What seafood can I catch during the charter? is the very first question this guide answers, and the honest reply is: it depends on how far offshore you go, what season you book, and which trip you choose. Guests fishing with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters LLC regularly bring home flounder and redfish from the backwaters, king mackerel and cobia from the nearshore reefs, and mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna from the Gulf Stream. In addition, shark charters offer a catch-and-release thrill for anglers who want a fight rather than a fillet.
Key Takeaways
- Inshore trips mainly produce flounder, redfish, and speckled trout in the creeks and Intracoastal Waterway.
- Nearshore and reef trips add king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, and black sea bass to the cooler.
- Offshore and Gulf Stream charters target mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, and occasionally sailfish.
- Shark charters are catch-and-release and focus on species like blacktip and spinner sharks.
- According to NOAA Fisheries, more than 60 species are managed recreationally along the South Atlantic coast, so timing your trip matters.
What Seafood Can I Catch During the Charter?
In short, the seafood you can catch during the charter depends entirely on the type of trip you book. Inshore charters near North Myrtle Beach typically land flounder, redfish, and trout, while nearshore and offshore trips reach species like king mackerel, cobia, mahi-mahi, and tuna. Consequently, first-time guests should tell their captain what they hope to catch or eat, since that single detail shapes the entire route.
For example, a family wanting dinner-table fish usually books an inshore or nearshore trip, whereas anglers chasing a trophy photo often head to the Gulf Stream. Similarly, groups interested purely in the fight, rather than the fillet, tend to choose a shark charter. As a result, no two trips out of North Myrtle Beach look exactly the same, even when they leave from the same dock on the same morning.
Inshore Catches: Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout
Inshore fishing charters explore the protected creeks, marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway around Little River, Calabash, and Murrells Inlet. Here, the shallow, structure-rich water holds a predictable mix of species. Flounder, a flat bottom-dweller known for camouflaging in the sand, is one of the most requested catches because of its mild, flaky meat. Redfish, also called red drum, are prized for their strong runs near oyster beds. Speckled trout round out the trio and are especially active in cooler months.
Above all, inshore trips are ideal for beginners and families because the water is calmer and trip lengths are shorter. Furthermore, these charters double as informal fishing lessons, since guides walk guests through casting, bait presentation, and knot tying along the way. Anglers who want to compare seasonal biting patterns before booking can review current conditions on the what fish are biting Myrtle Beach resource.
Nearshore Species Along the Reefs and Live Bottom
Nearshore fishing charters push a few miles past the breakers to artificial reefs and live-bottom structure. Here, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, and black sea bass are common. Cobia also show up seasonally, particularly in late spring, and are highly valued for their firm, steak-like texture. In contrast to inshore water, nearshore structure holds bigger predatory fish, so tackle and technique shift accordingly.
Nearshore trips strike a balance between accessibility and variety, which is why many repeat guests choose this option after trying an inshore trip first. Specifically, the mix of species means a slow morning for one fish often turns into a fast bite for another. Guests curious about gear differences between nearshore and deeper trips can review the equipment needed for deep sea fishing before their trip.
Offshore and Gulf Stream Trophies
Offshore and deep sea fishing charters travel much farther, often 20 to 60 miles out, to reach wrecks, ledges, and the warm current known as the Gulf Stream. This warm-water current, which runs along the eastern seaboard, concentrates baitfish and, therefore, the larger predators that feed on them. Mahi-mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and occasionally sailfish are the headline catches on these trips.
Mahi-mahi, sometimes called dolphinfish, is especially popular because it fights hard near the surface and tastes excellent on the grill. You can read more about this species on Wikipedia’s mahi-mahi overview. Meanwhile, wahoo are among the fastest fish in the ocean, and tuna require stamina and proper technique to land. As a result, offshore trips generally suit anglers with some experience or a strong appetite for a physical challenge. Guests planning this route often compare options on the Myrtle Beach deep sea fishing charters page before choosing a departure time.
“Guests always ask what they can expect to reel in, but the honest answer is that the ocean decides the details — our job is choosing the trip that gives them the best shot at it.”
Shark Fishing Charters and Catch-and-Release Species
Shark fishing charters target a different kind of seafood catch experience entirely, since most sharks are released rather than kept. Blacktip, spinner, and sandbar sharks are common along the Carolina coast, and each puts up a serious fight relative to its size. Therefore, these trips appeal to anglers, teenagers especially, who want adrenaline over a dinner plate.
Because sharks play an important ecological role as apex predators, responsible operators follow catch-and-release best practices, including proper handling and quick releases. In addition, the NOAA Fisheries blacktip shark profile outlines regulations that reputable charters follow closely.
Seasonal Fishing Patterns That Shape Your Catch
Seasonality plays a bigger role in what you can catch during the charter than most first-time guests expect. Spring brings cobia and Spanish mackerel closer to shore, while summer is peak season for mahi-mahi and king mackerel offshore. Fall, meanwhile, often produces some of the best red drum fishing of the year as fish school up before winter. Consequently, booking around these windows can noticeably improve results.
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, seasonal migration patterns and water temperature directly influence which species are most active along the Grand Strand. For a broader look at how seasons affect inshore and offshore results together, see the guide on Myrtle Beach charter fishing inshore and deep sea trips.
How to Prepare Your Catch After the Trip
Once the seafood is on the boat, a short process turns it into dinner. Below is the typical sequence followed after a North Myrtle Beach fishing charter.
- Confirm keeper size and limits. Your captain checks each fish against current state size and bag limits before it goes into the cooler, since regulations vary by species and season.
- Keep the catch iced immediately. Fish are placed on ice right after landing to preserve texture and flavor, which matters most for delicate species like flounder and trout.
- Request dockside filleting. Most charters offer or recommend a filleting service at the marina, where experienced hands clean the catch quickly and safely.
- Pack for transport or cooking. Guests either bag the fillets on ice for the ride home or arrange same-day cooking at a nearby restaurant that accepts fresh catch.
In particular, guests staying inland around Conway, Aynor, or Carolina Forest often ask about transport time, so packing fillets properly on ice becomes especially important for that longer drive home.
Comparing Charter Types by Typical Catch
| Charter Type | Typical Depth | Common Catch | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inshore | Creeks, ICW | Flounder, redfish, trout | Fall, early spring |
| Nearshore | 1–15 miles out | King mackerel, cobia, sheepshead | Spring, early summer |
| Offshore / Deep Sea | 20–40 miles out | Tuna, wahoo, grouper | Summer |
| Gulf Stream | 40–60+ miles out | Mahi-mahi, sailfish, tuna | Late spring, summer |
| Shark | Nearshore to offshore | Blacktip, spinner (catch-and-release) | Summer, early fall |
Choosing the Right Trip for Your Group
Choosing between inshore, nearshore, offshore, or shark charters ultimately comes down to time, comfort, and goals. For instance, a two-hour inshore trip suits young kids or first-time anglers who might get seasick on longer rides. On the other hand, a full-day Gulf Stream trip suits experienced anglers chasing a specific trophy species. North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters LLC helps guests weigh these factors, matching group size and experience level to the trip most likely to deliver a satisfying catch.
Private charters are also worth considering since they allow the captain to fully customize the route around your target species. Visitors from Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Carolina Shores frequently book private trips for exactly this reason. To compare tips on landing more fish once you’re on board, review the guide on how to catch more fish on a deep sea charter. For general trip details and current availability, visit North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood can I catch during the charter?
You can catch flounder, redfish, and trout inshore; king mackerel, cobia, and sheepshead nearshore; and mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna offshore or in the Gulf Stream. The exact seafood you catch during the charter depends on the trip type, season, and distance traveled.
Do I get to keep the fish I catch?
Yes, on most inshore, nearshore, and offshore trips you can keep legal-sized fish within regulated limits. Shark charters, however, are typically catch-and-release only.
Is deep sea fishing better than inshore fishing for variety?
Deep sea and Gulf Stream trips generally offer bigger, more varied species like tuna and mahi-mahi. In contrast, inshore trips offer calmer water and more consistent bites for beginners.
How much does a Myrtle Beach fishing charter cost?
Pricing varies by trip length and distance, with inshore trips generally costing less than full-day offshore or Gulf Stream charters. Private charters often have flat group rates rather than per-person pricing.
How long does a fishing charter trip last?
Inshore trips often run two to four hours, while nearshore trips typically last four to six hours. Offshore and Gulf Stream trips, however, usually require a full day due to travel time.
What is the best season to catch mahi-mahi near Myrtle Beach?
Late spring through summer is generally the strongest window for mahi-mahi in the Gulf Stream. Warmer surface temperatures during this period draw baitfish, and therefore mahi-mahi, closer to the current’s edge.
What’s a common mistake first-time charter guests make?
Many first-timers book a long offshore trip without checking their tolerance for motion, which can lead to seasickness. A shorter nearshore or inshore trip is often a safer starting point.
Are shark fishing charters safe for families?
Yes, shark charters are generally safe since sharks are handled and released by the crew, not the guests. Teenagers, in particular, tend to enjoy the strength and speed of the fight.
Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?
No, most charters supply rods, reels, and bait as part of the trip. However, guests planning frequent offshore trips may want to review recommended personal gear in advance.
What is the best practice for choosing between inshore and offshore trips?
The best practice is to match the trip to your group’s experience, time budget, and comfort with open water. Families with young children usually do best inshore, while experienced anglers get more from offshore or Gulf Stream trips.
Can I have my catch cleaned and cooked after the trip?
Yes, dockside filleting services are widely available near North Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet marinas. Several local restaurants will also cook your fresh catch the same day for an additional fee.
What time of year has the most variety of fish?
Summer generally offers the widest variety, since warm water brings both nearshore and offshore species within reach. Fall follows closely, particularly for redfish and mackerel.
How far offshore do you need to go to catch tuna?
Tuna are typically found 20 to 40 miles offshore near deeper structure and the edge of the Gulf Stream. As a result, tuna trips require a full-day charter with a longer boat ride.
In summary, what seafood can I catch during the charter comes down to one straightforward rule: the farther you travel from shore, the bigger and more varied the catch becomes. Inshore trips near North Myrtle Beach reliably produce flounder, redfish, and trout, while nearshore reefs add king mackerel and cobia to the mix. Meanwhile, offshore and Gulf Stream charters open the door to mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna, and shark trips deliver pure catch-and-release adrenaline. Above all, matching the right trip to your group’s goals, comfort, and available time is the surest way to enjoy a productive day on the water with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters LLC.