Mahi-mahi fishing out of Murrells Inlet means a 50 to 70 mile run to the Gulf Stream and a trolled spread, with summer the main window according to one operator. This guide covers run distances by operator, the reefs and ledges along the route with depths and positions, how locals troll, and who runs mahi trips from this port.
When mahi are off Murrells Inlet
One operator names summer as the prime offshore window. That is the only timing information we have for this port.
The fish are also called dolphinfish, and NOAA’s Atlantic mahi-mahi profile covers the species in general. For the regional picture, see mahi along the Atlantic Southeast (see also the wider Atlantic Southeast guide).
The run to the Gulf Stream
Local operators put the Gulf Stream 50 to 70 miles from the inlet, so a mahi trip from Murrells Inlet is a long day. The same distances apply if you run your own center console.
Before you go, check wind, wave height and period on the official NOAA marine forecast for the zone you will cross.
Distances by operator
Each operator states its own run:
- Salty Hooker: 50 to 70 miles to the Gulf Stream.
- Marlin Quay: 55 to 65 miles, about 2 hours each way.
The figures are ranges because the operators give them as ranges. The stream shifts, and the distance to the edge you want shifts with it.
Trip lengths
Reel Myrtle Beach runs a 12-hour trip. Myrtle Beach Sport Fishing runs an 8-hour trip, which it describes as reaching "genuine blue water for mahi and wahoo."
At about 2 hours each way, an 8-hour day leaves roughly 4 hours on the troll.
Grounds and structure on the way out
The reefs below are shallow bottom structure and known marks along the route. The blue-water end of the run is the ledges and the Winyah Scarp. We make no claim that mahi hold on the reefs.
| Ground | Depth | Marking | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawley’s Island Reef | 23 to 35 ft | 1 buoy | 177 degrees, 5.5 nm from the south jetty |
| Paradise Reef (with H.P. Springs Jr. and add-on reefs) | 30 to 35 ft | 2 buoys | |
| Ten Mile Reef | 34 to 45 ft | 2 buoys | |
| Bill Perry Reef | 65 ft | 1 buoy | |
| BP-25 Reef | 90 to 95 ft | Unmarked, 160′ ship | |
| Will Goldfinch Reef | 175′ ship (YO-225) | 33 17.005 N / 078 45.372 W | |
| Ledges (wahoo and blackfin) | 140 to 250 ft | ||
| Winyah Scarp area | About 60 miles out |
Nearshore reefs
Pawley’s Island Reef sits in 23 to 35 ft with one buoy, on a bearing of 177 degrees and 5.5 nm from the south jetty. Paradise Reef, with H.P. Springs Jr. and other add-on reefs, lies in 30 to 35 ft and carries two buoys. Ten Mile Reef is in 34 to 45 ft with two buoys, and Bill Perry Reef is in 65 ft with one. Use them as route marks.
Deeper wrecks
BP-25 is an unmarked 160′ ship in 90 to 95 ft. Will Goldfinch Reef is the 175′ ship YO-225, at 33 17.005 N / 078 45.372 W.
The ledges
The nearshore ledges run 140 to 250 ft and are known for wahoo and blackfin. Our offshore gamefish guides cover them.
Winyah Scarp
The Winyah Scarp area is a ledge about 60 miles out, at the blue-water end of the run.
Treat the positions above as planning marks. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How mahi are fished here
Locals troll, and most captains reach for skirted ballyhoo. For rigging, spreads and biology, see our mahi-mahi fishing guide.
Trolling
Boats cover water on the run out and work the Gulf Stream edge with a spread.
Skirted ballyhoo
Carolina Sportsman describes skirted ballyhoo as the most reliable offshore pelagic bait.
Who fishes for mahi out of Murrells Inlet
Mahi charters here range from head boats to center consoles. These are the operators that list mahi.
Marlin Quay Marina
The fleet menu lists Carolina Fly and Grand Slam. The run is 55 to 65 miles, about 2 hours each way.
Crazy Sister Marina
The head boats here are New Inlet Princess and Crazy Sister, which is 110 ft.
Salty Hooker Fishing Charters
Salty Hooker runs 50 to 70 miles to the Gulf Stream.
Reel Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters
Captain Matt runs a 32′ center console. The listed departure point is Murrells Inlet Marina, and the trip is 12 hours.
Next Lvl Sportfishing
Hidden Agenda is listed as a 29′ Sea Hunt on the operator’s own site and as a 30′ center console on Crazy Sister’s listing.
Myrtle Beach Sport Fishing
The operator describes two boats. Its 8-hour trip is described as reaching "genuine blue water for mahi and wahoo."
FAQ about mahi-mahi fishing out of Murrells Inlet
How far is the Gulf Stream from Murrells Inlet?
Local charters run 50 to 70 miles.
How long is the run to the Gulf Stream?
About 2 hours each way, per Marlin Quay. Trips run 8 to 12 hours.
When is mahi season out of Murrells Inlet?
One operator names summer as the prime offshore window.
What bait do locals troll for mahi?
Skirted ballyhoo, which Carolina Sportsman calls the most reliable offshore pelagic bait.
Where is the Winyah Scarp?
It is a ledge area about 60 miles out, at the blue-water end of the run.
Which Murrells Inlet charters run mahi trips?
Marlin Quay Marina, Crazy Sister Marina, Salty Hooker, Reel Myrtle Beach, Next Lvl Sportfishing and Myrtle Beach Sport Fishing.
