Expert Guided Inshore Get Hooked North Myrtle

North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charter

Captain Lee's 6-hour fishing charter is hands down one of the most popular trips along the Grand Strand, and for good reason. Starting at 7 AM, you'll have the entire morning and early afternoon to explore both inshore and nearshore waters around North Myrtle Beach. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – with six full hours on the water, you've got real time to find fish and make the most of whatever conditions Mother Nature throws at you. The boat handles up to 3 anglers comfortably, though you can squeeze in a 4th person for a small upcharge if your group needs it. Everything's included – tackle, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning – so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the cooler.

What to Expect on the Water

This charter gives you the best of both worlds. Depending on weather conditions, tides, and what's biting, Captain Lee will take you wherever the action is hottest. Some days that means working the inshore creeks and oyster bars for redfish and black drum. Other days, you'll head out to the nearshore reefs and structure for cobia, king mackerel, and amberjack. The extended timeframe means you're not locked into one fishing style or location – if the inshore bite is slow, you can make a move offshore. If the kings aren't cooperating on the reefs, you can slide back into the marsh and target some drum. It's this flexibility that makes the 6-hour trip such a customer favorite. Captain Lee knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's not afraid to make moves to keep your lines tight. The boat runs smooth in most conditions, and with only 3 people max, there's plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably.

Tackle Talk & Techniques

Captain Lee keeps his boat rigged with quality gear that can handle everything from finicky Spanish mackerel to bruiser amberjack. For inshore work, you'll be using medium-heavy spinning tackle with circle hooks and live or cut bait. The redfish bite responds well to live shrimp fished around oyster bars and dock pilings, while black drum prefer blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom. When you move offshore, the tackle gets beefed up for the bigger players. King mackerel love slow-trolled live baits or spoons, and cobia will crush a live eel or big jig worked around structure. The captain provides everything, but if you've got a favorite rod or reel setup, feel free to bring it along. He's always happy to let anglers use their own gear if they prefer. Techniques vary throughout the day based on what species you're targeting, but expect a mix of bottom fishing, trolling, and sight casting depending on conditions.

Top Catches This Season

Black drum are absolute tanks and one of the most reliable catches in these waters. These fish hang around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and shallow flats year-round, though they're most active during cooler months from fall through early spring. Mature drum can push 30-40 pounds and will test your drag system when they make their first run. They're not flashy fighters, but they use every ounce of their weight to stay glued to the bottom. What makes them special is their consistent bite – even when other species are finicky, you can usually count on drum to keep the action going. Plus, smaller drum in the 5-15 pound range make excellent table fare.

Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around North Myrtle Beach. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the marsh grass, oyster bars, and shallow flats looking for crabs and shrimp. During warmer months, you'll often spot them tailing in skinny water, which makes for some exciting sight fishing opportunities. Reds fight like freight trains, using their broad tails and stubborn nature to make long runs and powerful head shakes. The slot-sized fish (14-23 inches) are world-class eating, while the oversized bulls provide pure adrenaline rushes. Fall months bring some of the best redfish action as schools of fish move through the area during their spawning runs.

Greater amberjack are the heavyweight champions of the nearshore reefs and wrecks. These fish can reach 50+ pounds and will absolutely smoke your drag when hooked. They live around hard structure in 60-120 feet of water and respond well to live baits or heavy jigs worked vertically. What makes amberjack so exciting is their raw power – they'll dive straight for the bottom when hooked, trying to wrap you around whatever structure they can find. The fight is typically short but incredibly intense. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warmest. Even smaller amberjack in the 20-30 pound range will give you a workout you won't forget.

Great barracuda are pure excitement on light tackle. These toothy predators patrol both inshore and nearshore waters, often surprising anglers targeting other species. Barracuda are lightning fast and known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. They'll hit everything from live baits to flashy spoons and plugs, often with explosive strikes that will get your heart racing. While they're not typically targeted as table fare, the fight they provide more than makes up for it. Summer months offer the best barracuda action, especially around grass beds and reef edges where they ambush baitfish.

Cobia are probably the most sought-after species on these trips, and for good reason. These brown sharks (as locals sometimes call them) are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving anglers shots at sight casting. Cobia can reach impressive sizes – 30 to 60 pounders aren't uncommon – and they fight with a combination of power and endurance that few fish can match. They're also outstanding table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia fishing,