SUMMER OFFSHORE FISHING

There are endless options for offshore fishing in summer. All kinds of fishing are possible, from blue marlin in Gulf Stream to sea bass on reefs. Bluewater fish may migrate within 15 miles of coast for many of the 50-mile offshore bluewater fish. The best weather is often in summer, with up to five days of calm, flat conditions.

However, summer fishing comes with its problems. Many fish that would normally be found at the surface are forced to move deeper into the water by the hot July and August days. The summer heat can also polarize much of the feeding activity, extending it into the morning, late afternoon, and evening. The hotter part of the day is when the fisherman who has a good eye for fishing will set his baits deep in order to catch the same fish as he caught on the surface. For a summer offshore trip to be successful, planers and downriggers are essential.

Summer Fishing in Myrtle Beach

White Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish

Because they are not restricted by the Gulf Stream, blue and white marlin tend to be more scattered. A king mackerel fisherman may be surprised by a marlin in 80 feet of seawater, but it is more common to find the best fishing areas with water that’s 300 to 1200 feet.

Summer is when sailfish are at their peak. Anglers have the best chance to catch sails off South Carolina in July and August. Many small sails can be hooked in 10 miles from the beach during this period, but they are often well below the minimum 57-inch fork length required by law. These fish are best found in areas with weed lines, current rips, and natural reefs that lie between 120-300 feet of water.

Sails weigh in at 35 to 45 pounds and prefer smaller baits than their larger cousins, the marlins. Sailfish can be caught trolling with small to medium-sized ballyhoo or mullet, with a small artificial lure placed in front of the bait. Sails are able to readily take small to medium-sized lures, and even have been caught on spoons or plugs for king mackerel.

Blue marlin are usually between 125 and 200 pounds in summer. This is well below the minimum fork length of 86 inches. Popular and effective baits include large mullet, ballyhoo and ladyfish rigged to skim or swim across the surface. These baits are often dressed with brightly colored plastic skirts or artificial lures.

Brightly colored, large artificial lures that are 10- to 16 inches long and brightly colored can also be very effective in catching marlin. Natural baits are real food, so if a fish strikes too quickly it will return to the bait. Artificial lures are less likely to produce this effect. Artificial lures, on the other hand, can be trotted faster and allow for more fishing.

Dolphin, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna

Anglers have an exceptional opportunity to catch game fish close to shore in summer than any other season. Yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dolphin can be found within 90 feet of the water surface. However, the areas between 180 feet and 600 feet will have the highest concentrations.

The size of dolphins and wahoos gradually decreases as summer progresses. The norm at summer’s beginning is a 10- to 20-pound dolphin, and a 35- to 50-pound wahoo. However, the average weight of dolphin and wahoo drops to 8 and 20 respectively by summer’s end. Yellowfin tuna, on the other hand, grows in size all year and averages 45 pounds by the end of summer.

Ballyhoo and mullet, rigged with small to medium-sized artificial lures or skirts, produce more game fish than any other baits. For big fish, large artificial surface lures can also be effective. All baits can be fished from the surface using outriggers. However, it is a good idea to use a downrigger to ensure at least one line is 60-70 feet deep.

Amberjack and Barracuda

This time of year, barracuda and amberjack are the best for fishing on artificial reefs or coastal shipwrecks. These fish can be picky in summer, but live bait can help. Anglers have the chance to not only test their equipment, but also their angling skills.

Anglers often approach amberjack with a 50-pound class outfit. It can be thrilling to challenge these fish with a 30- or 20-pound test line. Barracuda are usually smaller than the AJ’s at 10 to 15 pounds. However, you will still encounter barracuda weighing between 30 and 40 pounds. Ideal is light tackle between 12 and 20 pounds. For cudas with sharp teeth and heavy jaws, wire leader is required. Monofilament, 100-150-pound test, works well for the jacks.

Large, live baits like 8-to 14-inch mullet or menhaden can be floated to the surface above the shipwrecks. A 5/0 to 7/0 extra-strong hook should be used depending on the line test. A stainless steel hook is preferred since most fish are released, not eaten.

Artificial lures can also be used to catch barracuda and amberjack. Casting or trolling the Cuda Killer is extremely effective. Deep diving spoons are preferred by Amberjacks. Both will be enticed by the sound of a surface lure.

King Mackerel

The summer season of Kingfishing has its ups and downs. It seems to switch on and off every 2 to 3 weeks. Larger female fish (usually 20 to 40 pounds) are found in nearshore waters, just outside of bays and sounds. In 60 to 120 feet of water, smaller males (between 6 and 12 pounds) can be found. These schooling fish are attracted to natural and artificial reefs.

Trolling baits on the surface in the early morning is a great way to get fish. The fish will usually call for warmth by 10 a.m. Smart anglers will bring out their downriggers or planers at this point. Remember to keep your lure or bait at least 10 feet away from these deep-running devices when fishing.

Kingfish can be picky, so anglers use everything, from artificial lures to the offshore panacea, the rigged ballyhoo. You can also use live bait such as mullet, menhaden and mullet that are 6- to 10 inches long, drifted or slow trolling. To locate the fish, these should be fished at different depths with a live bait rod.

Also, spoons and running plugs work well. For trolling, you can use colored plastic skirts, seawitches, and Hawaiian eyes for dressing up your ballyhoo. These lures can be fished at different depths to catch fish, just like live baits.

Spanish Mackerel, Little Tunny, Crevalle Jack

Spanish mackerel and little tunny are often abundant near shore waters for up to 15 miles during this time. Crevalle jack, also known as bonito (or little tunny), is a great game fish that is not very well-liked for its food value. Tunny weigh around 10 pounds and crevalles are about 5 pounds.

Bottom Fish

The heat of summer can also affect bottom fishing in Myrtle Beach. The heat of summer will cause sea bass, porgies, snappers, and other reef fish to scatter, taking over small areas of reef or living bottom habitat. This results in more areas that are fishable, but smaller schools. Deepwater fishes often slow down their feeding activity in the middle of the day. Many bottom fishermen make overnight trips to fish late at night, into the morning and into the evening.

Black sea bass (or blackfish) are found in 40 to 120 feet of the water. They average between 1 and 2 pounds. However, the best fishing is done in 50-70 feet of water, on ledges or near live bottom areas. Blackfish will stay close to structures so anchoring directly over them is a must.

Sea bass are one of the most aggressive feeders of fish. Cut squid is the preferred bait because it is hardy and well-liked by fish. A bottom rig using a two-hook system with 3/0 to 5-/0 hooks, and a 6-to 12-ounce sinker is the most common.

The water depth at which snapper, triggerfish, triggerfish, and grouper can be found is 50 feet. However, the highest concentrations are in 90-180 feet of water. These fish are similar to sea bass.

Call Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises now if you’re looking to go fishing in Myrtle Beach.

Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises
1525 13th Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(910) 575-0111
(843) 626-9500
http://supervoyagerdeepseafishing.com/

GET THE MOST OF YOUR DOLPHIN WATCH CRUISE

It is important to be prepared for dolphin watch cruises. It is important to research the weather and choose the right camera gear. With a little planning and research, you can have a wonderful experience. Here are some tips that will help you plan your dolphin cruise.

Booking A Dolphin Watch Cruise

Review – Because dolphin watch in Myrtle Beach is small businesses, their level of service and offering might vary. You can read reviews to find out what their performance is before booking a cruise.

Regular dolphin sightings are important, as are the professionalism and knowledge of the captains. It is also important to inspect the boats and equipment. Google Reviews, Yelp, and other popular review sites should have listings for reputable businesses.

Make sure you check the weather forecast before you set sail on your boat. You will be exposed to the elements. Will you get wet? What temperature will it be? It will be windy that day. These answers will help you decide if you would like to book a dolphin-watching trip.

Discounts are available at many popular tourist destinations. Tourist bureaus and tourist associations often provide maps and mini-travel guides along with coupons. To find out about specials, you can also check the handouts available on the website for the cruise operator.

What do you need to bring to a dolphin tour?

Dress for the Weather

Many dolphin tours take place on small boats with little to no enclosed space. All weather conditions can be expected. Sun, wind, rain, etc. It is important to have a hat that is comfortable and secure. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended. If you are able to stop at the shore, make sure you wear appropriate footwear. It might be useful to keep extra towels and dry clothing in your backpack.

Always bring snacks and other supplies when you travel. It is a good idea if you plan to travel, to have water and snacks with you. Some dolphin watching tour operators allow you to bring your own drinks and snacks for longer cruises. Check their policies if you are bringing your own. To keep your important items safe and protected, you can use large Ziploc bags or a hand towel.

You Need the Right Camera Gear

You won’t be able to take great photos of dolphins with a cell phone or any other cheap camera. To capture quick bursts, you should use a DSLR or mirrorless camera that has a sport mode. Dolphins are quick and can appear in a matter of seconds. Zoom lenses can be used to quickly frame the scene. These two lenses can be combined to create sharp images and capture the perfect moment.

If you’re looking for video, a GoPro or cell-phone action camera is the best choice. These cameras can adjust lighting and focus while you are on the go. Gimbal mounts are useful for smooth video production because of the movement between the boat, dolphins, and the camera.

What you need to know before you go

Safety first. Make sure your boat is in good condition and has enough life jackets. A majority of captains require that all children under 18 years old wear a vest. Before you take your children along, make sure they are familiar with boating safety. Basic boat safety skills should be taught to children, including how to avoid running or falling from close by.

Don’t be unrealistic about your expectations. Dolphin watching cruises allow you to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. The captains will take you to the most likely places for dolphins at that hour of the day, but there’s no guarantee you’ll find them. Be patient to spot dolphins. Keep your eyes peeled. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot dolphins in certain places. Enjoy the tranquility of the cruise.

Call Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises now if you’re planning to book a tour in Myrtle Beach.

Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises
1525 13th Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(910) 575-0111
(843) 626-9500
http://supervoyagerdeepseafishing.com/

TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE THE BEST FISHING CHARTER EXPERIENCE

It doesn’t matter which part of the ocean you’re headed. When it comes to a fishing charter, you need to follow a certain etiquette if you want to make your trip memorable in a positive way. Regardless of where you are booking, you need to do your best to be a better client each time. Here are some tips that will keep help you avoid a faux pas and enjoy the rest of the trip:

Fishing Charter: Getting that first impression right

If you want to be on the right track, ask for permission first before setting foot into the boat. The captain is likely very attached to his boat and it would go a long way to pay some respect. It’s relatively easy to get on the captain’s good side. A little respect can do the trick and will ensure that you get the best experience that you paid for.

Strictly no bananas – even hypothetical ones

It may seem funny at first, but you really wouldn’t want to bring a banana on a boat. Although not all captains share this superstition, but a majority of them do. That’s why you should never bring a banana onto a deep sea fishing. Bananas are often said to bring bad luck and any untoward incident or bad weather will be blamed on it. And it is certain that you wouldn’t want to be the harbinger of bad luck.

Always communicate

There’s no other way than to get the best fishing charter in Myrtle Beach experience than to communicate with your captain. Although skilled at reading the weather, the water, and fish, your captain can’t read your mind. So make it a habit to talk to your captain. If you want to catch a specific species of fish, tell them beforehand so they could lead you to the best fishing spots.

Always remember that private charter fishing involves luck

A lot of anglers tend to expect that they can simply go out in the ocean and reel in different species of fish. That’s not how the game works. These are wild animals that are in a huge body of water. You can’t simply expect to get a bite every time you cast a line. Although there are instances where you can get a few different types of fish, it doesn’t happen too often. So don’t get your hopes up. All you can do is be realistic. You’re fishing in the ocean after all and not in a grocery store.

Expect that things can turn around unexpectedly

The one thing that you can do when going deep sea fishing in Myrtle Beach is to expect the unexpected. The weather could turn sour in a matter of hours. From sunny to gloomy in just a short amount of time. Remember that things don’t always go as planned. There are chances that your bucket list won’t be fulfilled or you could achieve more. The sea can offer you a lot of things and unpredictability is among them.

Dispose of your trash properly

This goes without saying. You should always make cleanliness a priority even when you in the middle of the ocean. Trash is trash no matter where you are. Always make it a habit to dispose of any trash the right way and not overboard.

Always ask about a bathroom beforehand

If you’re wondering how you should answer nature’s call when you’re in the middle of the seas, ask about it. Don’t do anything without permission. It’s much better to ask about it beforehand while you’re still in the dock. Some boats have such facilities while others don’t.

Want to get the best fishing charter experience? Head down to Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises or give them a call today!

Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises
1525 13th Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(910) 575-0111
(843) 626-9500
http://supervoyagerdeepseafishing.com/

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR FISHING TRIP IN MYRTLE BEACH

For the sake of your mental health, stress management, and general sanity, it’s necessary to travel once in a while. You can watch your home city fade over the horizon in the rear view mirror as you head for a place that gives you fresh perspective and new energy while you rest and relax. Why don’t you go fishing?

Many on the East Coast, particularly in the Carolinas and Georgia, love heading to Myrtle Beach for this. The great beaches, premium hotels, and many points of interest and entertainment, interspersed with plenty of great affordable dining, make this city by the sea a popular destination for those traveling with friends, looking for a romantic getaway with their partner, or fun for the whole family.

While here, though, you might choose to get away from your group or even off land for half a day. Twelve-hour fishing trips in Myrtle Beach let you spend time on the water enjoying your favorite pastime in a place you probably rarely get to. If you want to make the most of your trip, you need to pack appropriately for your day, so keep reading to learn 8 things that should be along for the ride.

1) Your fishing gear: This is be provided by Voyager Deep Sea Fishing, but if you like and trust what you already have, feel free to bring it along.

2) Sunscreen: You’re going to spend 12 hours out, most of it under the sun. The fish might burn you, but you don’t have to let the sun do it too.

3) Sunglasses: Even if the sun isn’t bad when you get on the boat, it can get old and bright later. Fishing isn’t something you’ll do indoors.

4) A change of clothes: Any time you spend on the water runs the risk of you getting soaking wet, whether it is sudden rain, bigger waves than anticipated, fish fighting back and splashing all over you, or even immature pranksters playing around. Even if it’s just sweating a lot over the day, you might appreciate a fresh t-shirt.

5) Seasickness medication: This might not matter if the boat is staying in freshwater on rivers and lakes or close to shore. However, if it’s headed into the Atlantic, you might need this.

6) Water: Beverage choices on the boat might be largely sodas and beer. If you want to stay hydrated for half a day, it’s best to be prepared.

7) Snacks: Voyager has refreshments for purchase, still, you never know when a banana or protein bar might give you the boost you need to stay fishing and catch the big one that makes your day.

8) Toilet paper: If the boat is big enough, it’ll have its own restroom. If the boat if filled enough with people, that restroom might not be stocked up well enough.

Now that you know 8 things to pack on your 12-hour Myrtle Beach fishing excursion, you should be ready for what the day has to throw at you. Give Voyager a call to schedule you unforgettable day at sea.

Check out another great review

Steven DeVore reviewed Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises — 5 star

April 23 at 7:53am · 

I took my 18-year-old son down for a father-son weekend and was referred to Voyager Deep Sea Fishing by a coworker. Not knowing what to expect, this was an awesome time and my son thoroughly enjoyed himself. Thanks to the captain and crew for making this a memorable time with my son. I look forward to doing this again.

Call Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises now if you are thinking of going to a fishing trip in Myrtle Beach.

Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises
1525 13th Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(910) 575-0111
(843) 626-9500
http://supervoyagerdeepseafishing.com/

TIPS FOR AN AMAZING DEEP SEA FISHING ADVENTURE

Deep sea fishing could be an exciting and enjoyable experience indeed, particularly for people who love the ocean and fishing. Listed below are a few tips to help you find and catch the right kind of game for your upcoming water adventure.

Deep Sea Fishing Tips

Look For Signs

If you are out in the ocean and you see seagulls swooping down to take small bait type of fish, then you know that that there is a bigger game type of fish out there that are hunting as well as driving these fish into tight balls close to the surface. In some instances, you will find bigger fish swimming near the floating debris or wood.

In general, these bigger fish prey on the fish that reside near the reef. More often than not, fishermen try to get live bait fish close to the reef and also head to deeper waters hoping that they could catch the big ones. But, this Myrtle Beach fishing strategy is almost never successful and it is highly recommended that you fish around the edges of the reefs.

Types of Hook and Fishing Rods

Utilizing lighter fishing rods out in the streams, lakes, rivers, and even when surf fishing is just fine. However, if you go deep fishing for bigger fish such as large sea bass, marlin, stripers, and tuna, you will require a stronger rod that could take the weight of the fish, endure the time it requires to catch one and deal with the struggle between fisherman and fish. That’s the reason why it isn’t surprising to see anglers choosing graphite fishing rods, which are light but durable and strong for heavy-duty deep sea fishing in Myrtle Beach.

Even though graphite is likewise used to create fishing rods for other kinds of fishing, the deep sea fishing rods that are crafted out of graphite are denser, wider, and longer. The only disadvantage to graphite is that they are not that flexible, and that is one of the reasons why some fishermen like fiberglass fishing rods for deep sea fishing because they are less durable but strong as well as flexible yet light.

When it comes to hooks, circle hooks are perfect for a deep sea fishing trip. They have higher chances of getting more catches because they have a reverse point and a minute gap. This kind of hooks is far better for the fish since they hook the fish in their lip and not in their gut, which means minimal suffering for the catch.

Popular Catches

A popular fish among anglers who go deep sea fishing is the snook. They could be found around the rooks, posts, and ledges. Stripers are another popular kind of fish and the best time for you to fish is during a full moon. During that time, they will be hunting for crabs, which have recently shed their shell. You should also consider using crab imitation as bait. Yellow fin tuna is also popular and commonly found schooling with dolphins. So, if you see a dolphin, you will most likely find some tuna as well.

Call Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises if you are thinking of going on a deep sea fishing trip on your upcoming vacation in Myrtle Beach.

Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises
1525 13th Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(910) 575-0111
(843) 626-9500
http://supervoyagerdeepseafishing.com/