Murrells Inlet 8-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour inshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesExpert guides with extensive local waters knowledgeSmall group experience with maximum 3 guests
Get ready to spend a full day working the productive waters around Murrells Inlet with Next Level Fishing Co. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking eight solid hours of fishing some of South Carolina's most consistent inshore grounds. You'll launch from Murrells Inlet and head out to the flats, creek mouths, and structure where the fish stack up year-round. With room for just three anglers, you get personalized attention from our guides who've been reading these waters for years. Whether you're chasing your first redfish or looking to add a slot drum to your collection, this trip puts you right where the action happens.
We'll start early from the Murrells Inlet boat ramp and make our way to the honey holes based on tide, weather, and what's been biting lately. The beauty of an eight-hour charter is we can cover serious ground – from the grass flats near Huntington Beach State Park to the deeper creek channels around Pawleys Island. Your captain knows exactly where to find structure, bait schools, and the feeding zones that hold quality fish. The boat's rigged with everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Just bring your fishing license, snacks, and plenty of water since we don't provide meals. The intimate group size means you're not fighting for rod time or competing with a crowded deck. This is hands-on fishing where you learn techniques that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends.
We fish multiple techniques depending on conditions and target species. Live shrimp under popping corks work magic around oyster bars for sheepshead and black drum. When we're sight-fishing the flats for reds, we'll switch to artificial lures like gold spoons and paddle tails that won't spook fish in shallow water. For trout, we often work jigs and live finger mullet around grass edges during moving water. The boat carries medium-action spinning rods matched with 15-20 lb braided line – perfect for feeling light bites while still having the backbone to turn a bull red away from structure. Circle hooks are standard for live bait fishing, and we carry a full spread of weights, leaders, and terminal tackle to match the conditions. Your guide will show you how to read water, work lures at the right speed, and set the hook properly. By the end of eight hours, you'll understand why certain spots produce and how tide movement affects fish behavior in these creeks and flats.
Black drum are the heavyweights of Murrells Inlet, and we see them year-round around oyster beds and channel edges. These fish can push 30-40 pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked. They're suckers for fresh shrimp and blue crab, especially during slack tide when they move shallow to feed. What makes drum fishing exciting is the sheer power – they'll test your drag and make long runs that'll have your arms burning. The biggest ones come during cooler months when they school up in deeper creek bends.
Sheepshead fishing here is some of the best on the East Coast, particularly around the numerous docks, pilings, and oyster bars that dot the inlet system. These black-and-white striped thieves are notorious bait stealers, but once you get the hang of their light bite, you'll be hooked. They average 2-4 pounds with occasional fish pushing 6-7 pounds. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily before and after their spawn.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. They school up over grass beds and drop-offs, making them perfect targets for both live bait and artificials. Most fish run 14-18 inches, but we regularly see gator trout over 20 inches, especially during summer evenings. They hit fast and jump when hooked, making them a blast on light tackle. Trout bite best during moving water, particularly the last two hours of incoming tide.
Redfish are the crown jewel of South Carolina inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats, creek mouths, and oyster bars in pods that can number in the hundreds during fall. Slot-size reds (15-23 inches) are most common, but we hook plenty of oversized bulls that'll strip line and test your skills. What makes red fishing special is the variety – you might sight-cast to tailing fish in two feet of water or work creek bends for schoolies. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to cut bait to topwater plugs.
Eight hours on the water with Next Level Fishing Co means you're getting the full Murrells Inlet experience. You'll fish multiple spots, learn proven techniques, and have legitimate shots at several different species. The small group size ensures everyone gets plenty of action, and our guides' local knowledge puts you on fish that casual anglers never find. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or a seasoned angler wanting to explore new water, this trip delivers the goods. Murrells Inlet's year-round fishing means there's never a bad time to book, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action across all species. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your charter now and get ready to see why Murrells Inlet has earned its reputation as one of South Carolina's top inshore fishing destinations.
Our trusty 24-foot 2006 Ranger center console is your ticket to Murrells Inlet's best fishing spots. This bay boat packs serious power with its Mercury 250HP engine, cruising at 55 knots to get you on the fish fast. Built for up to 4 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when sneaking up on redfish in shallow grass beds, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate schools of trout and flounder. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox along with cold drinks for the crew. Whether you're working structure for sheepshead or drifting the flats for black drum, this reliable boat handles Murrells Inlet's diverse waters with ease. Perfect for serious anglers who want comfort and performance in one solid fishing platform.
Pogonias CromisThese powerful bottom-feeders are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90 pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. What makes black drum special is their drumming sound - you can actually hear them underwater! They're incredible fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: use fresh blue crab for bait and keep it right on the bottom - they won't chase a bait that's drifting too high in the water column.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored beauties with the signature black spot near their tail are what inshore fishing is all about. Most range 20-35 inches, and they're built for power with broad shoulders that'll test your tackle. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes reds special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The trick here is staying quiet and watching for their tails or backs in the shallows. When you spot one, cast well ahead of where they're heading and work your lure slowly - they'll track it down and hammer it.
Salmo TruttaAlso called speckled trout, these spotted beauties are one of our most reliable inshore targets. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with that classic torpedo shape and silver sides covered in spots. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow. Night fishing can be fantastic, especially during warmer months. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificial lures, plus they're scrappy fighters that'll make several good runs. The white, tender meat is excellent eating but cooks quickly, so don't overdo it. During winter, they school up in deeper channels which can make for some hot action. My go-to technique is working a soft plastic shrimp or grub along the grass edges right at dawn or dusk when they're most active.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese crafty fish earn their "convict" nickname from those distinctive black stripes, but it's their human-like teeth that really get people talking. Most run 1-8 pounds, though 20-pounders do show up around structure. You'll find them hugging dock pilings, bridge supports, and jetties where they pick barnacles and crabs off the structure. Spring brings the best action when they gather for spawning. Sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with lightning-quick nibbles, but once hooked, they put up a solid fight. The white, flaky meat rivals any table fish we catch out here. Pro tip: get your bait tight against the structure and watch your rod tip like a hawk - when you see that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard before they steal your bait and disappear back into the pilings.
Murrells Inlet