Wahoo fishing out of Murrells Inlet means a run of about 60 miles to the Gulf Stream, ledges in 140 to 250 ft and a spread of skirted ballyhoo. This page covers the grounds, the reef waypoints on the way out, the local spread and who runs it. Inlet, ramp and fuel details are in our Murrells Inlet port guide.
When wahoo are around Murrells Inlet
Local Gulf Stream charters list wahoo as a target but name no months for it. For wahoo biology and behavior, read our wahoo species guide. For timing along this coast, see our Atlantic Southeast wahoo guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
- What the charters list: wahoo as a Gulf Stream target
- What they leave out: months
- Where to look for timing: the species and regional pages above
Where boats run from Murrells Inlet
Boats run about 60 miles to the Gulf Stream. The reefs on the way out sit in 23 to 95 ft, and the ledges sit in 140 to 250 ft.
The Gulf Stream ledges
Locals call the ledges in 140 to 250 ft of water the wahoo and blackfin ledges. Plan fuel around the 60 mile run and waypoints around that depth band.
Winyah Scarp area
The Winyah Scarp area is a named ledge about 60 miles out. Plot the 140 ft and 250 ft contours and the Will Goldfinch position on the Chart Contours layer. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Nearshore reefs on the way out
These named reefs are structure along the route offshore.
| Reef | Depth and structure | Marking or position |
|---|---|---|
| Paradise Reef (with H.P. Springs Jr. and other add-on reefs) | 30 to 35 ft | 2 buoys |
| Ten Mile Reef | 34 to 45 ft | 2 buoys |
| Pawley’s Island Reef | 23 to 35 ft | 1 buoy. Bearing 177 degrees, 5.5 nm from the south jetty |
| Bill Perry Reef | 65 ft | 1 buoy |
| BP-25 Reef | 90 to 95 ft, a 160 ft ship | Unmarked |
| Will Goldfinch Reef (YO-225) | A 175 ft ship | 33 17.005 N / 078 45.372 W |
No NOAA buoy is named for Murrells Inlet. Read wind, wave height and period in the official NWS marine forecast before the run.
How wahoo are fished out of Murrells Inlet
The local method is trolling skirted ballyhoo, which forms the base of the spread. The tackle and pattern below come from Capt. Ned Rogers of R&R Fishing Charters.
Reels and planer
Rogers runs 30-wide and 50-wide reels and a 30 to 40 foot planer on monel line. The planer puts a bait down below the surface baits.
The zig-zag pattern
Rogers trolls a zig-zag pattern that tightens once fish are found, which keeps the spread working the spot where you got bit. Run it along the 140 to 250 ft band.
Who fishes for wahoo out of Murrells Inlet
These local charters list wahoo:
- Marlin Quay Marina charters: the fleet lists Carolina Fly and Grand Slam.
- Crazy Sister Marina: head boats New Inlet Princess and Crazy Sister (110 ft).
- Salty Hooker Fishing Charters: lists wahoo among its Gulf Stream targets.
- Reel Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters: Captain Matt, a 32 ft center console, departing Murrells Inlet Marina.
- Next Lvl Sportfishing: Hidden Agenda, a 29 ft Sea Hunt, which Crazy Sister lists as a 30 ft center console.
- Myrtle Beach Sport Fishing: the site describes "Two Boats."
FAQ about wahoo fishing out of Murrells Inlet
How far is the run to the Gulf Stream from Murrells Inlet?
The Gulf Stream is about 60 miles out. The Winyah Scarp area sits at about the same distance.
What depth do wahoo boats fish off Murrells Inlet?
The ledges sit in 140 to 250 ft of water, including the Winyah Scarp area about 60 miles out.
When are wahoo caught out of Murrells Inlet?
Local Gulf Stream charters list wahoo without naming months.
What spread do local boats troll for wahoo?
Skirted ballyhoo. Capt. Ned Rogers runs 30-wide and 50-wide reels, a 30 to 40 foot planer on monel line and a zig-zag pattern that tightens once fish are found.
Is there a NOAA buoy for Murrells Inlet?
No NOAA buoy is named for Murrells Inlet. Read wind, wave height and period in the official NWS marine forecast.
What else is on the same ledges?
Blackfin tuna share the ledges. See our offshore gamefish guides for the rest of the offshore picture.
