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Your Professional and Private Charter Solution

Guests choose Coastal Marsh Charters for personalized, on the water experiences that showcase the best of Myrtle Beach and the surrounding coastal waterways. From relaxing scenic cruises along the Intracoastal Waterway to guided inshore and nearshore fishing charters, every trip is carefully planned using our local knowledge to ensure it is safe, productive, and tailored to your goals.

When you book with Coastal Marsh Charters, you are not simply reserving time on a boat. You are choosing a private charter experience designed around your group, your pace, and your priorities. Attention to detail, quality equipment, and a commitment to service set the foundation for every trip we run. Experience Myrtle Beach from the water and create lasting memories with a charter built on professionalism, local expertise, and genuine passion for the coast.

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We suggest that customers bring drinks, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, fishing clothes, hats, boat shoes, beach and hand towels, sunglasses and medication that are needed.
Everything you need for saltwater fishing. Rod, reels, bait, tackle, ice, and fishing license. Fish cleaning and great service with a great attitude.
The crew work for a daily wage and tips just like waiters and waitresses. Tips are discretionary; however, it is customary to tip the crew 20% for good service.
The price listed is for your entire group. You can have up to 4 people in your group. This is a private charter; therefore, we do not group you with other people. It will only be your group on the boat with the captain.
We feel up to 4 people is the best number for the best fishing experience but the max we can take is 6 passengers, whether they are fishing or not. This is not our rule, it is how the U.S. Coast Guard licenses private charters. Most private charters operate under this type of licensing. If you have more than 4 people, you can inquire at time of booking and accommodations can be made. If you have a large group of more than 6 and need help organizing multiple boats, please let us know and we can help you get it all organized!
We have tried to arrange split charters in the past and 90% of the time, they did not work out. With split charters, you always have the risk of the other party canceling last minute and ruining your plans. You also have the chance of being paired with a group that has different goals and idea of fun than you. And, you might run into a situation where the other group is fighting a fish of a lifetime for a couple of hours and you get to sit and watch. Since we have encountered these situations while running split trips, we have decided to focus only on private charters. This allows us to provide you the best service that we can to make it an experience of a lifetime! Feel free to book a private charter even by yourself, which means that you get to catch ALL of the fish.
Not at all, we are located just 24 miles from central Myrtle Beach. It is straight drive with great roads. We are located right on the beautiful Intercostal Waterway at Cricket Cove Marina. 4495 Baker Street, Little River, SC 29566.
We feel you should give us a chance is that we LOVE to fish.

Fishing is what we do full time. We don’t have side jobs and we didn’t wait until we retired to make fishing our career. The only way to make coastal saltwater fishing your full-time job is to have the capability to fish every day the ocean conditions are safe.

We understand that it is very important to be customer friendly. We love to see people enjoy their fishing trips with us and we are great with kids and people that have never fished before. We give instruction and encouragement while out on the water. This is why we have so many repeat customers and great reviews. In many cases, our customers become our friends and call or e-mail us on a regular basis to talk about fishing as well as to set up future trips.

Finally we feel we are the best. This is a bold statement but we truly feel nobody provides a better charter fishing experience. We look forward to the opportunity to prove this statement.
Usually, you will have a Captain but no deck hand. Our boats are set up with auto-pilots and laid out in a manner that the captain is able to drive the boat and provide excellent service with the fishing. Our Captains are very good at catering to various levels of expertise from beginners that have never held a rod to avid fishermen. Many of our customers have commented that they really enjoyed this style better because they get to be more hands on.

Sometimes, our Captains will choose to have a deck hand or will be training our future captains. If that happens on your charter, there will be no added expense.
We absolutely love taking families with kids fishing. Even your dog! Nothing is quite as exciting or fulfilling for a captain than to help a young kid catch their first trophy and provide a lifetime of love for the ocean.

When bringing younger children, we want to be able to give them the best chance of having an enjoyable day. We make sure the marine forecast is calling for mild to calm seas.

You also want to be flexible on what to fish for when bringing kids. If fishing for the big trophy fish is slow, we opt to set the kids up with smaller rigs so they can drop down and get instant action from a variety of fish our region has. Most parents think a full day trip is to long for their kids. In all actuality, the parents always wear out before the kids. Prepare a lot of snack and drinks for the kids. Our fishing trips are also a great option for kids because the distance to travel to the fishing grounds is very short.
Shark fishing actually is one of our most hit and miss styles of fishing. When the sharks are biting, the trips are absolutely awesome and everyone loves it. Sharks, however, can be sensitive to changes like water temperature, weather patterns, and factors that we cannot see or predict. They can literally be on fire one day and slow the next. We fish between the shoal and the shore because that is where the big sharks are. There isn’t a whole lot else to catch in that area besides bait fish and the occasional red drum or sting ray. We can setup small tackle rods so that our customers can catch small bait fish while we wait for the sharks to bite. Usually, adults prefer to sit and relax, while kids love catching and seeing the bait fish.
We guarantee that we will try very hard, but fishing is fishing and we cannot control all the factors that the ocean provides. With that said, our Captains are very good and usually if they aren’t catching fish, no one is. We are a small family-owned business and we strive to be completely honest with our customers. We truly want everyone to have a great experience and we promise that we will always strive to provide that!
You can request to fish for certain species and we will try very hard to catch what you want. It is, however, always a better idea to let the captain take you to fish for what is hot at the time. We like to catch everything and love to hear the drag scream and see the rods bend. Every fish is awesome in our opinion!

Some people have a fish on their “bucket list”. If this is the case, please let us know so that we can discuss the likeliness of catching that particular fish during the time you are planning a charter.
Some people only want fish they can eat and that is okay. You may keep any fish that falls within the legal limits. Legal limits have gotten much stricter in the past few years. Just remember fishing is fun and if your only goal is to fill up your freezer, you may be better off spending your money at the fish market.

Overall when you leave it up to the captain you usually end up with good action and a few fresh fish for dinner.
We always provide the best bait for the fishing style that is providing the most action at the time. Sometimes that means live bait, some times that means dead bait, some times that means artificial bait. If we need live bait, the captain will stop to either throw a cast net, or to catch them on a bait rod. This usually takes 30 minutes or less but on difficult days it can take longer. Most of the live bait we use cannot be purchased so it is necessary to catch it the day of the trip. Most of the bait only stays lively for 5 or 6 hours so we cannot catch it ahead of time. The reason we have to catch bait during your charter is that the bait needs to be as fresh and lively as possible. Old and nearly dead bait does not catch fish as well as lively bait. Yes, the bait catching process does count on your fishing time. Most people enjoy it and bait fishing or looking for bait often provides us with opportunity to catch bigger fish that are eating the bait. If you don’t like the idea of taking time to catch bait during your trip, please let us know so we can plan accordingly.

Expert Guidance

Our captain’s lifelong experience on the water provides expert guidance on every charter. With in depth knowledge of local waterways, fishing spots, and navigation routes, each trip is safe, enjoyable, and productive. Whether you are fishing or exploring, you can trust you are in capable hands.

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Family and Pet-Friendly

We encourage you to bring the whole family along, pets included. There is no need to worry about sitters or leaving loved ones behind. Sharing the experience together creates lasting memories, and the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes every trip even more special.

Long-Term Memories

The true value of a Coastal Marsh Charter goes beyond the catch. It is about shared moments, laughter, photos, and stories that stay with you long after the trip ends. Our goal is to create experiences that leave you wanting to return to the water again and again.

Premium Equipment

Our 24 foot Pathfinder boat is built for comfort, performance, and versatility. Powered by a 300 horsepower Yamaha outboard engine and equipped with an 8 foot PowerPole, a 24 volt trolling motor, and modern fishing technology, the boat is ready for both shallow water fishing and offshore adventures. Reliable, high quality equipment means more time fishing and less time waiting.

Customizable Experiences

Every group has unique interests and goals, which is why we offer fully customizable charter experiences. Choose a relaxing fishing trip, a scenic coastal cruise, or a combination of both. Each itinerary is tailored to your preferences, ensuring your time on the water is exactly what you want it to be and well worth the investment.

All Skill Levels

We welcome anglers of all skill levels and ages, as well as guests who simply want to enjoy a peaceful day on the water. From beginners learning the basics to experienced fishermen seeking new challenges, our charters are designed to provide a well rounded and enjoyable experience for everyone aboard.

our team

Meet the Captain

Our captain is a lifelong lover of the sea with a deep connection to coastal exploration and family tradition. Raised on the excitement of fishing and the calm of open water, he brings years of experience and a genuine passion for guiding families and groups through memorable on the water adventures.

Inspired by childhood days spent fishing alongside his father, his greatest joy comes from helping others discover the magic of the ocean. He believes the best moments in life are made on the water and is dedicated to creating safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experiences for every guest. Families are welcome to bring along their furry companions, ensuring everyone can be part of the fun.

The Captain

Captain Chris
“Mud Dog” Bowden

Captain Chris Bowden grew up in the mountains of West Virginia, where his love for the outdoors began at an early age. Fishing, hunting, and hiking quickly became passions that shaped his life. What started with catching his first fish as a young boy sparked a lifelong pursuit of adventure, leading him to explore new waters and target new species along the way.

As his experience grew, Chris developed a strong passion for saltwater fishing, with redfish becoming his favorite species. He spent countless hours on the water around Myrtle Beach, learning the local fisheries, tides, and techniques while fishing alongside both local and professional guides. During this time, he and his family made Myrtle Beach their home.

After completing his college degree, Chris became a full time resident of North Carolina, continuing to build his knowledge of coastal waters and refining his skills as a captain. Today, his deep understanding of fishing, boating, and local waterways allows him to guide anglers of all experience levels. Captain Chris is dedicated to helping others explore the water, learn new skills, and create unforgettable fishing memories along the Carolina coast.