Inshore Fishing Charter North Myrtle Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4.5-hour morning charter targeting redfish, black seabass, and Spanish mackerelPrivate trip for up to 3 guests with all gear and licenses includedCaptain Lee provides instruction for families and beginner anglers
Captain Lee's 4.5-hour inshore fishing charter puts you right in the sweet spot where the Grand Strand's marshes meet the Atlantic. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – with just 3 anglers on board (or 4 if you need the extra space), you'll get personal attention and prime fishing spots without the chaos. Starting at 7 AM when the fish are actively feeding, this North Myrtle Beach charter targets the productive inshore waters where redfish cruise the grass flats and black drum patrol the oyster beds. Everything's handled for you – gear, bait, licenses, and cleaning your catch – so you can focus on what matters: getting fish in the boat.
You'll launch into the calm inshore waters around North Myrtle Beach, where the Intracoastal Waterway and tidal creeks create perfect habitat for our target species. Captain Lee knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the tides and structure to put you on fish. The morning start gives you the best bite, when predators are hunting baitfish in the shallows before the heat kicks in. This is hands-on fishing – you'll be casting to visible structure, working live bait around dock pilings, and learning to read the water like a local. Whether you're a complete beginner or just want to sharpen your inshore skills, Captain Lee breaks down the techniques that work in these specific waters. The calm conditions make this perfect for families and anyone who gets seasick in rough offshore conditions.
We're talking light tackle inshore fishing here – 7-foot spinning rods with 15-20 pound braid that gives you the sensitivity to feel those subtle redfish bites. Captain Lee rigs everything from Carolina rigs with cut bait for bottom feeders to popping corks with live shrimp when the fish are suspended. You'll learn the difference between fishing structure and open water, how to work different depths as the tide changes, and why presentation matters more than the prettiest lure in your tackle box. Live bait is king in these waters – fresh shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows that drive inshore species crazy. The boat's rigged with quality electronics to mark schools of bait and structure, but Captain Lee's local knowledge is what really puts fish in the cooler. He'll teach you to cast tight to mangroves without hanging up and how to fight fish around oyster bars without cutting them off.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore waters around North Myrtle Beach, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to monster 40-pounders that'll test your drag system. They love hanging around oyster beds and bridge pilings, where they use their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up in shallow water, and once you hook into a big drum, you'll understand why locals call them "the fish that pulls back." They're not the fastest swimmers, but they use their broad sides and stubborn nature to give you a real workout.
Redfish are the poster fish for inshore fishing, and North Myrtle Beach's grass flats and creek mouths hold some beauties. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in our waters, with that distinctive black spot near the tail making them easy to identify. They're most active during moving tides when they push into the shallows to feed on crabs and shrimp. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat – they're not as finicky as some species and will slam a well-presented bait. When hooked, they make powerful runs and use their broad tails to fight all the way to the boat.
Greater amberjack show up around deeper structure and wrecks just offshore from our inshore grounds, especially during warmer months. These are serious fish – fast, strong, and aggressive feeders that can reach 50+ pounds in our waters. They're called "reef donkeys" for good reason, making long, powerful runs when hooked. Amberjack are curious fish that often follow hooked fish to the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. They're excellent eating when properly prepared, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Great barracuda patrol the edges of grass flats and around structure, where their speed and razor-sharp teeth make them apex predators. In our inshore waters, they typically run 2-4 feet long with lightning-fast strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They're sight feeders with excellent vision, often following lures before deciding to strike. Barracuda are acrobatic fighters, known for jumping and making fast runs, but they tire quickly compared to other gamefish. Their prehistoric appearance and aggressive nature make them a favorite photo opportunity.
Cobia are the wildcards of North Myrtle Beach inshore fishing, showing up around buoys, crab traps, and other floating structure where they hunt for crabs and small fish. These brown sharks look-alikes can reach impressive sizes – 30-50 pounders aren't uncommon in our waters during their spring and fall migrations. Cobia are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. They're powerful fighters that make long runs and are considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between shark and grouper.
This North Myrtle Beach inshore charter hits all the marks – experienced local captain, productive fishing grounds, and everything included so you can focus on the fishing. Captain Lee's morning trips consistently produce fish while teaching you techniques that'll make you a better angler long after you leave the dock. The small group size means more one-on-one instruction, better fishing spots, and fish in the cooler for everyone. Whether you're planning a family
Step aboard this reliable 23' Grady White, your floating headquarters for a productive morning on North Myrtle Beach's calm inshore waters. Powered by a 225 HP Yamaha engine, this comfortable fishing platform cuts smoothly through coastal waters while you target redfish, black seabass, and Spanish mackerel. The boat comes equipped with everything serious anglers need - a fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to fishing spots. Captain Lee keeps quality gear onboard, plus there's an icebox to keep your drinks cold during the 4.5-hour charter. Modern electronics help you stay on the fish, while the spacious layout gives up to 3 guests room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. The porta-potty and stereo system add comfort between bites. Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or experienced angler chasing inshore species, this well-maintained Grady White handles the coastal conditions with ease while you focus on putting fish in the cooler.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bulls pushing 90. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're curious fish that'll eat just about anything on the bottom, from blue crab to fresh shrimp. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a tip: use fresh peeler crab when possible - it stays on the hook better than most baits and drives them crazy. These fish fight hard and steady, perfect for anglers wanting to feel that classic drum pull.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that cruise our waters like brown sharks, often hitting 40-60 pounds with that distinctive flat head and single dorsal fin. They love structure - buoys, channel markers, wrecks - anywhere from 15-50 feet deep. Spring migration brings the best shots when they're moving through in May and June. What makes them special is they're curious fish that'll follow the boat and eat table fare that rivals any fish in the ocean. The meat is firm, white, and almost lobster-like. They'll eat live bait, jigs, even topwater plugs when they're fired up. Here's my go-to trick: sight-cast a bucktail jig ahead of a cruising fish and work it slow. These fish inspect everything before they eat, so patience pays off. Once hooked, they fight deep and strong.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the speedsters of our waters, hitting 35 mph in short bursts with razor-sharp teeth and attitude to match. Most run 2-4 feet long with that silver torpedo body built for ambush attacks. You'll spot them near the surface around reefs, grass beds, and structure where they hunt by sight. Warmer months bring the best action when they're actively feeding. Guests get hooked on their explosive strikes and aerial shows - these fish jump and thrash like crazy. They're not great eating due to potential toxins, but the fight is pure adrenaline. Fast-moving lures work best - silver spoons, tube lures, or anything shiny. Pro tip: use a wire leader and work your lure fast near the surface. When you hook one, hold on tight and watch for those acrobatic jumps.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are serious fish - think 30-50 pounds of pure muscle with that distinctive amber stripe down their sides. We usually find them around deeper structures like wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60+ feet of water. Spring through early summer is when they're most active, especially April and May. What guests love is the initial run when you hook one - they'll peel drag like nothing else and test your tackle. The meat is firm and white, great for grilling or blackening. These fish aren't picky eaters, but live bait works best - a frisky blue runner or cigar minnow sent down to the bottom. Here's the key: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and pump them up quickly. Give them time to think and they'll wrap you around structure every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore waters, typically running 20-30 inches with that signature black spot near their tail. These copper-colored beauties love super shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and dock pilings. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months when they school up. What makes them special is how they eat - explosive topwater strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is fantastic too, mild and sweet when prepared right. They're surprisingly spooky in shallow water, so here's what I tell folks: keep your casts long and work lures slowly. A gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp works magic. These fish fight smart, using their broad sides to pull hard in the current.
North Myrtle Beach