7-Hour Private Offshore Fishing in Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
7hour private offshore fishing trip for up to 5 guestsTarget Seabass, Snapper, Amberjack, and Barracuda up to 25 miles outAll fishing gear, rods, reels, tackle, and bait provided
Looking for a serious day on the water? This 7-hour private charter with Wicked Hooker Charters puts you right in the action, targeting some of the best fishing grounds off Murrells Inlet. We're talking about running up to 25 miles offshore to hit those productive reefs where the bigger fish hang out. Your group of up to 5 anglers gets the whole boat to yourselves, so no worrying about sharing space with strangers or dealing with someone else's fishing style. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and comes loaded with all the gear you need – quality rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait. Just bring your cooler drinks and snacks, and get ready to load up on some solid catches.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – seven hours gives you real time to work the best spots and fill that cooler. We'll be running out to the nearshore and offshore reefs where the structure holds fish year-round. The boat's equipped to handle the ride out, and once we're on the grounds, you'll see why these reefs are so productive. The bottom structure creates perfect habitat for everything from hard-fighting amberjack to tasty seabass. Your captain reads the conditions and adjusts throughout the day, moving between spots based on what's biting and where the action is hottest. Some days we might start shallow and work deeper as the day progresses, other times we'll hit the offshore spots first thing when they're firing. That's the beauty of having a full day – we can adapt and chase the bite.
Bottom fishing is the name of the game out here, working those productive reefs with everything from traditional bottom rigs to vertical jigging when the fish are suspended. The captain provides conventional reels spooled with appropriate line weights for the depths we're fishing. Most of the time you're looking at 20-30 pound class tackle that can handle the bigger fish but still gives you a good fight. Fresh bait is key – squid, sardines, and cut bait depending on what we're targeting. When the amberjack are around, we might switch to live bait or heavier jigs to get down fast and stay in the zone. The reef structure varies from natural hard bottom to artificial reefs, and each spot fishes a little differently. Your captain knows which rigs work best at each location and keeps you rigged up properly throughout the day.
Spanish Mackerel are one of the most reliable catches in these waters, especially during their peak season from spring through fall. These silver speedsters hit hard and fight like fish twice their size. Most Spanish mackerel here run 1-3 pounds, perfect for the dinner table and always willing to bite. They school up around structure and moving water, making them a consistent target when other species might be finicky. What makes them so popular is their willingness to bite almost anything – small jigs, cut bait, even bare hooks on a fast retrieve. Plus, they're excellent eating when prepared fresh.
Spadefish are the hidden gems of these offshore reefs, showing up in good numbers during summer and early fall. These disc-shaped fighters are incredibly strong for their size, typically running 2-4 pounds with some reaching 6-7 pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that love to hang tight to the reef, feeding on small invertebrates and marine growth. Spadefish require a bit more finesse – they can be picky eaters, but when you dial in what they want, you can load up fast. They're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any snapper.
Grey Triggerfish bring both challenge and reward to these offshore trips. Running from 2-8 pounds on average, they're notorious for their strong jaws and tricky bite detection. Triggers have a unique way of pecking at bait, and inexperienced anglers often miss the subtle hits. But once you hook one, they put up a bulldogging fight that's completely different from other reef fish. They're most active during warmer months and feed primarily during daylight hours. The meat is excellent – firm and mild, making them a prized catch for anglers who know how to target them properly.
Barracuda are the speed demons of these reefs, capable of explosive runs that'll test your drag system. Most barracuda caught here range from 5-20 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 30-plus. They're ambush predators that hang around structure waiting to attack baitfish, and they hit lures and bait with lightning speed. What makes barracuda exciting is their unpredictability – they might ignore your bait one moment and absolutely smash it the next. They're year-round residents but most active when baitfish are thick around the reefs.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of these offshore reefs, with fish commonly weighing 20-50 pounds and the occasional giant exceeding 60 pounds. These are the fish that'll test your muscles and your tackle – they dive hard for the bottom and use every bit of that reef structure to try breaking you off. Amberjack are most active during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn, but resident fish can be caught year-round. They respond well to live bait, heavy jigs, and large cut baits fished near the bottom. Landing a big amberjack is a true achievement and provides plenty of meat for the freezer.
A full day offshore with your own private group is something special – no crowded party boats or rushed fishing. Seven hours gives you time to really work the grounds and come back with a cooler full of quality fish. The captain's local knowledge and quality gear setup means you're fishing efficiently from the first drop to the last cast. These Murrells Inlet reefs produce year-round, but each season
Get ready to hit the offshore waters around Murrells Inlet aboard our reliable 27-ft Triton center console! This 2008 boat packs serious fishing power with twin 200HP Suzuki engines that'll cruise you out to the best reef spots up to 25 miles offshore at a smooth 35 knots. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate the hotspots, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 5 guests, and there's even an onboard head for convenience during those long fishing days. Your captain knows exactly where the Seabass, Snapper, Amberjack, and Barracuda are hanging out, and provides all the quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks - this boat will get you to the fish and back with coolers full of dinner!
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are lightning-fast predators with razor-sharp teeth that can reach 3-4 feet and deliver explosive strikes. You'll find them around reefs, grass beds, and structure in 10-50 feet of water, often lurking near baitfish schools. They're most active during warmer months and low-light periods. What makes them popular is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights - they'll make blistering runs and jump repeatedly when hooked. The meat is good eating when prepared properly, though smaller ones taste best. Use wire leaders because those teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. My favorite approach is casting silver spoons or tube lures near structure and retrieving fast with erratic action. When they hit, they mean business - just be ready for a wild ride and keep that rod tip up.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are powerful fish that can reach 40+ pounds and give you an arm-burning fight around deep reefs and wrecks. They prefer structure in 60-200 feet of water where they hunt smaller fish and squid. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active and feeding heavily. What draws anglers to amberjack is their sheer strength - they'll make long, powerful runs straight down and test your drag system. The meat quality is good, though larger fish should be avoided due to potential toxins. Heavy tackle is a must - think 50+ pound test and stout rods. Live bait works best, but large jigs and spoons are effective too. The trick is getting them away from structure quickly once hooked, or they'll wrap you up in the reef every time.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are tough, scrappy fighters that average 12-17 inches and can really test your patience. They hang around hard bottom areas, reefs, and ledges in 50-180 feet of water, using their strong teeth to crush crabs, urchins, and shellfish. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature and the challenge they present - they'll steal bait, make strong runs, and use every trick to get off the hook. The meat is excellent, firm and sweet when prepared right. My go-to technique is dropping chunks of squid or cut bait to the bottom with heavy sinkers, then reeling up quickly to keep tight lines. These fish are notorious bait thieves, so stay alert for even the lightest tap.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are chunky, disk-shaped fish that typically weigh 3-8 pounds and travel in large schools around reefs and wrecks. You'll spot them near structure in 30-80 feet of water, often hanging close to the bottom during the day. They're most active in warmer months when they move into shallower waters to feed on small crabs, shrimp, and jellyfish. What guests love about spadefish is their stubborn fight - they use that flat body to their advantage and can really bend a rod. Plus, they're great table fare with firm, white meat. The secret is using fresh clam on a small circle hook and being patient. They're notorious bait stealers, so when you feel that subtle tap, don't set the hook hard - let the circle hook do its job as they swim off.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, sleek fish that usually run 1-3 pounds and put up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them in schools near the surface around our nearshore reefs and structures, especially during warmer months from late spring through fall. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit spoons, jigs, and live bait like sardines or shrimp. What makes them popular is their speed - they can really take off when hooked - plus they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. The key trick is to watch for diving birds, which usually means a school is feeding below. When you find them, work fast because they move constantly. Use light spinning gear and keep your lures moving - these fish hunt by sight and love anything flashy.
Myrtle Beach