6-Hour Nearshore & Reef Fishing in Mount Pleasant
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target amberjack, cobia, and seabass on Charleston artificial reefsSixhour nearshore fishing adventure with experienced Captain RonnieFamilyfriendly charter accommodates guests of all skill levels
Captain Ronnie knows these Charleston waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 6-hour nearshore and reef fishing adventure takes you out to South Carolina's most productive artificial reefs, where structure means fish and fish means action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps folks coming back season after season. With space for just two guests, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work the water properly.
You'll launch from Mount Pleasant and head offshore to Captain Ronnie's favorite artificial reefs - those underwater structures that act like fish magnets. These aren't your typical bottom fishing spots; they're carefully chosen reef systems that hold everything from aggressive amberjack to curious cobia cruising the edges. The 6-hour window gives you real time to work different structures and techniques, not just a quick hit-and-run. Captain Ronnie reads the conditions daily, so whether it's current, bait movement, or seasonal patterns, he's adjusting the game plan to put you where the fish are feeding. The intimate 2-person capacity means no crowded rails or tangled lines - just quality fishing time with a captain who's invested in your success.
Artificial reefs are all about structure fishing, and Captain Ronnie has the tackle and techniques dialed in perfectly. You'll be working medium to heavy spinning gear loaded with enough backbone to muscle fish away from the structure, but sensitive enough to feel those subtle bites. Live bait is king out here - expect to see cigar minnows, sardines, and other local favorites that reef fish can't resist. The captain positions the boat to work the current and structure together, letting you drop baits into the strike zone where fish ambush prey. You'll learn to read the bottom machine, understand how fish relate to structure, and pick up techniques that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends. Circle hooks and proper rigging keep the fish healthy for release while maximizing your hook-up ratio.
Spadefish are the reef specialists that many anglers overlook, but they're absolute fighters on light tackle. These silver discs school up around structure in impressive numbers during summer and early fall, feeding on jellyfish and small invertebrates. They've got small mouths, so Captain Ronnie uses smaller hooks and cut bait to get them fired up. Once you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop, and their deep-bodied build makes them pull way harder than their size suggests.
Crevalle Jack bring the power game to reef fishing - these bulldogs will test your drag settings and your arms. They patrol the edges of structure looking for baitfish, and when they find them, the feeding frenzy is something to see. Jacks hit hard, run fast, and never give up until they're in the boat. They're year-round residents in Charleston waters, but summer brings the bigger specimens that can really bend a rod.
Great Barracuda add the speed and teeth factor to your reef fishing adventure. These silver missiles patrol the water column around structure, picking off wounded or struggling baitfish with surgical precision. They're ambush predators with incredible acceleration, and their initial run when hooked is pure adrenaline. Captain Ronnie knows how to present baits that trigger their predatory instincts while keeping everyone safe around those razor-sharp teeth.
Cobia are the prize catch that every reef angler hopes to encounter. These brown sharks (that aren't actually sharks) cruise structure looking for crabs and small fish, often swimming right up to the boat out of curiosity. They're smart, strong, and absolutely delicious, making them a triple threat in the fishing world. Spring through fall offers the best cobia action in Charleston waters, with larger fish showing up during their seasonal migrations.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than the other species, but they're the bread and butter of reef fishing around Charleston. These bottom dwellers have great table fare and aggressive attitudes, readily taking both live and cut baits. They're perfect for building confidence and keeping the action steady between shots at larger species. Sea bass also help you dial in your bottom fishing technique on structure.
Captain Ronnie's reef fishing trips offer the perfect blend of action, education, and quality time on the water without the crowds. The 6-hour format gives you real fishing time, not just a quick sample, while the 2-guest limit ensures personalized service you won't find on larger boats. These Charleston area reefs produce year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and species rotations. Whether you're looking to sharpen your reef fishing skills, introduce someone to offshore angling, or just enjoy a day of steady action, this trip delivers the goods. Book with All In One Charters and get ready to experience why these artificial reefs have become legendary among local anglers.
Captain Ronnie's well-equipped motorboat is your ticket to Charleston's productive artificial reefs. This fishing-focused vessel comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day targeting amberjack, cobia, and black seabass. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation gets you to the hottest spots efficiently. When conditions get murky, the radar keeps you safe and on course. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish below. Between bites, crank up the multimedia system and keep your catch fresh in the ice box. With space for just two anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work the reefs. Perfect setup for families or fishing buddies looking to explore South Carolina's nearshore waters where the reef fish are biting.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches, averaging 30-50 pounds with some pushing over 100. These dark brown fish are loners, cruising around our reefs and wrecks in 30-70 feet. Spring migration from April through June is prime time—they move through our waters heading north. What makes them special is the fight and the table fare—firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. You'll often spot them just under the surface, making for exciting sight fishing. They hit bucktail jigs, live bait, and pretty much anything that moves. The trick is getting close enough for a good cast without spooking them. Once hooked, they make long runs and fight hard to the boat. Keep a variety of jig weights ready—sometimes they want it fast, sometimes slow.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are our bread-and-butter reef fish, typically running 1-4 pounds with the occasional 8-pounder. These chunky members of the grouper family live around our artificial reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet. Late spring through summer is peak season when they're shallow and feeding heavy. They're perfect for families—steady biters that don't require special techniques. What guests love most is the excellent eating—sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Males turn bright blue during spawning and develop a distinctive hump on their heads. Bottom fishing with squid, clams, or cut bait on a two-hook rig works best. The secret is finding the right structure and keeping your bait on the bottom where they feed.
Chaetodipterus FaberThese disk-shaped silver fish with their distinctive black stripes are a favorite around Charleston's reefs. Most spadefish run 3-10 pounds and 18 inches, though we occasionally see bigger ones pushing 14 pounds. They school up in huge numbers—sometimes 500 fish together—around our artificial reefs and wrecks, making for steady action when you find them. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially when water temps warm up. What makes them fun is the solid fight they put up for their size, plus they're excellent table fare. They love clams on small circle hooks, but here's a local trick: when you spot a school, cast past them and drag your bait right through the middle. They can't resist chasing it down.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the torpedoes of our reefs, reaching 3-6 feet with razor-sharp teeth and lightning speed up to 35 mph. You'll find them cruising the edges of our artificial reefs and over seagrass flats, usually solo except during spring spawning. They're curious fish that often follow the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. While the meat can be risky due to toxins, the fight is what draws anglers—they're fast, aggressive, and jump when hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action in 20-60 feet of water. Here's the key: they hunt by sight and love shiny lures. Use wire leaders and retrieve fast-moving spoons or tube lures quickly. Once hooked, watch those teeth when landing—use a net and keep your hands clear.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bullies of our nearshore waters, averaging 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, though the big ones can hit 60 pounds. These brassy green and gold speedsters love our reefs, jetties, and anywhere baitfish congregate. Look for diving birds—that's your best sign they're feeding below. They fight like freight trains with serious pulling power, making them a blast on medium tackle. While they're not great eating, the fight more than makes up for it. Spring through fall is prime time when they're actively feeding. Pro tip: watch for that school of birds, then cast silver spoons or fast-moving lures past the commotion and rip it back through the feeding frenzy. Keep your drag tight—they'll test it.
Mount Pleasant, SC