3.0(2 Reviews)Target Black Drum and Sea Trout on Myrtle Beach Waters
3.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targets Black Drum and Sea TroutAll fishing gear, bait, and tackle provided by captainAccommodates up to four guests in Murrells Inlet waters
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't break the bank? Captain Randy's got you covered with a 4-hour inshore charter that targets some of the best eating fish along the Carolina coast. Based out of Murrells Inlet, this top-rated charter puts you right in the heart of South Carolina's most productive inshore waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers consistent action without the seasickness that comes with offshore adventures. All your gear, bait, and tackle are included – just bring your cooler with drinks and snacks, and get ready for some quality time on the water.
Your morning starts at the docks in Murrells Inlet, where Captain Randy will have everything rigged and ready to go. The beauty of inshore fishing here is that you're never more than a few miles from the dock, so you spend more time with lines in the water instead of running to spots. The calm backwaters and creek mouths around Murrells Inlet are perfect for all skill levels – no white-knuckling it through rough seas. Captain Randy knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on structure, grass beds, and drop-offs where fish love to hang out. With only 4 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of personal attention and coaching. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels, plus a good selection of live and cut bait that these inshore species can't resist.
Inshore fishing around Murrells Inlet is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish want that day. Captain Randy typically runs medium-action spinning setups with 15-20 pound test, perfect for the size fish you'll be targeting. Depending on conditions, you might be bottom fishing around oyster beds and structure for black drum and sheepshead, or working the grass flats with live shrimp for sea trout. When the mackerel are running, expect to throw some flashy spoons or small jigs to get their attention. The great thing about this fishery is the variety – you might catch three different species in the same spot using different techniques. Captain Randy will handle all the rigging and re-baiting, so beginners can focus on learning proper technique while experienced anglers can fine-tune their approach.
Here's what recent guests had to say about their time on the water: "Would definitely book with him again" - Jason. "Captain Lucas was very nice and helpful! The trip itself was the worse trip that we have had. Only caught 5 fish total, and two of us didn't catch anything. Paid more than we ever have to fish, and didn't go very far out." - Nancy.
Spanish Mackerel are pure adrenaline on light tackle. These silver bullets show up in late spring through fall, and when they're here, the action can be non-stop. They typically run 1-3 pounds and hit fast-moving lures like nothing else. What makes them special is their aggressive feeding behavior – you'll see them busting bait on the surface, and that's when you know it's game on. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters when prepared fresh.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise in shallow water. These flatfish can grow up to 8 pounds in local waters, with most catches running 14-18 inches. Fall is prime time when they're moving toward inlets to spawn, making them easier to target. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, then explode on unsuspecting bait fish. Landing a nice flounder is always satisfying because they put up a surprising fight and make excellent table fare.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world. These copper-colored fighters can range from 2-pound "puppy drum" up to 40-pound giants, though most catches fall in the 5-15 pound range. They're year-round residents that love structure like oyster beds, bridges, and creek mouths. What anglers love about black drum is their steady, powerful fight – no flashy jumps, just pure muscle. They're also one of the most reliable species in these waters, making them perfect for building confidence in new anglers.
Spadefish are the sleepers of the bunch. These silver, pancake-shaped fish typically run 2-4 pounds and are most active during summer months around structure. They're notorious bait stealers with small mouths, so hooking one requires some finesse. But once hooked, they use that flat profile to their advantage, making them surprisingly tough to bring in. Many anglers overlook spadefish, but they're actually excellent eating and a lot of fun on light tackle.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing along the Carolina coast. These spotted beauties typically range from 12-20 inches, with occasional "gator trout" pushing 5+ pounds. They're most active during moving tides around grass beds and drop-offs. Sea trout are perfect for beginners because they're aggressive feeders and relatively easy to hook, but they're also challenging enough to keep experienced anglers interested. Their delicate mouths mean you need to play them carefully, adding an element of skill to the fight.
This half-day inshore charter hits the sweet spot for most anglers – long enough to get into fish but short enough to leave you wanting more. Captain Randy's local knowledge and quality equipment take the guesswork out of your fishing trip, while the diverse species mix means there's always something biting. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, planning a guys' trip, or just want to get away from the beach crowds for a few hours, this charter delivers consistent results. The M
Captain Randy's inshore fishing boat is perfectly rigged for chasing Black Drum and Sea Trout in the productive waters around Murrells Inlet. This motorboat handles the shallow coastal flats with ease, equipped with a quiet wireless trolling motor that won't spook fish when you're working structure or grass beds. The fish finder helps locate schools and bottom structure where drum and trout like to hang out, while GPS navigation gets you to the hot spots efficiently. When morning fog rolls in off the Atlantic, the radar keeps you safe and on course. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the 4-hour trip. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast without tangling lines, whether you're working live bait around oyster bars or throwing artificials at feeding fish. The boat's shallow draft opens up prime inshore territory where bigger fish cruise the backwaters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our inshore waters, ranging from schoolie-sized 5-pounders to monster 30+ pound fish that'll test your tackle. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you'll actually hear them "drumming" underwater. The smaller ones are fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat, while the big ones are better released to fight another day. They're not flashy fighters but they're strong and stubborn, perfect for anglers who like a steady pull. My secret: fresh blue crab on a circle hook fished right on the bottom near oyster structure. Let them run with it before setting the hook - they're not going anywhere fast.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are one of our most popular inshore targets. These spotted beauties average 14-20 inches and love grass flats, creek mouths, and shallow waters throughout our area. They're active year-round but fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificial lures, plus they're fantastic on the table with tender, flaky white meat. They fight well for their size, making nice runs and head shakes. Early morning and late evening are prime times, especially around moving water. My local trick: work a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork around grass edges during a falling tide. The cork gives you casting distance and the noise draws them in from a good ways off.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that lie buried in sandy and muddy bottoms throughout our inshore waters. These flat fighters typically run 15-18 inches and can surprise you with their strength once hooked. They're ambush predators that hang around creek mouths, oyster bars, and shallow flats where the bottom changes from hard to soft. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes them special is the hunt - you're sight fishing for fish that are nearly invisible until they move. The meat is sweet, white, and flaky - some of the best eating you'll find. Here's my trick: drift slowly and drag a live mud minnow or shrimp right along the bottom, feeling for that subtle tap-tap bite.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are the ocean's version of freshwater panfish, with their distinctive disk-shaped bodies and black stripes making them easy to spot in schools around structure. They typically run 3-8 pounds and love hanging around jetties, wrecks, and pier pilings in our area. Summer months bring the best action when they school up in large numbers. These fish are scrappy fighters that dive deep and use their flat bodies to their advantage. The meat is mild and sweet - great for fish tacos or fried up whole. What guests love is how cooperative they can be once you find a school. They're curious fish that respond well to small baits. Pro tip: use small pieces of clam or jellyfish on tiny circle hooks, and when you hook one, keep the school around by immediately dropping another line - they'll often stay put and keep biting.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fighters that average 1-3 pounds and love our warm coastal waters from spring through fall. You'll spot their silvery bodies with yellow spots racing through schools near the surface around jetties, piers, and inlet mouths. These speedy fish hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. They're excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Best fishing happens during moving tides when baitfish are active. My go-to tip: when you see diving birds working a school, get there fast but stay quiet - cast small spoons or live shrimp ahead of the school and let the current carry your bait through them. They spook easily, so one shot is often all you get.
3.0 out of 5.0Would definitely book with him again
Captain Lucas was very nice and helpful! The trip itself was the worse trip that we have had. Only caught 5 fish total, and two o...
Myrtle Beach, SC