Gear & Tackle

Saltwater & Coast

Fly Fishing

Spin, Cast & Bait

Murrells Inlet Fishing Guide

South Carolina

A small, salty estuary of roughly 2.4 square miles at high tide with almost no river flow, and a red drum fishery the state studies and stocks.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Murrells Inlet for redfish. In October, redfish is in season, and Clouser Minnow, EP Baitfish and Spoon Fly are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 25 miles (1 fly, 11 bait and tackle); the closest is Inlet Rocks Bait and Tackle in Murrells Inlet, under a mile away. Santee Cooper Lakes is about 73 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Murrells Inlet Species

Redfish

Redfish

Prime Now
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Best: Mar to May, Sep to Nov

Images: Duane Raver, USFWS. Public domain.

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month

10 picks for October.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Redfish

Fly 9 ft 8 wt rod, floating redfish line, 16 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid with a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Murrells Inlet

Fly Lines

RIO Redfish Fly Line

A heavy front taper for quick shots at tailing fish in warm, humid conditions.

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Fly Rods

Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 8 wt Fly Rod

An 8 weight handles bass bugs, redfish flats, and wind. The most versatile warmwater and inshore size.

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Fly Reels

Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.

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Sunglasses

Costa Polarized Fishing Sunglasses

Polarized lenses cut glare so you can see fish, structure, and flats.

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Reels

Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel

A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.

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Reels

Penn Battle III Spinning Reel

A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.

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Rods

Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod

A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.

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Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

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Within 25 Miles

Shops Near Murrells Inlet

Within 25 Miles

Guides and Charters Near Murrells Inlet

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Lakes & Reservoirs · South Carolina · About 73 mi

Santee Cooper Lakes

Lakes Marion and Moultrie, known for trophy blue catfish and landlocked stripers.

Blue Catfish · Striped Bass · Crappie

Saltwater & Coast · South Carolina · About 75 mi

Charleston Harbor

Marsh, creeks, and jetties around Charleston with flood tide tailing redfish.

Redfish · Speckled Trout · Sheepshead