Who runs fishing charters in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina?

Who are the captains?

Three, and between them they cover the whole of what this water offers.

One founded the business and has twenty years on saltwater. He fishes tournaments from the Carolina coast down to the Florida Keys and has first place and top five finishes to show for it.

One has held a charter licence for more than fifteen years and fishes the sandbars, oyster beds and backwaters of this inlet for a living. On a half day inshore, that is the knowledge you are paying for: which bar holds fish on a falling tide in October.

One came up as an offshore mate, studied at Coastal Carolina University, and now runs inshore and nearshore trips with multiple first place and top five finishes in inshore tournaments.

Their names and photographs are on the captains page of the site.

What boats do they run?

Two: a Pathfinder 2500 HPS bay boat and a 17 foot Maverick skiff.

The skiff is the platform for technical inshore fishing and for casting a fly in skinny water. The Pathfinder fishes the creeks and inlet and reaches nearshore reefs and wrecks when conditions allow. Confirm the boat and passenger capacity before booking.

Where do they fish?

Behind the inlet: creeks, flats, oyster beds, sandbars and marsh edge, for redfish, flounder, speckled trout and black drum. Out through the mouth: reefs, wrecks and live bottom for Spanish and king mackerel, cobia and black sea bass, with sharks about. Little River, a little further north, gets fished on the right day. Carolina Hook and Fly offers inshore and nearshore trips, not offshore trips. The deep sea page explains the difference between nearshore fishing and offshore trips.

What trips do they run?

Each is available inshore or nearshore. The half day inshore page is the one most first timers should read.

What is included in a trip?

Rods, reels, bait and tackle, and the fishing licence, which the charter covers. Guidance and instruction for anyone who wants it. You bring sun protection, drinks and a cooler.

Why Murrells Inlet rather than Myrtle Beach?

Because the water works here. The inlet opens onto a creek system on one side and a short run to nearshore structure on the other, so a boat can fish sheltered water on a windy day and be on the reefs on a calm one. Myrtle Beach is fifteen minutes north and is where people stay, not where the fleet keeps. The Murrells Inlet page covers finding the dock and parking on the Marsh Walk.

Is it a private charter or a party boat?

Every trip is your group only. Nobody sells you a seat beside twenty strangers. For two people on a tight budget a head boat can be the better call, and the comparison says when; for a family, a group of four or more, or anyone with a specific fish in mind, a private boat is a different day.

How do I book?

Call (843) 241-7706 with your dates and the size of your party, or check availability on the booking page. The main charters page has the rest.