Backcountry Fishing Charters in Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Target Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Sharks in backcountry watersFish from jetties to peaceful backwaters around Murrells InletSmall group charter accommodates up to 4 guests maximum
Looking for some serious fishing action without the crowds? You've found the right spot. Our backcountry charters out of Murrells Inlet put you right in the heart of South Carolina's most productive inshore waters. We're talking about those quiet creeks, oyster-lined banks, and grass flats where the fish actually live – not just where tourists hope they might be. With room for up to 4 anglers, this isn't some cattle boat operation. You'll get personalized attention and access to spots that bigger boats can't reach. The Inlet's backwaters are loaded with redfish, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, and even some feisty blacktip sharks when conditions are right. Pack your cooler with drinks and snacks because we focus on what we do best – putting you on fish.
We'll meet at the dock early when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. Our shallow-draft boat is specifically rigged for backcountry work – we can slide into 18 inches of water where the big redfish cruise the grass beds. The beauty of Murrells Inlet's backwaters is the variety. One minute you're working a deep creek bend for black drum, the next you're sight-casting to tailing reds on a shallow flat. The scenery doesn't hurt either – this area is pure coastal South Carolina, with spartina grass stretching for miles and osprey nests tucked into every dead tree. Depending on the tide and season, we might hit the jetties for some structure fishing or work the maze of creeks that wind through Huntington Beach State Park. Every trip is different because we follow the fish, not a set route. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and be ready to actually fish – this isn't a sightseeing cruise.
We keep things simple but effective out here. Most of our fishing is done with medium-action spinning rods loaded with 20-pound braid – strong enough for big drum and sharks, but light enough to feel every sheepshead nibble. Live bait is king in these waters. Fresh shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows account for most of our hookups. We'll rig you up with everything from Carolina rigs for bottom fishing to popping corks for working the grass beds. When the water's clear and we're sight-fishing, we'll switch to artificials – gold spoons for redfish, gulp shrimp on jig heads for flounder, and small crabs for sheepshead around the docks. The key is reading the water and matching your presentation to what the fish want that day. Structure fishing around oyster bars and creek mouths requires heavier tackle, while working the flats calls for lighter gear and stealthy approaches. We'll teach you how to read the tide, spot nervous water, and feel the difference between a fish bite and bottom contact.
Southern flounder are the bread and butter of our backcountry trips. These flatfish love the sandy bottoms and grass edges throughout Murrells Inlet's creek system. Fall migration brings the biggest doormat flounder as they head to deeper water, with fish pushing 6-8 pounds not uncommon. They're ambush predators that bury in the sand and attack baitfish swimming overhead. The fight isn't spectacular, but the payoff at the dinner table makes up for it. Best action happens on moving water, especially the last two hours of incoming tide when they position themselves at creek mouths to intercept food washing in from the flats.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the backwaters, with mature fish often exceeding 40 pounds. These bottom-dwellers cruise oyster bars and deeper holes, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the big spawning drum into shallow water, where they're surprisingly spooky for such large fish. The fight is pure power – long, bulldogging runs that test your drag and endurance. Younger drum in the 5-15 pound range are excellent table fare and much more common throughout the year.
Sheepshead are the technicl challenge of our target species. These black-and-white striped convict fish have human-like teeth and a reputation for stealing bait. They school around any hard structure – dock pilings, oyster bars, and creek bends with fallen trees. The bite feels like someone gently lifting your sinker, then nothing. Miss the hookset by half a second and your expensive shrimp is gone. But connect with a quality sheepshead and you'll fight one of the strongest fish pound-for-pound in these waters. They're also phenomenal eating with firm, white meat that rivals snapper.
Redfish are what most people dream about when they book a backcountry trip. These copper-colored bulldogs patrol the grass flats and oyster bars in schools, especially during fall. Slot-sized reds between 18-27 inches provide steady action, while oversized bull reds over 40 inches show up to test your tackle and patience. The excitement comes from sight-fishing – watching a school of reds push water across a shallow flat, then making the perfect cast ahead of them. When a big red inhales your bait in two feet of water, the explosion and initial run will get your heart pumping. They're also incredibly smart, especially the big ones that have seen plenty of lures over the years.
Blacktip sharks add an element of surprise to our backcountry trips. These sleek predators follow bait schools into surprisingly shallow water, especially during summer months. Most blacktips we encounter run 3-5 feet long – perfect for light tackle fun without getting into truly dangerous territory. They'll absolutely smoke drag off your reel on their initial run and put on an impressive jumping show. The key is getting them to the boat quickly before they tire themselves out in the warm water. All sharks are
Our 2023 23' Carolina Yachts center console is built for serious backcountry fishing around Murrells Inlet's productive waters. Powered by a reliable 200HP Suzuki that'll cruise at 40 knots, she gets you to the fish fast and efficiently. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to work the rods when targeting trout, redfish, flounder, and sheepshead in the shallow backwaters. Equipped with GPS navigation, radar for those early morning runs, and a quality fish finder to locate structure and baitfish. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking the fish. Whether you're working the jetties or slipping into skinny water chasing reds, this boat handles it all with the reliability and performance you need for a successful day on South Carolina's coast.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our backwaters, commonly running 10-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 50+. These powerful fish cruise oyster beds and muddy flats using their strong jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring is when they really turn on, especially during spawning season when they school up in shallow water. You'll hear them "drumming" - making that distinctive croaking sound that gives them their name. They're bulldogs once hooked, using their broad shoulders for long, steady runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with firm, flaky meat. My go-to setup is fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig, fished right on the bottom near oyster structure. Keep your drag loose initially - they'll take line and run hard before you can turn them.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are the acrobats of our waters, known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. These sleek predators typically run 3-6 feet and patrol our nearshore waters, especially around structure and baitfish schools. Summer months bring the best action when they're actively feeding on mackerel, herring, and whatever baitfish are running. What makes them exciting is their explosive fight - they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times and make screaming runs that'll test your gear. They're catch-and-release only, but the thrill is all about the battle. We typically find them in 20-60 feet of water around artificial reefs and drop-offs. The key is using fresh, oily baits like mackerel or bluefish on circle hooks with heavy tackle. Once you hook up, hold on tight and enjoy the show - they put on quite a performance.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow flats, cruising water so thin their backs show above the surface. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-27 inches with that signature black spot near the tail that fools predators. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water, especially around moving tides. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're schooled up and feeding aggressively. What makes them special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll make blistering runs and test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. The slot-size fish are perfect for the dinner table. My favorite technique is sight-fishing with gold spoons or topwater plugs, but live shrimp under a popping cork works magic too. Keep quiet and watch for their wakes and tails in the shallows.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their distinctive black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the smartest fish around. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we catch some nice 8+ pounders near structure. They live around docks, pilings, and oyster beds where they use their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Winter through early spring is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy before spawning. Anglers love them for two reasons: they're notorious bait thieves that'll test your skills, and they're absolutely delicious with sweet, white meat. The trick is using fresh fiddler crabs on small hooks, getting your bait tight to structure, and setting the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they're masters at stealing bait without getting hooked.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms, changing color to match their surroundings. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch some nice ones up to 25+ inches in our backwaters. They're ambush predators with both eyes on one side of their head, waiting for shrimp, crabs, and baitfish to pass by. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning run. What makes them special is their excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The key trick here is drift fishing with live mud minnows or finger mullet on a sliding sinker rig, keeping your bait moving just off the bottom where they're lying in wait.
Myrtle Beach