Shark Fishing Charter North Myrtle Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4.5hour nearshore shark fishing targeting blacktip sharksHeavy tackle fishing designed for up to 3 guestsAll gear, bait, license, and fish cleaning included
Looking for a fishing experience that'll test your skills and give you some serious bragging rights? Captain Lee's 4.5-hour shark fishing charter out of North Myrtle Beach delivers exactly that. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about targeting some of the most powerful predators swimming in these coastal waters. Starting at 7 AM, you and up to two other anglers will head nearshore to battle blacktip sharks and other toothy species that call these waters home. Everything's covered – heavy tackle, fresh bait, your fishing license, and we'll even clean your catch. It's designed for anglers who want to feel that raw power on the other end of the line.
This charter kicks off early when the sharks are most active and the water's still calm. Captain Lee runs a tight ship, keeping groups small at just three anglers so everyone gets plenty of action and personalized attention. The boat heads out to productive nearshore waters where sharks cruise the drop-offs and structure looking for an easy meal. You'll be fishing with heavy tackle – think 80-pound class gear that can handle the sudden runs and bulldogging fights these fish are famous for. The atmosphere stays relaxed but focused, with Captain Lee sharing decades of local knowledge about reading the water, understanding shark behavior, and timing your hooksets. Weather permitting, you'll spend most of your time anchored over productive spots, though we'll move around to find the bite. Don't expect a leisurely day of light tackle fishing – this is serious business that demands your full attention once a shark takes the bait.
Shark fishing requires a completely different approach than your typical inshore game. We're using circle hooks on wire leaders with fresh cut bait – usually bluefish, mackerel, or whatever's running thick that week. The rods are stout enough to turn a charging shark away from structure, and the reels are loaded with enough line to handle those initial screaming runs. Captain Lee sets up a spread of baits at different depths and distances from the boat, maximizing your chances of finding active fish. The key is patience combined with quick reflexes – sharks often mouth the bait before committing, so knowing when to set the hook takes experience. Wire leaders are non-negotiable since even a small shark's teeth will slice through mono like butter. We'll also have a proper release setup ready, including circle hooks that reduce gut-hooking and heavy-duty pliers for quick, safe releases. The technique involves letting the fish run initially, then applying steady pressure to tire them out before bringing them boatside.
The waters off North Myrtle Beach hold an impressive variety of sharks, each offering its own unique fight characteristics. Blacktip sharks are the bread and butter of this fishery, known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. These fish typically run 3-5 feet and fight way above their weight class, making multiple jumps and long runs that'll have your arms burning. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action happening during moving tides. What makes blacktips special is their aggressive nature – they'll often hit a bait hard and immediately go airborne, giving you an instant adrenaline rush that's hard to match in fishing.
Black drum might seem like an odd addition to a shark charter, but these bruisers share the same nearshore waters and provide incredible bottom-fighting power. These copper-colored tanks can exceed 50 pounds and are notorious for their bulldogging runs straight to the bottom. They're most active during cooler months and feed heavily on crabs and shellfish around structure. Landing a big black drum on heavy shark tackle still requires serious muscle – they use their broad sides and powerful tails to fight every inch of the way to the boat.
Redfish add another dimension to nearshore fishing, with bull reds reaching impressive sizes in these waters. During late summer and early fall, schools of oversized reds move through the area, and catching one on shark tackle feels like hooking into a freight train. These bronze fighters are famous for their sustained runs and dogged determination. The slot-sized fish make excellent table fare, while the big bulls over 27 inches provide pure sport before swimming away to fight another day.
Greater amberjack bring serious offshore power to nearshore waters when they move in to feed around structure. These yellow-tailed speedsters can top 40 pounds and are known for their initial blistering runs followed by circles deep under the boat. Spring and fall see the best amberjack action, and they're notorious for testing both angler and tackle to the limit. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in these waters.
Great barracuda round out the target list with their impressive size and razor-sharp teeth. These silver bullets can stretch over four feet and are capable of explosive runs that'll strip line faster than you can react. They're ambush predators that often follow hooked fish to the boat, creating opportunities for sight fishing. While their meat can be excellent when prepared properly, most anglers target them for the pure sport – there's nothing quite like watching a big 'cuda launch itself completely out of the water during a fight.
Cobia are the wild cards of this charter, showing up when conditions are right and providing some of the most memorable fights you'll ever experience. These brown sharks (though they're not actually sharks) can exceed 40 pounds and are known for their curious nature and incredible power. They often cruise near the surface where you can sight-fish for them, and their runs are legendary among local anglers. Late spring through early fall offers the best cobia opportunities, and they're considered some of the finest eating fish in these waters.
Captain Lee's shark fishing charter offers something different from the typical inshore experience – a chance to battle some seriously powerful fish in the productive waters off North Myrtle Beach. With all gear, bait, and cleaning services included, you can focus entirely
Get ready to battle some serious sharks aboard this well-equipped 23' Grady White! Powered by a reliable 225 HP Yamaha engine, this fishing machine is built to handle the coastal waters around North Myrtle Beach with ease. You'll have everything you need for a successful shark hunt - modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate your targets, plus quality heavy tackle gear to handle these powerful fighters. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 3 anglers with an icebox to keep your drinks cold during the action, a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, and even a porta-potty for those longer battles. Captain Lee knows exactly where to find blacktip sharks and other coastal species in these nearshore waters, and he'll guide you through proper techniques for safely landing these strong fish. With all gear, bait, and fishing licenses included, you just need to show up ready to fight some serious fish!
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are tough fighters that range from 5-30 pounds, though we've seen some bruisers hit 50+ pounds around here. These dark, powerful fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush crabs and shellfish with those strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - makes them much easier to find. You'll hear that distinctive drumming sound they make underwater during the spawn. They fight hard but don't tire as quickly as reds. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with flaky white meat. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or cut bait on the bottom around oyster bars, and don't be surprised if you think you're hung up on structure when one first grabs your bait.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of the most prized fish we target, growing to 6 feet and 100 pounds with broad shoulders and serious pulling power. These brown, shark-looking fish cruise shallow reefs, wrecks, and buoys from spring through fall. They're loners, so we sight fish for them on the surface or find them around structure in 30-70 feet. What guests love is their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. The fight is strong and steady, and the table fare is outstanding with firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. Spring migration around April-May is prime time when they're moving through in good numbers. Pro tip: when you see one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work a bucktail jig or eel back slowly.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the silver bullets of the nearshore waters, reaching 4-6 feet and capable of hitting 35 mph in short bursts. These toothy predators patrol reefs, wrecks, and edges from the surface down to about 80 feet. They're around year-round but more active in warmer months. What makes them fun is that explosive strike followed by aerial acrobatics - they'll jump and tail-walk when hooked. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature make every hookup exciting. They're curious fish that often follow lures before deciding to hit. While some folks eat smaller ones, most release these apex predators. Here's the deal: use wire leaders always, and when sight fishing, cast past them and retrieve back - they like to ambush prey from behind.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the offshore world, averaging 30-40 pounds with fish over 50 not uncommon. These silver and bronze bruisers live around structure - wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs from 40-150 feet deep. April through summer is when they're most active, especially during the spawn. What guests love is that initial run when you hook one - they'll take you straight to the bottom and test your drag system. They're not picky eaters either, crushing live bait, jigs, and trolled baits. The meat is firm and tasty, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. My go-to technique is dropping a live pinfish or blue runner on heavy tackle right to the bottom near structure, then holding on tight when they hit.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing around here. These copper-colored beauties with the black eyespot near their tail typically run 20-30 inches and love cruising the grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot their backs sticking out sometimes they get so shallow. Spring through fall are prime, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. They hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with authority. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and the way they'll strip drag on long runs through the shallows. Great eating too with mild, sweet meat. Here's a local trick: look for nervous water and baitfish getting pushed around - that's usually reds feeding just underneath.
North Myrtle Beach