Murrells Inlet Kayak Fishing
Tips, species guides, bait advice, and local knowledge from someone who's been fishing these creeks their whole life.
Get Where the
Big Fish Hide
The grass flats and tidal creeks of Murrells Inlet hold some of the best inshore fishing on the South Carolina coast. The problem is most of it is in water too shallow for a boat.
A kayak changes that. You can slide into 8 inches of water, approach quietly, and fish the exact spots where redfish are tailing and flounder are lying in ambush. It's a completely different experience.
Rent a Fishing KayakInshore Species Guide
The main species you'll target from a kayak in Murrells Inlet, with tips from a lifelong local angler.
Redfish (Red Drum)
Year-round — best fall"Look for tailing reds in shallow grass flats on a rising tide. They'll be pushing water and their tails will break the surface. Approach quietly — a kayak is perfect for this."
Flounder
Spring through Fall"Troll slowly along the bottom near structure. Flounder lie flat and ambush prey. The question I get asked most — drag a mud minnow slowly along the bottom near channel edges."
Spotted Sea Trout
Spring through Fall"Early morning topwater action in the creeks can be spectacular. They'll blow up on a popping cork with live shrimp. Work the edges of grass beds."
Black Drum
Year-round"Fish around oyster bars and dock pilings. Black drum root around the bottom for crabs and shrimp. Use a fiddler crab on a Carolina rig near structure."
Sheepshead
Winter and Spring"Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. Use a small hook and feel for the lightest tap. Fish tight to pilings and structure in cooler months."
Cobia
Spring and Summer"Follow cownose rays in the spring — cobia shadow them. Also check channel markers and buoys. They're aggressive and will eat a large jig."
Bait That Works
in Murrells Inlet
With warm weather here — which is strange to say since we never have much of a winter — I almost strictly use natural bait. It's so abundant and easy to catch, I don't see much reason to use artificial. Here's what I like to use by species.
The most versatile live bait in the inlet. Set a minnow trap overnight near marsh grass. Great for flounder, redfish, and trout.
Available at most local bait shops. Works on everything. Under a popping cork for trout, on the bottom for drum.
Hard to beat for flounder. Catch them with a cast net in the early morning near the surface.
The go-to for sheepshead and black drum around structure. Dig them from the marsh mud at low tide.
Tips for a Better Trip
- 1
Always check the tide before you go — paddling with the tide makes everything easier and more productive.
- 2
Early morning (6–9am) is the best window for fishing. Less boat traffic, cooler temps, more active fish.
- 3
A kayak lets you access grass flats in 6–12 inches of water where big redfish feed — spots a boat can't reach.
- 4
Wear polarized sunglasses. You'll spot fish you'd never see without them.
- 5
Bring more water than you think you need. South Carolina sun is serious.
- 6
A SC saltwater fishing license is required. Get one at dnr.sc.gov — it's quick and cheap.
A South Carolina saltwater fishing license is required. Check current regulations for size and bag limits before you go.
SC DNR WebsiteLocal Fishing Charters
Verified active charters operating out of Murrells Inlet and the Grand Strand. All confirmed in business as of 2026.
Black River Outdoors
Kayak Fishing & Eco Tours — Female & Veteran Owned
The premier kayak fishing guide in the Murrells Inlet / Pawleys Island area. 4-hour guided kayak fishing trips targeting redfish, flounder, speckled trout, and more in the tidal creeks and grass flats. All equipment and bait provided. Rated 4.9 stars with 1,138+ TripAdvisor reviews. "Went out kayak fishing with Stephen a couple days ago — he is an outstanding guide! I'm new to the Murrells Inlet area and kayak fishing. He was extremely knowledgeable." — TripAdvisor reviewer
From $130/person
Outlaw Fishing Charters
Inshore Fishing on the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk
Three captains, three boats, one unforgettable inshore fishing experience right on the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk. Captain Tommy Werner, Captain Dustin Utt, and Captain Coleman Reich put you on redfish, flounder, trout, and sheepshead aboard 239FS Key West center consoles. Up to 6 anglers per boat. "Captain Tommy knows his stuff. He is very professional and knows where the fish are. Each time I and my family go with him, he puts us on fish." — FishingBooker. 4.9 stars on Google with 96 reviews.
Harvest Moon Fishing Charters
2025 TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award Winner
Captain R.C. Ferdon is the most awarded fishing guide along the Grand Strand, earning TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice honors in both 2024 and 2025 and the 2025 Best of the Beach Award from The Sun News. Specializing in inshore, nearshore, tarpon, and eco-tours from Georgetown to Myrtle Beach. "Captain Richie is the best guide in the Georgetown, Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet areas. Very knowledgeable..." — TripAdvisor, April 2025.
Ready to Fish the Inlet?
Rent a fishing kayak or book a guided fishing tour. We'll put you on the fish.