Half Day Nearshore Fishing Trip in Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day nearshore fishing adventure in Murrells Inlet watersTarget King Mackerel, Cobia, Sharks, and Barracuda speciesSmall group charter accommodates up to five guests
Looking for some serious action just offshore? This half-day nearshore charter out of Murrells Inlet puts you right where the fish are biting. Captain and crew at First Response Fishing Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll get you on some of the best fishing spots along the South Carolina coast. Whether you've been fishing for years or you're just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers the kind of fish stories you'll be telling for months. We're talking King Mackerel that'll test your drag, Cobia cruising the surface, and sharks that'll give you a fight you won't forget. With space for up to 5 anglers, it's perfect for a group of friends or family looking to get away from the crowds and into some real fishing.
Your day starts at the Murrells Inlet dock, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what's been biting lately. The boat heads out through the inlet and into the nearshore waters, usually within 3-10 miles of the beach depending on where the fish are showing up. This isn't your typical pier fishing – we're talking about structure fishing around reefs, wrecks, and ledges where the big fish hang out. The captain will have all the tackle and bait you need, from live bait to cut bait and artificials. Most days, you'll be switching between different techniques as we move from spot to spot, keeping things interesting and your lines tight. The boat's equipped with quality gear, fish finder technology, and everything needed to get you hooked up. Plan on being out for about 4-6 hours, giving you plenty of time to work different areas and target multiple species.
This charter runs a variety of techniques depending on what's biting and the conditions we're dealing with. Trolling is a big part of the program here – we'll pull spoons, plugs, and rigged baits at different speeds to cover water and locate active fish. When we mark fish on the bottom machine or see them busting bait on the surface, we'll switch to live bait fishing or casting artificials. The boat's rigged with quality conventional and spinning tackle in different weights to match what we're targeting. For King Mackerel, we'll typically troll with wire leaders and flashy spoons or pull live bait behind the boat. Cobia fishing often means sight fishing when these fish cruise near the surface, or working them around structure with live or cut bait. Shark fishing gets done with heavier tackle and chunk baits fished on the bottom or in the water column. Don't worry if you're not familiar with the techniques – the crew will show you the ropes and help you work the fish once you're hooked up.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing around Murrells Inlet, and these fish will absolutely smoke your drag when they hit. These silver bullets typically run anywhere from 15 to 40+ pounds, with the bigger fish showing up more consistently from late spring through early fall. Kings are fast, aggressive predators that love to hit trolled baits, and they're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. What makes them so exciting to catch is that initial strike – it's explosive and gets your heart pumping immediately. They're also excellent eating when handled properly, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take fish home for dinner.
Barracuda bring a different kind of excitement to the table with their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. These fish are pure aggression in the water, often hitting lures with such force that they'll nearly rip the rod out of your hands. Barracuda in these waters typically range from 2 to 6 feet long, and they're incredibly fast swimmers that can change direction in a split second. They're most active during warmer months and love to ambush bait fish around structure. What makes them so fun to target is their unpredictability – you never know when one is going to come flying out of nowhere to crush your bait.
Blacktip Sharks are some of the most athletic fish you'll find in these waters, known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. These sharks typically run 20 to 60 pounds and are incredibly strong fighters that will test your endurance. Spring through fall is prime time for blacktips, and they're often found feeding in schools around bait concentrations. The fight is what everyone remembers – these sharks will make multiple runs, jump completely out of the water, and keep you busy for 15-20 minutes or more. They're also one of the best eating sharks, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Cobia are perhaps the most prized catch on these nearshore trips, and for good reason. These brown sharks (as they're sometimes called due to their appearance) can grow massive, with fish over 50 pounds not uncommon in these waters. Cobia are curious fish that often approach the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. They're most active from April through October, with peak season being late spring and early summer. What makes Cobia so special is their combination of size, fight, and table fare – they're powerful fish that make long runs and they're absolutely delicious. Many anglers consider them the ultimate nearshore gamefish because they offer everything you want in a fishing experience.
This half-day nearshore trip offers the perfect balance of action and convenience, getting you into quality fish without burning a whole day on the water. First Response Fishing Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and providing a top-notch experience from start to finish. The boat limits to just 5 anglers, so you're not fighting for space or dealing with crowded conditions like you might on larger head boats. Murrells Inlet's location gives you quick access to productive nearshore waters
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of our nearshore waters - brown, stocky, and built to fight. These guys typically run 20-50 pounds and are often mistaken for sharks with that single dorsal fin. You'll spot them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water, usually cruising just below the surface. Spring migration and summer months are your best bet when they're moving through our area to spawn. What makes cobia special is the combination of a strong fight and some of the best eating you'll find offshore - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're curious fish too, which makes for exciting sight fishing. Local tip: if you see one cobia, slow the boat down and look around - sometimes there's a bigger one following. A bucktail jig worked slowly near the bottom is hard to beat for tempting them.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are probably our most acrobatic catch - these sharks love to jump and put on a real show when hooked. They average 3-5 feet around here, but don't let the size fool you. You'll find them in 20-100 feet of water, often around reefs and structure where they hunt for mackerel, sardines, and other baitfish. Spring through early fall is prime time when water temps are right. What makes blacktip fishing special is watching them leap completely out of the water during the fight. They're also great for beginners since they're manageable size but still give that true shark experience. Here's what works: get some oily fish like mackerel, cut it into chunks, and let that scent trail work its magic. Use circle hooks on a wire leader - these guys have teeth, and the circle hooks help with a clean release.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the silver missiles that keep things interesting on our nearshore trips. These torpedo-shaped predators usually run 2-4 feet long and are built for one thing - speed. They hang around structure like reefs and wrecks in 20-100 feet of water, but you'll also find them cruising shallow flats hunting baitfish. They're active year-round here, but spring and summer bring the best action. What guests love about 'cuda fishing is the aggressive strike and that initial burst of speed - they'll test your drag and your reflexes. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared right. Pro tip: anything shiny will get their attention, but don't set the hook too hard on the initial strike. Let them take it and run a bit first - their bony mouths make it easy to pull the hook if you're too eager.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are what we call the speed demons of our waters around Murrells Inlet. These silver rockets typically run 20-40 pounds, but we've seen monsters over 60. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes kings special is that blistering run when they hit - nothing quite like watching your drag scream as one takes off. The meat's rich and flavorful too, perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: use a double-hook rig with wire leader when live baiting. Hook your bait through the nose and let a stinger hook dangle free - kings love to hit from behind and that back hook saves a lot of missed fish.
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