Murrells Inlet Half Day Nearshore Combo Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day nearshore combo targeting multiple species including sharksProfessional captain provides licenses and quality equipment includedSmall group charter accommodates maximum four guests
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that delivers both action and variety? Our nearshore combo charter out of Murrells Inlet has you covered. We're talking about a trip that combines the best of both worlds – trolling for pelagics and dropping lines for bottom dwellers. This isn't your typical single-technique outing. Instead, you'll get to experience two completely different styles of fishing in one trip, maximizing your chances of filling the cooler while keeping things interesting on the water.
This half-day adventure kicks off from beautiful Murrells Inlet, where we'll load up and head out to some of the most productive nearshore waters along the South Carolina coast. The beauty of this combo trip lies in its flexibility – we're not locked into one fishing method. We'll start by working the structure and ledges where bottom fish love to hang out, then shift gears to trolling the blue water for faster-moving species. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adapt the game plan based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. With a maximum of four anglers, you'll have plenty of room to move around and won't feel crowded when the action heats up. All your fishing licenses are sorted, and we provide top-shelf tackle, so you can focus on what matters most – catching fish.
We run a smart combination of techniques that really pays off in these waters. When we're bottom fishing, we'll anchor up over productive structure – think ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs where sea bass, flounder, and drum like to congregate. We're talking about using conventional tackle with circle hooks and fresh bait, dropping down to depths ranging from 30 to 80 feet depending on conditions and what's biting. The trolling portion is where things get exciting in a different way. We'll pull a spread of spoons, diving plugs, and sometimes live bait behind the boat at varying depths and distances. This method is deadly effective for mackerel species and other pelagics that cruise these nearshore waters. The key is covering water and presenting baits at different levels in the water column. Your captain will adjust boat speed, lure selection, and trolling patterns based on water temperature, bait activity, and fish behavior.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of this trip and for good reason. These fish are absolute rockets when hooked, known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Kings typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. They're most active during warmer months from April through October, and they love to ambush bait around structure and temperature breaks. What makes kings so special is their fighting ability – they'll test your drag system and keep you on your toes throughout the entire fight. Spanish Mackerel might be smaller than their king cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. These fish hit hard and fast, often creating a feeding frenzy when you find a school. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action, and they make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky meat. Redfish, or red drum as locals call them, are the bulldogs of the inshore world. These copper-colored fighters prefer structure and can range from slot-sized fish around 18 inches up to bull reds exceeding 30 inches. They're year-round residents, making them a reliable target regardless of season. Bluefish are the aggressive opportunists that will hit just about anything you throw at them. They travel in schools and when you find them, you're in for fast action. These toothy predators fight hard for their size and are known for their never-give-up attitude. Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of bottom fishing in these waters. They're structure-oriented fish that rarely disappoint when you find their haunts. Most sea bass run between 1 and 3 pounds, but the occasional "humpback" can push 5 pounds or more. They're excellent eating and perfect for anglers who appreciate technical bottom fishing.
This half-day nearshore combo trip offers the perfect balance of fishing techniques, target species, and time on the water without breaking the bank or eating up your entire day. Whether you're a local looking to get your fish on or visiting Murrells Inlet for the first time, this trip delivers consistent action with the chance for something special. The combination approach means you're not putting all your eggs in one basket – if the bottom bite is slow, we can shift to trolling, and vice versa. With all gear, tackle, and licenses included, plus a knowledgeable captain who knows exactly where to find the fish, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Don't wait too long to secure your spot, especially during peak fishing seasons when these trips fill up fast. Book your Murrells Inlet nearshore combo adventure today and get ready to experience some of the best fishing the South Carolina coast has to offer.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 32' Hatteras sportfisher for your Murrells Inlet fishing adventure. This classic 1987 boat got a complete makeover in 2023, combining old-school craftsmanship with modern reliability. Twin 370HP Cummins engines power you to the fishing grounds at a smooth 28 knots, while the flybridge gives your captain the perfect vantage point to spot fish and navigate the nearshore waters. Stay comfortable with onboard AC and a refrigerator to keep your catch fresh. The fish finder and GPS ensure we locate the best spots for mackerel, seabass, and drum, while the wireless trolling motor lets us approach fish quietly. With radar for safety and a private head onboard, this boat handles everything from bottom fishing to trolling runs. The spacious cockpit provides plenty of room for up to 4 anglers to work the waters comfortably.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable bottom dwellers that make for steady action and excellent eating. These chunky fighters typically run 1-4 pounds with that distinctive hump-backed profile and mottled coloring. They love hard bottom, wrecks, and rocky structure in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is money time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What guests enjoy is the steady bite - sea bass are cooperative fish that rarely leave you empty-handed. They're also some of the best table fare around with sweet, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips. The fight's not flashy, but they'll pull hard until they hit the surface. Here's what works: drop squid strips or cut bait right to the bottom near structure. Use a two-hook rig and be ready - they often hit as soon as your bait touches down.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that provide steady action and great table fare when handled right. These blue-green fighters typically run 2-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They roam our nearshore waters in schools, hitting everything from surf zones to 60-foot depths around structure. Summer into early fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily on bait schools. Guests love the consistent action - blues rarely say no to a properly presented bait or lure. The smaller "cocktail blues" under 5 pounds are excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Bigger fish have stronger flavor but still make good smoked fish. My go-to setup is cut bait on a wire leader - those teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When they're feeding, you'll see birds diving and water churning from their feeding frenzies.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are built for speed and put up some of the best fights you'll find in our nearshore waters. These silvery speedsters typically run 10-30 pounds, though we see some real bruisers pushing 50+ pounds. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes kings special is that explosive initial run - they'll scream line off your reel like nothing else. The meat's excellent grilled or smoked, with a rich flavor that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: use a wire leader and rig your bait with two hooks - kings love to hit the tail end of live bait, so that stinger hook back there will save you from a lot of missed fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands down one of the most exciting shallow water targets we have around Murrells Inlet. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-35 inches and love cruising the 1-4 foot flats where you can actually see their backs above water. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's their calling card. They hang around oyster bars, grass beds, and structure in our back bays year-round, but spring and fall are money times when they're most active. What guests love is the visual aspect - watching a 30-inch red crush a topwater lure in skinny water never gets old. The fight is strong and steady, and they're fantastic on the table with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the trick: when you spot one tailing, cast well ahead and let your bait drift into their path.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are some of the fastest fish in our nearshore waters, and they school up in big numbers during the warmer months. These streamlined fighters average 1-3 pounds with those distinctive yellow spots along their silver sides. They cruise the surface in 20-60 feet of water, especially around structure and bait schools. May through October is peak season when water temps climb into the 70s and 80s. What makes them popular is the non-stop action - when you find a school, everyone on the boat stays busy. They're also some of the best eating fish around with mild, white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. The key to success is trolling small spoons or casting jigs into feeding schools. Once you hook into one, get your bait back out quick - where there's one spanish, there's usually a bunch more.
Murrells Inlet, SC