South Carolina · Grand Strand
WAHOO FISHING
IN MURRELLS INLET
Murrells Inlet is a solid destination for wahoo fishing, with good fishing in October, November. Book a charter and target wahoo with local experts.
About Wahoo Fishing in Murrells Inlet
One of the fastest fish in the ocean. Prized for firm, white flesh and blistering runs.
Wahoo are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of bursts over 60 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators have a sleek, elongated body with vivid blue-black vertical bars on a bright silver-blue background. The bars become more vivid when the fish is excited or feeding. Their narrow, beak-like snout is filled with razor-sharp triangular teeth that can slice through bait (and fingers) instantly. When hooked, the initial run is blistering — often stripping 200+ yards of line in seconds before the fish slows.
Scientific name: Acanthocybium solandri
Wahoo Seasonal Calendar — Murrells Inlet
Month-by-month availability for wahoo in Murrells Inlet, SC.
How to Catch Wahoo in Murrells Inlet
Techniques & Bait
High-speed trolling (12-18 knots) with skirted lures, Rapala Magnums, and wahoo bombs behind a planer is the most effective technique. Slow-trolling live blue runners or bonito on wire leaders near temperature breaks and current edges produces trophy fish. Deep-dropping live bait on a downrigger to 100-200 feet under the boat when wahoo are marked on the sonar accounts for many large fish. The key is wire leader — wahoo teeth cut anything else instantly.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy trolling rod, 50 lb class reel, 60-80 lb monofilament or braid, #7-#10 single-strand wire leader or heavy cable (wahoo teeth require wire). For live bait: medium-heavy spinning with wire leader.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Murrells Inlet
Top spots where local captains target wahoo 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.
Wahoo Fishing in Murrells Inlet — FAQ
Wahoo fishing in Murrells Inlet is productive during October, November.
Wahoo 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.
High-speed trolling (12-18 knots) with skirted lures, Rapala Magnums, and wahoo bombs behind a planer is the most effective technique. Slow-trolling live blue runners or bonito on wire leaders near temperature breaks and current edges produces trophy fish. Deep-dropping live bait on a downrigger to 100-200 feet under the boat when wahoo are marked on the sonar accounts for many large fish. The key is wire leader — wahoo teeth cut anything else instantly.
No — when you book a charter in Murrells Inlet, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Wahoo 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 Wahoo in Murrells Inlet, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Flounder, Pompano. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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