A Day at Sea: 12 Hours Chasing Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi and Billfish off Murrells Inlet

MURRELLS INLET FISHING FIELD GUIDE

A Day at Sea: 12 Hours Chasing Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi and Billfish off Murrells Inlet

A full-day offshore charter that runs roughly 60+ miles out for all-day trolling and bottom fishing—this guide distills what to expect and how to prepare.

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A Day at Sea: 12 Hours Chasing Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi and Billfish off Murrells Inlet.

Duration
12 Hours
Location
Murrells Inlet
Operator
Reel Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters
Category
Fishing

Adventure brief

A Day at Sea: 12 Hours Chasing Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi and Billfish off Murrells Inlet

Hook into the thrill of offshore fishing for Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi and Billfish from Murrells Inlet. Spend a full day trolling and bottom fishing more than 60 miles offshore in pursuit of big pelagic fish and bottom species, with nonstop action and the prospect of filling your fish box.

Board a 12 Hour Offshore Charter out of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and spend a full day chasing pelagic giants 60-plus miles beyond the shoreline. This full-day trolling-and-bottom-fishing trip targets Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi, Billfish and deep-water Grouper across the continental shelf where the warm Gulf Stream currents collide with the seabed drop-off. The combination of deep water within a day’s run and seasonal migrations makes these grounds one of the Southeast’s most reliable bluewater fisheries.

The trip launches from Murrells Inlet, a working fishing community on South Carolina’s Grand Strand known for its long fishing tradition and strong seafood culture. With a maximum of six anglers aboard, the charter keeps the action intense and personal: rod time is high, lines rarely lie idle, and the chance to fill a fish box before returning toshore is real. Expect a balance of trolling for fast pelagics and stopping on structure to vertical jig or bottom fish when the captain finds a promising bite.

Why this charter stands out for visitors is the access it provides to true offshore habitat without the multi-day commitment. Within a single 12-hour window anglers encounter everything from high-speed Wahoo strikes to the tactical battles with Tuna and the hooky fights of billfish. The natural theater—sea birds working bait, the sheen of bait balls on the surface, and the sudden flash of a chasing pelagic—is what makes the day memorable as much as the fish.

Practical notes for planning: this is a long, full-day experience; sea conditions and weather dictate safety and success, and seasons shape target species—Mahi and Wahoo in warmer months, Tuna and billfish during migratory windows. The vessel’s capacity limit favors groups who want hands-on fishing and a higher catch-per-angler expectation. Specifics like check-in location, tackle provided, and filleting or storage services are confirmed at booking.

Families with older kids (the listing notes ages 5 and up) will find this itinerary doable when everyone is prepared for a long day. Expect a pre-departure safety briefing, plenty of rod rotations, and crew coaching for hookups and braking runs. Pack a robust lunch, waterproof bags for electronics, and labeled coolers for your catch. Motion-sickness medication is recommended for less-experienced riders. Plan on arriving early to beat lines.

Route Schematic

Route schematic and key stops

The charter follows a straightforward sequence: departure, transit to offshore grounds, fishing (trolling and bottom work), then return to port.

  1. Departure — Murrells Inlet

    Embark from Murrells Inlet with the charter operator and head offshore for a full-day run.

  2. Transit to blue-water grounds (60+ miles)

    A lengthy transit places the boat on pelagic grounds more than 60 miles offshore for trolling and big-game opportunities.

  3. Trolling and bottom fishing

    Alternate between high-speed trolling for Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi and Billfish and focused bottom fishing for Grouper and other reef fish.

  4. Return to Murrells Inlet

    After a full day on the water, the boat runs back to Murrells Inlet to conclude the 12-hour charter.

This is a full 12-hour offshore trip and follows a 60+ mile run; participants should meet the operator’s age guideline (Ages 5+) and be prepared for a long day at sea.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CATCH

Big-game pelagics and bottom species

Targets include Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi, Billfish and Grouper—expect a mix of high-speed trolling for pelagics and targeted bottom fishing for grouper.

THE DISTANCE

A true blue-water day — 60+ miles offshore

This is a full-day offshore run that pushes well beyond inshore grounds, placing anglers on productive pelagic and deep-reef water.

THE PACE

All-day action and full fish boxes

The charter is designed for nonstop fishing over a 12-hour span, making it a go-to for anglers aiming to fill coolers by day’s end.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

You spend the full 12-hour trip alternating between trolling and bottom fishing as the boat carries you 60+ miles offshore. Expect long transits to blue-water grounds, sustained fishing windows for pelagics, and dedicated time on bottom structure for grouper and other reef species—an endurance day built around consistent action.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this charter suits best—and who should reconsider.

1
Serious anglersIdeal for anglers seeking an all-day offshore chase of pelagics and reef species; the format favors sustained fishing time over 12 hours.
2
Families with older childrenFamilies can participate provided children meet the operator age guideline of 5 years and up; plan for a long day offshore.
3
First-time ocean anglersAges 10 and older.
4
Travelers with very young childrenNot ideal for families with children under 5 given the operator’s age guideline and the all-day offshore nature of the trip.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Confirm recommended personal gear and provisions with the operator, Reel Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters; contact them ahead of time to verify specifics.

Onboard provisions

Bring any personal items you require for a 12-hour day on the water and consult the operator regarding food, water and tackle arrangements.

Pre-trip checks

Confirm final details with the charter operator before departure—especially gear, boarding time, and any operator-specific requirements.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the charter?

The charter runs for 12 hours.

How far offshore do you go?

The trip runs more than 60 miles offshore.

What species are targeted?

Targets include Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi, Billfish and Grouper.

What methods of fishing are used?

The charter uses trolling and bottom fishing techniques over the course of the day.

Is there a minimum age to join?

Participants must meet the operator’s age guideline of 5 years and older.

Will I have a chance to bring fish home?

The trip is structured for all-day action with the opportunity to fill fish boxes by day’s end.

How this guide was prepared

This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.

  • Verified: 2026-09-07T20:57:55.147Z

Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.

Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.

Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.

A Day at Sea: 12 Hours Chasing Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi and Billfish off Murrells Inlet