Damn Good Deep Sea Fishing Charters In Murrells Inlet

Deep sea fishing in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is as authentic as it gets. Nestled along the Grand Strand, this quiet fishing town offers direct access to the Atlantic, where the waters are brimming with life. Whether you’re after a battle with a hefty grouper, chasing after sailfish, or trying your luck at the elusive wahoo, the fishing here doesn’t disappoint. There’s something special about Murrells Inlet—the kind of place where the locals still know their way around the best fishing spots, and the boats are just as rugged as the coastline itself. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned angler, the waters around this inlet are ready to give you a serious run for your money.

What sets Murrells Inlet apart is its balance of nearshore and offshore fishing, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced anglers. Inshore, the waters are perfect for targeting red drum, trout, and flounder, offering up a calm day of fishing without venturing too far out. But it’s the offshore waters that really steal the show—head out a few miles and you’ll find yourself in the prime hunting grounds for big game like marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi. The deep-sea fishing here is as varied as the coast itself, with a mix of wrecks, reefs, and open water where fish roam in abundance. Whether you’re bottom fishing for something heavy or trolling for the big pelagics, Murrells Inlet gives you a wide range of challenges.

Fishing in Murrells Inlet isn’t just about the catch—it’s about the experience. The inlet itself has an unpretentious charm, with small boats dotting the water, the sound of the engine hums in the background, and the sun beginning to rise over the Atlantic. It’s a place where you can feel the history of the local fishing culture, and every trip out feels like you’re joining in a tradition that goes back generations. The captains here know the waters like the back of their hand, and they’ll put you on the fish, whether you’re targeting something close to shore or going after a giant in the deep. Fishing in Murrells Inlet feels like you’re part of something bigger, and the ocean always gives back to those who respect it.

The fishing season in Murrells Inlet kicks off in spring when the waters warm up and the fish start making their way through the coastal currents. This is prime time for inshore action, with red drum, flounder, and trout coming into the shallows to feed. But the deeper waters of the Atlantic are also alive with activity—black sea bass, grouper, and snapper are all biting as the season shifts. With cooler mornings and mild temperatures, spring offers the perfect conditions for a day on the water, whether you're chasing the hard-fighting inshore species or venturing offshore for something bigger. The fish are hungry, the weather’s just right, and the inlet feels like it’s waking up after the long winter.

As summer rolls in, Murrells Inlet becomes the epicenter of big-game fishing, with the waters heating up and the action picking up. Offshore, you’re looking at marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna as the stars of the season. The warm water attracts these pelagic giants, and they’re fast, powerful, and ready to put your skills to the test. The summer months can be long on the water, but with calm seas and the sun high in the sky, it’s the perfect time to target these big fish. Whether you’re trolling for a trophy fish or casting your line into the deep blue, the summer bite in Murrells Inlet is worth the early mornings and late afternoons on the boat.

Fall is an underrated gem for fishing in Murrells Inlet. As the temperatures cool and the summer crowds thin out, the fishing takes on a slower, more methodical pace, but the action doesn’t drop off. The cooler waters bring in late-season tuna and a strong run of bottom fish like grouper and snapper, making it the perfect time to target these deep-sea species in quieter, more serene conditions. Fall offers a quieter, more reflective experience on the water, where the fish are still active but the pressure is off. It’s the kind of season where you can enjoy the solitude of the inlet, savoring each cast and the satisfaction of pulling in a catch before the winter sets in.

Murrells Inlet, tucked away along South Carolina's Lowcountry coast, is a deep-sea angler's paradise. The waters here offer a range of fishing techniques that keep the adventure fresh every time you hit the open sea. One of the most popular methods is trolling, where you cruise the coastline with lures or live bait trailing behind the boat. It's the perfect approach when you’re chasing fast-moving predators like mahi-mahi, wahoo, or the elusive sailfish. The thrill of trolling is that perfect balance of patience and excitement—the water’s calm one minute, and then, out of nowhere, you’re locked in a battle with a fish that’s more than ready to make you work for the catch.

For those who prefer a more hands-on, deliberate approach, bottom fishing is the way to go. Murrells Inlet’s waters are rich with underwater structures like reefs, wrecks, and ledges, where fish like grouper, snapper, and amberjack make their homes. With bottom fishing, you drop a heavy rig to the ocean floor, then wait for that unmistakable tug that signals you've hooked into something big. The fight is slow but intense, as these fish are experts at using the structure around them to their advantage, making for a battle of endurance. It’s the kind of fishing that requires patience and persistence, but when you finally reel in a massive grouper or a colorful snapper, it’s a hard-earned win that feels like a true accomplishment.

Then there’s the unique experience of drift fishing, which is ideal for targeting species like cobia, king mackerel, and even the occasional tarpon. This method relies on the natural current to guide your boat, letting your bait drift in the water at the perfect pace to attract fish. Drift fishing off Murrells Inlet allows you to cover a broad area without the intensity of trolling, and with the right bait and a little luck, you can hook into some serious action. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a sailfish, working the bottom for a grouper, or letting the current guide your bait for a king mackerel, Murrells Inlet offers a variety of deep-sea fishing techniques to keep things interesting—and the fish biting.

Murrells Inlet is a goldmine for deep-sea fishing, offering a bounty of species that keep anglers coming back year after year. One of the first and most exciting targets here is the elusive sailfish. These high-speed predators are an angler’s dream—known for their incredible leaps and powerful runs once hooked. Found in the deeper waters off the inlet, a sailfish strike will get your heart racing, and reeling one in feels like a true accomplishment. With their vibrant colors and acrobatic displays, they’re as thrilling to catch as they are to watch, making them a must-try for any serious angler.

If you’re after something that’s just as hard-fighting but a bit more accessible, the mahi-mahi should be high on your list. These colorful fish are an iconic deep-sea catch, and their quick strikes and strong runs will test your skills on the water. Mahi-mahi are often found near floating debris or structures, and trolling through these areas is a great way to target them. Their striking blue and yellow hues are a bonus, and when you finally land one, it’s not just a trophy fish but also a tasty one. Whether you’re after a light dinner or a heavy challenge, mahi-mahi always deliver.

But Murrells Inlet also offers the thrill of chasing some serious bottom-dwelling giants. Species like grouper, snapper, and amberjack thrive in the deeper waters around reefs, wrecks, and ledges, making them prime targets for bottom fishing. These fish may not have the same acrobatic flair as a sailfish or mahi-mahi, but they more than make up for it with sheer strength. A grouper, in particular, is a test of endurance as it fights to stay in the safety of the rocks. It’s a battle of willpower, but when you finally pull up a giant grouper or snapper from the depths, it’s a satisfying payoff that makes the effort worthwhile. Whether you’re chasing the speed of a sailfish or the power of a grouper, Murrells Inlet has species for every type of deep-sea angler.