Inshore Fishing & Dolphin Tours with Captain Smiley, Little River - Myrtle Beach

Inshore Fishing & Dolphin Tours with Captain Smiley, Little River

Myrtle Beacheasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3–5 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate mobility required for boarding and moving around the boat, suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

Overview

Captain Smiley Fishing Charters offers personable, inshore light tackle fishing and dolphin watch trips in Little River, SC. Discover what makes their charters a reliable and memorable choice along the Carolina coast.

Details

Little River, South Carolina, offers a unique setting where saltwater marshes meet the Intracoastal Waterway, creating some of the best inshore fishing grounds along the Carolina coast. Captain Smiley Fishing Charters stands out in this region for delivering personalized light tackle fishing trips and engaging dolphin sightseeing tours that cater to anglers and nature lovers alike. Operating from Little River, this locally owned charter service turns a day on the water into a dynamic experience of casting lines and spotting wild dolphins against an ever-changing coastal backdrop.

The shallow estuaries and natural channels here invite novice and seasoned anglers to chase species like redfish, black drum, flounder, Spanish mackerel, and croaker. Captain Smiley’s guides, known for their patient instruction and attentive service, consistently place clients on active fishing spots — even coaxing a delicious haul from challenging weather or slow bite conditions. Their ability to adapt locations throughout the trip ensures that no angler stays idle and everyone reels in fresh catches to savor later.

Beyond fishing, the charters offer dolphin watching excursions, where pods of bottlenose dolphins frequently surface alongside the boat. These tours provide an up-close look at coastal wildlife in their natural habitat, making the experience equally rewarding for families and photographers.

Captain Smiley Fishing Charters operates with a strong focus on safety, preparation, and customer engagement, earning praise for making fishing accessible, exciting, and educational. Based in this vibrant coastal corridor between Myrtle Beach and the North Carolina border, Captain Smiley blends local knowledge with friendly professionalism, making it a must-book for those drawn to South Carolina’s inshore waters for adventure and relaxation.

Whether you're casting a line for your first catch or hoping to sharpen your angling skills, these light tackle intracoastal trips provide an authentic taste of southern coastal fishing culture that’s hard to match region-wide.

Adventure Tips

Book Early for Peak Season

Reservations fill quickly during spring and fall fishing seasons, so secure your spot in advance to ensure availability.

Bring Sunscreen and Bug Spray

Protect yourself from sun exposure and coastal insects, especially during summer charters when both can be intense.

Listen Closely to Captain’s Instructions

The guides provide hands-on instruction to improve your fishing technique—follow their advice to maximize success and safety.

Dress in Layers for Variable Weather

Coastal weather can change quickly, so bring layers to stay comfortable during early mornings or sudden breezes.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Quiet mangrove-lined creeks just off the main intracoastal waterway
  • Secluded sandy banks where dolphins often feed and play

Wildlife

  • Bottlenose dolphins
  • Herons and osprey hunting over the marsh

History

Little River’s fishing tradition dates back generations, anchored by historic waterfront communities linked to shrimping and commercial fishing.

Conservation

Local charters emphasize catch-and-release and responsible fishing practices to protect delicate estuarine ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Early morning golden hour
Late afternoon light
Overcast days for softer wildlife shots

Best Viewpoints

  • Aboard the charter at the boat’s bow
  • Along the Intracoastal Waterway channels
  • Near dolphin pods in calm water areas

What to Photograph

Jumping fish
Dolphin pods
Sunlight on marsh grasses

Recommended Gear

Polarized Sunglasses

Essential

Helps reduce glare on the water for better visibility and eye protection.

summer specific

Light Rain Jacket

Useful for staying dry during sudden showers common in spring months.

spring specific

Reusable Water Bottle

Essential

Staying hydrated on the water is critical, especially on warm days.

Fishing Gloves

Protects hands when handling fish or gear during the trip.