Deep sea fishing means traveling well offshore — typically beyond 20 to 30 miles from the coast — to fish in open ocean water that runs hundreds of feet deep. If you've been wondering whether it's the same as fishing from a pier or a boat close to shore, the short answer is no: the distance, the depth, the species, and the experience are all different.
For most first-timers, the question isn't just "what is it?" but "is it right for me, and what am I actually signing up for?" That's what this article covers — in plain terms, without assuming you already know what a fathom is or why anyone would want to be 40 miles from land.
We've been running private offshore charters out of the Grand Strand since 1991, and the questions first-timers ask before their first trip are remarkably consistent. This is the honest, straightforward version of what deep sea fishing is, how a day unfolds, and how to decide whether it's your kind of adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Deep sea fishing typically starts where nearshore fishing ends — beyond 20 to 30 miles offshore, in water that's 100 feet deep or more.
- The species you target offshore — mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, amberjack — live in open ocean and aren't reachable from inshore or nearshore trips.
- A full offshore day runs eight to ten hours on the water; expect travel time, real ocean swells, and sustained physical engagement.
- Private charters mean your trip is centered around your family or group — your pace, your goals, your experience level.
- Preparation makes a measurable difference: what you eat beforehand, what you bring, and whether you've taken motion sickness precautions all shape how the day goes.
How Deep Sea Fishing Differs from Other Types
The fishing world uses "offshore," "deep sea," "nearshore," and "inshore" as if everyone already knows the difference. Most first-timers don't, and the distinction matters when you're choosing a trip.
The dividing line isn't arbitrary — it follows where different fish species actually live.
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing happens in the protected, shallow waters closest to shore: tidal creeks, estuaries, marshes, and the nearshore surf zone. Water depths run from a few feet to maybe 20 or 30 feet. The species here — red drum, flounder, speckled trout, sheepshead — spend their lives in these ecosystems. Inshore trips are typically calmer, shorter, and well-suited to younger kids or anyone who wants a gentler introduction to saltwater fishing.
Nearshore Fishing
Nearshore fishing covers the zone from just outside the surf line out to roughly 20 miles. Depths range from 30 to around 100 feet. You'll find king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, cobia, and amberjack in this range. Nearshore charters involve more open water than inshore trips but don't require the long run offshore. For first-timers who want a taste of real ocean fishing without committing to a full offshore day, nearshore is often the right starting point.
Deep Sea (Offshore) Fishing
Deep sea fishing starts where the nearshore zone ends. You're running 20, 30, 40 miles or more from the coast, into water that drops to hundreds of feet. The species change completely: mahi-mahi, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and large amberjack are offshore fish. They don't come to you — you go to them. Our offshore deep sea charters cover this full range, with our captains adjusting destination and technique based on current conditions.
The practical difference: An inshore trip might take you 10 minutes from the dock. A deep sea trip might take 90 minutes just to reach the fishing grounds. That travel time is part of the experience — and part of what you're preparing for.
Comparing Your Options at a Glance
| Trip Type | Typical Distance | Water Depth | Common Species | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inshore | Under 5 miles | 2–30 ft | Red drum, flounder, trout | Families, beginners, calm water |
| Nearshore | 5–20 miles | 30–100 ft | King mackerel, cobia, amberjack | First offshore experience |
| Deep Sea / Offshore | 20–60+ miles | 100–600+ ft | Mahi, wahoo, tuna, amberjack | Serious anglers, full-day adventure |
| Gulf Stream | 60–80+ miles | 600+ ft | Billfish, swordfish, large tuna | Experienced groups, bucket-list trips |
| Shark Fishing | Varies | Nearshore to offshore | Blacktip, spinner, hammerhead | Action-focused, all skill levels |
For groups that want the Gulf Stream experience — billfish, large pelagics, open blue water — we run dedicated Gulf Stream charters that push well beyond the standard offshore range. And for pure adrenaline closer in, our shark fishing trips are in a category of their own.
What a Full Deep Sea Day Actually Looks Like
Understanding the shape of the day removes most of the uncertainty first-timers carry onto the boat.
You'll meet the captain at the dock early — typically before sunrise. Lines are checked, gear is rigged, and the boat is fueled. The run out to the fishing grounds takes time; depending on where the fish are holding and what the captain's intel says, that's anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour each way.
Once on the grounds, the fishing is active. Offshore fishing isn't sitting still with a line in the water — it involves trolling (running lures or baits behind a moving boat), working structure, and adjusting constantly based on what the sonar shows and what the water looks like. When a fish strikes a trolling lure, it happens fast. Multiple rods can go off at once.
The ride back is usually calmer — the fish are in the box, the adrenaline has settled, and most people are tired in the best possible way. A full offshore trip runs eight to ten hours from departure to return.
The Role of the Captain
Our trips are led by experienced, local, licensed captains who fish these waters year-round and adjust each charter based on current weather, tides, water conditions, seasonal fishing patterns, and the species that are biting. That real-time decision-making — where to run, what to rig, when to move — is what separates a productive day from a long boat ride.
Our charter operation is built around decades of firsthand experience fishing the waters surrounding North Myrtle Beach. The captains aren't following a fixed route; they're reading the ocean.
Who Deep Sea Fishing Is Right For
Deep sea fishing suits people who want a genuine offshore experience — not a guaranteed fish count, but a real day on open water with a real chance at serious species.
It's a good fit if your group is comfortable with a full day commitment, tolerates open ocean movement, and wants to target fish that simply don't exist inshore. It's also well-suited to mixed groups where some members have fished before and others haven't — because a private charter means the pace and instruction level adjust to your group, not to a boat full of strangers.
It's worth being honest about motion sickness. Open ocean swells are different from protected water. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, take precautions before the trip — over-the-counter medication taken the night before and morning of makes a real difference. Don't wait until you're 30 miles out.
Families and Kids
Deep sea fishing with kids is entirely doable, but age and temperament matter. A seven-year-old who loves being on the water and can handle a long day is a different situation from a restless five-year-old on a 10-hour trip. For younger children or families who want a shorter, calmer experience, a nearshore or inshore trip is often the smarter starting point — and we're straightforward about that when groups call to plan.
How to Prepare for Your First Offshore Trip
Preparation is the difference between a great day and a miserable one. These aren't suggestions — they're what experienced offshore anglers do every time.
Eat a real meal the night before and a light, non-greasy breakfast the morning of. An empty stomach and an oily breakfast are both problems on moving water.
Dress in layers. The dock at 5:30 AM feels different from the open ocean at noon. Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers with a windbreaker cover most conditions. Bring a hat and polarized sunglasses — glare on open water is relentless.
Bring sunscreen, and apply it before you board. Offshore sun exposure is intense. Reef-safe formulas are standard practice.
Stay hydrated. Bring water. The combination of sun, wind, and physical activity dehydrates people faster than they expect.
Leave the heavy cologne and strong food smells at home. On a moving boat, strong scents accelerate nausea in people who are already borderline.
The captain and mate handle all the gear — rods, reels, terminal tackle, bait. You don't need to bring fishing equipment. A valid South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required; confirm current requirements with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need fishing experience to go on a deep sea charter?
No prior experience is required. Our captains and mates handle the rigging, baiting, and instruction — your job is to hold the rod when a fish strikes and follow direction. First-timers catch fish on offshore trips regularly.
How far offshore do deep sea charters go?
The distance varies based on where the fish are holding, current conditions, and the type of trip. Standard offshore trips run 20 to 50 miles from the coast; Gulf Stream trips push 60 to 80 miles or more. Our captains decide the destination based on real-time information, not a fixed coordinate.
Is deep sea fishing safe?
Yes, when run by licensed, experienced captains on properly equipped vessels. Our captains are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard, and all boats carry required safety equipment. Trips are weather-dependent — if conditions make a safe trip impossible, we don't go.
What happens if the weather is bad on my trip day?
Offshore trips are weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe, the trip doesn't run. Contact us directly at [email protected] or call/text 843-907-0064 (7 AM–9 PM daily) to discuss rescheduling options specific to your situation.
What should I bring on a deep sea fishing trip?
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, layers for wind and sun, water, snacks or a light lunch, and any motion sickness medication taken in advance. The captain provides all fishing gear.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
In most cases, yes — within current South Carolina regulations and federal guidelines for the species involved. The captain will walk you through what's in season and what the current rules allow. We don't guarantee catch quantities or specific species, because fishing is fishing.
What to Do Next
If deep sea fishing sounds like the right trip, the next step is a conversation — not a booking form. Call or text us at 843-907-0064 (7 AM–9 PM daily), or reach us at [email protected]. Tell us who's coming, what experience level the group has, and roughly when you want to go. We'll point you toward the right trip type and check availability.
Live availability is also visible at book.vallypro.com/p/north-myrtle-beach-fishing-charters if you want to see open dates before you call.
Groups that skip the planning conversation often book the wrong trip for their group — a full offshore day when a nearshore trip would have been the better fit, or vice versa. Locally owned and operated since 1991, we'd rather spend five minutes on the phone helping you choose correctly than have you show up for a day that doesn't match what your group actually wanted.