Deep Bottom Fishing Trip in Murrells Inlet SC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour private offshore charter for up to 4 guestsDeep-sea fishing 50-60 miles out using slow-pitch jigging techniquesTarget Seabass, Snapper, and Grouper with all equipment provided
When you're ready to get serious about fishing, this 10-hour private charter with Wicked Hooker Charters takes you where the big fish live. We're talking 50-60 miles offshore from Murrells Inlet, where the continental shelf drops off and the water gets that deep blue color that gets every angler's heart pumping. This isn't your typical half-day nearshore trip – we're heading to the real deal fishing grounds where you can drop lines on structure that holds everything from hefty grouper to screaming mahi. With just four anglers max, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from our crew who know these waters like the back of their hand.
Your day starts early with a ride out to the deep water structure that consistently produces fish year-round. The journey itself is part of the experience – watching the coastline fade away as we head to GPS numbers that have been producing for years. Once we reach our spots, you'll be working both slow-pitch jigs and traditional bottom rigs depending on what's biting best. The slow-pitch technique has really revolutionized deep water fishing around here, and our crew will walk you through the proper cadence and rod work that triggers strikes from suspended fish. When we're bottom fishing, expect to feel that satisfying thump of a grouper or the head-shaking fight of a quality snapper. All your tackle is provided, from the heavy conventional reels spooled with braid to the selection of jigs and bottom rigs that work best in these depths. Just bring your drinks, snacks, and maybe some Dramamine if you're not used to the longer ride offshore.
The beauty of this trip is combining two proven methods that target different parts of the water column. Slow-pitch jigging is an art form that's taken the offshore scene by storm – you're working a specialized jig with sharp, upward sweeps followed by controlled drops that mimic a wounded baitfish. The strikes often come on the fall, and when a cobia or mahi crushes that jig, you'll know why this technique has converted so many traditional bottom fishermen. For the bottom fishing portion, we're using circle hooks on heavy leader targeting the structure where grouper, snapper, and seabass make their living. The key is getting your bait down quickly through the current and keeping it in the strike zone. Our crew knows how to read the electronics to find the fish-holding spots, and they'll coach you through proper drop technique and how to feel the difference between a fish bite and just dragging bottom. The water depth out here ranges from 120 to 200 feet, so you're working with serious tackle that can handle both the depth and the fish that call it home.
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of this fishery and for good reason. These fish are pure adrenaline on a fishing line, with their electric colors and acrobatic jumps that'll have you scrambling for your phone to capture the action. Around Murrells Inlet, mahi typically show up in late spring and stick around through early fall, with peak action during the summer months when water temperatures hit that sweet spot above 75 degrees. They're structure-oriented fish that love floating debris, weed lines, and the temperature breaks we find along the continental shelf. What makes them so special is their aggressive nature – when you find one, there's usually more in the area, leading to those epic multiple hookups that become the stories you tell for years.
Bonnethead sharks might not be the biggest predator in these waters, but they're scrappy fighters that provide steady action when other species are finicky. These smaller members of the hammerhead family are year-round residents, though they're most active during the warmer months. They average 2-4 feet and have this unique shovel-shaped head that makes them instantly recognizable. What's cool about bonnetheads is they're actually omnivores, feeding on everything from crabs and shrimp to sea grass. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and make great table fare when prepared properly. Kids especially love catching these sharks because they're manageable size but still have that shark mystique.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up any time and completely change your day. These fish are curious by nature and will often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight fishing that's normally reserved for shallow water species. They're ambush predators that cruise structure looking for easy meals, and they'll absolutely demolish a slow-pitch jig worked near the bottom. What makes cobia special is their size potential – a 30-40 pound fish is a real possibility, and they fight like nothing else in these waters. They've got this bulldogging style that tests your drag system and your back muscles. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger fish showing up during their spawning runs. The meat is phenomenal too – firm, white fillets that rival any fish in the ocean.
This 10-hour deep water adventure represents serious value for anglers who want to fish where the locals go when they're not taking tourists to the nearshore spots. You're getting access to productive fishing grounds that require the fuel investment and local knowledge to fish effectively, plus the personalized service that only comes with a small group charter. The combination of slow-pitch jigging and bottom fishing gives you the best shot at multiple species, and our crew's commitment to putting you on fish shows in their willingness to make the long run to where the action is. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler looking to add some new techniques to your arsenal or a serious fisherman ready to step up from the crowded party boats, this charter delivers the goods. Book early, especially for summer and fall dates when the fishing is at its peak and the weather is most cooperative for the long offshore runs.
Hit the deep waters of Murrells Inlet aboard our reliable 27-foot Triton center console! This 2008 boat runs smooth with twin 200HP Suzuki 4-strokes that'll get you to those prime fishing grounds 50-60 miles offshore at a steady 35 knots. Perfect setup for serious anglers - the fish finder will help you locate structure and schools while you work both slow-pitch jigs and bottom rigs for everything from snapper and grouper to deeper targets. The center console design gives everyone room to fish comfortably, and you'll appreciate the onboard toilet during those long 10-hour days on the water. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox along with your drinks and snacks. GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, even when visibility drops. Built for offshore fishing with space for up to 4 anglers ready to drop lines and fill the cooler.
Sphyrna TiburoThese small hammerheads are the shy guys of the shark family, running 3-4 feet on average with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. You'll spot them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries during warmer months around here. They migrate south to Florida when it gets cold, following the baitfish and crabs they love to munch on. What guests enjoy about bonnetheads is they're approachable - harmless to humans but still give you that shark experience without the intimidation factor. They school up in groups of 10-15, so you might get multiple hookups. They'll put up a scrappy fight on medium tackle. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab chunks - cut the crab in half and thread your circle hook through a leg. The scent drives them crazy, and they can't resist it.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the offshore world - dark brown bruisers that cruise solo around structure. These fish grow big, averaging 30-50 pounds with some pushing 100+ pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-300 feet, often just under the surface looking like sharks until you see that single dorsal fin. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they're moving through our waters to spawn. What makes cobia special is their incredible table quality - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the ocean. They're aggressive predators that'll crush a bucktail jig or live bait. Here's the key: sight fishing is everything. Keep your eyes peeled for that brown shadow just below the surface, then pitch a 6-8 oz bucktail jig right in front of them. Color doesn't matter much - they'll eat anything that moves.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fighters you'll encounter offshore. These golden beauties average 15-29 pounds but can hit 40+ pounds when conditions are right. Their brilliant blues and greens flash underwater, then put on a real light show when boated. We typically find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 200+ feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps climb. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and your patience. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, mild white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and watch for its buddies - mahi often travel in small schools, so you might double up if you work the area right.
Myrtle Beach