Winter Offshore Fishing – 20 Miles Out
When the crowds thin out and the water cools down, that's when serious anglers know the real action begins. This 5-hour winter fishing adventure takes you 20 miles offshore aboard our reliable 26' Sea Fox, where cooler water temperatures bring hungry bottom fish right to your hooks. Captain Cody and The Reel Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters crew know exactly where these fish stack up during winter months, and they're ready to put you on some of the best eating fish the Atlantic has to offer. With space for up to 4 anglers, this trip gives you plenty of room to work without feeling crowded – perfect for families or small groups who want to focus on filling the cooler rather than fighting for rail space.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical summer tourist trip – winter offshore fishing is all about putting meat in the freezer. You'll head straight to proven bottom structure where Black Seabass and Grouper (when in season through December 31st) hold tight during the colder months. The ride out gives you time to get your sea legs and chat with Captain Cody about what's been biting lately. Once you reach the fishing grounds, it's game time. You'll be anchored up over structure, dropping baited rigs down to where these fish live and feed. The bite can be steady and productive when you're in the right spots, and that's exactly where this crew excels at putting you. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring a good rain jacket – comfort on deck means more time with your line in the water.
Bottom Fishing Tactics & Gear
Bottom fishing 20 miles offshore means working with heavier tackle and learning to feel the difference between a fish bite and structure contact. The crew provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, rigged specifically for the depths and currents you'll be fishing. Typical setups include chicken rigs with circle hooks, loaded with cut bait or squid to target the species holding near the bottom. You'll be fishing in 60-100 feet of water over hard bottom, wrecks, and natural ledges where these fish congregate. The key is keeping your bait right on the bottom without getting snagged – something the experienced crew will teach you as you go. Electric reels aren't needed for these depths, but you'll appreciate the medium-heavy conventional setups when you're cranking up fish after fish. The boat's fish finder and GPS keep you positioned perfectly over productive spots, while the crew handles all the technical aspects so you can focus on catching.
Customer Stories
"Captain Cody made our trip unforgettable! His exceptional people skills, boating expertise, and ability to put us on the fish made for an exciting and fun-filled day. He treated us like family, and I can't wait to book with him again in the near future. I'll be spreading the word to all anglers in Central Indiana to book through FishingBooker.com and highly recommend Captain Cody. My kids will cherish this experience for a lifetime, thanks to his amazing ability to connect with them!" - William
"Steve M. highly recommends The Reel Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters for an unforgettable fishing experience!" - Steve
Top Catches This Season
Black Seabass are the bread and butter of winter offshore fishing along the South Carolina coast. These chunky, hard-fighting fish range from keeper size around 13 inches up to trophy specimens over 20 inches and several pounds. They're aggressive feeders during winter months, often hitting baits as soon as they reach the bottom. What makes Seabass special is their willingness to bite in cooler water when other species slow down, plus they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Their firm, white meat makes them a favorite for fish tacos, grilling, or frying. You'll find them stacked up around structure in good numbers, so when you find one, there are usually plenty more nearby.
Grouper fishing before the December 31st closure adds serious excitement to these winter trips. Gag Grouper and Red Grouper both inhabit the offshore waters around Myrtle Beach, with fish ranging from just-legal size up to genuine trophies. These ambush predators sit tight to structure and provide arm-burning fights when hooked. A good Grouper will test your tackle and your endurance as they try to pull back into their rocky hideouts. The meat is premium table fare – thick, white fillets that are perfect for any cooking method. Landing a quality Grouper during winter is especially rewarding since you know the season is short and these opportunities don't last long.
Time to Book Your Spot
Winter offshore fishing offers some of the most productive and comfortable conditions of the year for serious anglers. Smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and hungry fish make this the perfect time to get out there and load up on premium eating fish. The 5-hour trip length gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques while still getting back to shore at a reasonable hour. Captain Cody's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish makes this a top-rated charter experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer for winter meals or just want to experience some of the best bottom fishing the Grand Strand has to offer, this winter special delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready to fill that cooler with some of the tastiest fish swimming in Carolina waters.