8-Hour Fishing Trip in Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-hour inshore trolling and bottom fishing adventureTarget Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Grouper, Snapper, and KingfishAll equipment and gear provided by experienced crew
When you're looking for a serious day on the water, this 8-hour charter with First Response Fishing Charters delivers exactly what South Carolina anglers dream about. We're talking about a full day of inshore action that takes you 10-20 miles out from Murrells Inlet, where the fish are bigger and the bites come fast. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're giving you the time to really get into the groove and target multiple species using different techniques throughout the day.
Your day starts early at the Murrells Inlet docks, where Captain and crew will have everything prepped and ready to roll. We're heading out to some of the most productive waters off the South Carolina coast, where the Gulf Stream influence brings in pelagic species and the structure holds resident bottom fish year-round. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility – we can adapt to conditions, follow the bite, and switch up tactics when one method starts cooling off. You'll spend time both trolling for the speedsters like Mahi and Wahoo, then anchor up over productive bottom spots for Grouper and Snapper. The crew handles all the heavy lifting – rigging lines, netting fish, and keeping you in the action. All you need to focus on is setting the hook and enjoying the fight. With a maximum of 5 anglers, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably without crowding, and everyone gets quality time on the rod.
This trip combines the best of both worlds – high-speed trolling and precision bottom fishing. We start by pulling a spread of lures and baits behind the boat at varying distances and depths, covering water to locate schools of pelagic fish. The trolling setup includes everything from ballyhoo rigs to cedar plugs and diving lures that get down to where the Wahoo and Kings cruise. When we mark fish or hit structure, we switch gears to bottom fishing mode. This means dropping live bait, cut bait, and jigs down to the reef and ledge systems where Grouper, Snapper, and other bottom dwellers hang out. The crew knows exactly which spots produce, from artificial reefs to natural ledges and wrecks. They'll rig your lines with the right tackle for each situation – heavier gear for the big Grouper trying to head back to their holes, lighter setups for the more finicky Snapper. Circle hooks help ensure proper releases when needed, and the crew knows the regulations inside and out.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of our inshore trolling game here off Murrells Inlet. These silver rockets typically run 15-40 pounds, with bigger fish showing up during their fall migration. Kings are aggressive trolling fish that'll slam a live bait or lure with serious authority. They're most active from late spring through fall, and what makes them so exciting is that explosive first run when they realize they're hooked – pure adrenaline. The fight combines speed with acrobatic jumps, and they're excellent eating when prepared fresh.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, bring the color and the fight that makes every angler smile. These beautiful fish with their electric yellows and greens typically show up during the warmer months when water temperatures climb. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. Mahi are known for their aerial displays and sustained runs, plus they're one of the best eating fish in the ocean. They range from schoolie size around 5-10 pounds up to bull dolphins pushing 20-30 pounds or more.
Wahoo are the speed demons of this fishery, capable of runs that'll burn line off your reel faster than you can believe. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and can hit 60+ mph when they want to. They're most active during the cooler months and are often caught while trolling for other species. A Wahoo bite is unmistakable – the rod nearly gets ripped from your hands, and the initial run is pure chaos. They're also prized for their white, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling.
Red Snapper represent the premium bottom fishing target in our waters. These beautiful red fish are strong fighters that use their broad sides and powerful tails to battle against the rod. They're structure-oriented fish that hang around reefs, wrecks, and ledges, often in schools. Red Snapper are most active during specific seasons when regulations allow harvest, and they're considered one of the finest eating fish in the Gulf and Atlantic waters. They require precise presentation and quality bait to consistently hook up.
An 8-hour charter gives you the best shot at variety and volume – enough time to work different areas, try multiple techniques, and really make the most of your day on the water. First Response Fishing Charters provides all the gear, bait, and expertise you need, so just bring yourself and get ready for some serious fishing action. Whether you're after that trophy King Mackerel or hoping to load the cooler with good eating fish, this trip delivers the goods. The Murrells Inlet area offers some of the most consistent inshore fishing on the East Coast, and with professional crew who know these waters inside and out, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are rockets with fins - they can hit 60 mph and will burn line off your reel faster than anything else out there. Most run 20-40 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and blue zebra stripes. They cruise open water and around floating objects in 40-200 feet. Fall and winter are peak season when they migrate through. The fight is all about speed - they make scorching runs that'll test your equipment. The meat is premium - white, firm, and mild like expensive tuna. For wahoo, speed is key when trolling. Run 12-15 knots with wire leaders because their teeth will slice through anything else. My go-to setup is a high-speed lure spread with diving plugs. When you get bit, hang on tight and keep that drag smooth.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize of bottom fishing - those classic red fish with white bellies that grow 2-3 feet and can hit 35+ pounds. They hang around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Summer months offer the best action during snapper season. These fish are stubborn fighters that use their broad sides and will try to get back to structure to break you off. The eating is outstanding - sweet, nutty white meat that's perfect for any cooking style. When targeting snapper, drop your bait right to the bottom where they live. Use fresh cut bait or live pinfish on a sturdy bottom rig. Here's the key: when you feel that thump, set the hook hard and start cranking immediately to get them away from the rocks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are fast-moving predators that average 20-40 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. Summer through fall is prime time when water temps hit 68-84°F. Kings are aggressive fighters that make blistering runs and aerial jumps - they'll test your drag and your nerves. The meat is excellent when fresh, though darker than snapper. My tip: use a two-hook rig with live bait. Put one hook through the nose, let the second dangle near the tail. Kings love to hit bait from behind, and this setup doubles your hookup rate.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the prettiest fish you'll catch - brilliant gold and green colors that flash like neon underwater. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach 80+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall is best when water temps warm up. These fish fight hard with long runs and acrobatic jumps, plus they're fantastic eating - white, flaky meat with a mild sweet taste. Mahi travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep lines in the water. Here's a local trick: once you boat a fish, leave it in a cooler with the lid cracked open. The splashing often keeps the school around for more shots. Always troll baits on the surface to mimic flying fish.
Myrtle Beach