Full Day Fishing Charter - Murrells Inlet, SC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targets premium species like wahoo and grouperProfessional captain decides fishing strategy based on daily conditionsSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
When you're looking to get serious about offshore fishing along South Carolina's coast, Hard Corps Fishing Charters delivers exactly what you need. This full-day charter out of Murrells Inlet gives you the time and flexibility to really target those species you've been wanting to hook. We're talking about heading out past the nearshore waters where the big boys live - wahoo, grouper, and everything in between. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will make the call on where to fish based on conditions, bait, and what's been biting lately. With just four anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to fight fish and won't be elbow-to-elbow with a crowd.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're watching the clock. A full day means we can really dial in on specific species and fishing techniques. Your captain will scout the best spots based on current conditions, water temperature, and recent fish activity. Some days that might mean hitting the nearshore reefs for black sea bass and triggerfish, other days we're running further offshore to troll for wahoo and king mackerel. The beauty of a full-day charter is the flexibility - if one spot isn't producing, we've got time to relocate and try different areas. Murrells Inlet's location puts us within easy reach of productive bottom structure, offshore wrecks, and the blue water where pelagics cruise. You'll spend the day working different techniques from bottom fishing with heavy tackle to high-speed trolling, depending on what your captain thinks will produce the best action.
Hard Corps comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day, but understanding the techniques makes it even better. For bottom species like grouper and sea bass, we're talking about heavy conventional reels with braided line and circle hooks. The captain will position the boat over structure and you'll drop baits down 60 to 120 feet depending on the spot. When targeting wahoo and other pelagics, we switch to high-speed trolling with diving plugs, spoons, and rigged ballyhoo. The key is covering water and presenting baits at different depths in the water column. Bluefish often show up in schools, and when they do, it's game on with lighter tackle and smaller lures. Your captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day - that's what separates a good charter from a great one. The boat's fish finder and GPS are constantly working to locate structure, bait schools, and temperature breaks where fish congregate.
Grey triggerfish are one of the most popular targets off Murrells Inlet, and for good reason. These feisty bottom dwellers put up a serious fight pound-for-pound and make excellent table fare. They hang around hard bottom and ledges in 40 to 100 feet of water, feeding on crabs and small baitfish. Triggerfish have a season that typically runs from August through May, making them available during most of the year. What makes them exciting is their aggressive nature - they'll absolutely hammer a bait and then use their powerful body to try and get back to structure. The fight feels much bigger than the fish, and they're known for their bulldogging runs.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, and when one hits your trolled bait at 30 knots, you'll know it instantly. These fish can reach speeds of 60 mph and grow over 100 pounds, though most catches range from 20 to 60 pounds. Fall and early winter are prime time for wahoo off the South Carolina coast as they migrate south following bait schools. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs make them one of the most sought-after gamefish. The initial run is absolutely blistering, and their acrobatic jumps add to the excitement. Plus, wahoo are considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Gag grouper are the kings of the bottom, and landing a big one is what many anglers dream about. These fish can live over 20 years and reach weights exceeding 50 pounds, though the slot limit keeps most harvested fish in the 24 to 36 inch range. Gags are ambush predators that hide around ledges, rocks, and wrecks waiting for unsuspecting prey. They're available year-round but fishing is typically best in fall and winter when they move to shallower waters. What makes gag grouper so exciting is their power - they'll grab your bait and immediately try to get back to structure. It's a tug-of-war where the fish has the home field advantage.
Black sea bass might not be the biggest fish in the ocean, but they make up for size with numbers and attitude. These fish are aggressive feeders and often provide steady action when other species are being finicky. They typically range from 1 to 4 pounds with the occasional larger fish mixed in. Sea bass hang around structure in 30 to 200 feet of water and are available most of the year with peak fishing in fall and winter. They're perfect for keeping the action going between larger fish, and they're outstanding on the dinner plate. Their willingness to bite makes them great for newer anglers to build confidence.
Bluefish are the wolves of the sea, traveling in schools and attacking bait with reckless abandon. When you find a school of blues, it's fast and furious action with fish in the 3 to 15 pound range. They're available year-round but peak numbers usually show up during spring and fall migrations. Bluefish are known for their hard runs and aggressive strikes - they'll hit just about any moving lure or bait. While they're not considered premium table fare due to their strong flavor, they provide excellent sport and are perfect when you want constant action. The sight of bluefish busting bait on the surface is something every angler should experience.
This fully-equipped offshore fishing boat is built to chase the big ones in the waters off Murrells Inlet. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines while targeting bluefish, wahoo, groupers, and king mackerel. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stealth matters, while the fish finder helps locate those productive spots where the fish are holding. GPS navigation ensures we can run to the best offshore grounds efficiently and get you back safely. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh, and the head means comfort during those long full-day trips. Whether we're trolling for wahoo or bottom fishing for grouper, this boat has everything needed for a productive day on the water targeting whatever species are biting best.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that travel in schools, ranging from small "snappers" to bruisers over 10 pounds. They're found everywhere from the surf to offshore waters, especially around bait schools. Spring through fall is when they're most active here, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white. What makes them exciting is their aggressive strikes and strong runs - plus they're great fighters pound for pound. They'll hit almost anything when feeding, from cut bait to lures. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a mild, flaky texture on smaller fish. Pro tip: watch for diving birds - that's usually bluefish driving baitfish to the surface. Get your bait in that chaos and hold on. Just be careful of their razor-sharp teeth when handling them.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are scrappy bottom dwellers that average 12-17 inches but can reach up to 2 feet. You'll find them around hard structure - reefs, ledges, and wrecks - usually within 180 feet of the surface. They're tough fighters with leather-like skin and sharp teeth that can crack sea urchins. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature once hooked, plus they make excellent table fare. Best fishing is late spring through fall when they're most active. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first nibble, don't set the hook right away. These fish love to steal bait, so let them take it fully before reeling fast and steady. Use squid chunks about an inch wide - it stays on the hook better than other baits when they're being picky.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky little fighters that usually run 1-4 pounds, though the big males can hit 8+ pounds and turn bright blue during spawning. They hang around structure - wrecks, jetties, rocky bottom - in depths up to 120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. What guests enjoy is their scrappy fight and the fact they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. They're also great for beginners since they bite readily and aren't too particular about bait. Use squid strips or cut fish on a two-hook bottom rig. Here's a tip: once you hook one, don't horse it up too fast - they fight hard until they break the surface, then usually give up. Work them steady but let them tire themselves out first.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our offshore waters, hitting up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. These guys typically run 3-5 feet long and are absolute rockets when hooked. You'll find them in open water, often around floating debris or oil rigs. They're most active here from late spring through fall when the water warms up. What guests love is the blistering runs and the fact that wahoo makes some of the best eating fish in the ocean - white, flaky, and mild. We troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Pro tip: when you get a wahoo bite, don't pump the rod - just keep steady pressure and let the reel do the work. They'll make several screaming runs before tiring out.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 20 inches but growing up to 4-5 feet. They live around offshore structure - rocks, reefs, and wrecks - where they ambush crabs and small fish. Once they grab your bait, they'll try to drag it straight back to their hole, so you better be ready for a tug-of-war. What makes them popular is that fight plus they're outstanding on the plate. Best action is spring through fall when they're feeding heavy. Look for them hanging with kingfish and Spanish mackerel around structure. Here's the key: soon as you feel that thump, lock your reel and pull hard - don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you up in the rocks. Live pinfish and mullet work great, but cut squid and crab get their attention too.
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