Fishing in Little River SC, Fishing Guides
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour offshore fishing trip targets Spanish Mackerel and SharksUnique shrimp net dragging provides premium bait for shark fishingFamilyfriendly charter accommodates up to 6 guests with experienced captain
Looking for a fishing trip that'll put some serious fight on your line? Long Line Charters has been taking anglers out of Little River, SC for epic 6-hour offshore adventures that target some of the most sought-after species on the Grand Strand. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to upgrade your fishing game or bringing the family out for their first taste of serious saltwater action, Captain Lawrence knows exactly where to put you on the fish. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about extended time on productive waters where Spanish Mackerel run thick, Black Sea Bass stack up on structure, and sharks patrol the depths just waiting for the right presentation.
Your day starts early at the dock in Little River, where you'll meet Captain Lawrence and get the rundown on what's biting and where we're headed. The boat's rigged and ready for whatever the day throws at us, with tackle suited for everything from finesse fishing for sea bass to heavy gear capable of handling a 6-foot shark. What sets Long Line Charters apart is our approach to bait – we're one of the few operations that'll actually drag a shrimp net to load up on fresh, lively bait that sharks absolutely can't resist. There's something special about watching that net come up loaded with prime bait, knowing it's going to make all the difference when a big lemon shark decides to investigate your spread. The 6-hour format gives us time to work multiple spots, adjust tactics based on conditions, and really dial in what's working best on any given day.
Offshore fishing out of Little River means we're working a variety of techniques depending on what we're targeting. For Spanish Mackerel, we'll often run a trolling spread with small spoons and diving plugs, covering water until we find the schools. Once we locate active fish, it's game on with light tackle and fast action. Black Sea Bass fishing is all about bottom structure – we'll anchor up on productive reefs and ledges, dropping baited rigs down to where these tasty bottom dwellers hang out. The shark fishing is where things get really interesting. After we've netted fresh shrimp and other baitfish, we'll set up a proper shark spread with circle hooks and wire leaders, using chunks of fresh-caught bait or whole baits depending on what we're after. The key to successful shark fishing is patience and the right bait presentation – something Captain Lawrence has dialed in over years of putting clients on fish ranging from scrappy 3-footers to genuine 8-foot bruisers that'll test your tackle and your nerves.
The Spanish Mackerel bite has been absolutely on fire this season, with fish showing up in good numbers and staying cooperative throughout the day. These fast-moving predators are perfect for anglers who want constant action – when you find a school, it's common to boat fish after fish until your arms are burning. Black Sea Bass have been stacking up on the deeper reefs, with keeper-sized fish mixed in with some real doormat-sized specimens that'll surprise you with their fight. The shark action is what really gets people talking though. Blacktip sharks have been showing in good numbers, especially during the warmer months, and these athletic fighters will give you a battle you won't soon forget. Lemon sharks are the real prize though – these powerful predators can stretch well over 6 feet and have the muscle to back up their size. Landing a big lemon shark is a bucket-list experience that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect warm-up fish for any offshore trip. These silvery speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They're most active during the warmer months, roughly April through October, and they travel in schools that can provide non-stop action when you locate them. What makes Spanish Mackerel so appealing to catch is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their acrobatic fights – expect plenty of jumps and line-peeling runs. Plus, they make excellent table fare with their firm, flaky meat that's perfect on the grill.
Black Sea Bass are the bread-and-butter bottom fish that every offshore angler should experience. These chunky fighters typically range from 1-5 pounds, with occasional larger specimens that'll really bend your rod. They're most cooperative during fall and spring months when they're staging around structure. What guests love about sea bass fishing is the consistent action – when you're on a good piece of bottom, you can expect steady hookups. They're also fantastic eating, with sweet, white meat that rivals any restaurant fish. The key to success is getting your bait right to the bottom where these structure-oriented fish spend their time.
Blacktip Sharks represent the exciting side of offshore fishing that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. These sleek predators typically run 3-6 feet in our waters and are known for their spectacular jumps and powerful runs. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures bring them into our offshore waters. What makes blacktips so exciting to target is their aggressive nature and athletic ability – they'll test your drag system and your fish-fighting skills. The sight of a 5-foot blacktip going airborne is something that'll stick with you long after the trip ends.
Lemon Sharks are the heavyweight champions of our shark fishing adventures. These powerful predators can stretch 6-8 feet and possess the raw strength to provide battles that last 30 minutes or more. They're most active during the hottest months when baitfish are abundant in our offshore waters. What sets lemon sharks apart is their intelligence and power – they're smart enough to test your tackle and strong enough to make long, sustained runs that'll have you questioning your equipment. Landing a big lemon shark is a true achievement that represents the pinnacle of our
The Torres cuts through Little River waters with authority, her 660HP Caterpillar engine pushing this 1984 sportfisher at a steady 20 knots toward prime fishing grounds. Captain Lawrence knows these offshore waters like the back of his hand, and this boat's built for serious angling action. Your crew of up to 6 anglers will appreciate the onboard fish finder that pinpoints where Spanish Mackerel and Black Seabass are holding, while the GPS keeps you locked onto productive spots. When visibility drops, the radar system ensures safe navigation back to port. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 6-hour runs. What sets this charter apart is dragging shrimp nets for live bait – few captains offer this authentic technique that drives sharks absolutely wild. We're talking 3 to 8-foot sharks that'll test your tackle and skills. The onboard toilet means comfort during extended offshore sessions, so you can focus on the bite instead of counting minutes until you head back. Whether you're a family looking to hook into some action or seasoned anglers wanting to tangle with toothy predators, The Torres delivers the goods in Little River's productive waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the reliable workhorses of our bottom fishing trips. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 1-4 pounds around Little River and love hanging around structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 40-120 feet of water. Prime time is late spring through summer when they move inshore to spawn. What guests appreciate about sea bass is their steady, dependable bite and excellent table fare - they're one of the best eating fish we target with firm, white meat. They'll put up a solid fight on the way up but really shine in the cooler. These fish are also great for kids and beginners since they bite readily and aren't too difficult to handle. My local tip is to use squid strips on a two-hook bottom rig and keep your bait moving slightly - sea bass are curious and that little movement often triggers strikes from fish that are just watching your bait.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most athletic sharks you'll encounter off Little River, typically running 4-6 feet with those distinctive black-tipped fins. They love cruising in 30-100 feet of water around structure and drop-offs, especially during warmer months from May through October. What makes them special is their famous jumping ability - these guys will leap clear out of the water when hooked, spinning and thrashing like no other shark. They're also known to get pretty excited around the boat, sometimes even jumping right into it! The fight is pure adrenaline with their speed and acrobatics. For the best shot at hooking up, use our fresh-caught shrimp net bait on circle hooks with at least 30lb tackle - the oily fish we catch in our nets drives them crazy and brings them right to the boat.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are the golden bruisers of our local waters, easily recognized by their yellowish color and stocky build. These guys typically range from 5-8 feet around Little River and prefer shallow sandy areas, grass flats, and creek mouths in 20-60 feet of water. They're most active during late spring through early fall when the water warms up. What guests love about lemons is their powerful, bulldogging fight - they don't jump like blacktips but they'll pull drag and test your arms with steady, determined runs. They're also curious sharks that often cruise right up to the boat for a look. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you're keeping one within regulations. My go-to trick for lemons is using large live pinfish or blue runners on the bottom near structure - they can't resist a big, struggling baitfish, and the scent trail draws them in from a good distance.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are the speed demons that keep things exciting on our trips. These silvery bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds but pack serious fight for their size. You'll find them schooling near the surface around 20-80 feet, especially over structure and drop-offs. Best fishing happens from late spring through early fall when they migrate through our area. What makes them a crowd favorite is their lightning-fast runs and aerial shows - they'll strip line and jump repeatedly when hooked. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. They travel in big schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find plenty more. The key trick is using small, shiny spoons or live sardines trolled just under the surface - their speed means you need to react fast when that rod tip starts bouncing.
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