8 Hour Private Murrells Inlet Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 8-hour offshore charter for up to 6 anglersTarget wahoo, mahi, grouper at 40-60 mile rangeAll tackle provided with multiple fishing techniques available
When you're serious about fishing the deep waters off South Carolina's coast, this 8-hour private charter from Murrells Inlet delivers exactly what hardcore anglers are looking for. We're talking about a full day on the water, running 40 to 60 miles offshore to where the real fish live. This isn't some half-day tourist trip – it's a dedicated fishing adventure that puts you on productive grounds where wahoo streak through the water column and big grouper hold tight to structure. With space for up to 6 anglers and a 4-guest minimum, you've got the boat to yourselves and the flexibility to fish how you want to fish.
Your day starts early with a 6:00 AM departure from Murrells Inlet, which puts you at the fishing grounds right when the bite picks up. The run offshore takes you past the nearshore wrecks and into the deep blue where pelagic species cruise and bottom structure holds resident fish year-round. McKinley Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll adjust the game plan based on what's biting and where the fish are showing up on the finder. Some days that means working the thermocline for mahi and wahoo, other days it's dropping baits deep for grouper and snapper. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is having time to try multiple techniques and locations without feeling rushed. You're not watching the clock – you're focused on putting fish in the box.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to offshore fishing techniques. Trolling is the bread and butter for covering water and finding pelagic species – we're talking high-speed trolling for wahoo with ballyhoo and lures, plus conventional trolling spreads for mahi and other game fish. When it's time to get vertical, the bottom fishing game switches to heavy tackle and serious baits. Circle hooks, robust leaders, and electric reels for the deep drops where the big boys live. The crew provides all rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or bringing gear. They know what works in these waters and they've got the tackle dialed in for each technique. Whether you're a seasoned angler or learning the ropes, the captain will put you on fish and help you fight them properly.
Scamp Grouper are the prize of the offshore grounds here, and these chunky bottom dwellers know how to put up a fight. They typically run 3 to 8 pounds but don't let the size fool you – scamps are smart fish that live around structure and know every hiding spot on the bottom. Spring through fall is prime time for targeting them, and they're absolute table fare. What makes scamp fishing exciting is the technique – you're dropping baits to precise depths and working structure that could hold anything from a keeper scamp to a monster red grouper.
Grey Triggerfish might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they're scrappy fighters with serious attitude. These guys show up in numbers during summer and early fall, often stealing baits meant for grouper. They've got a unique fighting style that keeps you guessing, and once you hook into a good one, you'll understand why regulars target them specifically. Triggers are also excellent eating, with firm white meat that holds up to any cooking method.
Mahi Mahi are the crowd-pleasers of offshore fishing, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. These fish travel in schools and once you hook one, there's usually more underneath the boat. Mahi are visual feeders that love structure – whether it's floating sargassum, debris lines, or current breaks. They'll hit trolled baits, live bait, and even artificials when they're fired up. The colors on these fish are spectacular, and they're known for their acrobatic fights. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but you can find them year-round in the right conditions.
Greater Amberjack are the powerhouses of the offshore scene, and when you hook into a good one, you know it immediately. These fish can push 30 to 50 pounds or more, and they fight like diesel trucks with fins. AJ's live around structure and they're ambush predators that crush baits without hesitation. The fight is all about power and endurance – they'll try to cut you off on structure or simply muscle you around with brute force. Landing a big amberjack is a team effort, and it's one of those fish that leaves you talking about the fight long after you're back at the dock.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of ripping line off reels at 40+ mph. These fish are built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo-shaped body that cuts through water like a missile. High-speed trolling is the most effective technique, using wire leaders and fast-moving lures or rigged ballyhoo. When a wahoo hits, it's usually a screaming run that gets everyone's attention on the boat. They're also phenomenal table fare – some consider wahoo the best-eating fish in the ocean.
This 8-hour private charter represents serious value for groups who want a real offshore fishing experience without compromise. You're getting a full day on productive waters, expert guidance, all the gear you need, and the flexibility to target whatever species are biting. The 4 to 6 angler capacity means everyone gets plenty of rod time, and with McKinley Charters' local knowledge, you're fishing the right spots at the right times. Whether you're planning a family fishing trip, celebrating with friends, or just need to get offshore and catch some quality fish, this charter delivers. The fish are out there waiting – all you need to do is show up ready to fish
Hit the offshore waters of Murrells Inlet aboard this capable 30' Grady-White center console, designed specifically for serious fishing adventures. This well-equipped boat handles the 40-60 mile run to productive deep water grounds with ease, giving your group of up to 6 anglers access to prime fishing territory where wahoo, mahi mahi, grouper, and snapper roam. The spacious center console layout provides plenty of room to move around while fighting fish, and the boat comes loaded with GPS navigation, radar for those early morning runs, and fish finder technology to locate the best spots. Quality rods, reels, and tackle are all provided, so you can focus on the action whether you're trolling the blue water or dropping down for bottom species. Built for offshore performance, this Grady-White gets you out to where the big fish live and brings you back safely after a full day on the water.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - powerful fish that'll test your back and your drag system. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, with that distinctive amber stripe running down their blue-grey sides. They patrol structure and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water, ambushing anything that swims by. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes amberjack so popular is the raw power - they'll make long runs and use every ounce of strength to get back to the bottom. The meat is excellent, though larger fish can carry ciguatera, so we usually keep the smaller ones. My go-to technique is using live bait on heavy tackle - 50-pound gear minimum. Here's the key: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let up. They'll try to wrap you around structure, so muscle them away from the bottom right from the start.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are one of those fish that'll surprise you with how hard they fight for their size. Most run 12-17 inches and a few pounds, but they're built like little tanks with tough, leathery skin. You'll find them around hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 50-180 feet of water. They're not picky eaters and will hit just about any bait, but squid works great since it stays on the hook better. What makes triggerfish fun is they're smart - they'll steal bait right from under other fish and use those sharp teeth to cut through anything. The meat is excellent eating, firm and sweet. Here's a local trick: when you drop your bait down, reel it up immediately to keep tension on the line. Triggers have small mouths and will nibble before committing, so you need to feel those light taps to know when to set the hook.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the showstoppers of offshore fishing - brilliant gold and blue colors that light up like neon when they're hooked. Most of what we catch runs 15-29 pounds and 3+ feet, but the bulls can push 50+ pounds with those distinctive big foreheads. They're surface swimmers that love floating debris, weed lines, and anything drifting in the blue water. Summer through fall gives us the best action when water temps are right. What guests love about mahi is the acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus the meat is outstanding, mild and firm for the grill. The colors fade fast once they're boated, which is always amazing to watch. Here's what I tell everyone: when you hook one, keep your eyes open for others. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. We'll often leave the hooked fish in the water while everyone else grabs a rod.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are some of the tastiest fish you'll find on our deep water trips. These chocolate-brown beauties with darker blotches along their sides average 4-6 pounds, though we've pulled up some real trophies over 20 pounds. They hang around structure like wrecks and ledges in 75-300 feet of water, making them perfect targets when we're bottom fishing those offshore grounds. What makes scamp special is their incredible table fare - many captains call it "captain's meat" because it's the best eating in the grouper family. They're also fighters, using that deep body and strong swimming to test your drag. One tip I always share: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit - scamp can be finicky and you want to make sure they've got it before you commit.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of offshore fishing - sleek, silver torpedoes with blue zebra stripes that can hit 60 mph. Most of what we catch runs 20-40 pounds and 3-5 feet long, with razor-sharp teeth and a beak-like snout. They cruise the open water column around structure and current breaks, usually in 100+ feet of water. Fall through spring gives us our best wahoo action when they're moving through our area. What makes wahoo special is that explosive strike and blistering run - plus the meat is absolutely top-shelf, white and flaky like premium tuna. The challenge is their teeth will cut through regular leader material in a heartbeat. Here's what separates the pros from the amateurs: use wire leader, troll fast at 12-15 knots, and keep your drag smooth. When one hits, it's usually game over in seconds if your tackle isn't right. The speed of the strike is something you'll never forget.
Murrells Inlet, SC