Myrtle Beach fishing charters: which trip to book and what it costs

The four kinds of trips

Inshore. Two to four hours in the salt marshes, tidal creeks, and around the rock jetties of Murrells Inlet, Little River, North Inlet, and Winyah Bay. Calm water, short runs, and steady action for red drum, flounder, spotted seatrout, black drum, and sheepshead. Best for families, first-timers, and anyone who gets seasick. Fall is the best season. See inshore fishing.

Nearshore. A half day, fishing the beaches, the artificial reefs, and live bottom out to roughly 20 miles. Trolling and slow-trolling for king and Spanish mackerel, sight-casting cobia in spring, sharks in summer, and bottom fishing for black sea bass. A good middle option if you want ocean fish without a long ride.

Offshore and Gulf Stream. Full days, often 10 to 12 hours dock to dock. Local fleets describe their Gulf Stream trips as running about 35 to 60-plus miles out, with a ride of up to roughly three hours each way. Targets are mahi, wahoo, blackfin and yellowfin tuna, sailfish and marlin on the troll, and grouper, snapper, amberjack, and triggerfish on the bottom. See deep sea and Gulf Stream fishing.

Headboats. Large boats selling tickets by the person for bottom fishing, from half-day trips to all-day Gulf Stream runs. The cheapest way to fish offshore. See headboat fishing.

What does a charter cost?

Each captain sets prices, and they change with season, fuel, and boat size. Visit Myrtle Beach, the area's tourism bureau, has published typical ranges: about $300 to $500 for an inshore charter, $800 to $1,500 or more for an offshore charter, and $40 to $100 per person for a headboat. Gulf Stream, overnight, and tournament-style trips cost more. Prices on private charters are usually per boat, not per person, so a full boat of six splits the cost.

What is usually included

On a licensed charter, expect the captain, a mate on most offshore boats, rods and reels, bait and tackle, ice for your catch, and your fishing license coverage. Bring your own food and drinks unless the boat says otherwise. Fish cleaning, and gratuity for the crew, are often not included.

Questions to ask before you book

1. Is the price per boat or per person, and how many anglers does it include?
2. How far will we run, and how long is the ride?
3. What species are realistic on that date? (A good captain will tell you honestly.)
4. What is the deposit, and what is the weather and cancellation policy?
5. Is fish cleaning included? Can we keep fish?
6. What should we bring, and is there a restroom and shade aboard?
7. Is the boat and captain licensed by the Coast Guard and SCDNR for charters?

Booking tips

• Book early for summer and fall weekends, especially Gulf Stream trips, which have few boats and fill fast.
• Pick a backup date. Offshore trips cancel for wind more often than visitors expect, especially in spring and fall.
• Match the trip to the weakest sailor. One seasick passenger can end a Gulf Stream day for everyone.
• Check the marine forecast the night before; your captain will make the final call.

Where the boats leave from

Most charters run from three areas: Murrells Inlet (the Marsh Walk docks and marinas along U.S. 17 Business), Little River and North Myrtle Beach (the Little River waterfront, Cricket Cove, and the Intracoastal Waterway marinas), and Georgetown (Winyah Bay marinas). Myrtle Beach proper has no inlet, so plan for a 20 to 40 minute drive from central Myrtle Beach. See the directory for local charters and fleets.