Going Myrtle Beach deep sea fishing is an adventure unlike any other here at the beach! There are different deep sea charters available along the Grand Strand, each having their own benefits for each angler that desires to catch sport fish. There are others which will accommodate a small number of people (private charter boats) while others are large where you can go deep sea fishing in a large group of people (often called party boats or group boats). It is necessary for you to compare different charter providers available so that you can decide on the best fit for you.
A word of note from the local Captains — deep sea fishing in Myrtle Beach often means offshore to the “blue water” which is around 50 – 80 miles from the coastline. Travel time to the blue water depends on the size and speed of the boat, but expect to take 1.5 – 3 hours of travel time to reach the fishing spot for the day while on your charter. For many visitors to our area who are more casual anglers, an inshore trip may provide far more fishing time and still the opportunity to catch lots of fish!
Some of the factors you should take into consideration when choosing Myrtle Beach deep sea fishing charters include the following:
What You Can Expect To Catch While Myrtle Beach Deep Sea Fishing
At the sea you can catch different types of fish such as:
- Mahi Mahi
- Tuna (blackfin, yellowfin, bluefin)
- Bonito
- Wahoo
- Grouper
- Triggerfish
- King Mackerel
- Amberjack
- Black Sea Bass
- Sharks (various types)
- Grunt
- Vermillion Snapper
The different types of fish are available at different locations. King Mackerel often come very close (many are caught on the piers during season) to shore, while Wahoo and nearly all Tuna are often 50+ miles offshore. For you to have a feel of catching different types of fish, you should hire a charter service which will use different routes so that you can catch the fish. The captain and his crew should be experienced to know the best route you can follow so that you will increase chances of catching different types of fish.
Picking The Right Charter Boat For You
The best deep sea fishing charter should have crews whom you get along with, keep your safety a priority and put forth an effort to put you on the bite. While no Captain can control mother nature, the Captain and crew should put forth every effort to get you in the best places to get fish!
A private deep sea fishing charter in Myrtle Beach allows for just your group and the Captain (often with a deckmate) to go on the boat. This, of course, allows for your group to enjoy time together riding out to the spots your Captain finds while also often giving everyone a much greater chance to catch fish.
A group, shared or party boat deep sea charter will have the drawback of having lots of anglers going after a limited amount of fish. However, the costs for these trips are significantly lower for each fisherman. If you are in a small group or on a budget, a shared deep sea fishing charter will likely make much more sense for you needs.
What You’ll Want To Bring With You On A Trip
All charter boats should have all required safety gear, VHF radios so that you can be safe while at deep sea fishing. It is necessary for you to only go on boats that are fully equipped with all safety gear you need for you to enjoy your fishing adventure.
When going on a deep sea charter, you’ll want to bring with you:
- Layered clothing – even on warm days, the water can cool the air temperature
- Lots of bottles of water for everyone in the group
- Cash to pay for your charter/tip Captain or crew
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (non-spray as those brands often damage marine-safe paints on boats)
- Camera to take a picture of the big one
Length Of Trip & Distance To Travel To Go Deep Sea Fishing
The Myrtle Beach deep sea fishing charters available offer different fishing duration and water depth/distances. Remember you will have to travel for about 50~ miles to the deep sea where you will find clear deep water for fishing off the Myrtle Beach coastline. You should take into account the travel time and the time you will spend catching fish when booking a charter for a time slot. A charter which will allow you more time at sea will make you have more fishing time for your money. You should ask before you decide on a given charter how long is travel time versus fishing time.
What To Expect To Pay For A Deep Sea Fishing Trip
The charter service providers available at Myrtle Beach charge at different rates. If you will like to save money, then it is necessary to compare different service providers before you hire. When taking into consideration the rates of different charters, it is necessary for you to check on the duration of time you will be allowed to stay at sea and other added features. For example, there are some charters which are designed to meet high level of luxury. If you will like to enjoy yourself to the fullest, then you can book them.
Offshore trips on shared boats typically range from $75 to $150 per person. Offshore trips on shared boats are often 10-12 hours of total time. For a private deep sea charter boat, you can expect to pay $700 – $1,000 for an all-day trip for the entire boat. If you split a private charter boat with friends or others on your trip (many of these boats hold 10-20 people) means that your cost per person can average $75 or less. Note: private charters can sometimes ‘join you up’ with another group, contact them for more details.
Staying Comfortable On A Charter
The cabin should be equipped with air conditioners and other accessories you need to stay comfortable while at sea. For example, the weather may become harsh while you are at sea; the fishing charter should put measures in place to ensure you are comfortable. The primary purpose of going for deep sport sea fishing is to enjoy yourself hence you should ensure the charter is as comfortable as possible. It is necessary to visit the charter companies and have a look at the cabin so that you can know whether it is worth your investment. A comfortable cabin will make you happy while at sea trying to catch different types of fish.
