Nearshore Fishing Adventure in Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore trolling adventure around Murrells Inlet watersCaptain provides all necessary fishing equipment and guidanceSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests
Ready to hit the productive waters just off Murrells Inlet? Captain Perrin's nearshore fishing trip puts you right where the action is, targeting some of South Carolina's most sought-after gamefish. This isn't your typical pier fishing - we're talking about getting out to where the Spanish mackerel run thick, cobia cruise the structure, and king mackerel patrol the drop-offs. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows, and Captain Perrin knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Picture this: you're cruising out of one of South Carolina's most famous fishing ports, heading to the nearshore grounds where the Continental Shelf creates perfect habitat for pelagic species. Murrells Inlet has been a fishing hub for decades, and there's a reason locals and visitors keep coming back. The inlet's proximity to productive fishing grounds means less travel time and more lines-in-the-water time. Captain Perrin will have you fishing within 30 minutes of leaving the dock, putting you on structure and drop-offs where these species love to hang out. The boat rides smooth, the scenery is gorgeous, and once we reach the fishing grounds, it's game on. You'll spend your day working different techniques depending on what's biting, and don't worry about bringing tackle - everything you need is provided.
This trip is all about trolling the nearshore waters, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and find active fish. Captain Perrin runs a spread of lures and baits designed to attract Spanish mackerel, cobia, and king mackerel at different depths and speeds. We're talking about pulling spoons, diving plugs, and live bait rigs that mimic the baitfish these predators can't resist. The boat's rigged with quality tackle and downriggers to get baits to the right depth, and Captain Perrin will adjust the spread based on water temperature, bait presence, and what the fish are telling us. When a rod goes off, you'll know it - these fish don't mess around when they hit. The key to successful nearshore trolling is reading the water, understanding the structure, and keeping your baits in the strike zone. That's where Captain Perrin's local knowledge really shines.
Let's talk about what you're really here for - the fish. Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing around Murrells Inlet, especially from late spring through early fall. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you. They're lightning fast, incredibly aggressive, and when you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop. Spanish mackerel love small spoons and diving plugs trolled at moderate speeds, and they're usually the first fish to show up when the water warms up in spring. They're also fantastic table fare - their firm, flaky meat is perfect for grilling or smoking.
Cobia are the wild cards of this fishery, and landing one is always a highlight. These brown sharks of the fishing world can range from 20 pounds up to 50-plus, and they fight like freight trains. Cobia are curious fish that often follow rays and sharks, so Captain Perrin keeps his eyes peeled for these opportunities. They're most active from May through September, and while they're not as numerous as Spanish mackerel, hooking into a good cobia will make your whole trip. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean - their white, flaky meat is often compared to grouper.
King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call them, are the apex predators we're after. These torpedo-shaped gamefish can reach 30-40 pounds or more, and they're built for speed and power. Kings prefer slightly deeper water and larger baits, so Captain Perrin adjusts his tactics accordingly. They're most active from late spring through fall, and landing a good king mackerel is a fishing memory you'll never forget. Their blistering runs and aerial displays make them a favorite among serious anglers, and while they're not quite as table-friendly as Spanish mackerel, smaller kings make excellent steaks when prepared properly.
Southern Saltwater Charters' nearshore trip offers everything you need for a top-rated fishing experience in Murrells Inlet waters. Captain Perrin provides all the gear, knows where the fish are, and has the experience to put you on the action. Just bring your snacks, drinks, and sunscreen - everything else is taken care of. With space for only 4 anglers, these trips book up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some South Carolina gamefish to your logbook or a newcomer wanting to experience world-class nearshore fishing, this is your chance to fish with one of the area's most knowledgeable captains. The combination of productive waters, quality equipment, and local expertise makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Don't wait - the fish are biting, and your spot on the water is just a phone call away.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious anglers targeting the productive waters around Murrells Inlet. This vessel comes loaded with a fish finder to help locate those schools hanging near structure, plus GPS navigation to get you to the hottest spots without wasting precious fishing time. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on spooky fish in shallow water. When you want to kick back between bites, the onboard multimedia system provides entertainment. With room for up to 4 guests, there's plenty of space to spread out your gear and work the rods. Captain Perrin handles all the tackle and equipment, so you just need to focus on setting hooks and landing fish. The boat's setup is perfect for working everything from grass flats to deeper nearshore structure where the bigger fish like to hang out.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the nearshore world - big, brown, and built like submarines. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can push 6 feet and 100+ pounds. They cruise solo around structure in 30-70 feet, often mistaken for sharks until they surface. Spring migration and spawning season from May through July gives us our best shot at them. What makes cobia special is the fight - they're strong, stubborn, and will test every knot you tied. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. My go-to trick: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig ahead of where it's swimming, not right at it. Let it sink and work it slow - cobia are curious and will usually investigate.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings," are the speed demons of our nearshore waters. These olive-backed rockets average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds and make runs that'll smoke your reel. We find them in 40-100 feet around drop-offs, ledges, and temperature breaks from late spring through early fall. They're voracious predators that'll crush live bait, spoons, and diving plugs. What guests love most is the initial strike - pure violence followed by screaming runs. They're also solid table fare when prepared right. Here's the key: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit baits from behind, so that stinger hook back there will save you from a lot of cut-offs.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds around Murrells Inlet. These silver beauties with yellowish spots love to school up near the surface, making them perfect for our trolling trips. You'll find them in 20-60 feet of water around structure and drop-offs, especially during warmer months from late spring through fall. They hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. What really gets guests excited is how good they taste - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, work fast. Keep your bait moving and don't stop the boat - they'll follow for multiple hookups if you stay on them.
Murrells Inlet, SC