Ready for a mix of tasty catches and heart-pounding action? This 4-hour trip out of Murrells Inlet is the perfect afternoon escape for families and fishing fans alike. We'll split our time between hooking some of the inlet's best table fare and the thrill of catch-and-release shark fishing. With room for up to 6 guests, it's a chance to experience the best of both worlds – from reeling in a delicious Redfish dinner to the excitement of battling a Blacktip Shark.
Kicking off at noon, we'll cruise out into the rich waters of Murrells Inlet. The first couple hours are all about filling the cooler with some of South Carolina's finest inshore species. We're talking Redfish, Flounder, and Spanish Mackerel – the kind of catches that make for killer fish tacos back at the dock. Once we've got some good eats on ice, we'll switch gears and head to where the big boys play. The second half of our trip is dedicated to catch-and-release shark fishing, giving you a shot at some real drag-screaming action. Don't worry about bringing any gear – we've got all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need, plus safety equipment to keep everyone comfortable.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our captain's got you covered. For the inshore fishing, we'll likely be using light tackle and live bait, maybe tossing some artificial lures if the fish are in a mood. When we switch to shark fishing, get ready for heavier gear and bigger baits. The captain will walk you through the techniques, from how to work a rod to the best way to set the hook when you feel that telltale thump. And here's a bonus – after we're back at the dock, the captain will clean and bag your keeper catch at no extra cost. Nothing beats fresh fish for dinner that you caught yourself!
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a favorite in Murrells Inlet. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, Redfish put up a great fight and taste even better on the grill. They love hanging around oyster beds and grass flats, so we'll target these areas for some steady action.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, Flounder are the ninjas of the seafloor. They lie in wait, ambushing their prey, which means we'll be using techniques like drifting or slow-trolling to tempt them. When you hook one, it's like reeling in a dinner plate – and a tasty one at that!
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch. They school up and chase bait near the surface, so we might spot them by watching for birds diving or water splashing. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the name of the game here. They're also delicious when grilled fresh.
King Mackerel: Bigger cousins to the Spanish, King Mackerel or "Kings" are the missiles of the sea. They're known for blistering runs that'll have your reel singing. We'll troll for these bad boys, and if we hook up, hold on tight!
Blacktip Shark: Now we're talking some serious excitement. Blacktips are known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. They average around 4-5 feet but can get bigger. Catching and releasing these apex predators is an adrenaline rush you won't forget.
Murrells Inlet isn't called the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina" for nothing. Our afternoon trips give you the best of both worlds – the satisfaction of catching your own dinner and the thrill of tangling with some toothy critters. It's perfect for families because there's never a dull moment. Kids love the constant action, whether it's reeling in a Flounder or watching a Shark jump. Plus, with our experience and local knowledge, we know just where to find the fish, making sure you get the most out of your 4 hours on the water.
So, are you ready to turn your afternoon into an adventure? This trip's got it all – tasty fish for the table, heart-pounding shark action, and memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Murrells Inlet, this is the trip for you. Remember, we've only got room for 6, so don't wait to book. Grab your sunscreen, bring your camera, and let's get out there and make some waves. The fish are biting, the sharks are cruising, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Let's get you hooked up!
Blacktip Sharks are an exciting catch, typically 4-5 feet long but can reach 9 feet. You'll find them cruising in coastal waters, often near the surface in depths of 100-200 feet. They're most active in warmer months, following bait schools inshore. Blacktips are known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs - hook one and you're in for a battle. While we practice catch and release, their fight makes them a popular target. To land a blacktip, use heavy gear - at least 50-pound braid and a wire leader. Oily fish like mackerel or mullet make great bait. My top tip: chum the water to get them fired up, then float out a live bait. When you see that dorsal fin cutting through the chum slick, get ready for action. Just be careful - these guys can jump right into the boat if you're not paying attention!
King Mackerel are hard-fighting fish that'll test your skills. These speedsters usually run 20-40 pounds, but can top 90. Look for them in coastal waters 40-150 feet deep, often near structures like reefs. They're migratory, so prime fishing's spring through fall as they follow bait schools up the coast. Kings are prized for their blazing runs and acrobatic jumps - hook one and you're in for a thrill. Their firm, oily meat makes great smoked fish dip too. To target them, try trolling with live bait like menhaden or mullet. I like using two hooks on a wire leader - one in the bait's nose, one trailing. Kings often strike the back half, so this ups your odds. Keep your drag set light and be ready for screaming runs when they hit. It's an adrenaline rush reeling in these coastal rockets.
Redfish are a favorite inshore catch, usually 5-10 pounds but can push 40. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near marsh edges - anywhere from 1-4 feet deep. They love structure and often tail in water so shallow their backs are exposed. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Reds put up a great fight, with powerful runs and head shakes. Anglers love sight-casting to them in clear shallows. Their sweet, mild meat is excellent on the grill or blackened. To target reds, try a gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a jighead. Work it slowly along the bottom with a steady retrieve. My go-to trick is to look for their distinctive tail wakes or "muds" where they're rooting for crabs. Once you spot 'em, a well-placed cast often triggers an instant strike.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They're typically 15-18 inches long, but can reach 30 inches and 20 pounds. Look for them around inlets, estuaries, and river mouths, especially in fall as they move offshore to spawn. Flounder are ambush predators, lying in wait for prey to pass by. They're prized for their delicate, sweet meat - some of the best eating fish out there. To catch 'em, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. I like using a Carolina rig with a live mud minnow. Work it slowly along the bottom, feeling for that telltale thump. My top tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to turn the bait in its mouth. Count to three, then reel down and lift. It's all about patience with these flatfish.
Spanish Mackerel are fast-moving targets that'll keep you on your toes. These silver speedsters usually run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. Look for them in coastal waters, often near the surface around bait schools. They're most active here from spring through fall as they migrate. Macks are fun to catch - they hit hard and make blistering runs. Their firm, flaky meat is great on the grill too. To target them, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind a planer. I like using light tackle - it really lets you feel their fight. My favorite trick is to watch for birds diving on bait. That often means Spanish are feeding below. Cast a small, flashy lure into the frenzy and hold on tight. These guys are lightning fast, so use a quick retrieve to trigger strikes. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha 2025
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200