Private Family Fishing Charters in Myrtle Beach
Family fishing charters in Myrtle Beach are a great way for parents, children, grandparents, and first-time anglers to spend time together on the water without needing previous fishing experience or bringing fishing equipment on vacation.
North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters offers private family fishing trips ranging from calm Inshore Fishing in the Intracoastal Waterway, creeks, marshes, and inlets to Nearshore, Shark, Offshore, and Deep Sea trips for families who want progressively more open-water adventure.
Every family is different. The right trip depends on the ages of the children, attention spans, fishing experience, how long your family wants to be on the boat, and how comfortable everyone is in open ocean water.
For many families—especially those with younger children or first-time anglers—a shorter Inshore Fishing Charter is the easiest place to start. Families with older children or teenagers may prefer Nearshore Fishing, Shark Fishing, Offshore Fishing, or even a full-day Deep Sea trip.
North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters has been locally operated since 1991. Our captains adjust the fishing plan around your family, current weather, tides, water conditions, bait movement, and seasonal fishing opportunities rather than following the same route every day.
Quick Answer: For most families visiting Myrtle Beach, a 4-hour private Inshore Fishing Charter is the easiest starting point because it offers protected water, shorter boat runs, hands-on instruction, and flexible fishing. Families comfortable in the ocean can also choose Nearshore or Shark Fishing, while Offshore and Deep Sea trips are generally better suited to older children, teenagers, and families comfortable with longer periods in open water.
What Is the Best Family Fishing Charter in Myrtle Beach?
There is no single fishing trip that is best for every family.
A family with a five-year-old fishing for the first time has very different needs from a family with two teenagers who want to catch sharks or spend a full day offshore.
Use this as a starting point:
- Young children & first-time anglers: Inshore Fishing
- Families comfortable in open water: Nearshore Fishing
- Older kids & teenagers wanting excitement: Shark Fishing
- Families wanting additional ocean range: Offshore Fishing
- Older children & experienced boating families: Deep Sea Fishing
- Experienced families wanting a very long offshore day: Gulf Stream Fishing
- Families wanting wildlife rather than fishing: Eco & Dolphin Tours
If you are unsure, start with Inshore Fishing. It provides the most flexibility for families and keeps the trip in more protected water.
Family Fishing Quick Pick
Which Family Fishing Trip Fits Your Kids?
| Family Trip | Water | Typical Length | Family Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inshore | Protected ICW, creeks & marshes | 4–8 Hours | Best starting point for young children & beginners |
| Nearshore | Coastal Atlantic | 4–6 Hours | Families comfortable in open water |
| Shark | Coastal & nearshore | 4–6 Hours | Older kids, teens & families wanting excitement |
| Offshore | Deeper Atlantic | 6–8 Hours | Families comfortable with longer ocean runs |
| Deep Sea | Deep reefs, wrecks & structure | 8–12 Hours | Older kids & experienced boating families |
| Gulf Stream | Long-range Atlantic | 12–14 Hours | Experienced families prepared for a very long day |
| Eco Tour | Intracoastal Waterway | 2–4 Hours | Families wanting wildlife & sightseeing |
Who Are Family Fishing Charters Best For?
Good Fit For:
- Families with children
- First-time anglers
- Parents introducing children to fishing
- Multi-generation families
- Grandparents fishing with grandchildren
- Families with mixed fishing experience
- Vacationers who do not own fishing equipment
- Families wanting a private boat rather than a crowded shared trip
When Should You Choose Carefully?
Longer ocean trips may not be the right choice for:
- Children with short attention spans
- Guests who have never been on a boat and are unsure about seasickness
- Families uncomfortable in ocean swells
- Anyone who does not want several hours in open water
In those cases, a shorter Inshore trip is generally the most flexible option.
Inshore Family Fishing Charters
Inshore Fishing is our primary recommendation for families with young children and first-time anglers.
These trips fish protected areas including the Intracoastal Waterway, tidal creeks, marsh edges, backwaters, and inlet areas.
Possible seasonal catches include red drum, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, weakfish, bluefish, and other inshore species.
Because travel distances between fishing areas are generally shorter, the captain has more flexibility to move, change techniques, take breaks, and adjust the pace around the children aboard.
Complete Inshore Fishing Charter Guide →
4-Hour Inshore Family Charter
Best for: Families & beginners
Trip times: 7:00–11:00 or 12:00–4:00
Trip length: 4 hours
Our easiest starting point for most families and first-time anglers.
5-Hour Inshore Family Charter
Best for: More fishing time
Trip length: 5 hours
A good choice when the family wants additional fishing time while remaining in protected water.
Longer Inshore options: 6-hour and 8-hour private Inshore trips are also available for families who want more time on the water.
Nearshore Family Fishing Charters
Nearshore Fishing is the next step for families who want an ocean-fishing experience without committing to the longer travel associated with Offshore, Deep Sea, or Gulf Stream fishing.
Trips can target reefs, wrecks, structure, bait concentrations, and seasonal fish in coastal Atlantic water.
Possible catches include Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, bluefish, bonito, sea bass, and other seasonal nearshore species.
Complete Nearshore Fishing Charter Guide →
4-Hour Nearshore Family Charter
Best for: First ocean trip
Trip length: 4 hours
A popular step up for families ready to experience coastal-ocean fishing.
6-Hour Nearshore Family Charter
Best for: More range & flexibility
Trip length: 6 hours
Better for families who already know they are comfortable spending more time in open water.
Family Shark Fishing Charters
Shark Fishing is popular with families who want a more exciting, hands-on fishing experience.
These trips are especially appealing to older children and teenagers. Depending on season and conditions, possible shark species include blacktip, spinner, finetooth, Atlantic sharpnose, bull, dusky, and other coastal sharks.
The captain explains the fishing equipment, shark behavior, handling considerations, and applicable regulations throughout the trip.
Complete Shark Fishing Charter Guide →
4-Hour Family Shark Fishing Charter
Best for: Older kids & teens
Trip length: 4 hours
A shorter shark-focused option for families wanting more excitement.
6-Hour Family Shark Fishing Charter
Best for: More shark-fishing time
Trip length: 6 hours
Additional time provides more flexibility as tides, bait, and shark activity change.
Offshore Fishing for Families
Offshore Fishing moves beyond the shorter-range Nearshore grounds into deeper Atlantic waters.
For families, Offshore trips are generally a better choice when the children are older, everyone is comfortable in open water, and the group wants a longer fishing day.
Fishing can include trolling and offshore structure fishing depending on season and conditions.
Complete Offshore Fishing Charter Guide →
6-Hour Offshore Family Charter
Best for: First longer offshore trip
Trip time: 7:00 AM–1:00 PM
Better suited to families already comfortable with open-ocean boating.
8-Hour Offshore Family Charter
Best for: Older kids & experienced families
Trip time: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
A full-day option for families comfortable spending much of the day offshore.
Deep Sea Fishing for Families
Deep Sea Fishing is generally best suited to families with older children, teenagers, and previous boating experience.
These trips involve longer travel and focus primarily on deeper reefs, wrecks, ledges, hard bottom, live bottom, and other offshore structure.
Complete Deep Sea Fishing Charter Guide →
8-Hour Deep Sea Family Charter
Best for: Older kids & experienced families
Trip length: 8 hours
A full-day fishing experience with considerably more time in open Atlantic water.
12-Hour Gulf Stream Bottom Fishing
Best for: Experienced boating families
Departs: 6:00 AM
Trip length: 12 hours
A very long fishing day intended for groups comfortable with extended offshore travel.
Families considering our longest-range trips should also review the Gulf Stream Fishing Charter Guide before booking.
Family Eco & Dolphin Tours
Some families want time on the water without making fishing the main activity.
Our Private Eco & Dolphin Tours explore the Intracoastal Waterway, marshes, tidal creeks, barrier-island environments, and local wildlife.
These trips can be a good choice for younger children, grandparents, non-anglers, and families wanting a more relaxed private boating experience.
4-Hour Private Family Eco & Dolphin Tour
Best for: Families & wildlife
Trip length: 4 hours
2-Hour Evening Private Family Eco Tour
Best for: Shorter family outing
Trip time: 6:00–8:00 PM
What Age Is Best for a Family Fishing Charter?
There is no single minimum age that determines whether a child will enjoy fishing.
Many families bring children around age five and older, but attention span, boating experience, weather, trip length, and the individual child matter more than age alone.
For younger children, we generally recommend:
- A shorter trip
- Protected Inshore water
- Shorter travel between fishing areas
- Plenty of drinks and snacks
- Sun protection
- Realistic expectations about attention span
If you have younger children, call or text before booking and tell us their ages. We can help you decide whether the planned trip is appropriate.
Read Our Kid-Friendly Fishing Charter Guide →
What Happens on a Family Fishing Charter?
- Meet the Captain & Get Oriented
Your captain confirms the trip plan and explains the boat. - Safety Briefing
The family receives a safety briefing before getting underway. - Travel to the Fishing Area
Travel time varies significantly between Inshore, Nearshore, Offshore, and Deep Sea trips. - Hands-On Fishing Instruction
Beginners can receive help with rods, reels, bait, fishing techniques, fighting fish, and fish handling. - Adjust Throughout the Trip
The captain may change locations, bait, techniques, or fishing style based on current conditions. - Photos & Family Time
There is time to enjoy the experience, take photos, ask questions, and learn about local fishing. - Return to the Dock
Legal retained fish may be cleaned when applicable and available.
What Is Included on a Family Fishing Charter?
Families do not need to bring their own fishing equipment.
We Provide:
- Experienced licensed captain
- Private charter boat
- Fuel
- Rods and reels
- Fishing line
- Bait
- Tackle
- Required safety equipment
- Fishing-license coverage for charter guests
- Hands-on instruction when needed
Families Should Bring:
- Water and drinks
- Food and snacks
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Polarized sunglasses
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Light rain or wind layer
- Phone or camera
- Personal medications
What Can Kids Catch in Myrtle Beach?
The fish available depend on season, tides, weather, water temperature, bait movement, fishing location, and regulations.
Possible Inshore Species
- Red drum
- Speckled trout
- Flounder
- Black drum
- Sheepshead
- Weakfish
- Bluefish
Possible Nearshore Species
- Spanish mackerel
- King mackerel
- Cobia
- Bluefish
- Bonito
- Sea bass
- Seasonal sharks
No species or catch can be guaranteed. The captain selects fishing areas and techniques based on the conditions available during your trip.
What if Someone in the Family Gets Seasick?
If seasickness is a concern, trip selection matters.
Inshore Fishing keeps families in more protected waterways and is generally the easiest option for people uncertain about open-water motion.
Nearshore, Shark, Offshore, Deep Sea, and Gulf Stream trips progressively expose the group to more ocean movement and longer periods away from protected water.
If someone in your family has never been offshore, tell us before booking so we can help you choose an appropriate trip.
Family Fishing by Season
Spring
Warming water can create productive Inshore and Nearshore opportunities and comfortable weather for families.
Summer
Summer is the busiest family fishing season. Inshore, Nearshore, Shark, Offshore, and Deep Sea opportunities may all be available depending on conditions.
Fall
Cooling temperatures and seasonal bait movement can create productive Inshore, Nearshore, and Offshore fishing.
Winter
Protected-water Inshore trips can remain an option during favorable winter weather, while ocean trips depend more heavily on safe marine conditions.
Read Our Myrtle Beach Fishing Guide →
Private Family Fishing Charters
Our primary fishing trips are private charters.
Your family has the boat rather than being placed with unrelated customers. That gives the captain more flexibility to adjust the pace around your children, beginners, grandparents, and experienced anglers.
A private family charter can make it easier to:
- Take breaks when needed
- Spend additional time teaching children
- Adjust fishing techniques
- Move when fishing slows
- Match the pace to the family
- Keep your group together
Learn About Private Fishing Charters →
Safety & Weather for Family Fishing Trips
Safety is especially important when children are aboard.
Before departure, the captain reviews the planned trip and provides a safety briefing. Required safety equipment is aboard the vessel, and trip decisions are made around current marine conditions.
Weather can affect any charter. Wind, thunderstorms, wave height, swell, current, and changing forecasts can require the captain to adjust the trip.
The captain makes the final decision regarding whether conditions are appropriate for the planned charter.
If conditions are not appropriate for the originally planned trip, available options depend on the circumstances and applicable weather and booking policies.
Read Our Fishing Charter FAQs & Policies →
Why Families Choose North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters
North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters has been locally operated since 1991.
Families need more than someone who knows where to fish. They need a captain who understands that a successful day with children may require patience, instruction, flexibility, breaks, and realistic expectations.
- Locally operated since 1991
- Private family fishing charters
- Experienced licensed captains
- Beginner-friendly instruction
- Protected-water options
- Short and full-day trip choices
- Fishing equipment provided
- Family-focused trip planning
- Trips adjusted to current conditions
- Live online availability
Why Trust North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters →
What Families Say About Their Fishing Trips
Reviews from other parents and families can help you understand what to expect before choosing a trip.
When reading reviews, look for experiences from families with children around the same ages as yours and guests who booked a similar type of charter.
Read More Fishing Charter Reviews →
See Our Family Fishing Trips
See photos from past fishing trips with families, children, first-time anglers, and experienced fishermen around the Myrtle Beach area.
The gallery includes examples from Inshore, Nearshore, Shark, Offshore, Deep Sea, and other fishing trips.
Past catches never guarantee future results, but the photos provide a useful look at our boats, fishing environments, anglers, and previous charter experiences.
Watch Our Myrtle Beach Fishing Videos →
Family Fishing Charters in Myrtle Beach FAQs
Are family fishing charters beginner-friendly?
Yes. No previous fishing experience is required. Our captains can provide instruction with rods, reels, bait, fishing techniques, and fish handling throughout the trip.
What is the best family fishing charter in Myrtle Beach?
For most families with younger children or first-time anglers, a 4-hour Inshore Fishing Charter is the easiest starting point because it offers more protected water and shorter travel.
What age is best for children?
Many families bring children around age five and older, but attention span, weather, boating experience, and the individual child are more important than a specific age. Contact us before booking if you have younger children.
What is the best trip for teenagers?
Teenagers may enjoy Inshore, Nearshore, Shark, Offshore, or Deep Sea Fishing depending on their interests and comfort in open water. Shark Fishing is especially popular with families wanting a more hands-on, high-energy experience.
How long should a family fishing trip be?
Four hours is a good starting point for many families. Older children and experienced boating families may prefer 5-, 6-, or 8-hour trips.
Are the fishing trips private?
Yes. Our primary fishing charters are private for your group rather than being combined with unrelated customers.
Do we need fishing licenses?
No separate fishing license is generally required for guests aboard our licensed charter boats. Appropriate charter fishing-license coverage is provided during the trip.
Are rods, reels, bait, and tackle included?
Yes. The fishing equipment, bait, and tackle needed for the planned charter are provided.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
Legal fish may be retained when regulations, seasons, and size limits allow. Fish cleaning may also be available for legal retained fish.
What if my child gets bored?
This is one reason shorter private Inshore trips work well for many families. The captain can change techniques or locations as conditions allow, and a private trip gives the group more flexibility than a shared boat.
What if someone is worried about seasickness?
Consider Inshore Fishing first. Inshore trips stay in more protected waterways, while Nearshore, Offshore, Deep Sea, and Gulf Stream trips involve progressively more open-ocean exposure.
Can grandparents come too?
Yes. Multi-generation family groups are common. Tell us about any mobility or comfort concerns before booking so we can help identify an appropriate trip and boat.
Can larger families book together?
Yes. Vessel capacity depends on the assigned boat and charter type, and multiple boats may be coordinated for larger family groups when needed and available.
What happens if the weather is unsafe?
The captain evaluates marine conditions and makes the final safety decision. Trips may need to be adjusted or rescheduled when conditions are not appropriate for the planned charter.
Can you guarantee the kids will catch fish?
No. Fishing success depends on season, weather, tides, current, water temperature, bait movement, regulations, and natural fish behavior. The captain uses current conditions to select the fishing plan.
Book a Private Family Fishing Charter in Myrtle Beach
If you are not sure which trip is right for your family, call or text 843-907-0064.
Tell us:
- How many people are coming
- The ages of the children
- Whether anyone has fishing experience
- Whether your family has boating experience
- Whether anyone is concerned about seasickness
- Your preferred dates
- How long you want to spend on the water
- What type of fishing sounds most interesting
We can help you choose a trip that fits your family rather than simply recommending the longest option.
Kid-Friendly Fishing Charters →