Shark Fishing Charter North Myrtle Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4.5-hour nearshore shark fishing targeting blacktip sharks with heavy tacklePrivate charter accommodates up to 3 guests with Captain Lee's expert guidanceAll gear, bait, fishing license, and fish cleaning services included
Captain Lee's shark fishing charter in North Myrtle Beach puts you face-to-face with some of the ocean's most powerful predators just minutes from shore. This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip – we're talking heavy tackle, screaming reels, and heart-pounding fights that'll test your skills against blacktip sharks and other coastal species. Starting bright and early at 7 AM, you'll spend 4.5 hours targeting these apex predators in the nearshore waters where they cruise for baitfish and hunt in the surf zone.
This private charter accommodates up to 3 anglers comfortably, with room for a 4th if your crew wants to squeeze in one more. The early morning departure isn't just about beating the heat – sharks are most active during dawn hours when they're actively feeding in the shallows. Captain Lee runs a no-nonsense operation where everything's handled for you: heavy-duty tackle rated for big fish, fresh cut bait that drives sharks wild, valid fishing licenses, and professional fish cleaning at the end of your trip. The focus here is pure shark fishing, so don't expect to bottom fish for grouper or troll for kings. We're anchored up in prime shark territory, chumming the water and waiting for those telltale runs that'll have your drag screaming. The captain knows exactly where to position the boat based on current conditions, tide movement, and recent shark activity along the Grand Strand.
Shark fishing demands serious gear, and Captain Lee's setup doesn't mess around. We're talking 80-pound class rods paired with high-capacity reels loaded with heavy braided line and wire leaders that can handle razor-sharp teeth. The technique revolves around anchoring in 20-40 feet of water where sharks patrol the drop-offs and structure breaks near shore. Fresh cut bait – usually chunks of bluefish, menhaden, or spanish mackerel – gets rigged on heavy circle hooks designed to hook sharks in the corner of the mouth for safer handling. A proper chum slick keeps the scent trail flowing downcurrent, drawing curious sharks from miles away. When a shark picks up your bait, you'll know immediately. The initial run can peel off 100+ yards of line in seconds, and the fight that follows is pure arm-burning, back-straining work. Captain Lee coaches you through proper fighting techniques, when to pump and wind, and how to use the boat's leverage to your advantage. These aren't small fish – even juvenile blacktips can stretch 4-5 feet and fight like they're twice that size.
Black Drum might surprise you on this shark-focused trip, but these hefty bottom dwellers love the same areas where sharks hunt. Mature black drum can push 40-50 pounds and fight with bulldogging power that'll remind you why they're called "drum" – they actually make drumming sounds underwater. Spring through fall offers the best action, with bigger fish moving inshore during cooler months. What makes black drum special is their slow, methodical fight that tests your patience and endurance rather than explosive runs.
Redfish are copper-colored bruisers that frequent the nearshore waters where we target sharks, especially around structure and drop-offs. These fish are built for power with broad shoulders and strong tails that make long, sustained runs. Late summer and early fall bring the best redfish action as schools of bull reds migrate along the coast. Landing a 20+ pound red on heavy shark gear still provides plenty of excitement, and their distinctive spot patterns make them a favorite photo opportunity.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, and when one grabs your shark bait, you're in for a different kind of fight entirely. These fish dive straight for the bottom and try to wrap your line around any available structure. Amberjack in the 30-50 pound range are common in our nearshore waters, especially around artificial reefs and live bottom areas. Summer months produce the most consistent amberjack action, and their firm white meat makes excellent table fare.
Great Barracuda add an element of speed and aggression that keeps things interesting. These torpedo-shaped predators can appear out of nowhere and absolutely crush a bait intended for sharks. Barracuda fights are all about blistering initial runs and spectacular jumps that'll have you scrambling to keep up. They're year-round residents in our waters, but summer brings the biggest specimens – some pushing 4-5 feet long with mouths full of needle-sharp teeth.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks (as locals sometimes call them due to their appearance) are curious fish that often approach the boat to investigate. When a big cobia shows up, everything stops while we try to get a bait in front of it. These fish can exceed 40 pounds and fight with a combination of power and endurance that makes them a true prize catch. Peak cobia season runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active in our nearshore waters.
Captain Lee's shark fishing charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – a focused, professional trip targeting powerful fish in North Myrtle Beach's productive nearshore waters. The 4.5-hour trip length gives you plenty of time to get into fish without the fatigue of an all-day grind, and the 7 AM start puts you on the water during prime feeding times. With all gear, bait, licenses, and cleaning included, you just need to show up ready to battle some serious fish. The private charter format means no crowds, no rushing, and personalized instruction from a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're after your first shark or looking to upgrade to bigger specimens, this charter puts you in the right place with the right techniques. Book your dates early, especially during peak summer months when shark activity reaches its highest levels an
Your shark fishing adventure runs on a solid 23' Grady White that's perfectly rigged for chasing coastal predators. This proven fishing platform packs a reliable 225 HP Yamaha that'll get you to the shark grounds quickly and bring you back safely. The boat's loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS to mark productive spots, fish finder to locate baitfish, and radar for those early morning runs when visibility gets sketchy. Heavy tackle is already set up and ready for the fight these powerful fish deliver. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when positioning for the perfect drift, while the icebox keeps your drinks cold during the action. With comfortable seating for your group and a porta-potty onboard, you can focus on what matters - hooking into blacktips and other coastal sharks that call these waters home.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are powerful bottom-feeders that can reach 90 pounds, though most we catch run 5-30 pounds. They're built like tanks with strong jaws meant for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when they get aggressive and easier to target. They make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear underwater. What makes them fun is the solid fight they put up, pulling drag and using their weight against you. Fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig works best - the key is keeping your bait right on bottom where they feed. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating since the big ones get tough and fishy.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. They average 30-50 pounds and can hit 100+, growing up to 6 feet long. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 20-100 feet of water, but they also cruise shallow flats. Spring migration and spawning season are prime times when they move through in big numbers. They're loners most of the year, which makes each one special. The fight is strong and bulldogging, plus the meat is top-shelf - firm white fillets that grill perfectly. They're curious and will often approach the boat. Bucktail jigs in any color work great, but sight fishing with live eels or large jigs is most productive. Watch for them shadowing rays and sharks.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are aggressive predators that can hit 6 feet and 100+ pounds, though most run 2-4 feet. They're built for speed with that torpedo body and razor teeth, hitting 35 mph in short bursts. You'll find them near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 10-100 feet of water. They're around year-round but most active in warmer months when baitfish are thick. What's exciting is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll go airborne multiple times during the fight. They're curious fish that often follow lures before striking. Not great eating due to possible toxins, but the fight is worth it. Shiny spoons and tube lures work great. Keep your drag loose initially - they hit so hard they'll break you off on the strike.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are serious bruisers that'll test your tackle and stamina. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, growing up to 6 feet long. They hang around offshore structure, wrecks, and reefs in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through early summer is when they're most active and feeding heavy before spawning. What makes them special is the raw power - they'll take you straight to the bottom on initial runs, then fight you all the way up. The meat is firm and tasty, great for steaks or sashimi. You need heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line since they'll wrap you around structure fast. Live bait like blue runners work best, but metal jigs are deadly too. Keep steady pressure and don't let them get back down.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular inshore targets, running 20-35 inches on average with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll spot them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around dock pilings in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring are peak times when they're actively feeding and easier to sight. What guests love is watching them blow up on topwater lures - it's pure visual excitement. They fight hard too, making strong runs and using their broad sides against you. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the grill. My go-to trick is using a gold spoon or topwater plug early morning when they're feeding shallow. Cast ahead of cruising fish and work it slow.
North Myrtle Beach