Fishing Charters gives you serious time on the water to target the big ones that make Murrells Inlet famous among serious anglers. We're talking about getting out to the deep structure where the real action happens – those offshore ledges and reefs where trophy fish hang out. With a small group of just 5 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting for rod space when the bite gets hot.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Twelve hours means we can run to the prime spots without worrying about the clock, set up properly, and really work the water. You'll start early – and I mean early – to make the most of those dawn bite windows that offshore species love. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, from the nearshore structure that holds smaller grouper and sea bass to the deeper ledges where the big red snapper and cobia cruise. Expect to spend time both trolling for pelagics and dropping baits to the bottom for the reef fish. The beauty of a long trip like this is flexibility – if the bottom bite is slow, we can cover water trolling, and if we find a hot spot, we've got time to really work it over.
This charter runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing techniques to maximize your chances at different species throughout the day. When we're trolling, we'll pull a spread of lures and ballyhoo rigs at different depths to target cobia, king mackerel, and other pelagics that patrol the mid-water column. The captain will work temperature breaks, current edges, and structure that shows fish on the electronics. For bottom fishing, we're talking heavy tackle and serious weights to get down to 60-120 feet where the grouper, snapper, and sea bass live. The crew provides all the tackle, from the trolling gear to the bottom rigs, circle hooks, and sinkers. They'll have live bait when available, plus cut bait, squid, and artificials. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing – the crew will get you set up with the right technique for whatever we're targeting at the moment.
The target species on this trip represent some of the best eating and fighting fish in these waters. Cobia are the crown jewel – these brown sharks (as some folks call them) can push 40-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. They love structure and will often come up to check out the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you won't forget. Red snapper are the bread and butter of offshore bottom fishing here. These beautiful red fish average 3-8 pounds but can surprise you with double-digit specimens on the deeper structure. Gag grouper are another favorite – they're curious fish that respond well to cut bait and live offerings, and a good-sized gag makes some of the finest table fare you'll find. Black sea bass might be smaller, but they're plentiful and aggressive, perfect for keeping the action steady when the bigger fish are being finicky. The variety keeps things interesting all day long.
Cobia show up best from late spring through fall, with peak season running May through September when water temperatures hit their sweet spot. These fish are curious and will often follow hooked fish to the boat, giving you multiple chances. They're structure-oriented but also cruise the open water, making them perfect targets for both trolling and sight fishing. What makes cobia special is their fight – they'll make long, powerful runs and have the stamina to keep pulling even at the boat.
Red snapper are year-round residents on the offshore structure, but they really turn on during summer months when the water warms up. These fish are smart and can be picky about presentation, but when you find a school on productive bottom, the action can be fast and furious. A good red snapper will make your drag sing on the initial run, and their size range keeps you guessing – you never know if that next bite is a keeper or a true trophy.
Gag grouper are ambush predators that lurk around hard bottom and structure, waiting to inhale whatever looks like an easy meal. Spring and fall tend to produce the biggest gags, but they're catchable year-round in these waters. What anglers love about gag grouper is their reliability – when you find the right structure and put your bait in the zone, they'll usually cooperate. Plus, they're phenomenal on the dinner table.
Black sea bass are the workhorses of offshore bottom fishing around Murrells Inlet. These fish are aggressive feeders that will hit cut bait, squid, or small jigs without much finesse required. They're most active in spring and fall, but summer fishing can be productive too. While they might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, black sea bass are fun fighters and excellent eating, making them a favorite among anglers who appreciate consistent action.
A 12-hour offshore charter isn't something you do every day, but when you want to really experience what Murrells Inlet fishing is all about, this is the trip that delivers. You're getting access to prime offshore structure, expert local knowledge, and enough time on the water to make it count. First Response Fishing Charters has built their reputation on putting anglers on fish, and with only 5 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and room to fish properly. Whether you're after that trophy cobia photo or just want to load the cooler with quality eating fish, this charter gives you the time and opportunity to make it happen. The South Carolina offshore scene is world-class,
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. They typically run under 4 pounds, though we catch some pushing 8+ pounds around deeper structure. These guys love hanging around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms, usually in less than 120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them fun is they're scrappy little fighters and excellent eating - sweet, flaky white meat. They're also pretty cooperative, so great for families or newer anglers. Here's a local trick: use a double-hook bottom rig with squid strips. Drop it right on the structure and bounce it a few times. They're curious fish and will usually investigate anything moving near their hideout.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter out here. These dark brown giants average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, though we've seen them bigger. They're usually loners, cruising near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through summer is prime time when they're spawning and migrating. What makes them special? They fight like bulldogs and taste amazing - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. Plus, they're often mistaken for sharks at first glance, which always gets guests excited. My tip: when you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of it and work it fast. They're aggressive predators and will usually slam it if you put it where they can see it.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are real fighters that'll test your tackle and technique. They average around 20 inches but can grow much larger - we've caught them over 50 inches and 80 pounds. These fish love structure: reefs, wrecks, rocky bottoms where they can ambush prey. You'll find juveniles inshore, but the big adults hang in deeper offshore waters. Late spring through early fall is when they're most active. What guests love is the battle - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their hole in the rocks. The meat is excellent too, firm and white. Pro tip: when you hook one, lock that drag down tight and keep your rod tip low. Don't give them an inch or they'll dive straight into the rocks and break you off every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the bread and butter of offshore bottom fishing around here. Most run 1-2 feet long and under 10 pounds, but the big ones can push 35 pounds or more. You'll find them hanging around structure in deeper water - reefs, wrecks, ledges - usually 100+ feet down. They're beautiful fish, bright red with that classic snapper profile. Late spring through fall is your best bet when they're spawning. Guests love them because they fight hard, trying to get back to cover, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf - mild, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks. They'll cut your line on structure every time if you give them slack.
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