Nearshore Fishing Charter North Myrtle Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4.5-hour nearshore charter targets mackerel, cobia, and seabassAll gear, bait, license, and fish cleaning includedPrivate morning trip accommodates up to 3 guests
Captain Lee's nearshore fishing charter takes you beyond the typical inlet crowd for some serious action just off North Myrtle Beach. This 4.5-hour morning trip starts at 7 AM and keeps things intimate with just 3 anglers max – though you can squeeze in a 4th for an extra fee if your group needs it. We're talking prime fishing waters anywhere from 3 to 10 miles offshore, where the Spanish mackerel run thick, king mackerel patrol the drop-offs, and cobia cruise the structure. Everything's covered – rods, reels, bait, tackle, fishing license, and Captain Lee will clean your catch so you're walking away with fillets ready for the dinner table. This isn't your basic pier fishing experience; it's a legitimate nearshore adventure that puts you on fish while still getting you back to shore before lunch.
You'll meet Captain Lee at the dock bright and early, and within minutes you're heading out past the breakers into some of the most productive nearshore waters along the Grand Strand. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one minute you're working live bait around structure for cobia, the next you're trolling spoons through a mackerel school that's lighting up the fish finder. The boat's rigged for whatever we find out there, and Captain Lee reads these waters like a book. He knows where the baitfish stack up, which reefs hold the bigger predators, and how to adjust tactics when the bite changes. The 4.5-hour window gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots without feeling rushed, but it's not so long that you're burned out by the afternoon heat. Perfect setup for families, groups of friends, or anyone who wants to get into some real fish without committing to a full-day offshore grind.
Captain Lee runs a well-equipped boat with medium to heavy spinning and conventional setups that can handle everything from schoolie Spanish mackerel to bull-sized king mackerel. You'll work with a mix of live bait – usually cigar minnows, blue runners, or whatever's running thick – plus an arsenal of artificials including spoons, jigs, and plugs. The trolling spread is where this trip really shines; Captain Lee sets up a pattern with different lures at varying depths to cover the water column. When we mark bait or structure, we'll stop and work it thoroughly with live bait rigs, bottom rigs for seabass, or sight-casting to cruising cobia. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish are telling you. Some days they want fast-trolled spoons, other days it's all about slow-pitched jigs around the bottom structure. Captain Lee handles the technical stuff and keeps you in position, but you're doing the fighting and landing.
Black drum are absolute bruisers in these nearshore waters, especially around the artificial reefs and hard bottom areas. These fish can push 30-40 pounds easily, and they fight like freight trains once they feel the hook. They're not picky eaters – cut bait on a bottom rig does the trick – but landing one is a different story. Black drum use their broad sides and powerful tails to bulldoze toward structure, so you're in for a real tug-of-war. Best action typically happens during the warmer months when they move into shallower water to feed. What makes them so appealing is the combination of size, fight, and eating quality; the smaller ones make excellent table fare.
Redfish are the bread and butter of North Myrtle Beach nearshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches in these waters and put up a scrap that's hard to match pound-for-pound. They school up around structure, oyster beds, and drop-offs, often feeding aggressively on baitfish and crustaceans. Captain Lee knows how to spot the telltale signs – nervous baitfish, diving birds, or that distinctive bronze flash just under the surface. Redfish hit both live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm, and they're notorious for making long, powerful runs that test your drag system. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, but you can find them year-round in the right conditions.
Greater amberjack are the heavyweight champions of the nearshore scene, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. These fish inhabit the deeper reefs and wrecks, typically in 40-80 feet of water, and they can exceed 50 pounds without breaking a sweat. Amberjack are ambush predators that lurk around structure waiting for baitfish to get careless. They hit hard and dive straight for the bottom, using every trick in the book to wrap you around whatever structure they call home. Live bait works best – blue runners, cigar minnows, or small jacks – fished on medium-heavy tackle with enough backbone to turn their heads. The fight is what draws anglers back; it's a genuine test of angling skill and endurance.
Great barracuda add speed and excitement to any nearshore trip around North Myrtle Beach. These silver missiles can reach 4-5 feet and hit trolled baits or lures like lightning bolts. Barracuda are visual predators that rely on speed and those famous razor-sharp teeth to ambush prey. They're often the first fish you'll encounter when trolling the nearshore waters, and their strikes are explosive – no subtle bites here. The key is keeping a tight drag and being ready for their signature jumps and head-shaking runs. While they're not typically kept for dinner due to potential ciguatera concerns, the pure excitement of hooking a big barracuda makes them a favorite target for catch-and-release action.
Cobia are the prize catch that keeps anglers coming back to these nearshore waters season after season. These brown sharks
This 23-foot Grady White is your ticket to productive nearshore fishing off North Myrtle Beach. Powered by a reliable 225 HP Yamaha, she cuts through coastal waters with ease while keeping you comfortable during those early morning runs to the fishing grounds. The boat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS and fish finder to locate the best spots, radar for those hazy mornings, and a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky fish without spooking them. You'll have plenty of room to move around while fighting king mackerel or hauling in cobia, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. The onboard porta-potty means no cutting trips short, and quality fishing gear is ready to go. With space for up to 4 anglers, this Grady White handles the 10-mile run to productive nearshore waters like a champ, getting you to where the Spanish mackerel and black seabass are biting while leaving plenty of energy for the fight.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some real monsters pushing 90. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs around shallow flats, inlet mouths, and oyster beds. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll have your best shot at multiple hookups. These fish are curious and will eat just about any crab or clam you put in front of them. They fight hard but steady, not flashy jumpers. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab and make sure your weight gets that bait right on the bottom where they're feeding.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized nearshore targets, typically running 30-50 pounds and built like brown torpedoes with serious attitude. They cruise alone around buoys, channel markers, and floating debris in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they're moving north and actively feeding. What makes cobia special is they're curious - they'll come right up to the boat to investigate, giving you multiple shot opportunities. The fight is all power with strong runs and head shakes. Plus, they're absolutely phenomenal on the dinner table - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in these waters. Best trick: sight fish them with bucktail jigs in brown or white, and don't be afraid to work that jig aggressively to get their attention.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, reaching 3-5 feet long and hitting 35 mph when they want your lure. They patrol the surface around reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs, usually hunting alone except during spring spawning runs. These fish are pure predator - all teeth and attitude with razor-sharp chompers that'll slice through most leaders. What makes them fun is the visual aspect: you'll often see them following baits before that explosive strike. They jump, run, and fight dirty but tire quickly. While the meat can be good, most folks release them for the sport. Warming months bring the best action when they're most active. Wire leaders are essential - I've seen too many cut-offs from guys trying to get away with heavy mono.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bruisers of the nearshore wrecks and reefs, averaging 20-40 pounds with some reaching 6 feet long. These fish live around structure in 60-200 feet of water and will test every bit of your tackle when hooked. Spring through early summer is peak season when they move shallow to spawn around April and May. What guests love is the raw power - amberjack make blistering runs straight for the bottom trying to cut you off on the wreck. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, large jigs, and plugs equally well. The meat is firm and white, perfect for grilling. Key tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and try to turn its head up immediately - if it gets back to that structure, it's game over.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of shallow water fishing around here. Most run 20-35 inches and fight like freight trains in the skinny water they love - often just 1-4 feet deep around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths. You'll spot that distinctive copper color and black eyespot near the tail. They're year-round residents but really fire up in spring and fall when they're more aggressive. What makes them special is the sight fishing - watching them cruise the shallows and making that perfect cast. They hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. Great eating too, with mild white meat that's hard to beat. Local trick: look for nervous water and mullet getting pushed around - that's usually redfish feeding underneath.
North Myrtle Beach