South Carolina · Grand Strand
COBIA FISHING
IN MURRELLS INLET
Murrells Inlet is a solid destination for cobia fishing, with peak season in May and good catches in April, June. Book a charter and target cobia with local experts.
About Cobia Fishing in Murrells Inlet
A powerful, curious fish often found near buoys, rays, and structure. Excellent eating and hard fighters.
Cobia are powerful, unique gamefish that look like nothing else in the ocean — a flat, broad head, single dorsal fin, and dark brown coloring with a distinctive black lateral stripe running from head to tail, with lighter stripes above and below. They are often found near buoys, rays, sea turtles, and other large objects, using them as shade and ambush cover. Cobia are curious fish that will approach boats, and sight-casting to cruising cobia is one of the most exciting experiences in inshore/nearshore fishing.
Scientific name: Rachycentron canadum
Cobia Seasonal Calendar — Murrells Inlet
Month-by-month availability for cobia in Murrells Inlet, SC.
How to Catch Cobia in Murrells Inlet
Techniques & Bait
Sight-casting to cobia following rays or cruising near buoys is the premier technique — throw a live eel, large live crab, or large jig directly in front of a cruising fish. Live eels are the #1 bait. Large jigs (1-2 oz) in brown, white, or chartreuse bounced near structure work well. Chumming with cut baitfish over wrecks and reefs draws cobia up from the bottom. During the spring migration, anchoring near channel markers and buoys with live bait (pinfish, crabs) catches fish as they migrate along the coast.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy spinning or conventional rod (7 ft), 5000-6000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 40-60 lb fluorocarbon leader, 5/0-7/0 circle hooks. Cobia make blistering initial runs — make sure your drag is set properly.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Murrells Inlet
Top spots where local captains target cobia and other nearshore species.
Murrells Inlet Jetties
The rock jetties guarding the mouth of Murrells Inlet are a nearshore fishing hotspot, attracting sheepshead, black drum, flounder, and mangrove snapper to their submerged boulders. Spanish mackerel and king mackerel patrol the outside edges during warmer months. Fishing the jetties on an outgoing tide is one of the most reliable nearshore techniques available from this port.
Murrells Inlet Artificial Reef (AR-315)
The AR-315 artificial reef complex sits a few miles offshore of Murrells Inlet in roughly 45 feet of water, built from concrete rubble, reef balls, and decommissioned vessels. Black sea bass, sheepshead, spadefish, and triggerfish populate the structure year-round, with cobia and king mackerel appearing in summer. It is one of the most visited nearshore reef sites along the Grand Strand.
Surfside Beach Pier
Surfside Beach Pier provides land-based access to nearshore Atlantic waters just north of Murrells Inlet. Whiting, pompano, flounder, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are caught along the pier throughout the season. King mackerel runs in fall bring tournament-level excitement, with fish often hooked within sight of the beach.
The Grouper Grounds
A stretch of natural live-bottom reef approximately eight miles offshore of Murrells Inlet, this area features limestone ledges and hard bottom covered in sponge and coral. Black sea bass, gag grouper, vermilion snapper, and sheepshead hold tight to the structure. The reef attracts a devoted following of local bottom-fishing enthusiasts who guard their GPS waypoints closely.
Other Species in Murrells Inlet
More fish you can target while visiting Murrells Inlet.
Cobia Fishing in Murrells Inlet — FAQ
The peak months for Cobia fishing in Murrells Inlet are May. During these months, Cobia are most active and abundant in the Murrells Inlet area.
Cobia fishing charters in Murrells Inlet are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Sight-casting to cobia following rays or cruising near buoys is the premier technique — throw a live eel, large live crab, or large jig directly in front of a cruising fish. Live eels are the #1 bait. Large jigs (1-2 oz) in brown, white, or chartreuse bounced near structure work well. Chumming with cut baitfish over wrecks and reefs draws cobia up from the bottom. During the spring migration, anchoring near channel markers and buoys with live bait (pinfish, crabs) catches fish as they migrate along the coast.
No — when you book a charter in Murrells Inlet, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Cobia 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 Cobia in Murrells Inlet, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Flounder, Pompano. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Cobia in Murrells Inlet?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your cobia fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes