Fishing Adventure in Murrells Inlet SC | 7 HR Private Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
7-hour private offshore fishing charter for up to 5 guestsTarget premium species like Snapper, Amberjack, and Barracuda offshoreAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by experienced captain
Ready to hit the offshore waters around Murrells Inlet for some serious fishing action? This 7-hour private charter takes you up to 25 miles out to the best nearshore and offshore reefs where the big boys hang out. You'll be fishing for some of the most sought-after species in these waters – Spanish Mackerel, Spadefish, Grey Triggerfish, Barracuda, and Greater Amberjack. With room for up to 5 anglers, this trip is perfect for families, buddies, or anyone looking to fill their cooler with fresh catches. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish while providing all the gear you need. Just bring your drinks, snacks, and get ready for a day of non-stop fishing action.
This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore. We're talking about a full 7-hour adventure that gives you time to really work the best fishing spots around Murrells Inlet. Your captain will start by checking conditions and heading to the most productive reefs based on what's biting that day. The beauty of having 7 hours is you can hit multiple spots – maybe start on some nearshore structure for Spanish Mackerel and Barracuda, then work your way out to the deeper reefs where the Amberjack and bigger Spadefish live. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. Your captain handles the bait situation too, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the box. The private charter setup means it's just your group, so you're not competing with strangers for rod space or dealing with someone else's schedule. When the fish are biting, you stay put. When they're not, you move.
Your captain comes equipped with an arsenal of fishing gear suited for the variety of species you'll be targeting. We're talking medium to heavy action rods paired with quality reels that can handle everything from the speed runs of Spanish Mackerel to the bulldogging power of Greater Amberjack. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might be bottom fishing with live bait around structure for Triggerfish and Spadefish, or trolling for Spanish Mackerel and Barracuda. When targeting Amberjack around wrecks and deep reefs, expect to use heavier tackle and be ready for a fight – these fish don't give up easy. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom fishing to help with conservation, and your captain will have a variety of sinker weights to match the current and depth. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all have their place depending on what species you're after and what they're feeding on that particular day.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute blast to catch and one of the most reliable species in these waters. They typically run from spring through fall, with peak action during the warmer months. These silver bullets average 1-3 pounds but fight way above their weight class. They hit fast, run hard, and are fantastic on the dinner table. You'll often find them in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for multiple hookups. They love trolling spoons and small jigs, and when they're feeding, the action can be non-stop.
Spadefish are the unsung heroes of offshore fishing around here. These disc-shaped fighters hang around structure and can be incredibly finicky, making them a fun challenge for experienced anglers. They typically show up in good numbers during summer and early fall. Most run 2-4 pounds, but the bigger ones can push 6-8 pounds and provide a surprising fight. They're excellent table fare and respond well to small hooks with cut bait or small pieces of squid. When you find a school of Spadefish, you can often catch them one after another.
Grey Triggerfish are the bulldogs of the reef. These tough customers have attitude and the power to back it up. They're year-round residents but seem to bite best during the warmer months. Triggers have incredibly strong jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they'll test your drag and your patience. Most average 2-5 pounds, but larger specimens can reach 8-10 pounds. They're curious fish that will often follow your bait up from the bottom, giving you a chance to see them before they bite. Once hooked, they head straight for structure, so you need to turn them quick.
Barracuda are the speed demons of the offshore world. These toothy predators can show up anywhere but are most commonly found around reefs and drop-offs. They're aggressive feeders that will hit trolled baits, live bait, and artificials with explosive strikes. Most Barracuda in these waters run 5-15 pounds, but larger specimens over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. The initial run on a big Barracuda is something every angler should experience at least once.
Greater Amberjack are the heavy hitters of this trip and the fish that will really test your strength. These powerful fish live around wrecks and deep reefs and can grow massive – fish over 50 pounds aren't rare, and smaller ones in the 20-30 pound range are common. They're year-round residents but seem most active during the cooler months. Amberjack are notorious for their initial run straight down toward structure, and stopping that first run is crucial. They're also excellent eating when properly prepared, despite some misconceptions. Landing a big Amberjack is a badge of honor for any offshore angler.
This 7-hour private charter offers the perfect balance of fishing time, species variety, and value for your group. You're
This 27-ft Triton center console is your ticket to some serious offshore fishing action around Murrells Inlet. Built in 2008 with twin 200HP Suzuki four-strokes, she'll cruise comfortably at 35 knots to get you out to those productive reefs up to 25 miles offshore. The boat handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need - GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the action, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. There's even a head onboard for those long fishing days. Your captain knows these waters and will put you on the Seabass, Snapper, Amberjack, and Barracuda that call these reefs home. All the fishing gear is provided, so just bring your appetite for adventure and cooler space for the fish you'll be taking home.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the missiles of the flats - long, sleek, and lightning fast with speeds up to 35 mph. These toothy predators can stretch 6 feet, though most we catch run 2-4 feet. Look for them stalking baitfish in shallow water around grass beds, reefs, and drop-offs. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the best action. Guests love their explosive strikes and screaming runs - they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. The meat is firm and white, great for the grill. Fair warning: those razor teeth will cut through regular leaders like butter, so we use wire. My favorite technique is casting shiny spoons or tube lures near structure. They hunt by sight and can't resist flashy baits that mimic the silvery fish they feed on. Work your lures fast with erratic retrieves to trigger their predatory instincts.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the freight trains of our offshore reefs - powerful, determined, and built for long fights. These bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can push past 60, with their blue-grey bodies and distinctive amber stripe. We target them around deep structure, wrecks, and ledges from 60-200 feet, especially during spring spawning runs from April through June. They're prized for their fight and excellent white meat, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Guests love the challenge - these fish will test your arms and drag system with deep, powerful runs. Live bait works best, but heavy jigs are effective too. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They'll wrap you up in the wreck every time. Use 50+ pound tackle and be ready for a workout - these fish don't give up easy.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are the bulldogs of our offshore reefs - tough, stubborn, and built like tanks. These leather-skinned fighters average 12-17 inches but can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds. You'll find them on hard bottom structure, ledges, and reefs from nearshore out to about 180 feet. Summer and fall fishing is best when they're most active. They're notorious bait stealers with small mouths but razor-sharp teeth that can cut through sea urchins like butter. The fight is what guests remember - they'll dive straight for structure and lock themselves in with their dorsal spines. Fresh squid chunks work great, but here's my trick: when they're being picky, drop your bait near other fish like snapper. Triggers are greedy and will rush in to steal food from other fish. Keep your rod tip up and reel fast once you feel that first nibble.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are the pancakes of the reef - flat, disk-shaped, and surprisingly scrappy fighters. These silver beauties with black stripes average 3-10 pounds and 18 inches, though some reach 14 pounds. You'll find them in schools of hundreds around our nearshore reefs, wrecks, and jetties in shallow to moderate depths. Spring and summer are peak seasons when they move closer to shore. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they put up a solid fight with their broad body catching current. Spadefish have excellent white meat that's mild and versatile in the kitchen. Here's a local secret: they absolutely love fresh clam strips on small circle hooks. When you find a school, stay patient - they'll inspect your bait before committing, but once one bites, the others usually follow. Cast past the school and slowly work your bait through them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter out here, hitting speeds that'll surprise you. These silver bullets with yellowish spots typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds, traveling in large schools near the surface. We find them around structure and open water from spring through fall, with warmer months being prime time. They're excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Guests love their aggressive strikes and blistering runs - they'll test your drag for sure. My go-to tip: when you see birds working the surface, get ready. Spanish Mackerel often feed underneath diving birds, so cast spoons or live bait right into the action. Their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are a must if you want to land more than one.
Myrtle Beach