6 Hour Nearshore Combo Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour nearshore combo targeting multiple species up to 15 miles outTrolling and bottom fishing for King Mackerel, Drum, Flounder, and SharksExtended adventure accommodates up to 4 guests with diverse fishing methods
Looking for a solid day on the water that gives you the best of both worlds? Our 6-hour nearshore combo trip out of Murrells Inlet delivers exactly that. You'll get plenty of time to work different techniques, target multiple species, and really dial in on what's biting. We're talking about heading out up to 15 miles offshore when conditions are right, giving you access to structure and drop-offs where the good fish hang out. This isn't a rushed half-day deal - you've got the time to let the fishing develop and adapt to what Mother Nature serves up.
This trip is built around variety and flexibility. We'll start the day by reading conditions and fish reports to map out our game plan. Some days that means hitting the nearshore reefs first for bottom species, other days we might troll our way out to structure. The beauty of a 6-hour window is we can do both effectively. You'll spend time working the bottom for quality fish like black sea bass and cobia, then switch gears to troll for pelagic species. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish based on current conditions, seasonal patterns, and what's been producing lately.
We run a combination approach that keeps rods bent all day. For trolling, we'll pull a spread of baits at different depths - maybe some spoons for Spanish mackerel up high and diving plugs deeper for kings. The boat's rigged with quality downriggers and planer boards when needed to get baits in the strike zone. Bottom fishing involves dropping live bait, cut bait, or jigs to structure where grouper, sea bass, and other reef fish set up shop. We've got circle hooks for conservation and J-hooks when the situation calls for it. All tackle is provided, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you want. The key is being ready to switch techniques quickly when fish behavior changes or we move to new spots.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of this fishery, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These fish run anywhere from 15 to 50+ pounds and will test your drag system with blistering runs. They're ambush predators that cruise temperature breaks and structure edges, making them perfect targets for our trolling spread. The fight is what gets people hooked - pure speed and power that'll have your arms burning.
Redfish might seem like an odd target for a nearshore trip, but these copper-colored bruisers show up around structure and wrecks in surprising numbers. They're bulldogs that fight completely different from mackerel - all power and stubbornness. A slot red around 25-30 inches makes excellent table fare, while the bull reds over 35 inches provide serious arm exercise before you release them to fight another day.
Great barracuda are the waters' top predator and they act like it. These toothy missiles will smash trolled baits with zero hesitation and put on an aerial show that rivals any gamefish. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months. The strikes are explosive and the jumps are spectacular - just what you want when trying to get someone fired up about fishing.
Cobia are the mystery fish that can make your whole trip. They show up around structure, following rays, or just cruising in open water. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) are curious and will often come right to the boat for a look. They fight like a giant grouper but in open water, making long runs and testing your endurance. Peak season runs May through September, but stragglers show up year-round.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of bottom fishing here. These guys are structure-oriented and once you find a good spot, you can usually put a mess of them in the cooler. They're excellent eating and fight harder than their size suggests. Most run 1-3 pounds but the occasional doormat over 5 pounds will surprise you. They're year-round residents but fishing peaks in cooler months when they stack up on hard bottom.
This 6-hour nearshore combo represents the sweet spot for serious fishing without committing to a full offshore adventure. You get the time needed to work different techniques, the range to find active fish, and the flexibility to adapt as conditions change. Whether you're looking to put meat in the cooler or chase that trophy photo, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of trolling and bottom fishing means everyone on board stays engaged, and the 4-person limit ensures personalized attention from the crew. Don't wait around - prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Book your charter today and get ready for some quality time on the water doing what you love most.
This beautifully restored 1987 Hatteras is your ticket to serious offshore action in Murrells Inlet waters. At 32 feet with twin 370HP Cummins engines, she'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at a comfortable 28 knots. The recent 2023 restoration keeps that classic Hatteras quality while adding modern reliability. You'll have plenty of room for up to 4 anglers to work the rails, plus air conditioning to cool off between bites. The flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility to spot birds and bait, while the fish finder helps locate those bottom structures where the big ones hide. A full galley with refrigerator keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're trolling for kings or dropping bottom rigs for grouper, this boat handles it all with the smooth ride Hatteras is known for.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are our bread-and-butter bottom fish, running 1-4 pounds with occasional 6+ pounders around deeper structure. These chunky grouper relatives love wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 40-120 feet, turning bright blue during spawning season. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore and stack up on structure. They're scrappy fighters that dive hard for cover when hooked, and they're outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The season runs May through December with a winter closure. Best approach is dropping squid strips or cut bait right to the bottom near structure - keep your line tight because they'll steal bait fast and head straight for the rocks.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our premium targets - brown sharks with attitude that average 30-50 pounds and make phenomenal table fare. These solitary fish cruise around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet during their spring migration through fall. What makes them special is they're sight fishers - you'll spot them just under the surface looking like small sharks. They're aggressive feeders and incredible fighters, making long powerful runs. The meat is white, firm, and rivals mahi-mahi for taste. Best months are May through September when they're moving through our area. My go-to technique is sight casting with bucktail jigs in natural colors - when you see one, get that jig in front of it quick and hang on.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the missiles of our nearshore waters, reaching 3-6 feet and capable of 35 mph bursts that'll test your drag. These silver torpedoes patrol reefs, wrecks, and structure in 20-100 feet, often cruising just under the surface. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll leap clear out of the water when hooked. Fair warning though, their razor teeth mean we always use heavy wire leaders and handle them carefully at the boat. While not the best eating due to potential toxins, they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. Pro tip: use shiny lures or live bait - they hunt by sight and love flash.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of the most popular gamefish we target, typically running 20-40 pounds with some bruisers pushing 60+. These olive-backed speedsters cruise our nearshore waters from 40-150 feet, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on baitfish. What makes them special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line faster than almost any fish out here. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The key to landing kings is using a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, slow down slightly when you get a strike - let them fully commit before setting the hook hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable inshore targets, with copper-colored backs and distinctive black spots near their tails. Most run 18-30 inches and put up a solid scrap in shallow water. You'll find them tailing in 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Fall and spring are prime time when they're feeding heavy before and after spawning. What guests love is the visual fishing - spotting them cruising the flats and making precise casts. They're also great eating with sweet, flaky meat. The trick is staying quiet and making long, accurate casts ahead of where they're heading. Use a weedless jig or topwater in skinny areas.
Murrells Inlet, SC