Murrells Inlet Bottom Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour bottom fishing adventure in Murrells Inlet watersCaptain Larry provides expert guidance with years local experienceFamilyfriendly charter accommodates up to four guests comfortably
Looking for a solid day on the water in one of South Carolina's most productive fishing spots? Captain Larry and Fishfinatic Guide Service have you covered with a 6-hour bottom fishing charter that puts you right where the fish are biting. Murrells Inlet's protected waters and nearshore structure create perfect conditions for targeting some serious gamefish, and this family-friendly charter makes it easy for everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers to get in on the action. With space for up to 4 guests, you'll have plenty of room to fish without feeling crowded, and Captain Larry's local knowledge means you'll be fishing the hottest spots instead of just hoping for the best.
Captain Larry knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that experience shows from the moment you step aboard. This isn't some rushed half-day trip where you barely get your line wet – 6 hours gives you real time to work different spots and dial in on what's biting. You'll be targeting structure and bottom contours where big fish hang out, using techniques that have been proven in these waters for decades. The boat's equipped with everything you need for bottom fishing, from quality rods and reels to fresh bait that the local fish can't resist. Captain Larry keeps things relaxed but productive, making sure everyone on board gets their shot at hooking up while sharing stories and tips that only come from years of working these waters.
Bottom fishing in Murrells Inlet means working the structure – artificial reefs, ledges, and drop-offs where gamefish patrol for easy meals. You'll be using circle hooks and sinkers heavy enough to get down and stay down in the current, with cut bait and live offerings that trigger strikes from hungry predators. Captain Larry positions the boat over prime spots using his electronics, then it's all about reading the bite and adjusting your technique. Sometimes the fish want it right on the bottom, other times they're suspended just off the structure. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is having time to figure out the pattern and really capitalize once you find what's working. You'll learn proper bottom fishing technique, how to feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact, and the right way to fight fish around structure without losing them.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of this fishery, and Murrells Inlet's nearshore waters hold some real tanks. These silver bullets can hit 30-40 pounds and will test your drag system with blistering runs that peel line like you wouldn't believe. Kings are most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they patrol drop-offs and structure looking for schools of baitfish. When a king hits your bottom rig, you'll know it immediately – they don't nibble, they crush the bait and take off like a freight train. The fight combines power and speed in a way that gets your heart pumping, and there's nothing quite like seeing that chrome flash as Captain Larry slides the net under a quality king mackerel.
Atlantic Mackerel might be smaller than their king cousins, but they make up for it with numbers and attitude. These scrappy fighters travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're perfect for getting kids or new anglers in on the fun since they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size. Atlantic mackerel are excellent table fare too – their rich, oily meat is perfect for grilling or smoking. They show up in good numbers during cooler months, and when the school moves through, everyone on board can get in on fast-paced action that keeps rods bent and reels screaming.
Blacktip Sharks bring a whole different element to the mix, and Murrells Inlet's warm waters hold healthy populations of these athletic predators. Blacktips average 3-5 feet and are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked – they'll launch completely out of the water in aerial displays that rival any gamefish. These sharks are incredibly strong for their size and will test your endurance with long, powerful runs. They're most active during summer months when water temperatures peak, and they feed aggressively on the same baitfish that attract mackerel and cobia. Catching a blacktip on bottom tackle is a real rush, and Captain Larry handles all the wire leaders and proper release techniques to keep everyone safe.
Cobia are the wildcards of this fishery – these curious, powerful fish can show up anytime and turn a good day into a great one. Known locally as "brown sharks" for their appearance and attitude, cobia can push 40-50 pounds and have the strength to match. They're incredibly curious fish that will often circle the boat, giving you multiple chances to present a bait. When a big cobia takes your offering and heads for deep water, you're in for a battle that combines raw power with surprising endurance. They're most common during warmer months and are considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for everything from grilling to blackening.
Captain Larry's Fishfinatic Guide Service delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – productive fishing in prime waters with a guide who knows how to put you on fish. This 6-hour bottom fishing charter gives you the time and expertise to target some of the best gamefish swimming in South Carolina waters. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to offshore fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to work new waters with a local expert, this trip delivers the goods. Murrells Inlet's year-round fishing opportunities mean there's never a bad time to get out there, and Captain Larry's family-friendly approach ensures everyone has a great time on the water. Don't wait around hoping for a last-minute opening – book your charter now and get ready to experience some of the best bottom fishing the South Carolina coast has to offer.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic Mackerel are smaller, schooling fish that average about 12 inches and rarely exceed 2 pounds. These metallic-blue speedsters with wavy black bars travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles. We find them in mid-water during summer months when they move closer to shore. They're incredibly fast swimmers and aggressive feeders, making them perfect for light tackle fishing. Families love targeting them because when you find the school, everyone catches fish. The meat is rich and oily - great for the grill. My go-to tip is using small, shiny spoons or sabiki rigs. Once you hook into the school, work fast because they won't stick around long. Watch for diving birds - they'll lead you right to the action.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are medium-sized sharks averaging 4-5 feet, known for their distinctive black-tipped fins and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Around Murrells Inlet, we find them in 30-100 feet of water, often near reefs and structure where they hunt for mackerel, herring, and croakers. Spring through early fall offers the best fishing when water temps warm up. These sharks are exciting because they're fighters - expect multiple jumps and long runs. They're also surprisingly social, so where there's one, there's usually more. We practice catch and release with proper handling. The secret is using oily baits like mackerel chunks and getting your chum line going. Heavy tackle with circle hooks and wire leaders are essential since they can get pretty worked up during the fight.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solitary brown fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their dorsal fin. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds in our waters. We typically find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet, though they'll cruise the surface during spring migration. May through September is prime time here off Murrells Inlet. What makes cobia fishing special is the sight fishing - spotting them cruising just under the surface gets your heart pumping. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. The trick is having your bucktail jig ready when you spot one. They're curious but can be picky, so a natural presentation is key. Don't be surprised if they follow the boat - they're naturally inquisitive fish.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen some push 60+ pounds off Murrells Inlet. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're feeding heavily on blue runners and menhaden. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll rip line off your reel like few other fish can. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. The key trick I share with guests is using a two-hook rig on live bait - hook through the nose and let a treble dangle near the tail. Kings love to hit from behind, and that second hook saves a lot of missed fish. Their razor teeth mean wire leaders are a must.
Murrells Inlet