Charter Fishing in North Myrtle Beach
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
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.
Species You'll Want to Hook
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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.