5-Hour Winter Special – 20 Miles Offshore
When the winter months roll around in Myrtle Beach, serious anglers know it's prime time for bottom fishing offshore. This 5-hour charter takes you 20 miles out into the Atlantic aboard our reliable 32-foot Boston Whaler, where the water's deep enough to hold some of the tastiest fish you'll find all year. We're talking Black Seabass and Grouper – the kind of catches that'll have your friends begging for dinner invitations. With space for just four anglers, you'll get the personalized attention and prime fishing spots that make this winter special a customer favorite among locals and visiting fishermen alike.
What to Expect on the Water
This trip is all about getting you on fish fast and keeping you busy for the full five hours. We launch early to make the most of your time, and that 20-mile run puts us right in the sweet spot where the bottom structure holds feeding fish year-round. The 32-foot Boston Whaler handles the winter seas like a champ – stable enough for comfortable fishing but nimble enough to move between productive spots when the bite slows down. You'll be targeting structure and ledges where Grouper and Black Seabass congregate, especially during the cooler months when they're feeding heavily. The smaller group size means everyone gets plenty of room to fish without tangling lines, and our captain knows exactly where to find the most active schools. Pack some layers because it can get chilly out there, but the action will keep you warm once the fish start biting.
Bottom Fishing Techniques
This is classic bottom fishing at its finest – we're using heavy tackle and natural baits to get down to where these fish live and feed. We'll set you up with circle hooks and enough weight to get your bait down fast in 60 to 120 feet of water. Squid, cut bait, and live sardines work magic on both Grouper and Black Seabass, and we'll have plenty of fresh bait on board. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and hold on. These fish hit hard and fight harder, especially the Grouper before the season closes. Black Seabass are scrappy fighters that'll keep your rod bent, and they school up tight, so when you find them, you'll usually boat several before they move on. We'll be using fish finders to locate the best structure and watching for bait schools that draw in the predators. The captain will position the boat perfectly over ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs where these species love to ambush prey.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Seabass are the stars of this winter show, and for good reason. These chunky, aggressive fish are absolute dynamite on the dinner plate, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. They typically run 1 to 3 pounds in these waters, but don't let their size fool you – they fight like fish twice their weight. Black Seabass are structure-oriented, hanging around rocks, ledges, and wrecks where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Winter is actually peak season for targeting them because they're feeding heavily and schooling up in predictable spots. They're also one of the most reliable biters you'll find offshore, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action and a cooler full of fillets.
Grouper fishing is what legends are made of, and you'll have your shot at these bottom-dwelling bruisers until December 31st when the season closes. Red Grouper and Gag Grouper both patrol these waters, with fish ranging from keeper size up to genuine trophies that'll test your tackle and your technique. These ambush predators sit tight to structure and inhale anything that looks like an easy meal, but once hooked, they'll try every trick in the book to get back to their rocky hideouts. The fight is immediate and intense – Grouper use their broad tails and powerful bodies to bulldoze toward cover, making every hookup a real battle. The meat is restaurant-quality, with large, flaky fillets that are considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean. After the season closes, we'll focus exclusively on Black Seabass and Grunt, but if you want a crack at Grouper, book before the end of December.
Grunt might not get the headlines, but these underrated fighters are a blast to catch and fantastic on the table. White Grunt and Margate Grunt both show up on these offshore spots, and they're aggressive biters that keep the action going when other species are being finicky. They've got that classic grunt sound they make when you bring them to the surface – hence the name – and they fight with surprising strength for their size. Most run 1 to 2 pounds, but they make up for it with numbers and attitude. Grunt have sweet, mild meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a good old-fashioned fish fry, and they're one of the most consistent species you'll encounter on winter bottom fishing trips.
Time to Book Your Spot
This 5-hour winter special is exactly what you need to stock your freezer with world-class eating fish while enjoying some of the most productive bottom fishing of the year. The combination of our experienced captain, top-rated 32-foot Boston Whaler, and prime offshore locations makes this trip a standout choice for serious anglers. Whether you're after the last Grouper of the season or want to load up on Black Seabass and Grunt, this charter delivers the kind of consistent action and quality fish that keep customers coming back year after year. The intimate 4-person capacity means you'll get personalized instruction, premium fishing spots, and plenty of room to fight your fish without interference. Winter offshore fishing in Myrtle Beach doesn't get much better than this – book your spot with The Reel Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters an