North Myrtle Beach Inshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore fishing charter stays within 15 miles of coastlineTarget eight species including King Mackerel and FlounderSmall group experience accommodates up to four guests
Looking for a fishing charter that keeps you close to shore but doesn't skimp on the action? Nauti Buoy Fishing Charters runs top-rated nearshore trips that'll put you on fish without sending you way out into the deep blue. We're talking 15 miles max from the North Myrtle Beach coastline – close enough to see land, far enough to get into some serious fishing. Whether you're brand new to saltwater angling or you've been working these waters for years, this charter strikes the perfect balance between accessible and productive. With room for up to four anglers, it's ideal for families, couples, or a small group of fishing buddies who want a more intimate experience on the water.
This nearshore fishing experience puts you in prime territory for some of the most sought-after species along the South Carolina coast. We'll cruise out to structure and reefs where the fish congregate, typically in depths ranging from 30 to 80 feet. The beauty of nearshore fishing is you get variety – one minute you might be pulling up a hefty Black Sea Bass from the bottom, the next you could have a King Mackerel screaming line off your reel. The trip runs at a comfortable pace, giving everyone aboard plenty of opportunities to get their lines wet. Captain and crew handle all the navigation, fish-finding, and gear setup, so you can focus on what matters most – hooking up and having a good time. The boat stays within that sweet spot where seasick-prone anglers feel comfortable but the fishing stays hot. You'll work both artificial lures and live bait depending on what the fish are telling us that day.
Nearshore fishing around North Myrtle Beach means adapting your approach based on what's biting and where we find them. We'll typically start with bottom rigs when targeting species like Black Sea Bass, Spadefish, and Flounder around structure and reefs. These setups use enough weight to get down and stay down, with circle hooks that make catch-and-release easier and improve hookup rates for beginners. When the mackerel are running, we switch gears to trolling with spoons, planers, and live bait. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait – everything's sized right for the species we're targeting. You'll fish with medium to medium-heavy spinning and conventional gear that can handle anything from a 12-inch Whiting to a 20-pound King Mackerel. Live bait like shrimp, squid, and small baitfish often produces the best results, especially for Flounder and Sea Trout holding around sandy bottoms and grass beds. The crew knows exactly where to position the boat based on tides, structure, and seasonal patterns that drive fish behavior in these waters.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute crowd-pleasers and one of the most reliable catches on nearshore trips. These silvery speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and hit fast-moving lures with aggressive strikes that'll wake up anyone dozing in their chair. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they school up in huge numbers around baitfish. What makes them special is their willingness to bite – even kids can hook up consistently. They're also fantastic table fare when prepared fresh. Black Sea Bass represent the bread-and-butter bottom fishing around here, holding tight to reefs and structure in 40-80 feet of water. These chunky fighters average 1-2 pounds but can push 4-5 pounds, and they're notorious for their strong initial run toward cover. They bite year-round but really turn on during spring and fall transitions. Bass are perfect for beginners because they're aggressive feeders and don't require finesse – just get your bait to the bottom and hang on.
Spadefish are the overlooked gems that experienced anglers specifically target. These disc-shaped fighters are tricky to hook because of their small mouths, but once connected, they pull harder than fish twice their size. They school around towers, reefs, and wrecks during summer months, often suspended mid-water. Catching one usually means there are more around, making for fast action when you dial in the technique. King Mackerel are the glamour species that every angler hopes to encounter. These toothy predators can stretch 20-40 inches and provide some of the most exciting fights in nearshore waters. They hit trolled baits and lures with bone-jarring strikes and make blistering runs that test your drag system. Kings are most active during warmer months and often show up when you least expect them. Sea Trout round out the target list as one of the most fun light-tackle species around. These spotted beauties love grass flats, channel edges, and structure in 15-40 feet of water. They hit soft plastics, live shrimp, and topwater lures, making them perfect for anglers who enjoy working their baits rather than just soaking them on the bottom.
This nearshore fishing charter delivers exactly what most anglers are looking for – consistent action, variety, and a comfortable ride that doesn't beat you up. The 4-person capacity means you get personalized attention from the crew without feeling crowded on deck. You'll come back with a better understanding of local fishing techniques, some great photos, and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fillets. The proximity to shore makes this perfect for anglers who want to experience quality saltwater fishing without committing to a full offshore adventure. Whether you're introducing someone new to saltwater angling or you're a seasoned angler who prefers the productive nearshore zone, Nauti Buoy Fishing Charters has the experience and local knowledge to put you on fish. Book your trip now and discover why nearshore fishing around North Myrtle Beach keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Get ready to cast your lines from our reliable 2005 SeaSwirl, a 22-foot dual console fishing machine powered by a strong 200HP Yamaha that'll cruise you to the hotspots at 28 knots. This boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention on the water. We've got you covered with an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a wireless trolling motor for those sneaky approaches to structure. The GPS keeps us on target while the fish finder helps locate where they're holding. There's even an onboard toilet for convenience during longer trips. We'll run you up to 15 miles offshore where Black Sea Bass, Spadefish, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Sea Trout, Whiting, and Croaker are waiting. Whether you're just learning to fish or you know your way around a rod, this nearshore adventure puts you right in the action while keeping the coastline in sight.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are perfect for anglers wanting steady action and great table fare. These chunky fighters average 1-3 pounds but can push 8+ pounds, with the bigger males sporting that distinctive hump during spawning season. They hang around hard bottom, wrecks, and jetties in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them special is their scrappy fight and sweet, white meat that rivals grouper. They're curious fish that'll hit cut bait, squid strips, and jigs readily. Here's a local trick: when bottom fishing for them, use a double-hook rig with squid on both hooks - they often travel in groups, so you might double up on the same drop.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters and the fish that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. These torpedo-shaped predators average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds, making blistering runs that'll smoke your drag. They cruise the 40-150 foot range along drop-offs and around baitfish schools. Prime season runs late spring through fall when water temps stay above 68 degrees. What makes kings special is their raw power and those teeth - they'll slice through regular line in a heartbeat. The meat is rich and flaky, great smoked or grilled. Pro tip: always use wire leader and rig with two hooks when using live bait - kings typically grab the tail first, so that back hook is crucial for solid hookups.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are our bread-and-butter inshore species that provide consistent action for all skill levels. These speckled beauties typically run 14-24 inches and 1-3 pounds, with their distinctive black spots making them easy to identify. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs in 3-15 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, especially early morning and evening when they move shallow to feed. Anglers appreciate their willingness to hit lures and their excellent table quality - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're not the strongest fighters but make up for it with numbers and eating quality. Local secret: fish the grass edges at night with a popping cork and live shrimp - the sound drives them crazy.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are one of our most unique targets - these disk-shaped fish with bold black stripes look more like angelfish than typical gamefish. They average 3-8 pounds and put up a surprising fight for their size. You'll spot schools of them around wrecks, reefs, and nearshore structure, often right at the surface looking like floating leaves. Summer months are best when they gather in large schools of hundreds. Anglers love them because they're challenging to hook with their small mouths, but once on, they pull hard and dive deep. Fresh clam on small circle hooks is the ticket, though jellyfish works too. Local tip: when you see a school, cast past them and slowly drag your bait through the group - they're spooky but curious.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that make our nearshore trips exciting. These silvery speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. They love warm water and show up strong from late spring through early fall when water temps climb. You'll find them near the surface in schools, often around structure or baitfish. They hit trolled spoons and jigs hard, making screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent - mild, flaky, and perfect for grilling. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get ready - there's probably a school of Spanish underneath feeding. Use light tackle and small, shiny lures for the best action.
Myrtle Beach