South Carolina · Grand Strand
MAHI MAHI FISHING
IN MURRELLS INLET
Murrells Inlet is a solid destination for mahi mahi fishing, with good fishing in June, July. Book a charter and target mahi mahi with local experts.
About Mahi Mahi Fishing in Murrells Inlet
Also called Dolphin or Dorado. Stunningly beautiful and acrobatic. Excellent eating.
Mahi Mahi — also called Dolphin or Dorado — are the most brilliantly colored fish in the ocean. Their iridescent body shimmers with electric blues, greens, and golds that literally change before your eyes. Males (called "bulls") develop a prominent flat forehead, while females ("cows") have a more rounded head profile. These fast-growing pelagic fish are found in blue water near floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. They are acrobatic fighters that tailwalk across the surface and make spectacular aerial leaps.
Scientific name: Coryphaena hippurus
Mahi Mahi Seasonal Calendar — Murrells Inlet
Month-by-month availability for mahi mahi in Murrells Inlet, SC.
How to Catch Mahi Mahi in Murrells Inlet
Techniques & Bait
Trolling ballyhoo rigged with colorful duster/lure combinations along weed lines, current edges, and near floating debris is the classic technique. Once a school is located, stop the boat and pitch live pilchards, cut ballyhoo, or small live baits to the school — mahi travel in groups and multiple hookups are common. Casting light jigs, spoons, or fly-rod streamers to fish visible near floating objects is incredibly exciting. Keep one fish in the water next to the boat to hold the school in place while catching others.
Recommended Tackle
Medium spinning or conventional rod (6'6"-7 ft), 4000-5000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader. For trolling: 20-30 lb class conventional rigs. Mahi have sandpaper-like mouths — fluorocarbon leader works fine (no wire needed).
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Murrells Inlet
Top spots where local captains target mahi mahi 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.
Mahi Mahi Fishing in Murrells Inlet — FAQ
Mahi Mahi fishing in Murrells Inlet is productive during June, July.
Mahi Mahi 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 ballyhoo rigged with colorful duster/lure combinations along weed lines, current edges, and near floating debris is the classic technique. Once a school is located, stop the boat and pitch live pilchards, cut ballyhoo, or small live baits to the school — mahi travel in groups and multiple hookups are common. Casting light jigs, spoons, or fly-rod streamers to fish visible near floating objects is incredibly exciting. Keep one fish in the water next to the boat to hold the school in place while catching others.
No — when you book a charter in Murrells Inlet, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Mahi Mahi 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 Mahi Mahi 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 Mahi Mahi in Murrells Inlet?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your mahi mahi fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes