Top-Rated Murrells Inlet Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Kings, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia on inshore watersSmall group charter accommodates up to 4 guests maximumExplore productive reefs with potential shark encounters
Welcome to some of the best inshore fishing South Carolina has to offer. When you step aboard with Southern Charter Co in Murrells Inlet, you're getting access to waters that have been producing trophy catches for decades. This isn't your typical day on the water – we're talking about serious fishing in one of the most productive estuaries along the entire Atlantic coast. Our 4-person capacity means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows. The saltmarsh creeks, nearshore reefs, and structured bottom around Murrells Inlet create the perfect storm for King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and even some surprise Blacktip Sharks that'll test your drag system.
Your inshore adventure starts before dawn when the bait is most active and the big predators are feeding. We'll cruise out through the inlet, passing shrimp boats and working our way to the productive waters where the Atlantic meets the coastal structures. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're working live bait around a reef for Cobia, the next you're trolling spoons for Kings cruising the edge. The water clarity around Murrells Inlet ranges from gin-clear on the nearshore reefs to the tannin-stained creeks where Spanish Mackerel love to ambush baitfish. You'll spend your day moving between honey holes, reading the water, and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling us. The scenery doesn't hurt either – watching the sunrise paint the South Carolina coast while you're rigged and ready is something that never gets old, even after all these years guiding these waters.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. For the Kings and Spanish, we'll have spinning reels loaded with 20-30 pound test, rigged with wire leaders because those razor teeth will slice through mono like butter. Live bait fishing means we'll be working with cigar minnows, blue runners, or whatever's abundant on the bait grounds that morning. When we're targeting Cobia around structure, expect to see us switching to heavier tackle – these fish can push 40-50 pounds and they love to head straight for the nearest piling or reef when hooked. The trolling spread usually includes a mix of spoons, diving plugs, and sometimes live bait on flat lines when conditions are right. For the Spanish Mackerel action, we'll often switch to lighter tackle with small spoons or jigs – these fish are fast and aggressive, but they're also a blast on appropriate gear. All equipment is provided, but if you've got a favorite rod you want to bring, we're always happy to have serious anglers aboard.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery, and for good reason. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 30-40 pounds in our waters, and when one hits your bait, you'll know it immediately. Kings are most active from late spring through fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up during the cooler months. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. What makes them so exciting to catch isn't just their size – it's their incredible speed and aerial displays. A big King will make screaming runs that'll have your reel smoking, and they're known for their spectacular jumps that can happen when you least expect it.
Spanish Mackerel might be smaller than their King cousins, but pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. These 2-4 pound speedsters are incredibly aggressive and will hit just about anything that moves through the water column. Peak season runs from spring through early fall, and they're often the most reliable bite when other species are being finicky. Spanish Mackerel school heavily, so when you find one, you've usually found dozens. They're also excellent table fare – their firm, white meat is perfect for the grill or smoker. Many anglers underestimate Spanish Mackerel, but on light tackle, they'll give you a fight you won't forget.
Cobia are the wildcards of our inshore trips, and catching one is always a highlight. These brown sharks of the fish world can reach impressive sizes – 30 to 50 pounds isn't uncommon in our waters. They're curious fish, often following rays and sharks, which makes sight fishing for them particularly exciting. Cobia season peaks during their spring and fall migrations, but we see them throughout the warmer months around structure. What makes Cobia special is their intelligence and power. They'll inspect your bait carefully before committing, and once hooked, they'll use every trick in the book to get free. Their broad tail and muscular body make them incredibly strong fighters, and they're known for their bulldogging runs that'll test both your tackle and your patience.
Blacktip Sharks add an element of surprise to our inshore trips. These athletic predators average 3-6 feet and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Blacktips are most active during the warmer months when they move into our nearshore waters to feed and reproduce. They're incredibly fast and agile, capable of jumping completely out of the water multiple times during a fight. While they're catch and release only, the experience of battling a shark in relatively shallow water is something that stays with anglers long after the trip ends. Their presence also indicates a healthy ecosystem, which usually means good fishing for our target species as well.
Murrells Inlet inshore fishing with Southern Charter Co delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next personal best or a newcomer wanting to experience worl
Get ready to target Kings, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia aboard our brand new 2023 Carolina Yachts 23' center console! This fishing machine packs a powerful 200HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots around Murrells Inlet at speeds up to 40 knots. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. We've equipped her with a wireless trolling motor for silent approaches when the fish are finicky, plus GPS navigation and radar to keep you on the productive reefs even when visibility drops. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hang out. Whether you're casting for Spanish Mackerel or hoping to hook into a shark that'll test your drag, this boat delivers the performance and reliability you need for a successful day on the water.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, averaging 4-5 feet but capable of reaching 9 feet. You'll find them patrolling our nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, especially around muddy bays and artificial reefs. Summer months are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What guests love? These sharks jump - sometimes clearing 20 feet of air in spectacular fashion. They're feisty fighters but surprisingly timid, often watching your bait from a distance before committing. The key to success is fresh, oily bait like mackerel or herring. Set up a good chum line and be patient. Use heavy braided line (20-50 lb test) with circle hooks - when they get excited, they can put on quite a show. Just remember, they're known for their sudden bursts of energy.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of our nearshore waters, typically running 20-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 60+. These brown, shark-lookalikes cruise solo around reefs, buoys, and structure in 30-70 feet. Spring through early fall is prime time, especially during their spawning runs. What makes them special? They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat, and they fight like freight trains once hooked. Plus, they're some of the best eating you'll find - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. The secret is sight fishing - look for that dark shadow just under the surface. When you spot one, pitch a bucktail jig (4-8 oz works great) right in front of them. Color doesn't matter much, but the presentation does. Be ready - they hit hard and head straight for structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of our waters, typically running 15-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 50+. These olive-backed fighters cruise our nearshore reefs in 40-150 feet, especially around structure where baitfish gather. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes them special? Pure speed and those screaming runs that'll test your drag system. The meat's excellent too - firm, white, and perfect for grilling. Here's the local trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Kings love to hit the tail end of a sardine or menhaden, so that trailing treble hook saves you from short strikes. Once hooked, hang on tight - they're built for speed and they'll use every bit of it.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are the perfect starter fish for action-packed days, usually running 1-3 pounds and schooling up in huge numbers. These silver speedsters with yellow spots love our nearshore waters from 10-40 feet, especially around structure and bait schools. Spring through fall brings consistent action, with warmer months offering the best fishing closer to shore. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters, fight hard for their size, and make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. They're also fast - these guys can hit 18 mph! The trick is staying mobile and following the schools. When you find them, cast small spoons or jigs quickly - they spook easily but bite aggressively. Light tackle makes the fight more fun, and don't forget wire leaders since they have sharp teeth.
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