Family Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter North Myrtle Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-hour private inshore charter targeting redfish and black drumFamily-friendly trip includes all gear, bait, and tackle providedExperienced captain guides anglers through calm coastal waters
Looking for a fishing trip that works for everyone in the family? Our 5-hour inshore charter out of North Myrtle Beach is designed exactly for that. Whether you've got kids who've never held a rod or grandparents who've been fishing for decades, this private trip hits the sweet spot. We'll cruise into the calm backwaters and creeks where the fish are biting and the water stays smooth. Captain's got everything covered – rods, reels, bait, tackle, even the cooler with ice. All you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, and maybe a camera to capture those first-fish grins. This isn't some cattle-boat operation either. With just four spots max, everyone gets personal attention and plenty of elbow room to cast without tangling lines.
We'll meet you at the dock bright and early, usually around sunrise when the fish are most active. The boat's a comfortable center console that handles the shallow inshore waters like a dream. First hour, we're running to the spots – could be creek mouths, oyster bars, or grass flats depending on what the fish are telling us that day. Water depth stays between 3-8 feet most of the time, so it's not intimidating for nervous first-timers. The captain will get everyone rigged up with appropriate tackle while explaining what we're looking for. Kids love watching the fish finder and spotting dolphins that often follow the boat. Weather permitting, we'll hit 3-4 different spots throughout the day, adjusting our game plan based on what's working. The beauty of inshore fishing is you're always protected from big swells, making it perfect for families who might get queasy in rough offshore conditions.
This trip is all about light tackle fishing – think 15-20 pound test line on spinning reels that even 8-year-olds can handle. We'll be using mostly live bait like shrimp, mud minnows, and cut bait depending on what species we're targeting. Bottom fishing with Carolina rigs is the bread and butter technique here, letting your bait sit naturally near structure where fish like to hang out. Captain will also set up some folks with popping corks if the trout are schooling up top. The key is keeping it simple and effective. No complicated knots or fancy lures that'll frustrate beginners. We'll anchor up on productive spots and let everyone get comfortable with their setup before moving on. When the action heats up, you might find yourself sight-casting to redfish cruising the shallows – that's when things get really fun and everyone starts yelling and pointing at fish.
Redfish are the stars of the show around North Myrtle Beach inshore waters. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-27 inches and put up a serious fight on light tackle. They love hanging around oyster bars and grass edges, especially during incoming tides. What makes redfish so special is they're not spooky – kids can be talking and moving around without scaring them off. Plus, they hit bait aggressively, so there's no guessing if you've got a bite. Fall and spring are prime time, but we catch them year-round in these protected waters.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world. These bottom-dwellers can get hefty – we're talking 15-40 pounders that'll test your drag system. They're suckers for fresh shrimp and crab, making that distinctive drumming sound when hooked that gives them their name. Black drum are perfect for teaching patience since they're methodical feeders, but once hooked, they dig deep and stay bent. Winter months are actually prime time for the bigger drum, when most other species have moved out.
Speckled Trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the most numerous fish you'll encounter. They school up in grass beds and around structure, making them perfect for keeping kids engaged with steady action. Most run 12-16 inches with the occasional 20-incher that'll have everyone cheering. Trout are also excellent eating, so they're popular keepers within slot limits. They're most active during cooler months and love live shrimp under popping corks.
Southern Flounder are the shape-shifters of the group – these flat fish bury in sand and ambush prey swimming by. They're masters of camouflage, and spotting one before it takes off is always exciting for kids. Flounder fishing requires a different approach, usually dragging bait slowly along the bottom near creek mouths and channels. Fall migration brings the biggest flatfish through our area, with some reaching 5-6 pounds.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish on this list – they're notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs. Catching one requires finesse and quick hook-sets, making them a favorite challenge for experienced anglers in the group. They're excellent table fare and tend to hang around pilings and docks where they can pick at crustaceans. Winter is peak sheepshead season when they move inshore to spawn.
This family-friendly charter consistently ranks as a top-rated experience for good reason – it delivers exactly what it promises without the drama of offshore fishing or the complexity of advanced techniques. Five hours gives you real time to learn, relax, and actually catch fish rather than just riding around looking at water. The private boat setup means no strangers, no rushing, and no competing for the captain's attention. Kids remember their first redfish forever, and parents love seeing their children connect with fishing in calm, comfortable conditions. With all gear included and fish cleaning available, this trip removes every barrier between your family and a successful day on the water. Book early, especially for weekend slots, since word spreads fast about captains
Step aboard this well-equipped 24-foot Champion center console, your floating fishing platform for chasing redfish and black drum in North Myrtle Beach's productive inshore waters. The 225HP Yamaha pushes this 2014 bay boat smoothly through the shallows at speeds up to 40 knots, getting your family to the hotspots quickly and quietly. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of deck space for everyone to cast without tangled lines. The GPS keeps you on productive fishing grounds while the fish finder reveals what's swimming below. This center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for working the grass flats and creek mouths where redfish cruise. The stable platform handles choppy water with ease, so even younger anglers can focus on their technique instead of fighting the boat's motion.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they're built like bulldozers. These dark-bodied fish typically run 5-30 pounds, but we've seen monsters over 50. They love hanging around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring is your best shot when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. Guests get hooked on their raw power once they hook into one. They fight deep and steady, making that reel sing. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. Bigger fish are better released since the meat gets tough. Here's the trick: use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom, and when you feel that steady pull, don't horse them - let your drag do the work and stay patient.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our inshore waters, and once you hook into one, you'll understand why. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spot near the tail typically run 18-27 inches in our shallow waters. They love super shallow flats, oyster beds, and marsh edges where you'll sometimes see their backs out of water while they're "tailing." Fall and spring are peak seasons, but they bite year-round here. What makes them special is their power - pound for pound, few fish fight harder. They'll strip drag and make long runs that get your heart pumping. The meat is excellent too - firm, white, and mild-flavored. You can catch them on everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. My favorite trick is sight-fishing the flats on calm mornings. Use a gold spoon or soft plastic, make long casts ahead of cruising fish, and let it sink before starting a slow retrieve. They can't resist it.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, and they're perfect for families since they bite readily and fight just hard enough to be fun. These silver fish with dark spots typically run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds. You'll find them over grass flats and around creek mouths, especially during moving tides. Spring through fall are best, with early morning and evening being magic hours. They often feed on top, making for exciting surface strikes. Guests love their willingness to hit artificial lures - popping corks with live shrimp work great, but soft plastics and topwater plugs are just as effective. The white, tender meat is delicious but don't overcook it. Here's my go-to setup: use a popping cork about 18 inches above your bait, cast to grass edges, and work it with short pops. Listen for that distinctive "pop-splash" that signals feeding fish nearby.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their black and gray stripes, but what really gets people talking are their human-like teeth. These crafty fish hang tight around docks, pilings, and any barnacle-covered structure where they scrape off their favorite meals. Most run 1-4 pounds and 14-18 inches, though 8-pounders show up regularly. Spring is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. Guests love the challenge because sheepshead are notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and steal your bait if you're not quick on the hookset. The reward is worth it though - their white, flaky meat rivals any fish in these waters. They're structure huggers, so get your bait right up against the pilings. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your line tight, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. They're easy to spot with both eyes on their left side and dark blotches covering their olive-brown bodies. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though bigger ones hit 20+ pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, especially around inlets and grass flats where they hunt shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're moving toward spawning areas. Guests love the challenge - they're sneaky biters and put up a solid fight once hooked. The white, flaky meat is top-notch eating too. My tip: use a slow drift with live bait near the bottom, and when you feel that subtle tap, wait a second before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
North Myrtle Beach