Inshore Fishing Charter North Myrtle Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4.5hour morning charter targeting redfish, black seabass, and Spanish mackerelAll gear, bait, fishing license, and fish cleaning includedPrivate trip for up to 3 guests with expert guidance
Picture yourself casting lines in the calm, productive waters just off North Myrtle Beach as the sun comes up over the Atlantic. Captain Lee's 4.5-hour inshore charter kicks off at 7 AM sharp, giving you and up to two other anglers the perfect window to target some of the Grand Strand's most sought-after species. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – it's a private, laid-back morning on the water where you can actually learn something while filling the cooler. Whether you're bringing the family for their first real fishing trip or you're an experienced angler looking to dial in your inshore game, this charter hits all the right notes.
Captain Lee runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed, which is exactly what you want for a productive inshore trip. The beauty of fishing these protected coastal waters is that you're not dealing with the big swells and rough conditions you'd face offshore – perfect for families with kids or anyone who gets a little green around the gills. You'll be working structure, grass beds, and creek mouths where redfish, black drum, and Spanish mackerel like to hang out. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time running around looking for fish. All your gear, bait, and licenses are covered, plus he'll clean your catch at the end of the trip. Can't beat that convenience factor, especially when you're trying to keep things simple for the whole crew.
Inshore fishing around North Myrtle Beach is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish are doing. Captain Lee sets you up with medium-action spinning gear that's perfect for the mix of species you'll encounter – light enough to feel every bite but with enough backbone to handle a solid redfish or drum. You'll be working everything from live shrimp under popping corks near the grass lines to throwing soft plastics around oyster bars and dock pilings. The shallow water means you can actually see some of the structure you're fishing, which makes it way more engaging than dropping lines into the deep blue and hoping for the best. When the Spanish mackerel are running, you might switch over to small spoons or Got-Cha plugs and work them fast through the schools. It's hands-on fishing that teaches you to pay attention to what's happening around you – tide movement, bait activity, bird action – all the stuff that separates the guys who catch fish from the ones who just go fishing.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore scene around here, and they're absolutely perfect for getting kids or nervous first-timers hooked on fishing. These chunky fighters typically run 2-5 pounds inshore, though you might tie into a real toad that'll test your drag. They're bottom feeders that love crab and shrimp, so you'll usually catch them on fresh shrimp or cut bait near oyster beds and channel edges. What makes drum so great for families is that they bite consistently and don't require perfect technique – just get the bait down there and wait for that steady thump-thump-thump on your rod tip. They're also excellent eating if you keep a few for the table.
Redfish are the poster children of inshore fishing along the Carolina coast, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are aggressive feeders that'll absolutely smoke your drag when they decide to run. Most of the slot-sized fish you'll encounter run 18-27 inches and fight way above their weight class. Reds are ambush predators that love to cruise shallow flats and oyster bars looking for crabs and baitfish, which makes them perfect targets for sight fishing when conditions are right. The bite stays pretty consistent from spring through fall, with some of the best action happening during the cooler months when the fish are fattening up. There's something special about watching a redfish crush a topwater plug in two feet of water – it's the kind of strike that gets your heart pumping every single time.
Greater amberjack bring the power game to your inshore adventure, even the smaller ones you'll find in these waters. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, built for speed and endurance in a way that'll leave your arms burning. Amberjack are structure-oriented predators that patrol hard bottom areas, artificial reefs, and deeper channel edges looking for schools of baitfish. When you hook into one, be ready for multiple drag-screaming runs and a fight that might last longer than you expect. The smaller inshore fish typically run 10-20 pounds, but they punch way above their weight class and will absolutely school you if you're not ready for the battle.
Great barracuda are the speed demons of the inshore waters, and they bring an element of pure excitement to every trip. These toothy predators are lightning fast and absolutely fearless, often following your lure right up to the boat before deciding whether to strike. Barracuda have incredible eyesight and are drawn to shiny, fast-moving baits – think silver spoons, tube lures, or needle fish plugs worked at high speed. When a barracuda decides to eat, there's no mistaking it – they hit like a freight train and immediately start their signature head-shaking, jumping routine. Most of the fish you'll encounter run 2-4 feet long and provide heart-stopping strikes followed by acrobatic fights that'll have everyone on the boat paying attention.
Cobia are the wildcards of inshore fishing – curious, intelligent fish that can show up anywhere and provide some of the most memorable catches of your trip. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) are incredibly inquisitive and will often swim right up to the boat to check you out. Cobia are sight feeders that love live or cut bait, and they're notorious for following other hooked fish to the boat, giving you a chance for multiple hookups. The
You'll fish the productive inshore waters of North Myrtle Beach aboard a well-equipped 23' Grady White that's perfect for chasing redfish, black seabass, and Spanish mackerel in the calm coastal shallows. This reliable fishing platform comes powered by a smooth 225 HP Yamaha engine and features everything needed for a successful morning on the water. The boat's wireless trolling motor lets you approach fish quietly, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots. Modern electronics including radar keep you safe, and practical amenities like an icebox for drinks, porta-potty, and stereo system ensure comfort during your 4.5-hour adventure. With space for up to 3 anglers, this Grady White strikes the right balance between fishing capability and guest comfort, making it ideal for families and beginners looking to learn new techniques while targeting popular inshore species along the South Carolina coast.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, oyster beds, and around inlet mouths where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when the fishing gets really good. These fish put up a solid fight and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually feel through the rod. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. My local tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near oyster bars. The bigger ones will crush it without hesitation, and you'll hear that drum before you feel the bite.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are probably the most underrated fish we target - dark brown, shark-looking fish that pack serious power. These guys average 30-50 pounds and can top 100, living up to their nickname "brown sharks." They're loners, usually found around structure, buoys, and wrecks in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they're moving north along our coast. What makes cobia special is their incredible table quality - firm, white meat that's restaurant-grade. They fight hard with long runs and surprising stamina. Sight fishing is the name of the game - you'll actually see them swimming near the surface. Bucktail jigs and live eels work great. Here's the key: when you spot one, get your bait in front of it quickly. They're curious but won't hang around long.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's torpedoes - built for pure speed with razor-sharp teeth to match. Most run 2-4 feet long, but the big ones can hit 6 feet and over 100 pounds. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around reefs, grass flats, and structure where they ambush prey. They're around year-round but really active in warmer months. What makes barracuda fishing exciting is their explosive strikes and lightning-fast runs, though they tire quickly. They're curious fish that will often follow lures before striking. The meat's decent on smaller ones, but most folks catch them for the fight and the thrill. Use wire leaders - their teeth will slice through mono instantly. My go-to trick is a fast-retrieved spoon or tube lure. Keep it moving erratically and hold on tight when they hit.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the muscle cars of the reef - built for speed and power. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can push 100+ pounds, living up to their reputation as serious tackle-busters. You'll typically find them around offshore structure, wrecks, and reefs in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're most active and aggressive. What draws anglers to amberjack is their raw power - they'll test your drag and endurance with long, hard runs straight toward the bottom. The meat is firm and excellent when fresh, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Live bait like blue runners or goggle-eyes work best, but heavy jigs are deadly too. My advice: use at least 50-pound tackle and tighten that drag. These fish will find every piece of structure down there to break you off.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands down one of our most popular targets around North Myrtle Beach. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots typically run 20-30 inches and love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them tailing on grass flats, around docks, and in the creeks during moving tides. They bite year-round but really turn on during fall when they school up. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fight once hooked. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. These fish aren't picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, and topwater plugs all work great. Pro tip: look for nervous water and baitfish getting pushed around. That's usually redfish feeding underneath, and a well-placed cast will get hammered.
North Myrtle Beach