Damn Good Inshore Fishing Charters In Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is where saltwater and southern charm collide, creating an inshore fishing experience unlike any other. Nestled just south of Myrtle Beach, this quiet coastal town has long been a haven for anglers seeking the thrill of the catch in shallow, serene waters. Whether you're casting from the shore or working the flats in a skiff, the inshore fishing here feels both intimate and exhilarating. The marshes are alive with all sorts of life, from redfish and speckled trout to flounder hiding in the sandy bottom, just waiting for the right moment to strike. If you’re a fisherman who appreciates the slow pace of a coastal town where the fish aren’t the only thing worth watching, Murrells Inlet is where you’ll want to be.

The seasonal rhythms of Murrells Inlet’s inshore fishing mirror the ebb and flow of the tides, and there’s no better time to drop a line than during the cooler months when the redfish are at their most aggressive. Fall and winter bring the promise of trophy-sized fish, with big schools of redfish tailing along the shallow mudflats and oyster beds, looking for their next meal. It’s the kind of fishing where patience pays off—watching the water carefully, reading the signs of the tides, and letting the quiet stretch of the marsh do the work. But it’s not all about the action—there’s a peacefulness to fishing here, as the low country landscape sprawls around you in shades of green, brown, and gold, with the occasional osprey gliding overhead.

But don’t mistake that calm for boredom, because when the bite’s on, Murrells Inlet is a full-throttle experience. Summer brings a flurry of activity, with anglers working the inshore waters for everything from sheepshead to red drum. There’s a palpable energy in the air, especially when the tide’s just right, and the fish are feeding heavily. It’s the type of fishing that doesn’t require much—just a solid rod, a bit of local know-how, and a sense of adventure. And when the sun starts to dip behind the towering live oaks and the sky turns purple and orange, that’s when the magic of Murrells Inlet really shows itself. After a long day on the water, the local seafood joints are just a stone's throw away, ready to serve up the freshest catch of the day, often caught by the same hands that had you reeling in redfish earlier. It’s the full experience—a hard day’s work rewarded with good food, good company, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve spent your time exactly where you belong.

In Murrells Inlet, the fishing seasons follow a rhythm that’s tied to both the tides and the changing landscapes. As the weather warms up, spring ushers in a fresh energy, and with it comes the promise of a productive fishing season. Early in the year, the inshore waters start to heat up, bringing a steady bite from redfish and speckled trout, especially around the flats and marsh edges. The inshore fishing here is a laid-back affair, but when that first tug hits, the anticipation of a fresh season feels like the start of something special. Spring also brings clarity to the water, and as the fishing picks up, there’s a quiet excitement in the air—everyone’s eager for the year ahead, but there’s no rush. It’s about taking your time, soaking in the beauty of the inlet, and knowing that the best is yet to come.

As summer settles in, Murrells Inlet transforms into a fishing haven. The longer days and warmer waters create perfect conditions for the kind of active, action-packed fishing that keeps you on your toes. Redfish, speckled trout, and even the occasional flounder are abundant in the shallow creeks and tidal flats, making for some of the best fishing of the year. Summer is when the locals come alive, sharing tips, comparing catches, and putting in the hours on the water to capitalize on the peak season. The heat can be intense, but it’s worth it when you hook a big one, and the cool sea breeze offers a welcome reprieve as you work the waters. Whether you're casting from a boat or wading in the shallows, the inshore bite is on, and the fish are hungry, making this a time of both intense competition and pure joy.

But as the heat of summer gives way to the cooler months of fall and winter, Murrells Inlet transforms into a quieter, more reflective place. While fishing slows a bit, this is when the true inshore angler thrives. The fall months bring big schools of redfish, especially around the oyster beds, and this is prime time for those looking for the big catch. The cooler waters make the fish more aggressive, and the sight of a redfish tailing through the flats never gets old. Winter’s chill doesn’t deter the seasoned fishermen—if anything, it sharpens the focus. The marshes take on a quieter beauty, the air crisp and fresh, and the water’s less crowded. With fewer anglers out, it’s a time for solitude and patience. It’s the kind of fishing where the rewards are earned, and the slow, steady bite is just part of the experience. Whether you’re out for a big catch or simply enjoying the calm, the inshore seasons of Murrells Inlet offer something for every kind of fisherman—at any time of year.

Inshore fishing in Murrells Inlet offers an unbeatable mix of laid-back charm and exhilarating action, with the perfect environment for both seasoned anglers and weekend warriors. The calm, shallow waters are teeming with life, and targeting species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder is as much about technique as it is about timing. A great way to start is by drifting along the inlet’s creeks and marshes, casting soft plastics or live shrimp. When it comes to redfish, they’re often hanging out near oyster bars or under docks, so it’s all about accuracy and stealth. Slow your presentation down, and when that redfish picks up your bait, be ready for a fight—those steady, powerful pulls are a sure sign you’re working with one of the best.

For anglers who prefer a bit more finesse, speckled trout in Murrells Inlet are a perfect choice. These fish are known for their quick strikes and subtle bites, often leaving you second-guessing whether it’s a nibble or the real thing. A great technique for specks is to fish the grass flats or deeper holes with soft plastics, suspending jerkbaits, or topwater lures. The best times to go after speckled trout are during the early mornings or late afternoons when they’re actively feeding near the surface. Their strikes can be delicate, so paying attention to the water's subtle movements and being ready to set the hook is crucial. Once you land one, you’ll appreciate the thrill of their acrobatic jumps and fast-paced runs.

Flounder fishing in Murrells Inlet is a little different, but no less rewarding. These flatfish are sneaky, often blending into the sandy bottoms of creeks and shallows, waiting to ambush their prey. To target flounder, you’ll want to work your bait or jig close to the bottom, letting it drift naturally with the current. The trick is to keep your movements slow and deliberate, making sure the bait stays near where flounder are most likely to be hiding. Their strikes are subtle, often a faint tug, and when you feel it, setting the hook quickly is key. Flounder fishing is a methodical and satisfying way to spend your time, and there’s something about reeling in one of these flatfish that feels like the perfect cap to a day on the water. Whether you’re stalking redfish in the shallows, casting for trout at dawn, or hunting flounder along the bottom, inshore fishing in Murrells Inlet offers a range of techniques to match your style and skill level.

Murrells Inlet is a prime spot for inshore fishing, offering a variety of species that make every cast an adventure. Redfish, with their striking appearance and powerful fight, are the crown jewels of these waters. Found cruising the shallow flats or lurking around oyster bars and docks, redfish are often best targeted using live shrimp or cut mullet. These fish are aggressive feeders and will strike fast, pulling with a strength that’ll keep you on your toes. Whether you’re fishing the incoming tides or working the edges of a salt marsh, catching a redfish is an exhilarating experience, one that brings you up close to the very essence of coastal fishing.

Speckled trout are another top species to target in Murrells Inlet, and they bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These sleek, spotted fish are notorious for their delicate bites and quick strikes, making them a fun challenge for any angler. Early mornings or late afternoons are prime time for trout, especially when they’re feeding near the surface. If you're fishing these waters, a topwater lure or a soft plastic on a slow retrieve is your best bet. Speckled trout often hang out in grass flats or deeper pockets within the estuaries, so knowing the lay of the land (or water, in this case) is key to finding them. Once you hook into one, their fast runs and acrobatic leaps will keep you hooked from start to finish.

And then, there’s flounder—the flatfish with a sneaky bite that takes a little more patience but is well worth the effort. Flounder tend to stay low to the bottom, buried in sand or mud near shallow creeks, so the trick to catching them is to work the bait slowly along the seafloor. A simple bucktail jig or live bait, drifting with the current, will often do the trick. Their bite can be light, almost imperceptible, so a sharp eye and quick hook set are essential. When you do catch one, there’s a satisfying feeling of having outsmarted one of the most elusive fish in the area. Whether you’re after redfish, trout, or flounder, Murrells Inlet offers the perfect variety to keep every day on the water fresh and exciting.