Family Inshore Fishing Murrells Inlet SC

Murrells Inlet Family Inshore Fishing Adventure

Looking for the perfect way to get your family hooked on fishing? This top-rated inshore charter out of Murrells Inlet puts you right in the heart of South Carolina's most productive fishing waters. Captain Cush knows these backwaters like the back of his hand, and he's built this trip specifically for families who want to experience real fishing without the intimidation factor. Whether you're dealing with first-timers or seasoned anglers, this three-person max charter gives everyone plenty of room to cast, learn, and land some serious fish. The protected inshore waters mean comfortable conditions, and the variety of species keeps things exciting from start to finish.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts in the famous Murrells Inlet, where Captain Cush will have everything rigged and ready to go. This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing trip – you'll be working the productive tidal creeks, oyster beds, and grass lines that make this area a renowned hot spot for inshore species. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One cast you're pulling a feisty redfish from the spartina grass, the next you're working a flounder off an oyster bar. The captain keeps the group small at just three guests, so everyone gets personalized attention and plenty of chances to get on the rod. Kids love the action-packed nature of inshore fishing, while adults appreciate the technique and local knowledge that goes into reading these waters. You'll spend your time in the protected sounds and creeks, which means comfortable fishing even when the ocean gets rough.

Inshore Tactics & Gear Setup

Captain Cush runs a clean operation with quality tackle suited for the inshore game. You'll be using medium-action spinning rods perfect for the variety of species these waters hold. Live bait is the name of the game here – fresh shrimp, mud minnows, and finger mullet that the fish can't resist. The captain knows exactly where to position the boat based on tides, structure, and seasonal patterns. You'll learn to work different techniques throughout the day, from sight fishing the grass beds for tailing redfish to bottom fishing the oyster bars for flounder. The boat is equipped with a shallow-water anchor system that lets you hold position in the skinny water where these fish love to feed. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The captain provides instruction on everything from casting technique to proper fish handling, making this a great learning experience for the whole family.

What Anglers Are Saying

"We had a great morning fishing with Captain Tom. We had almost no fishing experience. He had so much information about the area that he shared with us. We fished in the inlet and went out into the ocean. Captain Tom had everything we needed, set up all the rods and helped us the whole time. We caught several different types of fish. It was a great experience for us and we'll definitely do it again!" - Carlotta

Species You'll Want to Hook

Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are one of the most exciting inshore targets in Murrells Inlet waters. These beautiful fish love the grass beds and drop-offs around the inlet, especially during moving tides. They typically run 14-20 inches here, with some reaching the 24-inch mark. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and late afternoon producing the most strikes. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their spirited fight once hooked. They have a soft mouth, so you'll learn proper technique to keep them pinned.

Redfish are the crown jewel of South Carolina inshore fishing, and Murrells Inlet holds some beautiful fish. These copper-colored bruisers love the oyster bars, creek mouths, and spartina grass edges. Most fish here run 20-28 inches, right in that sweet spot for great fights without being too big for kids to handle. Redfish feed year-round in these waters, but fall brings the best action when they school up. There's nothing quite like watching a redfish tail in shallow water – it gets your heart pumping every time. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters when kept within regulations.

Spanish Mackerel show up in impressive numbers during their seasonal runs, typically from late spring through early fall. These speed demons average 12-18 inches and provide non-stop action when they're around. They love structure and moving water, making the inlet mouth and nearby reefs perfect hunting grounds. Spanish mackerel hit fast and fight hard, making them a customer favorite for families. Their aggressive nature means multiple hookups are common, and they're excellent table fare when prepared fresh.

Southern Flounder are the ultimate inshore challenge fish. These flatfish masters of camouflage hang around oyster bars, creek bends, and sandy bottoms throughout the inlet system. Most flounder here run 14-18 inches, with some reaching the 20-inch mark. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing, especially around structure changes and moving tides. What makes flounder fishing exciting is the technique – you'll learn to feel the subtle bite and proper hookset. They're also considered one of the best eating fish in South Carolina waters.

Bluefish round out the target species list with their aggressive feeding and hard fights. These toothy predators typically show up during their seasonal migrations, often feeding in schools that create exciting surface action. Bluefish here average 12-16 inches, perfect size for family fishing. They're known for their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, and their aggressive nature means fast action when you find them. While they're excellent fighters, proper handling is important due to their sharp teeth – something the captain will teach you about fish safety.

Time to Book Your Spot

This family-