Bottom Fishing Adventure in Murrells Inlet
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Ninehour private offshore fishing adventure for up to four guestsTarget multiple species including grouper, snapper, amberjack, and sharksAll fishing gear provided by experienced Wicked Hooker Charters
Picture this: you're 30+ miles offshore from Murrells Inlet, watching the sun come up over some of the most productive fishing grounds along the South Carolina coast. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about a world-class 9-hour private charter that'll have you pulling fish up from depths where the big boys live. With Wicked Hooker Charters, you're getting access to prime live bottoms and artificial reefs that most weekend warriors never even know exist. The best part? We keep it intimate with just 4 anglers max, so you're not fighting for rail space or waiting your turn to drop a line.
This is serious offshore fishing, folks. We're running hard to reach structure that sits in 60 to 120 feet of water, where the bottom composition changes from sand to hard rock and coral formations. These live bottoms are like underwater cities – they attract baitfish, which bring in the predators you're after. The ride out takes about an hour and a half, giving you time to rig up, talk strategy, and watch the coastline disappear behind you. Once we're on the numbers, expect to spend your day moving between different wrecks and natural bottom formations, reading the fish finder, and adjusting your approach based on what's biting. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish using a mix of bottom rigs, free-lining techniques, and balloon fishing setups.
We supply all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but understanding what we're doing out there makes the day even better. Bottom fishing is the bread and butter – we're talking about heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and fresh bait dropped straight down to where the snappers and groupers live. You'll be using conventional reels spooled with 30-50 pound test, because these fish don't mess around when they're hooked near structure. Free-lining is where things get exciting – we'll drift live or cut bait without weight, letting it swim naturally through the water column to attract amberjacks and cobia cruising mid-water. Balloon fishing is the wild card technique that can produce some of your biggest fish. We'll send baits out on the surface using balloons to keep them suspended, targeting kingfish, sharks, and whatever pelagic species happen to be moving through the area.
Bonnethead sharks might be smaller than their bull shark cousins, but they're scrappy fighters that provide steady action when other species are being picky. These guys average 2-4 pounds and are most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall. They're bottom feeders that love shrimp and cut bait, and they'll hit hard when they find your offering. What makes bonnetheads special is their unique head shape – that distinctive shovel-like snout makes them instantly recognizable and always gets first-time shark catchers excited.
Cobia are the bruisers that'll test your tackle and your endurance. These brown sharks (as some locals call them, though they're not actually sharks) can push 30-50 pounds and are known for their bulldogging fights. Peak season runs from April through October, and they're often found around floating debris, wrecks, and even following rays on the bottom. Cobia are curious fish that respond well to sight fishing – you'll often see them swimming near the surface, and they're aggressive enough to chase down a well-presented bait. Their firm white meat makes them a top target for anglers who like to take fish home for the table.
Bull sharks represent the apex predator experience that every angler dreams about. These powerful fish can reach 6-8 feet and several hundred pounds in local waters, providing fights that can last 30 minutes or more. They're year-round residents but become more active during summer months when baitfish populations peak. Bulls are ambush predators that patrol wrecks and drop-offs, making them perfect targets for our balloon fishing technique. The adrenaline rush of seeing that balloon disappear and knowing you've got a serious fish on the other end is something that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Northern kingfish, despite their name, are actually in the drum family and provide excellent light tackle action. These fish average 1-3 pounds and are abundant in the sandy bottom areas we fish. They're most active from late spring through fall and respond well to small pieces of shrimp or squid on light bottom rigs. While they might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, kingfish are reliable biters that keep the action going when larger species are being finicky. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for a fish fry.
Bottom line – this is the kind of fishing trip that separates the real deal from the tourist traps. Nine hours on the water with access to productive offshore structure, professional-grade equipment, and a captain who knows where the fish live. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or someone ready to step up from inshore fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The private boat setup means you're fishing at your own pace with your own crew, and the variety of techniques keeps everyone engaged throughout the day. Don't wait for the perfect weather window or the perfect season – these fish bite year-round, and the best time to book is right now.
This 27-foot Triton center console is your ticket to serious offshore bottom fishing in Murrells Inlet waters. Built in 2008 and powered by twin 200HP Suzuki four-strokes, she'll cruise comfortably at 35 knots to get you out to those productive wrecks and live bottoms 30+ miles offshore where the big fish live. The spacious layout accommodates up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. Her fish finder will help you locate structure holding snapper, grouper, and seabass, while the GPS keeps you on your favorite numbers. When the action slows on the bottom, there's room to spread out for free-lining amberjack or sending up balloons for cobia and kings. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days on the water, and the head means no cutting trips short. With radar for those hazy mornings and all the electronics you need, this proven fishing platform will put you on the fish from first light to last cast.
Sphyrna TiburoThese small hammerheads are the shy cousins of the shark family, easily spotted by their unique spade-shaped heads. Running 3-4 feet on average, they're harmless to humans and actually pretty timid when hooked. You'll find them in our warmer months cruising shallow waters near shore, often in small schools of 10-15 fish. They feed mainly on crabs and small fish, making them perfect targets for our free-line and balloon fishing setups. What guests love is the steady fight they put up - not overpowering, but they'll keep your rod bent and give you that classic shark pull. Fresh blue crab cut in half works best as bait. Pro tip: slip your hook through one of the crab's legs rather than the body - it stays on the hook better and drives these guys crazy.
Carcharhinus LeucasThese thick-bodied fighters are built like underwater bulldogs and have the attitude to match. Running 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds, they're powerful predators that can handle both salt and brackish water. We encounter them in our coastal waters, especially during summer months when they move up from the south. What guests love is the raw power - once hooked, you're in for a serious battle that'll have your drag screaming. They're aggressive feeders that'll take most baits, from whole mullet to cut mackerel. The key is getting them fired up first with a good chum slick. These sharks respond well to the scent trail. My go-to secret is fresh eel when I can get it - the high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls and it stays on the hook through their initial hits.
Rachycentron CanadumDark brown torpedo-shaped fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their single dorsal fin. These loners typically run 3-6 feet and pack serious strength - they're aggressive predators that'll test your arms once hooked. We find them around our offshore structures, wrecks, and live bottoms, usually in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through our area. What makes them special is the combination of a hard fight and excellent table fare - firm white meat that rivals any fish we catch out here. They're usually solo, so when you spot one, work it quick. Bucktail jigs in the 4-8 oz range work great, but here's the trick: don't worry about color. Brown, white, chartreuse - they'll hit whatever you throw as long as you get it in front of them.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisDon't let the name fool you - these aren't kings, but they're scrappy little fighters that'll surprise you. Part of the drum family, they run 10-14 inches and have this bronze-green color with dark angular bars. You'll find them working sandy and rocky bottoms in shallow water, using that little chin barbel to hunt crabs, worms, and small fish. Late summer is when they're thickest near shore. What guests enjoy is how they fight way above their weight class - these guys will bend your rod and make you think you've got something twice their size. The meat's excellent too, sweet white fillets perfect for the table. Light tackle with small hooks is the way to go. Bloodworms and small pieces of clam work best, but here's the trick: keep your bait right on the bottom where they're feeding.
Myrtle Beach