If you’re an avid fisherman, chances are you’ve fished or dreamt of fishing off the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. While there are many places to choose from, if you want to catch a charter that’s sure to put you on the fish while keeping you close to all the beach excursions and amenities, you’ll want to head to North Myrtle Beach (NMB).
NMB boasts prime real estate off the South Carolina coast. Its proximity to the warm waters of the Gulf Shores attracts an abundance of game fish, making a deep sea fishing expedition out of North Myrtle Beach waters a great opportunity to reel in a big one.
If you’re a practiced deep-sea fisherman or a beginner unfamiliar with the area, this guide will point you toward the fish! This is everything you need to know about deep-sea fishing in the North Myrtle Beach area.
What Is Deep Sea Fishing?
If your fishing expertise involves casting a line into freshwater spots like rivers and lakes, you’re in for an entirely new experience here. Deep sea fishing involves venturing out into the ocean’s deep waters, with no land in sight, in search of the day’s catch.
You’ll fight the current and the fish while embarking on a fishing trip, leaving you with memories reminiscent of the “Old Man and the Sea.” The waters you’ll cast into will be 100 feet or deeper and lie many miles offshore. To best prepare yourself, you’ll need to take several things into consideration when planning your trip including who to book with.
Gear and Equipment
Fishing charters typically provide all the gear you need. However, if you’re an experienced fisherman and most comfortable with your gear, you can bring your own. If you’re bringing your own gear, you’ll want to bring a 6 to 7-foot rod with a heavy spinning reel capable of handling a lot of weight.
How to Pick a Deep Sea Fishing Charter
The hardest part of booking a trip is deciding which North Myrtle Beach fishing charter to go with. To help you narrow down the decision, you’ll need to consider a few different things, including:
- The reputation and reviews of a charter
- The types of trips offered
- The size of the boat
- Amenities on the boat
- Gear provided
- Experience and expertise of the crew
About Deep Sea Fishing in NMB
Best Time to Deep Sea Fish in NMB
While you can fish year-round in NMB, certain seasons increase your odds of catching specific species. If you hope to catch mahi mahi, you’ll want to book a summer trip. If king mackerel and sailfish are more of what you’re after, you should consider booking in the fall. Before making any decisions about the time of year for your trip, be sure to research the prime seasons for whatever catch you’re targeting.
Types of Fish in NMB
Because of its proximity to the Gulf Stream, the waters surrounding North Myrtle Beach are home to a wide variety of species of fish. You’ll have the opportunity to reel in many different types of fish, including:
- black fin tuna
- Mahi
- Spanish mackerel
- King mackerel
- Wahoo
- Beeliners
- Grouper
- Bonita tuna
- Barracuda
- Amberjack
- Cobia
- Red snapper
- Rudderfish
- Vermillion snapper
- Silver snapper
- Triggerfish
- Grunts
- Flounder
- Redfish
- Sea trout
- Sheepshead
- Black drum
- Black sea bass
- Porgies
How Much Does a Deep Sea Fishing Charter Cost
Prices vary from charter to charter and depend on how long you want to go out and your group size. Trips usually cost a minimum of $200 per person. Headboats are generally cheaper but more crowded. Fishing charter prices can typically be offset by going out with more people in your group.
Fishing Licenses
When you are fishing with a charter or headboat, they will provide the license.
Do I Get to Keep Everything I Catch?
It depends. There are different laws and regulations that dictate what you can keep and how large it can be. This can vary from season to season. While your captain should be knowledgeable about current regulations, it is also helpful to be familiar with them yourself.
North Myrtle Beach Deep Sea Fishing Charters
If you’re looking for someone to put you on the big fish, you will want the experience of a local fishing charter. Many of the captains of these boats have fished these waters for most, if not all, of their lives. They’ll know the best fishing spots to find the fish and ultimately reel in a big one. North Myrtle Beach has several deep-sea fishing charters to choose from.
Voyager Deep Sea Fishing
Voyager Deep Sea Fishing offers several options for offshore fishing, including half-day, 3/4-day, full-day, and 12-hour trips. Their boats can accommodate up to 20 guests. Rates start at $650 for a group of up to 6 people on a half-day trip. They also offer dolphin cruises if other members of your party want to go out in a boat but not spend the day fishing.
Little River Fishing Fleet
If you need a boat that can accommodate larger parties, Little River Fishing Fleet has boats that can accommodate anywhere from 6 to 25 people. Their trips include trolling, bottom fishing, and shark fishing. They have several different options for fishing, including private fishing charters, specialty open boats, and head boats (a boat that stops and anchors over wreck & rock formations).
Sea J’s Fishing Charters
If you want to take your kids deep sea fishing for the first time, Sea J’s Fishing Charters offers a charter designed specifically for kids. This charter company offers fishing experiences that are a bit more intimate, with boats seating just up to 5 guests. Their trips range from 4 to 8 hours, and each experience is designed to target specific fish.
Affordable Fishing Charters
This charter business offers inshore fishing charters for up to 5 people. Affordable Fishing Charters prides itself on offering the best rates for half-day fishing trips in North Myrtle Beach. Their trips start at $450 and can accommodate up to 3 people (additional people cost $50 per person).
Wise Fishing Charters
This family-owned business has been serving the North Myrtle Beach area for over 15 years. Wise Fishing Charters specializes in big shark fishing and pulls a commercial trolling net attracting all sorts of sea creatures.
Know Before You Go
The best way to ensure you have a great day out on the boat is to be prepared. These tips will help you make the most of your experience.
- Arrive early to meet the crew and get to know the boat.
- Pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, motion sickness meds, and plenty of water
- Dress appropriately for weather conditions
- Pay close attention to the safety briefing at the beginning of the trip
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you have them
- Always adhere to local regulations and catch limits
Reel in Your Next Big Catch in North Myrtle Beach!
Whether you’re an avid angler or looking for your first fishing adventure, you’re sure to have a great trip in the Grand Strand.
You will surely be exhausted after reeling in big catches all day! Just be sure you’ve booked a comfy vacation rental to come back to after your day on the sea!