4-Hour Myrtle Beach Offshore Charter | Knotty Sea

4-Hour Offshore Myrtle Beach Fishing Charter

Looking for a taste of the deep blue without eating up your whole vacation day? This 4-hour offshore charter aboard the Salty Dog hits that sweet spot perfectly. Captain Michael Ardolino knows these Myrtle Beach waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for putting guests on fish fast. Whether you're a complete rookie or just want to squeeze in some quality fishing time, this trip delivers the offshore experience without the marathon commitment. We'll head out past the breakers where the real action happens, targeting everything from screaming King Mackerel to monster Cobia that'll test your arms and your drag system.

What to Expect on the Water

The Salty Dog isn't just another charter boat – she's built for comfort and built to fish. We'll cruise out to the productive offshore waters where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish cruise. This isn't your typical pier fishing experience; we're talking about open ocean fishing where anything can happen on any cast. The boat comes loaded with all the essentials: quality bait, proven tackle setups, plenty of ice for your catch, and cold bottled water to keep you hydrated. Your fishing licenses are covered too, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the box. With space for four anglers (we can squeeze in two more for $75 each if your crew grows), there's plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Captain Michael runs a tight ship but keeps things fun and relaxed, especially when families with kids are aboard.

Techniques and Tackle

Offshore fishing is all about covering water and presenting baits where the fish are feeding. We'll primarily be trolling with a spread of lures and live bait to locate active schools, then switch to casting and bottom fishing once we mark fish on the sounder. The captain provides all the gear you'll need – heavy spinning reels spooled with braided line, conventional reels for the serious pulls, and an arsenal of proven lures that produce in these waters. Live bait like menhaden and cigar minnows often steal the show, especially when the Kings are running hot. We'll also deploy some bottom rigs for Redfish and whatever else might be hanging around the structure. Don't worry if you've never used this gear before – Captain Michael will get you dialed in quickly. The key to offshore success is being ready when opportunity strikes, and that means having your drag set right and knowing how to work a fish properly when it hits.

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Myrtle Beach offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can hit 40+ pounds and will absolutely smoke your drag on their initial run. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through fall, cruising the edges of the continental shelf in search of baitfish schools. When a King hits a trolled bait, you'll know it immediately – the rod tip buries and line starts screaming off the reel. They're fantastic eating too, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability; you might hook a 5-pounder or a 50-pounder on the same exact setup.

Cobia are the bruisers of the offshore world around here, often called "brown sharks" by folks who mistake them at first glance. These chocolate-colored fighters can exceed 50 pounds and they absolutely refuse to give up easy. Spring and early summer are prime time when they cruise near the surface, often following rays and sharks. Cobia have this curious nature that works in anglers' favor – they'll often approach the boat to investigate, giving you a shot at sight-casting. When hooked, they make powerful runs and have a habit of wrapping themselves around anything they can find. The meat is outstanding, comparable to shark but without the ammonia taste some folks worry about.

Redfish might seem like an inshore species to most people, but the offshore bulls are a whole different animal. These copper-colored tanks can push 40+ pounds and provide fights that'll leave your arms burning. Late summer and fall bring the best offshore Redfish action when they school up in massive numbers over nearshore reefs and wrecks. Unlike their inshore cousins, these offshore bulls are usually caught on bottom rigs with cut bait. They're not the fastest fish in the ocean, but they make up for it with pure power and determination. The slot-sized fish make excellent table fare, while the big bulls are usually released to keep the population strong.

Sharks add that element of surprise to any offshore trip, and Myrtle Beach waters hold several species worth targeting. Blacktips, Spinners, and occasional Bulls show up regularly, especially during the summer months when baitfish are thick. Most sharks we encounter range from 3-6 feet, perfect for some exciting photos and stories. They're incredibly strong fighters that test every knot and connection on your tackle. While most are released, smaller sharks provide excellent eating for those interested in trying something different. There's nothing quite like the steady pull of a shark to get your adrenaline pumping, and they often show up when you least expect them.

Time to Book Your Spot

This 4-hour offshore charter represents exactly what modern fishing should be – maximum action in minimum time with a captain who knows how to make it happen. Captain Michael's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and the Salty Dog is equipped to handle whatever these waters throw at us. Whether you're introducing kids to offshore fishing, celebrating a special occasion, or just need a fishing fix during your beach vacation, this trip delivers the goods. The best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around hoping for last-minute availability. Book your spot today and get ready to experience why Myrtle Beach offshore fishing keeps anglers coming back year after year. Four hours on the water with Knotty Sea Fishing Charters might just be the highlight of