Murrells Inlet 6-Hour Nearshore Combo Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6-hour nearshore combo targeting multiple species up to 15 milesTrolling and bottom fishing for King Mackerel, Drum, and SharksMaximum 4 guests with Silver Tuna Sport Fishing charters
When you're ready to spend a full day chasing fish off the South Carolina coast, this 6-hour nearshore combo trip gives you the best of both worlds. We're talking serious fishing time here – enough to run multiple techniques, hit different spots, and really dial in on what's biting. Captain Silver Tuna knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with up to 15 miles of range when conditions allow, you'll cover prime fishing grounds that day-trippers never see. Maximum 4 anglers means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the crew.
This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're rushing back to the dock just as the fish start cooperating. Six hours gives us room to work, and we use every minute of it. We'll start the morning running to productive spots based on recent reports and current conditions – could be structure holding cobia, drop-offs loaded with king mackerel, or inshore reefs where the black sea bass stack up thick. The beauty of this combo trip is flexibility. If the kings are running hot on the trolling spread, we'll stay on them. If the bottom bite is on fire, we'll load the cooler there. Weather permitting, we can push out to those 12-15 mile marks where the bigger fish roam, but we're always reading conditions and adjusting the game plan accordingly.
We run a two-pronged attack out here that covers the water column from top to bottom. Trolling is our bread and butter for pelagic species – we'll pull a spread of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait when we can get it. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle anything from screaming king mackerel runs to the bulldogging power of a big cobia. When we switch to bottom fishing, we're talking about targeting structure with everything from light tackle for sea bass to heavier rigs for red drum. Circle hooks are standard for catch-and-release fishing, and we carry a full range of weights and rigs to match conditions. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting – your job is to feel that bite and set the hook.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of nearshore fishing around Murrells Inlet, and these fish don't mess around. We're targeting smoker kings that range from school-size 15-pounders up to true trophy fish pushing 40-50 pounds. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action often happening on the temperature breaks where warm Gulf Stream water meets cooler inshore water. Kings hit fast and run hard – watching that reel scream as a big king takes off is pure adrenaline. They're excellent table fare too, especially when you bleed them immediately and keep them iced down.
Redfish, or red drum as the old-timers call them, are year-round residents that never fail to put up a memorable fight. These copper-colored bruisers love structure and will absolutely tax your tackle once hooked. Slot-size reds in the 18-27 inch range are fantastic eating, while the oversized bull reds we encounter are pure muscle and attitude. Spring and fall see the biggest concentrations as schools migrate along the coast, but don't count out summer fishing around nearshore wrecks and artificial reefs where resident fish hold tight.
Great barracuda bring the aggressive strikes that wake everyone up on the boat. These toothy predators patrol the same areas as kings and cobia, often showing up when you least expect them. A 'cuda hit on the trolling spread is explosive – they'll jump, tail-walk, and generally put on a show that gets everyone's attention. While most anglers release them, smaller barracuda are actually quite good eating when prepared properly. They're most active during warmer months and seem to love bright, flashy lures trolled at moderate speeds.
Cobia are the wild cards of nearshore fishing – you never know when one of these brown torpedoes will appear alongside the boat. They're curious fish that often follow rays, sharks, or even the boat itself, giving alert anglers a shot at sight-casting with live or cut bait. Spring migration brings the biggest concentrations as fish move north along the coast, but resident cobia stick around most of the year. These fish are pure muscle and make excellent table fare, which is why they're so highly prized by local charter crews and regulars.
Black sea bass might be smaller than the other species we target, but pound-for-pound they're some of the scrappiest fighters in these waters. These bottom-dwellers love hard structure – artificial reefs, natural rock piles, and wrecks all hold good populations. They bite year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they school up thick. Sea bass are fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or traditional preparations. The added bonus is they're usually cooperative biters, making them perfect confidence-builders for less experienced anglers in your group.
This 6-hour nearshore combo trip represents the sweet spot for serious anglers who want maximum fishing time without committing to a full offshore adventure. You get the variety of techniques, the flexibility to chase what's biting, and enough time to really work productive water. Captain Silver Tuna runs a top-rated operation with repeat customers who know the difference between a fishing trip and a fish-catching trip. Weather windows fill up fast during peak season, and the best dates go to folks who book ahead. Give us a call to check availability and lock in your spot – your next personal best could be swimming out there waiting.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 1987 32' Hatteras sportfisher for your Murrells Inlet adventure. Fresh from a complete 2023 restoration, she combines classic craftsmanship with modern reliability. Twin 370HP Cummins engines power you to fishing grounds at a smooth 28 knots, while the spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers. The flybridge gives you elevated views for spotting fish and navigating, while below deck you'll find air conditioning, refrigeration for your catch, and a proper head. Advanced electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate prime fishing spots up to 15 miles offshore. Whether you're trolling for kings and Spanish mackerel or dropping lines for drum and flounder, this Hatteras delivers the perfect platform for serious angling in Carolina waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are our bread-and-butter bottom fish - reliable, tasty, and always willing to bite. These chunky guys typically run 1-4 pounds around here, though we get some nice 6+ pounders on the deeper wrecks. They love hard bottom, wrecks, and jetties in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed heavily. What guests love about sea bass is they're consistent biters and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. They put up a decent scrap for their size too. Interesting fact: they start as females and turn male as they grow bigger. My local tip? Use a double-hook rig with squid or cut bait, and fish right on the bottom near structure. Once you find them, stay put - they school up and you'll usually catch several from the same spot.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are probably our most unique nearshore target - big, brown, and often mistaken for sharks at first glance. These loners typically run 30-60 pounds and can stretch 4-5 feet long. You'll find them around structure like buoys, markers, and wrecks in 30-70 feet, though they roam shallow too. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they're moving north to spawn. What makes cobia special is they're sight fish - you actually see them swimming and cast right to them. They fight hard with long runs and are absolutely fantastic eating - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. Being solitary means each fish is a trophy. My local secret? They often follow rays and sharks looking for stirred-up food, so when you see rays working the bottom, start looking above them for that telltale brown shadow cruising nearby.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ultimate sight-fishing target when conditions are right. These silver bullets average 3-4 feet but can stretch to 6 feet and 100+ pounds. They patrol nearshore reefs, wrecks, and anywhere baitfish gather, usually in the top 30 feet of water. You'll spot them cruising just under the surface, especially around structure. Summer months bring the best action when water temps are warm and visibility is good. What makes cuda fishing exciting is their explosive strike and that initial rocket run - they can hit 35 mph in short bursts. They're curious fish too, often following lures before deciding to hit. Not the best table fare due to potential toxins, but the fight is what counts. My go-to trick is using shiny spoons or tube lures - their razor teeth love cutting through soft baits, so bring wire leaders and expect some cut-offs.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These speed demons typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we occasionally hook monsters pushing 60+. They're built for speed with that torpedo body and can hit 35 mph when they want to. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. Late spring through early fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84°F. What makes kings special is that blistering first run - they'll strip line like crazy and jump when hooked. The meat's decent, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. Pro tip: use a wire leader and double up your hooks on live bait - they love hitting the tail end first, so that stinger hook saves the day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed Drum are hands-down one of the most fun fish to target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots typically run 20-35 inches around the inlet, though we see some real bulls pushing 40+ pounds in deeper water. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy before and after spawning. What guests love about reds is how they fight - long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that mild, sweet flavor. The meat's firm and takes seasoning well. My local trick? Look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, and cast slightly ahead of where they're moving. Keep that bait just off the bottom.
Murrells Inlet, SC