What’s the Difference Between Inshore and Offshore Fishing?
If you’re thinking about going fishing, you might wonder about the types of fishing trips available. Your options are inshore fishing and offshore fishing. Here’s what you need to know about each type.
At Captain Smiley Fishing Charters LLC., our local guides offer different fishing adventures in various places, catching different kinds of fish like redfish, speckled trout, mackerel, and sharks.
One big decision you’ll need to make is whether you want to go Myrtle Beach inshore fishing or offshore fishing. Both can be exciting experiences, and here’s what you need to know about them.
What Is Offshore Fishing?
Offshore fishing usually means fishing in deep ocean waters, away from the shore. There isn’t a strict rule about how far out you need to be to be considered offshore. Some say it’s when you can’t see land anymore.
The official definition by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is at least 20 miles from the coast. But the specific distance isn’t the most important thing – keep in mind that offshore fishing just means deep sea fishing!
Most offshore fishing trips head to rocky areas about 40 miles from the shore, where the water is around 90 feet deep, and you can find various game fish.
What Is Inshore Fishing?
Inshore fishing is about fishing in sheltered places like backwaters, bays, and estuaries. These areas are protected from the strong ocean wind and waves. The water is usually not very deep, although it’s still salty, though sometimes it’s a mix of salt and fresh water.
In Myrtle Beach, there are excellent spots for inshore fishing, like the inlets in Little River, the Intracoastal waterway, and the Waccamaw River.
It’s also important to note that inshore fishing isn’t the same as nearshore fishing. Nearshore fishing happens in areas of the ocean that are closer to the shore than offshore but farther out than inshore. It’s kind of like the middle ground between offshore and inshore.
Fishing Methods: Offshore versus Inshore
When you go offshore fishing, you might use techniques like trolling, drifting, or bottom fishing. The method depends on the fish you want to catch and the underwater conditions. Experienced offshore fishing captains use technology to find underwater structures in deep waters.
For offshore fishing, live baitfish like pinfish, menhaden, and scad are often used. You also need strong fishing gear with heavy-duty rods, reels, lines, leaders, and hooks.
Inshore fishing in Myrtle Beach is a bit different. It tends to be faster-paced and more hands-on. You can use live bait while drifting, but casting and retrieving lures can be just as effective and fun. Inshore fishing also allows for fly-fishing, and because the water is shallower, you will be spending more time casting near structures like docks, piers, oyster beds, and grassy areas.
What You Can Expect To Catch: Offshore vs. Inshore Fishing
In offshore waters, you can find various fish species, including red snapper, black sea bass, amberjack, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, different types of grouper, and sharks. The types of fish you catch can change with the seasons, making offshore fishing exciting because you never know what you’ll reel in!
In inshore waters, the types of fish you’ll catch also depend on the season. You might find redfish year-round in saltwater rivers and estuaries, but the best time is early spring or late fall to winter. Other species like black drum, sheepshead, speckled seatrout, sharks, tarpon, mackerel, and jack crevalle are more common in the warmer months, with giant bull redfish and others still biting in the winter.
Which Is Better?
There’s no clear answer about which type of fishing is better because it depends on what you want and your preferences. Offshore fishing offers adventure and big-game fish, but it involves full-day trips and being far from the coast, which might not be suitable for those prone to seasickness.
Inshore fishing is more family-friendly, suitable for beginners, and provides a higher catch rate. It’s often faster-paced and less time-consuming, with a focus on consistent action. So, whether you choose offshore or inshore fishing, it’s all about what you want to experience. Both can be fantastic adventures!
Ready to book your fishing trip? Call Captain Smiley Fishing Charters LLC. now to learn more about inshore and offshore fishing!
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Captain Smiley Fishing Charters LLC.
4495 Baker St
Little River, SC 29566
(843) 361-7445
https://www.captainsmileyfishingcharters.com
catch@captainsmileyfishingcharters.com
