Fishing in Little River SC, Fishing Guides
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore fishing trip targeting Spanish Mackerel and Black SeabassShark fishing opportunities with specimens ranging from 3 to 8 feetShrimp net dragging provides premium bait for enhanced fishing success
When you're looking for a serious day on the water in Little River, SC, Captain Lawrence and the Long Line Charters crew know how to make it happen. This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're talking six solid hours of fishing action that'll keep you busy from the moment we clear the inlet. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of offshore fishing or you're a seasoned angler ready to tangle with some sharks, this charter hits all the right notes. The waters off Little River are loaded with Spanish Mackerel, Black Sea Bass, and some serious sharks that'll test your drag system. What makes this trip stand out is our approach - we don't just drop lines and hope for the best. Captain Lawrence runs one of the few charters that'll drag a shrimp net to load up on fresh bait, and when you're targeting sharks, that fresh bait makes all the difference.
This six-hour adventure starts early, and trust me, you'll want every minute of it. We head out from Little River with a game plan that adapts to what the fish are doing that day. The beauty of a longer trip is flexibility - if the Spanish Mackerel are running hot on the near-shore reefs, we can work them hard. If the sharks are cruising the deeper structure, we've got time to set up properly and wait for the big bites. Captain Lawrence keeps the group size at six anglers max, so there's plenty of room to work and no crowding at the rail when someone hooks up. The boat's set up for families, which means safe deck space for kids and enough tackle variety to keep everyone in the game. Don't expect to sit around much - between rigging baits, working different depths, and handling fish, these six hours fly by. The seasonal nature of this trip means we're timing it when these species are most active, so you're not just fishing - you're fishing smart.
Here's where Long Line Charters separates itself from the pack. While other boats are buying bait at the dock, we're dragging our own shrimp net to fill the live well with the freshest bait you can get. Fresh shrimp and baitfish make a huge difference when you're targeting sharks - they can smell that fresh blood from way off. We run a mix of techniques depending on what we're after. For Spanish Mackerel, we'll troll small spoons and jigs around structure, keeping multiple lines in the water. Black Sea Bass fishing means dropping to the bottom around reefs and wrecks with cut bait and jigs. When we switch to shark mode, it's all about setting up a proper chum slick and running big baits on heavy tackle. Captain Lawrence provides all the gear, from light spinning rods for the mackerel to heavy conventional setups for the sharks. The key is matching your tackle to your target - you don't want to fight a 6-foot shark on bass gear, and you don't want to horse in a Spanish Mackerel on shark tackle. We'll walk you through the techniques as we go, so even first-timers will be rigging baits and working fish like pros by the end of the day.
The waters off Little River serve up some serious variety, and each species brings its own challenge to the table. Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery - they hit fast and fight harder than their size suggests. These silver bullets typically run 2-4 pounds and show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. They're perfect for lighter tackle, and the bite can be so hot that you'll have multiple hookups at once. What makes them special here is how they school up around the near-shore reefs - when you find them, you really find them. Black Sea Bass are the workhorses of the bottom fishing game. These chunky fighters live around structure and fight like fish twice their size. They're not the fastest fish in the ocean, but they'll test your drag on the way up from 60 feet of water. The bass bite is most consistent during cooler months, and they're excellent table fare if you're keeping dinner.
Now, the sharks - that's where this trip really shines. Blacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, jumping clear out of the water when hooked. They typically run 3-5 feet in these waters and provide non-stop action once they're on. Lemon Sharks are the bulldozers - they don't jump much, but they'll test your back muscles and your drag system. These guys can push 6-8 feet and have the power to strip line if you're not ready for them. What makes shark fishing here special is the variety - you never know what's going to pick up your bait. The seasonal timing means we're fishing when these species are most active, whether they're following bait schools or cruising hunting grounds.
Six hours on the water with Long Line Charters isn't just another fishing trip - it's the kind of day that reminds you why you love fishing in the first place. Captain Lawrence and his crew have dialed in this fishery, from knowing where to drag nets for fresh bait to understanding how these species move through Little River's offshore waters. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to serious fishing or you want to scratch that shark fishing itch, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of variety, technique, and plain old fishing time makes this a standout trip in the Little River fleet. These seasonal trips book up fast, especially when word gets out about the bite, so don't wait around. Get your crew together, block out the day, and get ready for some serious fishing action off the South Carolina coast.
Step aboard The Torres, a proven offshore fishing machine that's been working the waters around Little River since 1984. This 40-year veteran sport fishing boat packs a serious 660HP Caterpillar engine that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 20 knots, getting you to where the Spanish Mackerel, Black Seabass, and trophy sharks are biting without burning your whole day getting there. Captain Lawrence keeps this rig equipped for serious fishing with a fish finder to locate the action, GPS to mark your hot spots, and radar for those foggy coastal mornings. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long battles with 3-8 foot sharks. When nature calls, there's a head on board so you don't miss any fishing time. What sets this charter apart is the chance to drag shrimp nets for live bait – nothing gets sharks fired up like fresh-caught shrimp. With room for 6 anglers, The Torres gives you plenty of elbow room to fight fish without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies. This old-school fishing boat has the power and setup to get you into some serious offshore action off the South Carolina coast.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the perfect family fish - they bite consistently, fight hard for their size, and taste amazing on the dinner table. Most run 1-3 pounds, but the bigger males can push 5-6 pounds and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. They live around bottom structure - wrecks, rocks, and hard bottom in 40-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them great targets is their aggressive nature and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat fried or baked. They're also perfect for beginners since they bite readily and don't require specialized techniques. The trick is getting your bait right to the bottom and keeping it there. Use a double-drop rig with squid or cut bait, and don't be surprised when you double up.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most active sharks you'll encounter off Little River. These guys average 4-5 feet but can push 8 feet, and they're known for their signature black-tipped fins and that amazing jumping ability - sometimes right into the boat! They patrol our nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, especially around structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when they're feeding heavily on mackerel and sardines. What makes them special is that explosive fight - they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times. The key here is using our fresh netted shrimp as chum to draw them in, then dropping a live baitfish on a circle hook. Once you get one fired up, keep that drag loose because they're going airborne fast.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are the bulldogs of the shark world - thick, powerful, and built for the fight. These yellow-tinted beauties typically run 5-7 feet in our waters, preferring the sandy flats and muddy bays where Little River meets the ocean. They're most active during warmer months when water temps climb above 75 degrees. What sets lemons apart is their incredible strength and endurance - they'll make long, hard runs that test your equipment. Plus, they're curious sharks that often circle the boat before striking. The meat is excellent eating too, with a firm texture that grills perfectly. My go-to technique is anchoring over sandy bottom in 20-40 feet and using fresh cut bait on the bottom. Keep your drag set tight because these fish pull hard from the start.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are pure speed demons that'll keep your rod bent all day long. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds but fight way above their weight class. They show up in massive schools from late spring through fall, cruising our nearshore waters in 15-50 feet. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish are thick. What guests love is the non-stop action - when you find a school, you're usually into fish after fish. The meat is top-notch too, with a mild flavor that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Speed is everything with these fish - they hit fast and run fast. My secret is using small spoons or jigs trolled just under the surface. When you hook up, keep the boat moving because stopping will usually scatter the school.
Myrtle Beach