When it comes to grouper, Murrells Inlet gives us the best of both worlds.
Sometimes we’re lucky enough to see kids reel in small, camouflaged grouper right at the jetties — a fun surprise for any family trip.
Other times, we head offshore to target the bigger ones that test your muscles and make for some of the best eating in the ocean.
What Do Grouper Look Like?
Grouper have thick bodies, wide mouths, and mottled brown-gray markings that help them blend into rocks and reefs. The smaller ones look almost like they’re painted with camouflage, while adult gag grouper offshore can easily tip the scales at 20 pounds or more.
Where We Catch Them Around Murrells Inlet
- Nearshore Rocks & Jetties – Perfect for family trips, kids sometimes hook into juvenile grouper while fishing close to shore.
- Offshore Reefs & Wrecks – This is where the grown-ups get serious. Bigger grouper hug tight to the bottom, and it takes heavy tackle to bring them up.
Why Kids Love Catching Grouper
- They’re a Surprise! A fish you expect to be a flounder or drum suddenly turns out to be a grouper.
- Strong for Their Size – Even the little ones give young anglers a good tug and make for a great photo.
- Bragging Rights – Not every kid can say, “I caught a grouper at the inlet!”
Why Anglers Chase the Big Ones Offshore
For serious anglers, grouper are legendary. They strike hard, dive for cover, and reward persistence with some of the best fillets you’ll ever taste. Offshore grouper trips are all about patience, power, and pay-off.
Conservation & Regulations
Grouper are a regulated species in South Carolina, with size and bag limits depending on the type. Many of the smaller ones we catch nearshore get released, but they still create unforgettable memories for families.
Catch a Grouper of Your Own
Whether it’s a surprise catch at the jetties or a trophy grouper from offshore, these fish always deliver a story worth telling. And in Murrells Inlet, you just might get the chance to experience both.
Call or text today to plan your trip — and let’s see what kind of grouper the day brings.
