Half Day Nearshore Fishing Trip in Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday nearshore fishing adventure in Murrells Inlet watersTarget King Mackerel, Cobia, Sharks, and Barracuda speciesAccommodates up to 5 guests with First Response Charters
Looking for some serious fishing action without burning your whole day? This half-day nearshore trip out of Murrells Inlet puts you right where the big fish are biting. We're talking about prime waters just offshore where King Mackerel patrol the reefs, Cobia cruise the structure, and Sharks prowl the deeper channels. With First Response Fishing Charters, you'll spend your morning or afternoon hooking into some of the most sought-after species along the South Carolina coast. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, this trip delivers the goods without the commitment of a full day on the water.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that shows from the moment you leave the dock. Murrells Inlet's backwater channels lead you out to the nearshore reefs and structure where the action happens. We're fishing anywhere from 8 to 20 miles offshore, depending on where the fish are holding that day. The boat carries up to 5 anglers, so you've got plenty of room to work without bumping elbows with strangers. Most trips run about 4-5 hours, giving you enough time to hit multiple spots and dial in what's working. The vibe is relaxed but focused – we're here to catch fish, but there's no pressure if you're still learning the ropes. Your captain will put you on the fish and help you land them, whether it's your first King Mackerel or your hundredth.
We're running a mix of trolling and live bait fishing depending on what's biting. For the Kings and Barracuda, we'll pull spreader bars and wire rigs at different depths to cover the water column. The trolling setup includes planer boards to spread the baits out and hit more water. When we mark Cobia on the structure, we'll switch to sight fishing with live bait or heavy jigs worked vertically. For Sharks, we're talking about serious tackle – heavy conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound test and circle hooks that won't straighten out when a big Blacktip takes off. All the gear is provided, from the rods and reels to the terminal tackle and bait. The boat's equipped with a good fish finder and GPS to mark productive spots, plus a quality sound system to keep the mood right between bites.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing around Murrells Inlet, and for good reason. These fish are built for speed and put up one hell of a fight on medium tackle. Kings typically run 15-30 pounds in these waters, with bigger fish showing up during the fall migration. They're most active from late spring through early fall, when the water temperature sits in that sweet spot between 72-78 degrees. What makes them so exciting to catch is that initial run – when a King hits your bait, it's like getting hooked to a freight train. They'll peel line off your reel and test your drag system before you even know what hit you.
Barracuda might not get the same respect as Kings, but they're absolute monsters when it comes to raw aggression. These toothy predators average 3-6 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They're ambush hunters that hang around structure and will slam a trolled bait with serious attitude. The best part about Barracuda fishing is watching them attack – they'll often jump multiple times during the fight, throwing spray everywhere and putting on a real show. They're most active during the warmer months and can be caught year-round in these waters.
Blacktip Sharks are the real deal when you want to test your tackle and your back muscles. These fish commonly run 3-6 feet long and know how to use every inch of their size during the fight. Blacktips are most active during the summer months when they move into nearshore waters to feed on baitfish and smaller gamefish. What makes them special is their aerial displays – a hooked Blacktip will often launch itself completely out of the water multiple times. The fight is pure endurance, and landing a good-sized Blacktip is something you'll be talking about for months.
Cobia are the wild cards of nearshore fishing and probably the most prized catch on this trip. These brown bulldogs can reach 40-60 pounds and are notorious for their curious nature and stubborn fighting style. Peak Cobia season runs from April through June, when they're moving through on their spawning migration. What makes Cobia fishing so addictive is the sight fishing aspect – you'll often see them swimming near the surface or following rays, and the captain will position you for a perfect cast. When a big Cobia eats your bait, get ready for a long, grinding fight that will test your endurance.
This half-day nearshore trip gives you everything you want in a fishing charter without eating up your entire vacation day. You'll get the chance to tangle with some serious gamefish, learn from an experienced captain, and experience some of the best fishing the South Carolina coast has to offer. The mix of trolling and live bait fishing keeps things interesting, and you never know what might be the next fish on the line. With Murrells Inlet as your launching point, you're fishing some of the most productive nearshore waters on the East Coast. Don't wait around – these trips fill up fast during peak season, and the fish won't wait for you to make up your mind. Book your spot today and get ready for some world-class nearshore fishing action.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are probably the most underrated fish we target - they're strong, aggressive fighters that average 20-40 pounds but can push 100+. These brown, shark-looking fish are loners, so we typically sight-fish for them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June offers peak action, with another good bite during spawning season. What guests love about cobia is their bulldogging fight and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're curious fish that'll often approach the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Here's my tried-and-true method: when you spot one, get ahead of them and drop a bucktail jig or live eel. Work it slow and steady - cobia aren't speed demons but they rarely refuse a well-presented bait. Keep extra rods rigged since they often travel in pairs.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are one of the most exciting sharks to target on light tackle, averaging 4-5 feet but capable of reaching 9 feet. These guys are known for their spectacular jumps - they can launch 20+ feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around structure, reefs, and areas with good baitfish activity. They're most active during warmer months when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes blacktips special is their energetic fight and acrobatic display - they're like the tarpon of the shark world. They're also surprisingly social and can show up in numbers when conditions are right. Use heavy braided line with a wire leader and circle hooks. My local tip: create a good chum slick with oily fish like mackerel or sardines, then fish cut bait on the bottom while keeping a live bait suspended mid-water.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are aggressive predators that'll give you a wild fight on light tackle. These torpedo-shaped fish average 2-4 feet but can stretch to 6 feet, and they're built for speed - hitting 35 mph in short bursts. You'll find them prowling shallow nearshore waters, around structure, and in areas with good baitfish concentrations. They hunt primarily by sight, so they're drawn to anything shiny or flashy. Spring through fall produces consistent action when water temps are warm. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're decent eating too, with firm white meat. Here's a tip that works well around Murrells Inlet: use a wire leader and cast shiny spoons or tube lures near structure. Work your lure fast and erratic - barracuda can't resist that wounded baitfish action.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll hook around here, averaging 20-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. These speed demons cruise our nearshore waters from 40-150 feet deep, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on menhaden, blue runners, and squid. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they'll peel line off your reel like few other fish. The meat's rich and flavorful too, though high in oils. My go-to tip: use a dual-hook rig with wire leader since kings love to bite bait in half. Put one hook in the nose of your live bait and let a second treble hook dangle near the tail. When you see that rod tip bounce, let them run a few seconds before setting the hook hard.
Myrtle Beach