Nearshore Fishing Charter North Myrtle Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4.5hour morning charter targeting mackerel, cobia, and seabass nearshorePrivate boat accommodates up to 3 guests with optional 4th anglerAll gear, bait, license, and fish cleaning included with Captain Lee
Ready to get after some serious fish without burning your entire day? This 4.5-hour nearshore charter out of North Myrtle Beach is perfect for anglers who want real action just beyond the inlet. Captain Lee knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got you covered with everything you need - gear, bait, license, and he'll even clean your catch. Starting at 7 AM, you'll have three spots on the boat with room for a fourth angler if you want to bring the whole crew. We're talking waters up to 10 miles offshore where the fish are bigger, hungrier, and ready to put up a fight.
This isn't your typical inshore trip hugging the beach. Captain Lee runs you out to productive nearshore waters where structure and current create perfect feeding zones. You'll be fishing in 30 to 80 feet of water over reefs, ledges, and structure that holds everything from aggressive Spanish mackerel to trophy cobia. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait. Don't worry if you're new to this - Captain Lee's hands-on approach means he'll get you rigged up and show you exactly how to work these spots. The early morning start puts you on the water when fish are most active, and you'll be back to shore by lunch with coolers full of fillets ready for the grill.
Nearshore fishing means variety in your approach. Captain Lee switches up tactics based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. You'll be working with medium to heavy action rods paired with reels that have smooth drags - essential when a king mackerel decides to make a screaming run. Live bait is king out here, with cigar minnows, blue runners, and live shrimp accounting for most of the action. When the bite's hot, you might find yourself free-lining baits back in the current or working jigs around structure. Bottom fishing with cut bait produces steady action on black seabass and other reef dwellers. The captain reads the water constantly, watching for bird activity, bait schools, and current breaks that signal feeding fish below.
Black drum are absolute bulldogs that'll test your drag system and your patience. These chunky fighters love hanging around structure in 40 to 60 feet of water, and they're not giving up without a serious battle. Spring through fall offers your best shot, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to genuine trophies pushing 30 pounds. What makes them special is their pure power - no flashy jumps, just head-shaking, bottom-hugging determination that'll make your arms burn.
Redfish bring that signature copper flash and aggressive attitude that keeps anglers coming back. While you might think of them as inshore fish, these nearshore reds are often bigger and fight harder in the deeper water. Summer and early fall are prime time when schools of bull reds cruise the nearshore reefs. A 30-inch red in open water is a completely different animal than its shallow-water cousins - expect longer runs and more dramatic fights.
Greater amberjack are the muscle cars of the reef. These fish hit like a freight train and immediately head for the bottom, testing every knot and connection on your rig. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and these fish can easily top 40 pounds. What makes them exciting is their speed and power - they'll strip line faster than you thought possible and keep you working the entire fight.
Great barracuda bring serious attitude and lightning-fast strikes that'll wake up anyone who's dozed off. These toothy predators patrol the nearshore waters year-round, but summer months offer the most consistent action. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, making them exciting on lighter tackle. A good cuda will jump, run, and generally raise hell until it's in the boat.
Cobia are the prize fish that make nearshore trips legendary. These chocolate-brown bruisers cruise the reefs looking for an easy meal, and they're not shy about crushing a well-presented bait. Late spring through summer is prime time when these fish are most active in nearshore waters. What makes cobia special is their size potential and fighting ability - a 40-pound cobia will take you on a tour of the reef system and make you earn every inch of line you get back.
This nearshore charter hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing without the full-day commitment. Captain Lee's local knowledge and hands-on approach mean you're not just casting blind - you're fishing smart in proven spots with someone who lives and breathes these waters. With all gear included and fish cleaning handled, you just show up ready to fish. The 7 AM start gets you on the water when conditions are typically best, and the 4.5-hour duration gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots and species. Whether you're looking to put meat in the cooler or chase that trophy fish story, this trip delivers the goods. Don't sleep on booking - prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing's hottest.
This 23-foot Grady White is your ticket to productive nearshore waters off North Myrtle Beach. Powered by a reliable 225 HP Yamaha, she cuts through coastal swells with ease while keeping you comfortable during those 4.5-hour fishing sessions. The boat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - a fish finder to locate schools of Spanish mackerel and cobia, GPS navigation to hit the productive spots, and radar for those early morning runs when visibility gets sketchy. Captain Lee keeps the onboard tackle boxes stocked and the wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish. With space for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of room to fight king mackerel without getting tangled up. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while the porta-potty means you won't cut the trip short. Modern electronics and a stereo system round out this well-equipped fishing platform that's built to handle everything from inlet runs to 10-mile offshore adventures targeting black seabass and whatever else is biting in these productive Carolina waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black fish have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs along muddy flats, oyster beds, and around inlet structures. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - much easier to target than when they scatter after. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab bait works best since it won't get stolen by catfish like other baits. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make good eating with flaky white meat, but the big ones get tough and stringy. Pro tip: use enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom and be patient - they take their time deciding whether to bite.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the fish world, cruising solo except during spawning season from June through August. These brown, shark-looking fish average around 40-60 pounds and grow up to 6 feet, making them one of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. They love hanging around structure - wrecks, reefs, buoys, and crab trap floats in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best fishing when they're moving through our area. What makes them exciting is the sight fishing - you'll often spot them just under the surface before casting. They hit bucktail jigs, live bait, and even topwater lures hard. The key is getting your bait in front of them quickly since they don't stick around long. A 4-8 oz jig worked near the bottom around structure is your best bet.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the speed demons of nearshore waters, reaching 35 mph in short bursts and growing 4-6 feet long. These silver torpedoes with razor teeth cruise the surface around reefs, grass beds, and channel edges, usually hunting alone except during spring spawning. They're curious fish that hunt by sight, often following lures before deciding to strike. The fight is intense but short - they'll make blazing runs and jump, but tire quickly. Most folks release them since the meat can cause food poisoning in larger fish. They're not picky, hitting anything shiny like spoons, tube lures, or live bait. Keep a wire leader - those teeth will cut through mono instantly. Watch your hands when landing them; even a tired barracuda can do serious damage with those chompers.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the offshore world, averaging 39 pounds and growing up to 6 feet long. These bluish-gray bruisers with the amber stripe love hanging around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. April through May is spawning season when they're most aggressive and easier to find. What draws anglers is their raw power - they'll test your drag and your arms with strong, steady runs straight down. The meat is firm and tasty, though larger fish can carry ciguatera so many folks release the big ones. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, jigs, and even large plugs. My go-to technique is dropping a live baitfish or heavy jig to the bottom near structure, then working it slowly up through the water column.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster child of shallow water fishing, cruising flats in 1-4 feet of water with their distinctive black spots near the tail. These copper-colored fighters average 28-33 inches and love hanging around oyster bars, grass beds, and dock pilings in brackish bays. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active in cooler water. What makes them special is the variety - you can catch them on everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, and they put up a solid scrap. The meat is sweet and mild, perfect for the grill. Around here, I like throwing a gold spoon or paddle tail jig near structure during moving tides. Watch for their backs sticking out of shallow water - that's when you know you're in the right spot.
North Myrtle Beach