Beginner-Friendly Fishing at Little River Inlet

Published Date: August 30, 2025
Fishing

North Myrtle Beach
$500 - $1,300 price range

Summary

Looking for a laid-back fishing trip that's perfect for beginners? This 4-hour charter out of Little River Inlet is just the ticket. You and up to three friends or family members will head out with an experienced captain who knows all the local hotspots. The waters near the inlet are great for Spanish and King Mackerel, so you'll likely start there. If conditions are good, you might venture out to the Confederate wreck or some nearby bottom fishing areas – prime spots for Black Seabass and Porgy. With a bit of luck, you could even run into some Great Barracuda further offshore. Don't worry if you've never fished before – the captain will show you the ropes and make sure everyone's having a good time. It's a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of action to keep things interesting. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so pick a day you're sure about.

Beginner-Friendly Fishing at Little River Inlet

Reels and Rods

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Big catch day! Exciting Bluefish action offshore.

Smiling crew ready for action! Exciting fishing charter vibes.

Gag Grouper fish caught while fishing in SC

Grouper Fishing paradise found in North Myrtle!

Beginner's Offshore Adventure in Little River

Ready to get your feet wet with some offshore fishing? Our 4-hour charter out of Little River Inlet is tailor-made for newcomers looking to reel in their first big catch. Whether you're bringing the family or a small crew of buddies, this trip gives you a taste of what South Carolina's waters have to offer. We'll start you off easy near the inlet, then maybe venture out to some hidden honey holes if you're up for it. No need to sweat the small stuff - our seasoned captain's got you covered with all the know-how and gear you'll need for a day of steady action on the Atlantic.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out of Little River Inlet, the salt breeze in your hair, anticipation building as we near our first fishing spot. We'll get you set up with rods and show you the ropes - literally! You'll learn how to bait hooks, cast lines, and most importantly, how to reel in the big ones when they bite. We typically start off targeting Spanish and King Mackerel - they're great for beginners because they put up a good fight but aren't too tricky to catch. If the seas are playing nice, we might push out a bit further to some prime bottom-fishing territory. There's nothing quite like the thrill of pulling up a chunky Black Sea Bass from the depths!

Fishing Techniques & Hot Spots

On this trip, we'll introduce you to a couple different fishing techniques. Near the inlet, we often troll for Mackerel. This means we'll drag lures behind the boat as we cruise along slowly. It's a relaxed way to fish and gives you time to chat and enjoy the scenery while waiting for that exciting moment when a fish strikes. If we head out to the Confederate wreck or other bottom spots, we'll switch gears to bottom fishing. You'll drop your line straight down, feeling for that telltale tap-tap of a fish nibbling your bait. When you feel it, give it a good yank and start reeling! The captain knows all the best spots where fish like to hang out, so you're in for some consistent action throughout the day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel: These speedsters are the prize catch for many anglers hitting the Carolina coast. They're known for their blistering runs and airborne acrobatics when hooked. Kings can grow over 4 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. Late spring through fall is prime time for these silver missiles, and there's nothing quite like the rush of reeling one in.

Spanish Mackerel: The smaller cousins of the Kings, Spanish Mackerel are perfect for beginners. They're feisty fighters but more manageable in size, usually coming in around 2-3 pounds. These guys school up near the inlet and are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're also mighty tasty if you're looking to bring home dinner!

Black Sea Bass: When we hit the bottom spots, these are often the stars of the show. Don't let their size fool you - what they lack in length, they make up for in fight. Sea Bass have big mouths and even bigger appetites, so they're usually eager to bite. They hang out near structure on the seafloor, so when you feel that distinctive thump on your line, get ready for some arm-pumping action.

Great Barracuda: If we venture a bit further offshore, you might just tangle with one of these toothy critters. Barracuda are the wolves of the sea - sleek, fast, and always ready for a meal. They'll often follow your catch up from the depths, so keep an eye out for their distinctive shape lurking behind your fish. Hooking into a 'cuda is like hitting the jackpot for many first-timers - they're known for their powerful runs and impressive aerial displays.

Cobia: These bruisers are the wildcards of our waters. They show up in the warmer months and can grow to over 100 pounds! Cobia are curious creatures and often swim right up to the boat. If you're lucky enough to hook one, hang on tight. They're renowned for their stamina and will test your arms with long, powerful runs. Landing a cobia is a true accomplishment for any angler, beginner or pro.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who join us for this beginner's trip often catch the fishing bug - hard. There's something special about being out on the open water, the anticipation of what might be on the end of your line, and the rush when you finally reel in that fish you've been battling. Our captains love sharing their passion for fishing and seeing the excitement on guests' faces when they land their first offshore catch. Plus, the waters off Little River are teeming with life. One day you might be reeling in Mackerel left and right, the next you could stumble upon a school of hard-fighting Cobia. Every trip is different, and that's what keeps people coming back for more.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, are you ready to dip your toes into the world of offshore fishing? This 4-hour trip is the perfect intro - long enough to get a real taste of the action, but not so long that you'll be worn out by the end. Our experienced captains will make sure you're comfortable, having fun, and most importantly, catching fish. Whether you're looking for a unique family outing or want to try something new with your buddies, this trip fits the bill. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. And while we can't control the weather or the fish, we can promise you a day full of new experiences and maybe even some fish stories to take home. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and let's get out there on the water. Book your trip now and get ready to make some waves!

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass are the go-to fish for steady action, usually 1-3 pounds but some topping 5. You'll find them hugging structure in 60-120 feet of water - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms are prime spots. They're here year-round, but summer and fall offer the best fishing. Anglers love sea bass for their aggressive bites and tasty white meat - perfect for fish tacos. To catch 'em, drop cut bait or squid to the bottom on a two-hook rig. A local tip: once you find a good spot, mark it on your GPS. These fish often return to the same structures year after year. When the bite's on, it can be non-stop action. Just remember to check regulations, as seasons and limits can change. Don't be surprised if you hook into some bigger cousins like grouper while you're at it.

Cobia

Cobia are the bulldogs of our coastal waters, averaging 30-50 pounds but sometimes topping 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and even following big rays in 20-80 feet of water. Late spring and summer are prime, when they migrate up the coast. Anglers prize cobia for their hard-fighting nature - they'll test your stamina with long, powerful runs. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. To land one, try sight-casting with live eels or large jigs when you spot them near the surface. A local tip: chumming can really get them fired up. Once hooked, be ready for anything - cobia are known for their unpredictable fights, often charging the boat or wrapping around structure. Patience and a strong back are key to bringing these brutes to the net.

Great Barracuda

Great Barracuda are the sleek torpedoes of our nearshore waters, growing up to 6 feet long. You'll spot them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges, often in water less than 30 feet deep. They're here year-round, but summer's your best bet when they're most active. Folks love targeting 'cudas for their fierce strikes and powerful runs - they'll test your gear and your arms. Plus, seeing those big teeth up close is always a rush. To hook one, try drifting live bait like mullet or toss out some flashy lures. A local trick: use wire leaders, as their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Keep an eye on the surface; sometimes you'll see them stalking bait. When you do, cast quickly - they don't stick around long once spooked.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are speed demons of the sea, often hitting 30 pounds or more. You'll find them cruising the open waters from 40 to 150 feet deep, especially near drop-offs and structures. Late spring through fall is prime time, when they follow bait schools up the coast. Anglers love 'em for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics - hook one and hold on tight! They're also great eating, with firm, flavorful meat. To up your chances, try slow-trolling live bait like menhaden or mullet. Keep an eye out for diving birds, which often signal feeding kings below. When you see that, it's time to get lines in the water fast. These fish don't mess around, so be ready for explosive strikes and smoking drags.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are the perfect fish for light tackle fun, usually 2-4 pounds but lightning fast. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often in 20-40 feet of water around inlets and nearshore reefs. They show up in spring and stick around through fall, following bait schools. Anglers love Spanish for their quick runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll make your reel sing. They're also tasty eating, great for grilling or smoking. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or casting light jigs into feeding frenzies. Watch for birds diving - that often means Spanish are pushing bait to the surface. A local trick: use a long fluorocarbon leader, as these fish have sharp eyes and can be leader-shy. When you find a school, work it quick - they move fast and don't stick around long.

About the Center Console Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for a fun day of fishing? This 4-hour trip from Little River Inlet is perfect for beginners and families looking to cast a line. You'll head out with an experienced captain who knows all the best spots to catch Spanish and King Mackerel. If conditions are right, you might even venture to the Confederate wreck or nearby bottom areas to try for Black Seabass and Porgy. With some luck, you could spot Great Barracuda offshore too. The captain tailors each outing to make sure everyone - from first-timers to seasoned anglers - has a great time reeling in fish. With room for up to 4 guests, it's an ideal way to spend a relaxed day on the water while learning the ropes of offshore fishing. Just remember, deposits can't be refunded, so choose your date wisely!

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