South Carolina · Grand Strand
BLUE MARLIN FISHING
IN MURRELLS INLET
Murrells Inlet is a solid destination for blue marlin fishing. Book a charter and target blue marlin with local experts.
About Blue Marlin Fishing in Murrells Inlet
The ultimate big game fish. Spectacular fighters that can exceed 1,000 pounds.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate big game fish — the apex predator of the open ocean. These magnificent billfish can exceed 1,000 lbs and are found in warm, blue water worldwide. Their cobalt-blue back, silver-white belly, and prominent bill (upper jaw extension used for slashing through bait schools) make them unmistakable. When hooked, blue marlin are spectacularly acrobatic — greyhounding across the surface and launching themselves fully airborne, sometimes multiple times. Catching a blue marlin on rod and reel is considered one of fishing's ultimate achievements.
Scientific name: Makaira nigricans
Blue Marlin Seasonal Calendar — Murrells Inlet
Month-by-month availability for blue marlin in Murrells Inlet, SC.
How to Catch Blue Marlin in Murrells Inlet
Techniques & Bait
Trolling large skirted lures (Moldcraft, Black Bart, Marlin Magic) in a spread behind the boat at 8-10 knots is the standard technique. Live bait trolling with large skipjack tuna, bonito, or blue runners under a bridge-mounted bait and switch setup targets the largest fish. Dredges (underwater teasers with hookless bait) are used to attract marlin to the spread. Pitch baiting — pulling a teaser close to the boat to draw in a marlin, then pitching a live bait — is the most exciting technique for experienced crews.
Recommended Tackle
80-130 lb class conventional trolling gear, roller guides, 80-130 lb monofilament, heavy cable leaders, size 10/0-12/0 hooks. Stand-up gear for experienced anglers. Fighting chair for fish over 500 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Murrells Inlet
Top spots where local captains target blue marlin and other deep sea fishing species.
The Georgetown Lumps
The Georgetown Lumps are a series of underwater bottom features 30-45 miles offshore, consisting of natural ridges and depressions that create fish-holding structure in deep water. Grouper, vermilion snapper, amberjack, and triggerfish stack up on the ledges, while wahoo and king mackerel cruise the water column above. It is one of the most productive deep-bottom fishing areas accessible from Murrells Inlet.
The 90-Foot Wrecks
A cluster of sunken vessels in roughly 90 feet of water offshore of the inlet, these wrecks create massive fish-attracting habitat on an otherwise sandy bottom. Amberjack, barracuda, cobia, and large black sea bass hold on the metal structure, while sharks and king mackerel circle the perimeter. The wrecks are reliable producers on both half-day and full-day charters.
The Gulf Stream Edge
The Gulf Stream's western wall passes roughly 50-60 miles offshore of Murrells Inlet, carrying warm tropical water northward along the continental shelf edge. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and occasional blue marlin are targeted along the temperature break. Full-day and overnight charters make the run to the Stream for the Grand Strand's premier bluewater fishing experience.
The Horseshoe
The Horseshoe is a distinctive horseshoe-shaped bottom contour roughly 40 miles offshore that creates a natural amphitheater of ledges and drop-offs. Scamp grouper, red snapper, tilefish, and vermilion snapper hold along the deepest edges, while amberjack and king mackerel roam the upper water column. It is a well-known waypoint among experienced offshore captains running out of Murrells Inlet and Georgetown.
Other Species in Murrells Inlet
More fish you can target while visiting Murrells Inlet.
Blue Marlin Fishing in Murrells Inlet — FAQ
Blue Marlin fishing in Murrells Inlet is productive during .
Blue Marlin fishing charters in Murrells Inlet are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Trolling large skirted lures (Moldcraft, Black Bart, Marlin Magic) in a spread behind the boat at 8-10 knots is the standard technique. Live bait trolling with large skipjack tuna, bonito, or blue runners under a bridge-mounted bait and switch setup targets the largest fish. Dredges (underwater teasers with hookless bait) are used to attract marlin to the spread. Pitch baiting — pulling a teaser close to the boat to draw in a marlin, then pitching a live bait — is the most exciting technique for experienced crews.
No — when you book a charter in Murrells Inlet, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Blue Marlin regulations in South Carolina include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Blue Marlin in Murrells Inlet, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Flounder, Cobia. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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