Half Day Inshore Charter: Redfish & Black Drum
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4-hour afternoon charter targets redfish and black drumAll gear, bait, and tackle included for hassle-free fishingKeep legal catches with experienced captain guidance provided
If you're looking for a solid afternoon on the water without the commitment of a full day, this 4-hour inshore fishing charter out of North Myrtle Beach hits the sweet spot. You'll be fishing the productive backwaters and creek mouths where redfish, black drum, speckled trout, and flounder call home. The afternoon timing works perfectly – you avoid the early morning rush and still get prime fishing hours when these inshore species are actively feeding. Captain provides all the gear, bait, and local knowledge you need, so whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing trip or you're a weekend warrior looking to add some variety to your angling, this charter delivers.
This private charter accommodates up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention from the captain. You'll launch from North Myrtle Beach and head into the maze of tidal creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats that make this stretch of coast a top-rated inshore fishing destination. The afternoon departure means calmer conditions – no choppy morning waters to deal with. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the tides and structure to put you on fish. The relaxed pace lets everyone get comfortable with the techniques, and there's plenty of time to move spots if the bite slows down. Any keeper fish you land goes home with you, so bring a cooler if you're planning on a fish fry.
This charter focuses on light tackle fishing, which means you'll feel every bump, run, and head shake when a fish takes your bait. We're talking spinning reels with 15-20 lb test, medium action rods that have enough backbone for the fight but won't overpower smaller fish. The captain sets you up with the right terminal tackle for each spot – whether that's a Carolina rig for black drum around structure, a popping cork setup for speckled trout over grass beds, or a jig head bounced along the bottom for flounder. Live bait is the go-to here: mud minnows, finger mullet, and shrimp that get the attention of hungry inshore species. You'll learn to read the water, watch for baitfish activity, and work your presentations at different depths. The shallow water fishing means you can actually see the structure you're fishing – oyster bars, drop-offs, and grass lines that hold fish.
Redfish are the crown jewel of North Myrtle Beach inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up a fight that'll test your drag system. They cruise the shallow flats and oyster bars year-round, but fall and winter months bring some of the best action when schools of slot-sized reds move through the area. These fish average 18-27 inches in the slot limit, perfect eating size, and they hit hard when they find your bait. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat just about anything – cut bait, live shrimp, or artificials worked slowly along the bottom. When you hook one, expect a bulldogging fight with powerful runs toward structure.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're customer favorites for their size and table fare. These bottom-dwellers love hanging around oyster bars and bridge pilings, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish and crabs. In North Myrtle Beach waters, you'll find black drum ranging from puppy drum around 12-16 inches up to genuine heavyweights pushing 30+ pounds. Spring and fall bring the most consistent action, though they bite year-round if you know where to look. They're notorious bait stealers, so you'll need to pay attention to subtle taps and bumps rather than rod-bending strikes. Once hooked, larger black drum use their broad sides to pull hard and steady.
Speckled trout add finesse to your inshore slam, and these spotted beauties are abundant in the grass beds and creek mouths around North Myrtle Beach. They're most active during cooler months when water temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s, though you can find them year-round in deeper holes and channels. Specks have soft mouths, so light drag and steady pressure are key to landing them. They're excellent eating fish with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The fun part about trout fishing is the variety – you might catch a 12-inch "school trout" one cast and a 20-inch "gator trout" the next.
This half-day inshore charter gives you everything you need for a memorable afternoon of fishing without eating up your entire day. The 4-hour window provides plenty of time to work different spots, learn some new techniques, and hopefully put some quality fish in the cooler. With all gear and bait included, you just need to show up ready to fish. The private charter format means no crowding, no rushing, and personalized instruction from a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're introducing someone to saltwater fishing or looking for a quick fishing fix during your North Myrtle Beach vacation, this charter delivers the goods. Book now and get ready for some world-class inshore action.
This 24-foot Champion center console bay boat is your ticket to productive inshore waters around North Myrtle Beach. Built in 2014 and powered by a dependable 225HP Yamaha engine, she'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly with a smooth 40-knot cruising speed. The center console design gives you plenty of casting room for up to 4 anglers, while the onboard GPS navigation and fish finder help your captain locate those prime redfish and black drum spots. Whether you're working the grass flats for speckled trout or targeting flounder in the channels, this boat handles the shallow inshore waters with ease. The stable platform makes it perfect for light tackle fishing, giving beginners confidence and experienced anglers the performance they need for a successful afternoon on the water.
Pogonias CromisThese heavy-bodied fish are the bruisers of our inshore waters, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some giants hitting 50+. You'll find them around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths where they cruise looking for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. Black drum put up a solid, stubborn fight that'll test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near oyster bars during incoming tide. They can't resist it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. They range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds over 30 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active. What guests love is their explosive topwater strikes and powerful runs that'll strip line fast. The slot fish are excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. My go-to trick: throw a gold spoon or topwater plug early morning over shallow flats and work it slow. When you see them tailing, cast ahead of their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are some of the prettiest fish in our waters with their silver sides covered in dark spots. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though we see some chunky 4-5 pounders. They love grass flats and shallow areas, especially around structure like docks and drop-offs. Cool weather months are best - they school up tight in winter in deeper holes. What makes them special is their delicate bite and how they fight with quick runs and head shakes. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: fish live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds during moving water. Keep it subtle - they spook easy in shallow water.
North Myrtle Beach