Murrells Inlet Charter Fishing | Tarpon Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target tarpon averaging 80-100 pounds in Murrells Inlet watersSeasonal fishing runs from late May through OctoberLimited to four anglers maximum per charter trip
If you've been dreaming about tangling with South Carolina's most legendary gamefish, you've come to the right place. Here in Murrells Inlet, we've got a front-row seat to some of the best tarpon action on the East Coast. These silver giants roll through our waters from late May through October, and trust me – once you've felt that first explosive jump and screaming drag, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over just to get a shot at the Silver King. Our top-rated charters focus exclusively on these magnificent fish, giving you the best chance to land the catch of a lifetime in the pristine waters off the South Carolina coast.
This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip – tarpon fishing is a whole different ballgame that demands patience, skill, and serious tackle. We head out into the productive waters around Murrells Inlet where these massive fish cruise the flats and channels looking for baitfish. The atmosphere on the boat changes completely when we spot that first tarpon roll – suddenly everyone's dialed in and ready for action. With a maximum of six anglers on board, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting for rod time when the bite heats up. Our experienced captains know exactly where to position the boat for the best presentations, whether we're sight fishing to rolling fish or working structure where tarpon like to ambush prey. The sound of a screaming reel and the sight of 100 pounds of silver muscle launching skyward never gets old, no matter how many times you've seen it.
Tarpon fishing requires heavy-duty gear and precise techniques that separate it from most other inshore species. We use stout conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound braid, paired with rods that have the backbone to handle these bruisers but enough flex to absorb their powerful runs. Live bait is king when it comes to tarpon – fresh mullet, menhaden, and crabs are our go-to options, presented on circle hooks that improve hook-up rates and fish survival. We'll position you for sight casting to rolling fish, one of the most exciting ways to target tarpon, where timing and accuracy make all the difference. The technique involves watching for subtle signs like rolling backs or splashes, then getting your bait in the strike zone quickly and quietly. Once hooked up, the real work begins – these fish are notorious for their aerial acrobatics and long, powerful runs that can last 30 minutes or more. Proper fighting technique is crucial, keeping steady pressure while allowing the fish to run when it wants to, all while staying ready for those heart-stopping jumps that can throw the hook if you're not careful.
The Silver King has been putting on quite a show in Murrells Inlet waters, with fish ranging from chunky 60-pounders up to true giants pushing 150 pounds or more. Peak season runs from June through September, when water temperatures hit that sweet spot and baitfish are thick along the coast. Early morning and evening hours typically produce the most action, though tarpon can be surprisingly cooperative during midday when conditions are right. The larger fish tend to show up in July and August, while the smaller "baby" tarpon – though there's nothing small about an 80-pound fish – provide consistent action throughout the season. What makes our Murrells Inlet fishery special is the variety of structure and habitat that attracts tarpon, from shallow flats where you can sight cast to deep channels where they stage before moving into feeding areas. Weather plays a huge role in tarpon fishing success, and our captains are experts at reading conditions and adjusting tactics accordingly, whether that means working live bait along drop-offs or targeting specific tidal movements that concentrate baitfish.
Atlantic tarpon are the undisputed kings of the inshore fishing world, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking fish can live over 80 years and reach weights exceeding 200 pounds, though most fish you'll encounter in Murrells Inlet waters run between 80-120 pounds – plenty big enough to test your tackle and skills. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size, but their fighting ability. When hooked, they explode from the water in spectacular jumps that can reach 10 feet or more, shaking their heads violently to throw the hook while their massive gill plates rattle like castanets. Tarpon are incredibly strong swimmers, capable of long runs that strip hundreds of yards of line from even the largest reels. They're also remarkably intelligent fish that become more educated as the season progresses, making late-season fish particularly challenging to fool. The best part about tarpon fishing in South Carolina is the pristine catch-and-release fishery we maintain. These fish are too valuable as a gamefish to harvest, so every tarpon goes back to fight another day. Watching a fish you've battled for 45 minutes swim away strong and healthy is one of the most rewarding experiences in fishing. Peak feeding times coincide with moving tides, particularly the last two hours of incoming tide when baitfish get pushed into shallow areas and tarpon move in to feed.
Tarpon season waits for no one, and the best dates book up fast once word gets out about good fishing. These world-class gamefish offer the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime – the sight of your first jumping tarpon, the burn in your arms after a long fight, and the respect you'll gain for one of the ocean's most powerful predators. Our experienced crew knows these waters inside and out, giving you the best shot at connecting with the Silver King during your visit to Murrells Inlet. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add tarpon to your bucket list or someone ready to step up to the big leagues of fishing, this is your chance to experience what many consider the ultimate inshore fishing challenge.
Hit the waters of Murrells Inlet aboard this sharp 23' Carolina Yachts center console, built in 2023 and powered by a reliable 200HP Suzuki that'll get you to the tarpon grounds fast at 40 knots. Perfect for chasing those silver kings that prowl these South Carolina waters from late May through October. The boat's wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on fish, while the GPS, radar, and fish finder help you locate and track those 80-100 pound giants. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods and land these powerful fish that'll test your gear and skills. The center console layout gives everyone clear access to the action, whether you're fighting a tarpon or watching your buddy battle one of these legendary gamefish.
Myrtle Beach