Little River SC Fishing Guide
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore fishing trip targeting multiple species including AmberjackMix trolling, shark fishing, and bottom fishing for diverse catchesAccommodates up to 6 guests with all experience levels welcome
When you're looking for serious offshore action in South Carolina, Little River delivers some of the most consistent fishing you'll find along the coast. This 8-hour charter puts you right in the heart of productive waters where multiple species call home year-round. Captain and crew at Long Line Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives you plenty of space to spread out and fish comfortably without feeling cramped.
Your day starts early, but that's when the fish are most active and the bite is hottest. We'll head out from Little River Inlet and make our way to proven fishing grounds where the action happens. The beauty of this 8-hour trip is flexibility - we can adjust our game plan based on what's biting and what you want to target. Some days we'll start with bottom fishing over structure for grouper and snapper, then move to trolling for pelagics when the conditions are right. Other days, we might spend time sight-fishing for sharks or working the edge of the Gulf Stream for bigger game. The crew reads the water conditions, checks recent reports, and puts together a plan that maximizes your chances of getting into fish. You'll have access to quality tackle and gear, though you're welcome to bring your own setup if you prefer. Expect to cover some ground throughout the day as we move between productive spots and follow the bite.
We run a variety of techniques depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. For trolling, we'll pull a spread of baits and lures at different depths and speeds to cover water efficiently. This method works great for king mackerel, barracuda, and bonito when they're scattered or moving through the area. The crew sets up the lines, monitors the spread, and handles the technical side while you focus on fighting fish. Bottom fishing involves dropping baits down to structure where grouper, snapper, and sea bass hang out. We use heavy tackle and circle hooks to handle the bigger fish and the rough bottom. When shark fishing, we'll deploy bigger baits on wire leaders and let them soak while we work other techniques. The key is staying mobile and being ready to switch tactics when one method isn't producing. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all have their place depending on conditions and target species.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and Little River puts you in prime king territory. These fish typically run 15-40 pounds, with bigger fish showing up during peak season from spring through fall. Kings are aggressive predators that hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. They're perfect for anglers who want fast action and good eating fish. Blacktip sharks provide a different kind of fight entirely - pure power and endurance that can last 20-30 minutes on medium tackle. These sharks range from 3-6 feet and are incredibly strong for their size. They jump, run, and give you a workout that you'll remember long after the trip ends. Great barracuda are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of 35+ mph bursts that happen in the blink of an eye. They hit like lightning and fight with impressive power for fish that typically weigh 10-25 pounds. Little tunny, also called false albacore, are smaller but pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They school up in large numbers and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Black sea bass are the workhorses of bottom fishing - reliable, tasty, and always willing to bite a well-presented bait. They're perfect for newer anglers to build confidence while still providing good action for experienced fishermen.
Little River's offshore fishing scene is gaining recognition as one of the top destinations along the Southeast coast, and for good reason. The combination of accessible waters, diverse species, and experienced charter operations like Long Line Charters creates the perfect storm for productive fishing trips. This 8-hour adventure gives you enough time to really get into fish without feeling rushed, and the ability to mix techniques keeps things interesting throughout the day. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family outing, or solo fishing adventure, this charter accommodates different skill levels and fishing goals. The crews here take pride in putting guests on fish and making sure everyone has a great time on the water. Don't wait too long to book - the best dates fill up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hottest.
The Torres is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in Little River waters. This 1984 sport fishing boat packs a punch with its 660HP Caterpillar engine, cruising steady at 20 knots to get you to the prime fishing grounds fast. Built for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to navigate to the hotspots, radar for those foggy mornings, and fish finder technology to locate schools below. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full 8-hour adventure. Whether you're dropping lines for Grouper and Snapper on the bottom, trolling for King Mackerel and Barracuda, or going after hard-fighting Amberjack, this boat handles it all. Shark fishing is on the menu too for those looking for bigger game. The Torres comes equipped with a restroom for comfort during those long fishing sessions. Perfect for mixing different fishing techniques throughout the day to maximize your shots at various species in these productive South Carolina waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are our bread-and-butter bottom fish - reliable, tasty, and fun to catch around wrecks and hard bottom in 60-120 feet. These chunky grouper relatives average 2-4 pounds but can push 8+ pounds, especially the big males with their distinctive humped heads. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're smart and will try to get back into structure once hooked. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find - perfect for fish tacos or grilling. They'll hit cut squid, clams, or small jigs bounced near bottom. Pro tip: once you find one, work that spot thoroughly. They school up tight around good structure, so where there's one, there's usually more waiting underneath.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are perfect starter sharks for folks wanting to try shark fishing without dealing with monsters. These guys average 4-5 feet but can reach 8+ feet, and they're known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water, often around muddy bays and near shore structures. Summer months bring the best action when water temps climb into the 70s and 80s. They're scrappy fighters that'll give you multiple runs and aerial shows - way more exciting than their size suggests. The meat's actually pretty good eating if you bleed them right away. Here's my go-to trick: use oily baits like mackerel or sardines, and don't be afraid to chum heavy. These sharks rely heavily on scent, and a good slick will pull them in from surprising distances.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's lightning bolts - pure speed and attitude wrapped in 3-6 feet of silver muscle. These apex predators hang around coral reefs, grass flats, and structure in 10-60 feet of water, especially during warmer months when baitfish are thick. They're visual hunters that'll smash anything flashy, making them perfect for beginners who want fast action. The fight is intense but short - they'll make a screaming run then try to jump, showing off those razor teeth. Most folks release them since the meat can be hit-or-miss, but the thrill is what keeps people coming back. My best advice: use a wire leader and bright, flashy lures. When you see one following your bait, don't slow down - speed up. Their predator instincts kick in when they think prey is escaping.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of our most popular targets when trolling offshore. These silver speedsters typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some pushing 60+ pounds during peak season. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure and temperature breaks, feeding heavily on smaller fish like blue runners and menhaden. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're migrating along our coast. What makes them special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat's excellent grilled or smoked despite being a bit oily. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of live bait, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny, or "Bonito" as most call them, are perfect for anglers wanting a taste of tuna fishing without the big boat ride. These 10-20 pound torpedoes travel in schools and fight way above their weight class. They love nearshore waters around jetties, inlets, and sandbars where baitfish congregate. Fall migration brings the hottest action, but we see them spring through fall in good numbers. What makes them special is their stamina - they'll make multiple runs and really test your drag. The dark red meat has a strong flavor that's fantastic when prepared right, though some folks use them for shark bait. Listen for the feeding commotion - they get loud and splashy when hitting schools of baitfish. Quick tip: when trolling for them, use small bright feathers or spoons and be ready to adjust speed. They can be picky about trolling pace.
Myrtle Beach