All Day Nearshore Combo Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour combo trip combines trolling and bottom fishing techniquesTarget species include Mackerel, Blues, and challenging Amber JackVenture up to 25 miles offshore with maximum 4 guests
When you're looking for a full day of serious fishing action out of Murrells Inlet, our 8-hour nearshore combo trip delivers everything you could want on the water. This isn't your typical half-day outing – we're talking about a proper fishing adventure that covers all the bases. You'll get the best of both worlds with high-speed trolling runs for pelagic species and solid bottom fishing sessions when the fish are holding deep. With room for up to 4 anglers, this trip keeps things intimate while maximizing your chances at landing multiple species throughout the day.
We kick things off early, heading out from Murrells Inlet with a game plan that adapts to conditions and what's biting. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is flexibility – we can run up to 25 miles offshore when weather allows, hitting those productive zones where the big fish hang out. You'll start with trolling spreads targeting fast-moving predators, then shift gears to bottom rigs when we find structure holding amberjack or other reef dwellers. The extended time frame means we're not rushing between spots; instead, we can work areas thoroughly and move when the action slows. Expect to cover serious water and experience the full spectrum of nearshore fishing techniques.
Our trolling setup is designed to pull multiple species at once – we'll run a combination of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait depending on what's working. The spread typically covers different depths and speeds to appeal to various predators cruising the area. When Spanish mackerel are schooled up, we might pull smaller spoons closer to the surface, while king mackerel usually prefer deeper-running baits with more flash. For bottom fishing, we switch to heavy conventional tackle with circle hooks and natural baits. Structure fishing requires precise boat positioning and the right sinker weights to keep baits in the strike zone. We carry everything from light spinning gear for smaller species up to heavy conventional setups capable of handling big amberjack.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of our nearshore trips, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "snake kings" up to trophy specimens over 40 pounds. These fish are most active during warmer months and prefer live bait presentations or fast-trolled spoons. The fight is legendary – long, blistering runs that test your drag system and endurance. What makes kings special here is their year-round presence, though fall and early winter often produce the largest specimens.
Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the bottom, typically found around structure in 40-80 feet of water. These bruisers average 20-50 pounds but can exceed 60 pounds during peak season. They're ambush predators that hit hard and immediately dive for cover, making the first few minutes of the fight crucial. Summer through fall offers the best action, and their powerful runs combined with bulldog determination make them a favorite among serious anglers.
Great Barracuda add serious excitement with their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. These toothy predators are lightning fast and often surprise anglers with their size – many exceed 3 feet and 15 pounds. They're visual feeders that respond well to shiny lures and live bait, particularly during spring and fall migrations. The combination of speed, jumping ability, and razor-sharp teeth makes every barracuda encounter memorable.
Spanish Mackerel are the action fish of the group, often schooling in large numbers during their seasonal runs. While smaller than their king mackerel cousins, they make up for size with numbers and aggressive feeding behavior. These fish are perfect for light tackle enthusiasts and provide steady action when larger species are finicky. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with some of the best action occurring during their migration periods.
Bluefish round out our target species list with their voracious appetites and hard-fighting nature. These schooling fish can appear suddenly and provide fast-paced action when they're feeding. Blues are opportunistic predators that hit everything from trolled lures to bottom baits, making them a welcome addition to any trip. Their seasonal presence varies, but when they show up, expect multiple hookups and constant action.
This all-day nearshore combo trip represents the best value for serious anglers who want maximum time on the water. With 8 hours to work with, we can adapt to conditions and target whatever species are biting best. The 25-mile range opens up productive zones that shorter trips simply can't reach, while the combo approach ensures variety even when one technique isn't producing. Whether you're after a trophy king mackerel or just want a cooler full of quality fish, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait – prime dates fill up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot.
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our beautifully restored 1987 32' Hatteras sportfishing vessel. This classic boat combines old-school craftsmanship with modern reliability, powered by twin 370HP Cummins engines that'll cruise you to the fishing grounds at 28 knots. The 2023 restoration brought fresh life to this proven fish-fighter while maintaining its authentic charter boat character. Step aboard and you'll find everything needed for a successful day chasing fish in Murrells Inlet waters. The air-conditioned cabin keeps you comfortable between bites, while the flybridge gives you that elevated view anglers love. Down below, grab a cold drink from the refrigerator or use the onboard facilities during the long haul to productive bottom fishing spots. Our fish finder and GPS navigation help locate those schools of Mackerel and blues, while the radar keeps you safe when coastal weather rolls in. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish. With room for your group and all the gear, this Hatteras is built for those extended runs up to 25 miles offshore where the bigger Amber Jacks are waiting to test your drag.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that'll hit just about anything you throw at them. Most run 2-10 pounds with occasional choppers pushing 15-20. They roam in schools through depths from surf to 100 feet, following baitfish. Summer and fall are peak times when they're feeding heavily before winter migration. What makes blues special is their raw aggression - they'll attack lures in feeding frenzies that churn the water white. The smaller "cocktail blues" are excellent table fare, mild and flaky. Watch for bird activity - diving gulls usually mark feeding schools. Use wire leaders because those triangular teeth will cut through mono instantly. Cut bait or oily baits like bunker work great when they're being picky about artificials.
Sphyraena BarracudaCuda are the ocean's interceptors - built for speed with those torpedo bodies and razor teeth. Most run 3-4 feet and 10-20 pounds, cruising near the surface around reefs and structure. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months. What makes them fun is that explosive strike and initial burst of speed - they'll hit a lure like a freight train. The fight's intense but short-lived; they burn out quick. Meat's decent if you know how to prepare it. Best advice: use a wire leader and watch those teeth when landing one. They're curious fish, so don't be surprised if one follows your lures. Keep moving different presentations until something triggers that aggressive strike.
Seriola dumeriliAJs are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll test your back and your tackle. Most run 20-40 pounds, but we see plenty pushing 50-60 out there. They love structure in 60-200 feet - wrecks, hard bottom, ledges. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're most active. What guests love is that raw power - no flashy jumps, just pure muscle pulling straight down. The meat's excellent too, firm white fillets that grill up perfect. Here's the key: get them up and away from structure fast. Use heavy tackle, 50-80 pound test minimum. Drop a live bait or heavy jig down and hold on tight - they'll try to wrap you around anything they can find.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish we target, averaging 20-30 pounds with occasional giants over 50. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. Summer through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings special is that blistering initial run - they'll scream drag and test your tackle. The meat's decent but it's really about the fight. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail section of baitfish, so that stinger hook back there will save you some heartbreak when a big one comes calling.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish macks are perfect light tackle fun - fast, aggressive, and great on the table. Most run 1-2 feet and 2-4 pounds, traveling in schools near the surface. We see them spring through fall, especially when baitfish are thick. They're speed demons that'll hit spoons, jigs, or live bait with authority. What guests love is the non-stop action when you find a school, plus they're some of the best eating fish we catch - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key is staying mobile and watching for diving birds or surface activity. Light spinning gear with small shiny lures works best. When you hook one, work the area hard - where there's one Spanish, there's usually a bunch more.
Murrells Inlet, SC