Premium Half Day Offshore Fishing in Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore fishing charter in South Carolina watersSmall group experience accommodating up to four guestsMorning and afternoon departure times available daily
Looking for some serious fishing action without burning your whole day? Hard Corps Fishing Charters has you covered with their top-rated half day trips out of Murrells Inlet. Four solid hours on South Carolina's productive offshore waters, targeting some of the best gamefish the Atlantic has to offer. Whether you're an early bird wanting to beat the heat or prefer an afternoon bite, these waters deliver consistent action that'll keep your rods bent and your cooler full.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with only four anglers max per trip, you're getting the personalized attention that makes all the difference. We're talking prime offshore fishing grounds where the Gulf Stream pushes baitfish close to structure, creating feeding frenzies that turn average days into fish stories you'll tell for years. The boat's rigged with quality tackle and all the gear you need, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and get ready to work. Half day trips are perfect for families, first-timers, or seasoned anglers who want to squeeze in some fishing without committing to a marathon session. The morning trips typically run cooler with calmer seas, while afternoon charters often see more aggressive feeding as baitfish become more active.
We're running a mixed bag approach out here - trolling spreads for the pelagics like mahi and wahoo, plus bottom fishing when we find good structure holding cobia and blues. Your captain will have the boat rigged with outriggers and a solid spread of lures and baits depending on what's been producing. Expect to see ballyhoo, cigar minnows, and some artificial lures in the rotation. When we're trolling, we'll typically pull 4-6 lines at different depths to cover the water column. The key is staying mobile and reading the water - looking for birds, bait schools, and temperature breaks where the fish stack up. For bottom fishing, we'll anchor up or drift over structure with live or cut bait, targeting those cobia and blues that love to hang around wrecks and reefs. The tackle is sized right for the species we're after, so you won't be fighting a 10-pound fish on gear meant for marlin.
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of these waters, and for good reason. These fish are pure adrenaline - they hit hard, jump high, and their electric colors make every photo a keeper. Best fishing typically runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s. Look for them around floating debris, sargassum lines, and temperature breaks where they're hunting ballyhoo and flying fish. What makes mahi special is their willingness to stay around the boat once you hook into a school - keep one hooked and his buddies will often stick around for multiple hookups.
Atlantic mackerel might not be the biggest fish in the ocean, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and fight. These silver bullets show up in huge schools and will absolutely destroy a trolled spoon or small jig. Spring and fall are prime time when they're migrating along the coast. They're also fantastic table fare and perfect for anglers looking to fill the cooler with quality eating fish.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of stripping line faster than you can blink. These torpedo-shaped predators love high-speed trolled lures and are most active during the warmer months. A wahoo bite is unmistakable - the rod just loads up and starts screaming line. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make them a favorite among experienced anglers who appreciate a fish that fights as good as it tastes.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the inshore reefs and wrecks. These brown sharks (as they're often called) can push 40-50 pounds and are known for their curious nature - they'll often follow the boat and check out what's going on. Spring migration brings the biggest fish as they move north along the coast. Cobia are sight fishing at its finest, often spotted cruising just under the surface where you can drop a live bait or jig right in front of them.
Bluefish are the cleanup crew of the offshore world - aggressive, hungry, and always ready to eat. When the blues are blitzing bait on the surface, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. They travel in schools and when you find them, every rod on the boat can be hooked up simultaneously. Blues are active year-round but peak in spring and fall when they're feeding heavily during their migrations.
Half day charters book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and everyone wants a piece of the action. Hard Corps Fishing Charters has built their reputation on putting customers on fish and making sure every trip delivers memories worth bragging about. Four hours might sound short, but when the fish are biting and the action is non-stop, you'll be amazed how much fishing you can pack into a half day. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to offshore fishing, planning a quick corporate outing, or just want to scratch that fishing itch without burning your whole weekend, this is the perfect solution. The boat's equipped, the captain knows where to find them, and all you need to do is show up ready to fish. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Murrells Inlet is considered one of South Carolina's premier fishing destinations.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious anglers heading into South Carolina's productive offshore waters. This boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful half day on the water - a reliable fish finder to locate schools of fish, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and an ice box to keep your catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly when you need stealth to avoid spooring fish, while the onboard toilet means you can stay focused on fishing without heading back to shore. With room for up to 4 guests, there's plenty of space to cast lines and fight fish without getting in each other's way. Whether you're targeting bottom fish on structure or working the surface for pelagics, this boat has the range and equipment to put you on the fish during those prime early morning hours or productive afternoon windows when the bite is hot off Murrells Inlet.
Scomber ScombrusThese silver torpedoes show up in massive schools that can stretch for miles - and when you find them, the action gets wild fast. Most mackerel run about 12 inches and a pound or two, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive feeding. Look for them in cooler waters during summer months, often following baitfish near the surface. They're day feeders with metallic blue-green backs and distinctive wavy stripes. Guests love targeting them because they hit hard, fight surprisingly strong for their size, and make excellent table fare with their firm, flaky meat that's loaded with omega-3s. My go-to trick is using small shiny lures or sabiki rigs - once you locate a school, you can fill the cooler quick.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThe ocean's chainsaw with an appetite that never quits. These aggressive feeders run 3-15 pounds around here and travel in schools that'll attack anything that moves. We find them in surf zones, around jetties, and over structure during summer months when they're chasing baitfish. Blues are perfect for action-packed trips because they hit hard, fight strong, and when you find a school, everyone on board stays busy. Their sharp teeth and fierce feeding frenzies make each hookup exciting. The meat's actually quite good when handled right - firm and flaky with a mild taste. Best advice: use wire leaders or heavy mono because those teeth will cut through light tackle, and have the pliers ready when bringing them aboard.
Rachycentron CanadumThe brown bomber that everyone mistakes for a shark at first glance. These guys average around 30-40 pounds but can push 100, and they're curious enough to swim right up to the boat. We spot them cruising near reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-50 feet of water, especially during spring migration and summer months. What makes cobia special is their table quality - firm, white meat that rivals the best fish you'll ever eat. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, or just about anything you throw at them. Pro tip: when you see one, don't spook it. Cast ahead of where it's swimming and work the bait slowly - these fish are smart and worth the patience.
Coryphaena HippurusThese colorful fighters are what offshore dreams are made of. Mahi run 15-30 pounds on average, with their brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs putting on a real light show when you bring them boatside. We find them around floating debris and weedlines in 100+ feet of water, especially during spring and summer when they're closer to shore. What makes them special? They fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste even better - firm white meat that's perfect grilled. The key is trolling ballyhoo or small lures at 8-10 knots and making your bait skip on the surface like a flying fish. Once you hook one, keep working the area because where there's one mahi, there's usually more.
Acanthocybium SolandriThe ocean's speed demon and one of the most prized catches out here. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet but can hit 60 mph when they take off - which they will, multiple times. We target them in 60+ feet of water around structure and current breaks, with peak season running summer through fall. Their blue-striped silver bodies and razor-sharp teeth make them unmistakable, and the fight is pure adrenaline. What really gets people excited is the meat quality - firm, white, and delicate, often called "ono" meaning delicious in Hawaiian. For success, we high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since those teeth will cut through anything else. When you see that reel screaming, hold on tight because you're in for a battle.
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