Charter Fishing in North Myrtle Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore fishing up to 25 miles targeting multiple speciesBottom fishing for Black Sea Bass, Grouper, and AmberjackSmall group charter accommodates up to 4 guests maximum
Ready to get your lines wet in some of the most productive fishing waters along the South Carolina coast? Our nearshore charter takes you up to 25 miles offshore where the real action happens. You'll be fishing in depths ranging from 40 to 120 feet, targeting structure and ledges that hold serious fish. With room for up to 4 anglers, this is the perfect setup for a small group looking to put some quality fish in the boat without the expense and time commitment of a full offshore trip.
We're talking about a solid day of bottom fishing mixed with some trolling action when the conditions are right. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand - every ledge, every piece of structure, and every spot where the fish like to hang out. Most of the day you'll be dropping baits to the bottom for grouper, sea bass, and whatever else is biting down there. But don't be surprised if we fire up the trolling spread when we're running between spots or if the mackerel are showing up on the fish finder. The bite can change throughout the day, and that's what keeps it interesting out here. Some days the fish are aggressive and you're constantly reeling something up, other days you might have to work a little harder for your catches. That's fishing for you.
Bottom fishing is the name of the game most days, and we've got all the gear you need to get the job done right. We're talking about medium-heavy conventional reels spooled with 30-50 pound test, paired with rods that have enough backbone to pull fish up from 80+ feet of water. Your baits will be a mix of cut bait, live pinfish when we can catch them, and sometimes squid depending on what's working. The key is getting your bait down to the structure where these fish live and keeping it there despite the current. When we switch to trolling, we'll pull spoons, diving plugs, and sometimes live bait behind the boat at various speeds until we find what the mackerel want. The captain handles all the rigging, so you can focus on the fun part - fighting the fish.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, and when one hits your trolled bait, you'll know it instantly. These fish can stretch anywhere from 15 to 40+ pounds and they'll test your drag system with their blistering runs. Spring through fall is prime time for kings, with the biggest fish typically showing up in late summer and early fall. What makes them special is that initial run - they'll strip line off your reel so fast you'll think something's wrong with your drag. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when prepared right.
Mahi-Mahi, or dolphin fish as the locals call them, are the wild cards of our nearshore trips. These fish are incredibly beautiful with their bright yellow and green colors, and they fight like they're twice their size. Most mahi we catch range from 5 to 20 pounds, though bigger bulls show up occasionally. They're typically found around floating debris or weed lines, and once you find a school, you can often catch several before they wise up. Late spring through early fall gives you the best shot at mahi, and they're hands down one of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Spanish Mackerel are the action fish that keep your rod bent when the bigger species aren't cooperating. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel are aggressive biters and excellent on light tackle. They'll hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait with enthusiasm, and while they might only run 1-3 pounds, they're scrappy fighters. Spanish mackerel are also some of the best bait you can have when the big fish are around - nothing beats a fresh spanish for king mackerel or large grouper.
Gag Grouper are the prize of our bottom fishing efforts, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious. Most gags we target run 5-15 pounds, though larger fish are always possible around the right structure. They're ambush predators that hang around ledges and hard bottom, waiting for an easy meal to drift by. When you hook a good grouper, your first job is to turn his head and get him away from the structure before he cuts you off. Gag season typically runs through the cooler months, making them a reliable target when other species have moved on.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than the other species we target, but they're consistent biters and excellent table fare. These fish are structure-oriented and often found in good numbers once you locate them. Most sea bass run 1-3 pounds, but they make up for their size with their willingness to bite and their sweet, white meat. They're also a great species for newer anglers to cut their teeth on, as they're generally cooperative and not too difficult to land once hooked.
This nearshore charter offers the perfect balance of variety, action, and value for anglers who want to experience quality fishing without breaking the bank. You'll get a taste of both bottom fishing and trolling, target multiple species, and fish waters that consistently produce. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone looking to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The 25-mile range gives us access to prime fishing grounds while keeping the run times reasonable, so you spend more time with lines in the water and less time running. Book your trip with Nauti Buoy Fishing Charters and see why anglers keep coming back to these productive waters off North Myrtle Beach.
This 22-foot SeaSwirl dual console is your ticket to productive nearshore fishing adventures off North Myrtle Beach. Built in 2005 and powered by a reliable 200HP Yamaha, she cruises comfortably at 28 knots to get you to the fishing grounds quickly. Perfect for groups up to 4 anglers who want plenty of elbow room while battling Black Sea Bass, Grouper, and Amberjack up to 25 miles offshore. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure, while the fish finder helps locate those honey holes where the big ones hide. GPS keeps you on course, and the onboard icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold. With a convenient head aboard, you can focus on what matters most - dropping lines and filling the cooler with quality bottom fish and seasonal pelagics.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the workhorses of our nearshore reefs, typically running 12-18 inches and 2-4 pounds. These chunky, dark-colored fish love structure - wrecks, jetties, rocky bottom, anywhere they can hide and ambush prey. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What guests enjoy is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll put up a decent scrap until they break the surface. My go-to setup is a simple two-hook bottom rig with squid strips or cut bait. The trick is to keep your bait right on the bottom and be patient - sea bass are curious and will eventually come investigate.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 20 inches but growing up to 50+ inches and 80 pounds. These mottled gray fighters love rocky structure, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes gags special is their powerful fight - they'll try to drag you straight back to their hole in the rocks. The white, firm meat is restaurant quality and worth the battle. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep your rod tip low and your drag locked tight. Don't give them an inch, or they'll wrap you around the nearest piece of structure. It's a tug-of-war, but that's what makes landing a nice gag so rewarding.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, averaging around 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. These silver bullets cruise in 40-150 feet of water, especially around temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move inshore chasing baitfish. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out there. The meat's rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: use a wire leader with two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of their prey, and that second hook saves a lot of cut-offs from their razor-sharp teeth.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most beautiful fish you'll see change colors right in the boat - from brilliant gold and electric blue to silver as they come aboard. These 15-30 pound fighters love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in our warmer months. They're surface dwellers that travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep a few baits ready and work the area fast. The school often stays fired up for a few minutes, and you can sometimes double or triple up before they move on.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are great starter fish for kids and light tackle enthusiasts, typically running 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds. These silver speedsters with yellow spots love to school up near the surface around structures, jetties, and beaches. They show up strong from late spring through summer when the water warms up. What makes them fun is their willingness to hit just about anything that moves - spoons, jigs, or live bait. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Here's what works: use light tackle and let your spoons skip across the surface like a fleeing baitfish. Spanish macs can't resist that action, and you'll get explosive strikes that'll wake everyone up on the boat.
Myrtle Beach