Little River Shark & Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing charter targeting sharks up to 8 feetCaptain Lawrence provides familyfriendly experience for all skill levelsUnique shrimp net dragging ensures premium bait for shark fishing
Captain Lawrence and the Long Line Charters crew know how to put you on fish in the productive waters off Little River, SC. This half-day charter targets some of the most exciting species along the Grand Strand, with sharks stealing the show alongside quality catches of Spanish mackerel and black sea bass. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking for something different, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people talking long after they're back on the dock.
Your adventure starts at the Little River marina, where you'll meet Captain Lawrence and step aboard the Long Line. This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip - Captain Lawrence runs one of the few boats in the area that uses shrimp net dragging to secure the freshest bait possible. Watching the crew work the nets and sort through the catch is part of the experience, especially for younger anglers who get a kick out of seeing what comes up from the bottom. The fresh shrimp, small baitfish, and crabs you'll collect become the secret weapon for attracting those impressive sharks that cruise these waters. The crew keeps things relaxed and educational, making sure everyone understands what's happening and gets hands-on time with the gear. With a maximum of six anglers, there's plenty of room to move around and everyone gets quality fishing time without feeling crowded.
Captain Lawrence runs a versatile operation that adapts to what's biting and where the fish are holding. The shrimp netting happens in shallow waters where the crew drags specialized nets to collect live bait - this technique is becoming rare, but it's incredibly effective for shark fishing. Once you've got fresh bait in the live well, you'll move to productive fishing grounds where the water depth and structure hold different species. For sharks, expect to fish with medium to heavy tackle using circle hooks and wire leaders. The crew sets up multiple lines at different depths, some near the surface for Spanish mackerel and others on the bottom for black sea bass. When a shark takes the bait, Captain Lawrence coaches you through the fight, making sure you understand how to work the fish without overpowering your tackle. The boat carries quality gear, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own rods if they prefer specific setups.
Blacktip sharks are the bread and butter of this fishery, ranging from 3 to 6 feet and providing fights that test your endurance without being overwhelming. These sharks are incredibly active, often jumping multiple times during the battle, which makes for great photos and memories. Blacktips move through Little River's waters from late spring through early fall, with peak action happening during the warmer months when they're feeding heavily in preparation for their winter migration. What makes them special is their predictable behavior - they respond well to fresh bait and put on a show once hooked.
Lemon sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These powerful fish can reach 8 feet in these waters and are known for their bulldogging fighting style. Unlike blacktips, lemons tend to stay deep and use their strength rather than aerial displays. They're more common during summer months when water temperatures peak, and they're often found around structure where smaller fish congregate. Landing a good-sized lemon shark is a badge of honor that serious anglers respect - they're smart, strong, and don't give up easily.
Spanish mackerel provide consistent action when the shark bite slows down. These fast-moving fish school up in impressive numbers and hit small jigs, spoons, or live bait with aggressive strikes. They're perfect for kids and beginning anglers because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Spanish mackerel are most active during spring and fall migrations, but scattered fish can be found throughout the warmer months. They're excellent table fare and provide a nice contrast to the catch-and-release shark fishing.
Black sea bass round out the mixed bag and are always a welcome sight in the cooler. These bottom dwellers inhabit structure and wrecks where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. They're not the fastest fish in the ocean, but they're scrappy fighters that use the structure to their advantage. Black sea bass are open year-round with generous bag limits, making them perfect for anglers who want to take fish home. They're also great for teaching proper fish handling and filleting techniques.
Long Line Charters offers something different from the typical bottom fishing and trolling trips that dominate the Little River charter scene. The combination of educational bait netting, diverse species targeting, and family-friendly atmosphere makes this a top-rated choice for visitors and locals alike. Captain Lawrence's experience with shark fishing techniques and his commitment to showing guests the complete process - from catching bait to landing fish - creates an experience that's both exciting and educational. The seasonal nature of the best shark action means booking early is essential, especially during peak summer months when these apex predators are most active. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you want to try something new yourself, this charter delivers the kind of variety and action that keeps the day interesting from start to finish.
Captain Lawrence's Torres is your ticket to some serious offshore action out of Little River! This proven 1984 sport fishing vessel packs a 660HP Caterpillar engine that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at a steady 20 knots. What sets us apart? We drag shrimp nets to catch our own fresh bait – perfect for targeting those 3-8 foot sharks that'll get your heart pumping. The boat's equipped with everything you need: fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold while you're battling Spanish Mackerel and Black Seabass. With room for 6 anglers and a restroom onboard, families and fishing buddies alike can enjoy a comfortable day chasing these coastal predators. The Torres has been putting anglers on fish for decades, and Captain Lawrence knows exactly where to find the bite.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the perfect family-friendly target - chunky, cooperative, and absolutely delicious on the table. Most run 1-3 pounds with some bigger males pushing 5+ pounds in deeper water. They love hanging around wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 40-120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What guests love is their willingness to bite and steady fight - no long runs, just solid headshakes and determination. The white, flaky meat rivals grouper for table fare. They're also curious fish that'll often follow your rig up, giving kids great looks before release. My best tip is to use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips. Drop it down, wait for that telltale tap-tap, then lift firmly. Don't jerk - just steady pressure works best.
Carcharhinus LimbatusThese guys are real crowd-pleasers, usually running 4-6 feet with those signature black-tipped fins. You'll find them cruising in 30-100 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. Blacktips are known for their acrobatic jumps - they can launch 20+ feet out of the water when hooked. Spring through fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily on mackerel and sardines. What makes them special is that mix of power and aerial show they put on. They're also curious but skittish, so they'll check out your boat from a distance. My go-to trick? Use our fresh-caught shrimp as bait on circle hooks with a wire leader. The oily scent drives them crazy, and that's when you'll see them commit to the bite instead of just bumping your bait.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are some of the most laid-back predators you'll encounter, typically measuring 6-8 feet with that distinctive yellowish color that helps them blend with sandy bottoms. They prefer shallow coastal waters and love hanging around structure in 20-60 feet. Summer months are best when they move closer to shore to feed and breed. What guests really enjoy is their steady, powerful fight - no crazy jumps, just pure bulldogging strength that'll test your drag. They're also one of the safer sharks to target since they're generally calm around the boat. The meat is surprisingly good eating too, with a firm white texture. Pro tip: use large live bait like blue runners or cut mullet on the bottom. Lemons are ambush predators, so let your bait sit still near structure rather than moving it around.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll keep you busy all day long. Most run 1-2 feet and 2-4 pounds, but they make up for size with pure energy. You'll find schools working the surface in 15-40 feet, especially around structure and bait pods. Spring through fall is prime time when they're thick along our coast. What makes them a blast is their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic fights - plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. That mild, flaky meat is perfect grilled or smoked. They travel in huge schools, so once you find them, it's game on. My trick is to troll small spoons or cast jigs to breaking fish, but keep moving. Spanish macs spook easily, so if the action stops, motor to fresh water and look for diving birds marking the next school.
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