8 Hour Shared Murrells Inlet Offshore Charter
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore charter targeting wahoo, mahi, grouper, and snapperEight-hour trip with trolling, bottom fishing, and deep drop optionsAll tackle and bait provided with experienced captain guidance
Looking for a full-day offshore adventure that won't break the bank? This 8-hour shared charter out of Murrells Inlet is exactly what serious anglers are talking about. Departing at 6 AM sharp, you'll join up to 5 other fishing enthusiasts for a day targeting the best offshore species the Carolina coast has to offer. McKinley Charters runs a tight ship here – all your tackle, bait, and gear comes included, so you can focus on what really matters: putting fish in the cooler. Whether you're a local looking to get offshore without the full boat cost or a visitor wanting to experience our world-class fishing grounds, this trip delivers the goods.
Your day starts early at the Murrells Inlet docks, where you'll meet your captain and fellow anglers before heading out to the productive offshore grounds. The beauty of this shared charter setup is the variety – you're not locked into one fishing style all day. Depending on conditions, fish activity, and what's biting, you might find yourself trolling for pelagic species like wahoo and mahi, dropping bottom rigs for grouper and snapper, or even trying some deep drop techniques if the bite calls for it. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day, which keeps things interesting and maximizes your chances at multiple species. With 8 full hours on the water, there's plenty of time to work different spots and techniques without feeling rushed.
McKinley Charters comes equipped with quality rods and reels matched to offshore fishing – think heavy action spinning gear for bottom fishing and trolling setups ready for whatever pulls drag. You'll work with both conventional and spinning reels depending on the technique. Bottom fishing typically involves dropping heavy sinkers with circle hooks to target structure-loving species, while trolling means pulling lures or rigged baits behind the moving boat to entice fast-moving predators. The deep drop game uses specialized gear to reach depths of 400+ feet where some of the biggest fish hang out. All terminal tackle, weights, hooks, and fresh bait are provided, though many anglers bring their own lucky lures or preferred rigs. The boat's fish finder and GPS help locate productive bottom structure and mark good fishing spots throughout the day.
Scamp Grouper are the gold standard of offshore bottom fishing around here. These tasty fish hang around rocky ledges and structure in 80-200 feet of water, and they're known for their excellent table fare. Scamps typically run 3-8 pounds, with occasional larger specimens pushing double digits. They're most active during cooler months from fall through early spring, making them a consistent target for winter offshore trips. What makes catching scamp so satisfying is their fight – they'll head straight for the rocks when hooked, testing your drag and technique.
Grey Triggerfish have become a customer favorite thanks to recent regulation changes that opened up better fishing opportunities. These feisty bottom dwellers are found around the same structure as grouper but put up a completely different fight. Triggers are notorious for their sharp teeth and attitude – they'll bite through lighter leaders and steal bait all day if you're not prepared. When you do connect with a nice trigger in the 2-4 pound range, expect a spirited battle with lots of head shaking and pulling toward structure.
Mahi Mahi bring the offshore excitement factor that gets anglers fired up. These brilliant gold and green fish are true pelagic species, often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks. Mahi are most active from late spring through fall, and when you find a school, the action can be absolutely electric. They average 10-25 pounds in our waters, with bull males occasionally pushing 40+ pounds. The combination of their acrobatic jumps, aggressive strikes, and excellent eating quality makes mahi a top target for any offshore trip.
Greater Amberjack are the muscle cars of the offshore world. These powerful fish inhabit wrecks and deep structure, and they're known for long, punishing runs that test both angler and equipment. AJs typically range from 20-50 pounds in our area, with real monsters exceeding 60 pounds showing up regularly. They're most active during warmer months and provide some of the most challenging fights you'll encounter offshore. The key is heavy tackle and lots of patience – these fish will smoke your drag and make multiple runs before coming to the boat.
Wahoo represent the speed demons of offshore fishing. These toothy predators cruise open water and are typically caught while trolling at higher speeds. Wahoo can reach speeds over 40 mph, and their initial runs are absolutely blistering. Most fish in our waters range from 15-40 pounds, with their razor-sharp teeth and incredible speed making every hookup an adventure. They're most common during fall and winter months when water temperatures drop, and their white, flaky meat is considered among the best eating fish in the ocean.
This shared offshore charter represents serious value for anglers wanting a full day of quality fishing without booking an entire boat. With McKinley Charters handling all the gear, bait, and local knowledge, you can focus on the fishing while building memories with fellow enthusiasts. The 8-hour format gives you real time to work different techniques and target multiple species, while the early departure gets you to the fishing grounds when the bite is typically strongest. Whether you're chasing your first offshore slam or looking to add to your cooler with premium table fare, this trip delivers the Carolina coast offshore experience at its finest. Book your spot now – these shared charters fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot.
Step aboard this solid 30' Grady-White center console that's built specifically for offshore fishing along the Carolina coast. With room for up to 6 anglers, this boat gives you plenty of space to work the rails whether you're trolling for wahoo and mahi or dropping bottom rigs for grouper and snapper. The captain relies on quality electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate productive grounds and keep you safe in changing conditions. All the fishing gear is provided - rods, reels, tackle, and bait - so you can focus on what matters most: getting fish in the boat. This Grady-White handles the offshore waters with confidence, getting you to the fish zones efficiently while providing a stable platform for whatever fishing style the day calls for. From deep drop techniques to trolling spreads, this boat sets you up for success during your 8-hour adventure in the deeper waters off Murrells Inlet.
Seriola dumeriliAJs are the heavyweights of the offshore scene - bluish-grey bruisers with that amber stripe down their sides. Most run 20-40 pounds, but we get monsters over 50 that'll test your back and tackle. They love structure - wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 80-200 feet where they ambush baitfish. Spring spawning season (April-May) fires them up for the best action. What makes them popular is that bulldogging fight - they just won't quit. The meat's great when prepared right, though bigger fish can carry ciguatera. Here's what works: drop a live bait or heavy jig straight down to the structure, then hold on tight. They'll make a hard initial run, so keep that drag smooth and be ready for a battle.
Balistes CapriscusTriggers are scrappy fighters that'll keep you busy all day. Running 12-17 inches on average, these pale grey fish with blue-spotted sides hang around hard bottom and structure in 60-180 feet. They're not picky eaters but love to nibble bait before committing, which drives anglers crazy. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're most active. What guests love is their aggressive attitude - they'll hit almost anything and put up a solid fight for their size. The meat's excellent too, white and flaky. Here's a trick: when you feel those light taps, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and swim off a bit, then reel fast to keep tension.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure excitement - brilliant gold and blue colors that change like a light show when you land them. We see them from schoolie size up to 30+ pounds, usually hanging under floating debris or weedlines in blue water. They're fast swimmers and aggressive feeders, making them perfect for trolling. Peak season runs spring through fall when they follow the warm water north. Guests go crazy for the acrobatic fight and that sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. My advice: when trolling, make your baits skip and splash on the surface - mahi love chasing flying fish, so that action drives them wild. Once you hook one, work the area because they usually travel in schools.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamps are the premium grouper around here - chocolate brown with darker blotches and those distinctive elongated tail rays. Most run 4-6 pounds, but we've pulled 20+ pounders from 75-300 feet near wrecks and ledges. They're tough fighters that'll test your gear, hugging structure when hooked. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they move up from deeper water. What makes them special is the taste - many say they're the best eating in the grouper family, earning the nickname "Captain's Meat." Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and work it away from structure fast, or it'll wrap you up in the rocks and break you off.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters - sleek, torpedo-shaped fish with blue backs and zebra stripes that can hit 60 mph. Most range 3-5 feet and 20-40 pounds, cruising blue water from the surface down to about 60 feet. They're loners or travel in small groups, often around floating debris. Summer through fall gives us the best shots when they follow baitfish north. Anglers love the screaming runs and that white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. The key is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor teeth will cut through anything else. When one hits, it's usually a long, blistering run, so make sure your drag's set right.
Murrells Inlet, SC