12-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore fishing adventure in Murrells Inlet watersTarget Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, and Black Seabass speciesSmall group charter accommodates up to 5 guests
When you're looking for the real deal in Murrells Inlet fishing, this 12-hour charter with First Response Fishing Charters delivers everything serious anglers dream about. You'll spend a full day working the offshore waters where the big fish live, with plenty of time to dial in your technique and put some serious meat in the cooler. With room for up to 5 anglers, this isn't one of those crowded cattle boats – you get the space and attention you need to make the most of every bite.
This is a proper offshore fishing trip that gives you the full South Carolina experience. You'll be running out to the productive waters where Cobia patrol the structure, Red Snapper stack up on the bottom, and Gag Grouper hide in their rocky lairs. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with 12 hours to work with, you're not rushing around trying to hit every spot in four hours. Instead, you get to settle in, work the best areas thoroughly, and really get dialed in on what's biting. The boat heads out early to beat the crowds and get you on the fish while they're still aggressive and feeding.
You'll be working two main techniques on this trip – trolling for the pelagics and dropping down to the bottom for the structure fish. When trolling, the boat pulls a spread of lures and baits at varying depths and distances, covering water efficiently while targeting species like Cobia that cruise the mid-water column. The bottom fishing game is all about precision – finding the right structure, getting your bait down clean, and working those rocky ledges and hard bottom areas where Grouper and Snapper set up shop. The crew provides all the tackle you need, from heavy trolling rigs to sensitive bottom setups that let you feel every tap and nibble 60 feet down. They'll have you rigged with circle hooks for better fish survival and legal compliance, plus the right sinker weights to keep your baits in the strike zone even when the current's running strong.
Cobia are the crown jewel of South Carolina offshore fishing, and these bronze torpedoes put up a fight that'll test your tackle and your stamina. They average 20-40 pounds around Murrells Inlet, with bigger fish always possible. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when they're following rays and sharks near the surface. What makes Cobia so special is their intelligence – they'll inspect your bait, follow it for yards, and make you work for every hookup. Once you get one on, they make long, powerful runs and have this habit of jumping right at the boat when you think you've got them beat.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of bottom fishing here, and when they're biting, the action can be non-stop. These crimson beauties typically run 3-8 pounds in our waters, though double-digit fish show up regularly on the deeper structure. They're most active during the regulated season, usually summer months, and they school up tight on hard bottom and artificial reefs. Red Snapper are line-shy and structure-oriented, so getting your bait presentation just right makes all the difference. They hit hard, fight dirty, and make outstanding table fare – there's a reason they're considered the gold standard of bottom fish.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef, and landing a good one is like pulling a submarine off the bottom. These ambush predators can exceed 20 pounds and use every ounce of their muscle to get back to their rocky hideouts. Fall and winter are prime time for Gags around Murrells Inlet, when they move in closer to feed up before spawning season. They're notorious for testing your drag system with powerful runs straight back to the bottom. The key to Grouper fishing is getting them up and away from structure fast – give them an inch and they'll wrap you around a rock every time.
Black Sea Bass might be the smallest fish on your target list, but don't let their size fool you – they're scrappy fighters and absolutely delicious. These little bulldogs average 1-3 pounds and stack up in huge numbers on the right structure. They're year-round residents that provide consistent action when the bigger fish are being finicky. Black Sea Bass hit hard for their size and are perfect for keeping the kids busy or filling out your cooler when you need numbers. Plus, they're one of the most sustainable fisheries on the East Coast, so you can feel good about taking a few home for dinner.
A 12-hour fishing trip with First Response Fishing Charters gives you the time and opportunity to experience Murrells Inlet fishing at its finest. You're not just buying a boat ride – you're investing in a full day of fishing education, good times on the water, and the chance to bring home some serious bragging rights. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some South Carolina species to your list or a newcomer ready to learn what offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers the goods. The captain and crew will work hard to put you on fish, teach you the local techniques, and make sure you have the kind of day on the water that keeps you coming back for more. Don't wait – the best fishing dates book up fast, especially during peak season.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky little fighters that pack more punch than their size suggests. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they're built solid with that distinctive hump-backed profile. You'll find them around wrecks, jetties, and rocky structure in less than 120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn - that's when the big males turn bright blue and get that pronounced head hump. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters, great table fare with sweet white meat, and pretty reliable to catch when you find good structure. They'll hit live squid, cut bait, or small jigs. My tip: use a two-hook rig with squid strips and bounce it right along the bottom. They're curious fish, so be patient.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the lone wolves of the ocean - big, brown fish that cruise solo and can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds. Most folks mistake them for sharks at first glance with that single dorsal fin. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water, especially during spring migration and spawning season. They're sight fishers' dreams since they cruise near the surface. What makes them special? They fight like bulldogs and taste amazing - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. Plus, since they don't school up, each one feels like a trophy. Here's the trick: when you spot one, use a bucktail jig and work it slow. Don't worry about color - they'll hit anything if you present it right.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper might not win beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters that love to ambush prey around rocky structure. These marbled gray fish average around 20 inches but can grow to 4+ feet and 80 pounds. You'll find them hiding in offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms - juveniles stay closer inshore while adults head to deeper water. Spring through fall is your best shot when they're more active. What makes them fun to target? They hit hard and immediately try to drag your bait back to their rocky hideouts. The meat is excellent too - firm and flaky. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock that reel tight and keep your rod low. Don't give them any slack or they'll dive straight into a hole and you'll lose them for sure.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are true bottom warriors that'll give you a real scrap once hooked. These crimson beauties average 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but the big ones can hit 35+ pounds. They live around structure in 30-620 feet - think reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. What guests love most is the fight - they'll bolt for cover and try to cut your line on structure, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Mild, nutty flavor that's perfect with just salt, pepper, and lemon. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them reach the rocks. Fresh squid or live pinfish work best.
Myrtle Beach