Murrells Inlet Fishing Charter FAQ

Planning a private fishing charter near Myrtle Beach? Here are the questions guests ask us most often before fishing with Salty Hooker Fishing Charters out of Marlin Quay Marina in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

More charter questions
Booking and trip options · Gear, clothing and your catch · What to expect offshore

Choosing a charter
How much does an offshore fishing charter cost? · How long is a typical fishing charter? · How far offshore do charter boats go? · What fish can we catch offshore? · When is the best time to fish offshore in Murrells Inlet? · Can I book a private fishing charter for a group?

Getting ready for the trip
What should I expect on my first offshore fishing trip? · Do I need fishing experience? · Can I bring kids on an offshore fishing charter? · What’s included in the charter? · Do I need to buy a fishing license? · What should I bring? · How much should I tip the captain and crew?

Weather and comfort
What does the crew do to help first-time guests feel comfortable offshore? · What if I’m worried about seasickness? · How do captains make weather decisions?

Choosing a charter

How much does an offshore fishing charter cost?

Rates are per private boat and vary by boat and trip length. Our 34-foot SeaVee offers more room than the 26-foot Mako. Check Trips & Pricing for the current rates and what each trip includes.

How long is a typical fishing charter?

We offer 5-hour half-day, 8-hour three-quarter-day, 10-hour full-day, and 12-hour Gulf Stream trips. A half day is a good introduction to offshore fishing. An 8- or 10-hour trip gives us more time to find fish and adjust to the bite. Choose a Gulf Stream trip if you want to spend the day targeting fish like mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna. Compare trip options.

How far offshore do charter boats go?

A typical half day takes us about 20 miles offshore, a three-quarter day about 35 miles, and a full day about 45 miles. Gulf Stream trips generally go 50–70 miles out. The captain picks the fishing grounds based on weather, sea conditions, and what’s biting.

What fish can we catch offshore?

On shorter trips we often target king mackerel and sea bass. On 8- and 10-hour trips, we can spend more time bottom fishing for species like grouper, vermilion snapper, and triggerfish. Gulf Stream trips often target mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna. Let your captain know what you’d like to catch when you book so we can plan around the season and conditions.

When is the best time to fish offshore in Murrells Inlet?

Late April and May are favorites for spring fishing and the mahi run. June often brings good king mackerel action. Spring and fall are our favorite windows for Gulf Stream trips, and wahoo and blackfin tuna are popular cold-season targets when conditions allow. Pick a date that works for your crew and we’ll fish for what’s biting.

Can I book a private fishing charter for a group?

Every trip is private. Each boat takes up to six guests, and we can arrange two or three boats for groups of up to 18, subject to availability. Let us know your head count and preferred date early so we can coordinate the boats.

Getting ready for the trip

What should I expect on my first offshore fishing trip?

You’ll meet your captain and crew at Marlin Quay Marina in Murrells Inlet. We’ll go over what to expect, get you set up with the gear, and head to the fishing grounds. The ride can take anywhere from about 30 minutes to three hours depending on the trip and the conditions. On the water, we’ll show you what to do and adjust the plan as the bite changes.

Do I need fishing experience?

Beginners are welcome on every trip. We’ll show you how to handle the rod, recognize a bite, and reel in a fish. You can do as much of the fishing as you like, and we’ll step in whenever you need a hand.

Can I bring kids on an offshore fishing charter?

Yes. You know your child’s comfort level on the water best. If you’re unsure which trip to book, tell us their age and how much time they’ve spent on a boat. Our crew can help kids hold the rod and reel so they get to take part in the catch.

What’s included in the charter?

We provide rods, reels, bait, tackle, fishing licenses, and bottled water. We’ll also fillet and bag your catch at the end of the trip. Bring any personal items, food, and drinks you’d like for the day.

Do I need to buy a fishing license?

Your fishing license is included when you fish with us. See what else comes with your charter.

What should I bring?

Bring polarized sunglasses, lotion sunscreen, a hat, a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, and light snacks and drinks. A light jacket can come in handy on cool mornings. A small soft cooler works well for personal items and drinks. We provide bottled water and all the fishing gear.

How much should I tip the captain and crew?

A 20% gratuity is customary and optional. It’s separate from the charter price. The mate generally receives the tip. If the captain runs the trip solo, the captain receives it.

Weather and comfort

What does the crew do to help first-time guests feel comfortable offshore?

We give a safety briefing before departure, show you where the safety and first-aid equipment is, and explain how the day will work. Your captain and mate are there to help throughout the trip. Let us know when you book if anyone in your group is new to offshore fishing or has concerns about the ride.

What if I’m worried about seasickness?

Let us know before your trip if you’re concerned, and tell the crew early if you start to feel unwell onboard. If you’re considering motion-sickness medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist before departure.

How do captains make weather decisions?

Our captains look at wind speed and direction, wave height, swell direction, and how far apart the swells are. We generally try to make the call the evening before. If the offshore plan doesn’t suit the conditions, we’ll look at a shorter or closer trip when conditions allow, or work with you to reschedule.

Booking and trip options

How Do I Choose the Right Fishing Charter?

I’d start with what your group wants out of the day. Taking the kids out for their first trip? A half day gives them a taste of offshore fishing. Want more time to work reefs and wrecks? Look at an 8- or 10-hour trip. If you’re after a shot at wahoo, mahi, or blackfin tuna, look at the Gulf Stream. Ask what’s included, how many people the boat takes, and how the captain handles weather. Our trips are private, so the captain can plan around your group and the conditions. Tell us what you’re after and we’ll help you pick the right trip.

What’s the Difference Between Half-Day and Full-Day Charters?

Our half day is five hours and usually takes us around 20 miles offshore. It’s a good way to get a taste of offshore fishing without spending the whole day on the water. Our full day is ten hours, and we often fish around 45 miles offshore. That extra time lets us cover more ground, try different spots, and spend more time fishing if the first stop is slow. I like a half day for a first taste and a full day for folks who want to put in the time and give themselves more chances.

How Do I Book a Fishing Charter?

Start with our Trips & Pricing page. Pick how long you want to fish, choose the boat that fits your group, and use Book Now to check dates. The price is for a private boat, so have a head count before you book. If you’re torn between a half day, full day, or Gulf Stream trip, tell us who’s coming and what you want to catch. I’d rather help you pick the right trip up front so you know what to expect when you get to the dock at Marlin Quay Marina. See trips and pricing.

Are Fishing Charters Worth the Money?

For me, the value is getting a local crew, a boat set up for offshore fishing, and the time to fish without having to bring your own rods, bait, or tackle. Our rates are for the private boat, so your group can split the cost. We handle the fishing licenses and clean and bag your legal catch at the dock. There’s also a lot of work before we leave, from catching bait to rigging gear and picking where to start. Choose the trip that fits your goals and budget. That’s where I think you get the most out of it.

What Makes One Charter Better Than Another?

I’d look at how well the crew knows the area and how willing they are to teach and adapt. On a slow day, sometimes moving a few hundred feet makes the difference. Other days, it takes several stops and some running to get on fish. A good crew keeps working and keeps you involved. Ask what’s included, who’s running the boat, and how they make weather calls. The details tell you a lot about what your day will actually be like.

Can I Customize My Fishing Charter Experience?

Tell us what you want out of the day when you book. Some groups want to troll for a big fish. Others want to bottom fish, get the kids involved, or put a few fish in the cooler. We’ll talk through what makes sense for your trip length and the season. I like having a plan, but some of our best days happen when we switch it up because we find better water or a stronger bite somewhere else. We’ll work toward your goal and make the call that gives your group the best day we can.

What Happens if the Weather Turns Bad?

We generally try to make the weather call the evening before your trip. We look at wind, wave height, and how close together the swells are. If offshore conditions aren’t right, we’ll see whether a shorter trip or fishing closer makes sense for your group. If we can’t run safely, we’ll work with you on rescheduling when dates are available. I want everybody to have a good day out there. The fish will still be there when the weather gives us another shot.

How Early Should I Arrive for My Charter?

For a 7 a.m. departure, plan to be at Marlin Quay Marina a few minutes before 7. That gives us time to meet your group and get everybody aboard. Check your booking confirmation for your departure time and meeting instructions, especially if you booked an afternoon trip or a Gulf Stream trip that leaves earlier. If you’re running behind or unsure where to meet us, reach out so we can help get everybody to the right boat.

What’s the Physical Fitness Level Needed for Offshore Fishing?

You don’t have to be an athlete to fish with us. You do need to be comfortable stepping aboard, moving around a boat, and keeping your balance as it rocks. Reeling in fish from deep water can be a workout, especially when the bite is steady. Our crew can help with the rod and reel, and you can take breaks or trade off with someone in your group. If you have questions about boarding or how the trip might feel for you, let us know before you book so we can talk through the options.

How Do Charter Crews Handle Large Fish?

When a bigger fish gets close, listen to the captain and mate and let us guide you through the last part of the fight. The captain may adjust the boat while the mate clears lines and gets ready at the rail. We choose how to land or release it based on the species, the fish, and what’s happening alongside the boat. Give the crew room to work and keep the rod where we ask you to hold it. Getting the fish to the boat is a team effort, and that last bit is often the most exciting part.

What Certifications Do Charter Captains Need?

If you’re paying to go fishing on a U.S. charter, ask to see the captain’s U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential and ask what safety briefing the crew gives before departure. The credential depends on the operation and the waters the boat runs. Our private trips take up to six guests per boat. Before we leave, we go over safety and show you where the equipment is. It’s a good question to ask any captain before you book. See U.S. Coast Guard charter guidance.

Gear, clothing and your catch

Do Charter Boats Provide Fishing Equipment?

On our boats, we provide top-of-the-line rods, reels, bait, and tackle, all rigged and ready for the day. We match the setup to what we’re fishing for, whether we’re working a wreck, dropping baits on a reef, or trolling offshore. Your fishing license is included, too. If you’re new to it, we’ll show you how to use the gear, feel a bite, and get a fish to the boat. Bring your snacks and personal gear. We’ll handle the fishing setup.

Can I Keep the Fish I Catch on a Charter?

Yes, you can take home fish that are legal to keep. What goes in the cooler depends on the species and the rules in effect that day. We’ll help identify your fish and check what can be kept. Fish that need to go back are released. Back at Marlin Quay Marina, we’ll fillet and bag your keepers so they’re ready to take home. If putting some fish in the freezer is your goal, tell us up front so we can help you choose a trip that fits. See South Atlantic federal fishing regulations.

What Should I Wear on an Offshore Fishing Trip?

I usually tell folks to wear a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, a hat, and polarized sunglasses. A sunglasses strap is a good idea, especially on the ride out. In spring and fall, throw in a light jacket or sweatshirt for the morning. It can feel a lot cooler on the water before the sun gets up. Flip-flops are fine if you’re comfortable in them. I’d leave the heavy work boots at home. Wear something you don’t mind getting a little fishy, and bring lotion sunscreen for the day.

How Many People Can Go on a Fishing Charter?

Each of our private boats takes up to six guests. If you have more than six, we can arrange two or three boats for up to 18 guests, depending on availability. Your group can fish side by side or turn it into a friendly tournament. I’d get your head count together early, especially for weekends or a big family or bachelor trip. Tell us how many people want to go and we’ll help you figure out which boats make sense.

What Food and Drinks Are Available on Charters?

We provide bottled water and an iced-down drink cooler. Bring the snacks and drinks you want for the trip, including alcohol if you’d like. Most folks bring more food than they ever get around to eating, especially when the bite is good. A few easy snacks or a sandwich usually go a long way. A small soft cooler is fine if you want to keep your own drinks together. Leave the big hard cooler at home so we have more room to move around and fish.

Can I Bring My Own Fishing Rods on a Charter?

Yes, you can bring your own rods. Give us a heads-up about what you’d like to bring and what you want to fish for so we can tell you if the setup fits the trip. We already provide top-of-the-line rods and reels, rigged and ready for the day. If you’re traveling or don’t want to haul gear to the marina, you’re covered. Our crew will help you get set up either way.

What to expect offshore

Do Fishing Charters Offer Photography Opportunities?

Absolutely. The ride out, a sunrise over the ocean, or a kid reeling in their first fish can make as good a picture as the catch itself. Bring a phone or camera if you like, and let the crew know if you want a quick group or catch photo. When we have a fish alongside, we’ll handle it first and help you get a picture when it makes sense. Some of my favorite photos are the ones where everybody’s laughing and nobody’s looking at the camera.

What’s the Catch Rate Like on Local Charters?

I don’t put a percentage on it. Some days we get on fish at the first stop. Other days we might move a few hundred feet, or try ten different spots, to find fish that are willing to bite. Conditions, the season, and how much time we have all matter. A longer trip gives us more room to make adjustments. If you want steady action or you’d rather spend time trying for one bigger fish, tell us before we leave so we can fish with that goal in mind.

Can I Request a Specific Charter Captain?

Yes. Tell us who you’d like to fish with when you book and we’ll check that captain’s availability for your date, boat, and trip. If fishing with a particular captain matters more than the date, give us a couple of dates to work with. All of our captains know these waters and can help you decide what makes sense for your group. You can get to know them on the Our Captains page before you book. Meet our captains.

What’s the Difference Between Trolling and Jigging?

When we troll, the boat moves and pulls baits or lures through the water. It’s a good way to cover ground for fish like kings, mahi, or wahoo. There can be a lot of waiting, then everything happens at once. With jigging, you work a weighted lure up and down with the rod, usually while the boat drifts or holds over an area. It’s more hands-on. I often like to start the day trolling and switch tactics if the bite slows. The conditions and the fish get a vote every time.

Is There a Best Day of the Week for Fishing?

The fish don’t care what day it is. I’d pay more attention to the wind, seas, current, and what the fish have been doing. A weekday can sometimes mean less boat traffic, but I’d take a good weather window on a Saturday over a rough Tuesday. Pick a date that works for your group and let us use the conditions that day to find the best bite we can. If you have some flexibility, it can give you more options when the wind picks up.

What’s the Success Rate for First-Time Charter Customers?

More than half of our guests are first-time anglers, so teaching people is a big part of our day. We’ll show you how to hold the rod, feel a bite, and keep the line tight while you reel. You don’t need to know any of that before you step aboard. I don’t promise a fish or put a percentage on the day, but you can give yourself a better shot by listening to the crew and sticking with it when the bite slows. Helping somebody catch their first fish is one of the best parts of the job.

How Do I Prepare Mentally for Offshore Fishing?

My best advice is to keep an open mind and take what the ocean gives you. A fishing video shows the bite, but it usually skips the ride, the waiting, and the stops it took to get there. Some days we’re busy as soon as the baits hit the water. Other days we have to work for it. Listen to the crew, ask questions, and enjoy the time with the people you brought. Come ready to fish and let the day play out. That’s how some of my favorite trips started.

Ready to get out on the water?

See fishing trips and pricing to choose a boat and trip length.