Afternoon Back Country Fishing In Charleston SC
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targets trout, redfish, and flounderExplores scenic backwaters around Folly Beach and Morris IslandAccommodates up to four guests with Atlantic Breeze Charters
Charleston's backwater fishing scene is something special, and this 6-hour afternoon charter with Atlantic Breeze Charters puts you right in the heart of it. We're talking about pristine waters around Folly Beach and Morris Island where the fish are plentiful and the scenery never gets old. This isn't your typical crowded fishing spot – it's backcountry territory where you can actually hear yourself think between casts. With just 4 anglers max per trip, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make this a top-rated Charleston experience.
This afternoon charter kicks off when the sun's positioned just right and the fish are starting to get active for their evening feed. You'll be working the shallow flats, creek mouths, and structure around Folly Beach and Morris Island – areas that consistently produce quality fish year-round. The backwater here is a maze of tidal creeks, oyster beds, and grass flats that create perfect ambush spots for everything from speckled trout to bull reds. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading the tides and structure to put you on fish when they're feeding. The boat handles these skinny waters with ease, getting you into spots where larger vessels can't go. It's pure backcountry fishing at its finest, where every cast has potential and the fish haven't seen a hundred lures that day.
Light tackle is the name of the game out here, and it makes every fish feel like a monster. We're talking about spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound braid, paired with fluorocarbon leaders that won't spook these educated fish. Depending on the tide and target species, you'll be throwing everything from soft plastics on jig heads to topwater plugs that create explosive strikes. Live bait fishing with shrimp, mud minnows, or finger mullet is deadly when worked around structure and drop-offs. The captain will have you rigged up with the right setup for conditions – maybe a popping cork rig for trout over grass beds, or a Carolina rig for flounder hanging around channel edges. When the sharks show up, we'll switch to heavier tackle and cut bait to handle these powerful fighters. The beauty of backcountry fishing is adapting your approach based on what's happening in real time, and your guide will walk you through each technique as conditions change.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Charleston's backcountry, and these spotted beauties are active throughout the year with peak action during spring and fall months. They love hanging around grass beds and drop-offs, especially during moving tides when baitfish get pushed around. A good trout will pull drag and make several runs before coming to the net, and the 2-4 pound fish we see regularly provide non-stop action on light tackle. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for good reason.
Red drum are the heavyweight champions of these waters, ranging from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to monster bulls that'll test your tackle and endurance. Spring through fall offers the best redfish action, though you can find them year-round in the right spots. These copper-colored fighters are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, often heading straight for structure to try and break you off. Finding a school of reds in shallow water and watching them blow up on topwater baits is pure fishing magic that keeps anglers coming back.
Flounder are the masters of camouflage in Charleston's backwaters, lying flat on sandy bottoms near creek mouths and channel edges waiting to ambush prey. Summer and early fall are prime time for doormat flounder that can stretch the tape past 20 inches. These flatfish require a different approach – slow presentations with baits bouncing along the bottom where they lurk. When a big flounder inhales your bait, there's often just a subtle thump before the rod loads up with dead weight that transforms into surprising power.
Sharks add serious excitement to any backcountry trip, with species like blacktip, spinner, and bull sharks cruising these waters looking for easy meals. Summer months bring the most consistent shark action, though you might encounter them any time of year. These apex predators turn even medium-weight tackle into a real battle, with smoking runs and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. Nothing tests your drag system quite like a 4-foot blacktip going airborne right next to the boat.
Charleston's backcountry fishing delivers world-class action in a setting that's hard to beat anywhere else along the Southeast coast. This 6-hour afternoon charter gives you plenty of time to work different areas, adapt to changing conditions, and put multiple species in the boat. With Atlantic Breeze Charters' local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish, you're setting yourself up for the kind of day that creates lasting memories. The small group size means more individual attention, better fishing spots, and a more personal experience than you'll find on crowded party boats. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to explore new waters or someone wanting to experience Charleston's renowned fishing scene, this backcountry adventure delivers the goods. Don't let another season pass without getting out there – reserve your spot today and see why Charleston's backwater fishing keeps anglers coming back year after year.
This 1982 Proline was built specifically for shallow Florida waters and fits Charleston's backcountry perfectly. Restored in 2020, she draws just enough water to slip into those skinny spots where the big reds hang out. The high bow cuts through chop and keeps spray off while you're working the flats around Folly Beach and Morris Island. Rear casting platforms give you solid footing when sight-fishing, and the Yamaha 150 with jack plate lets you adjust for different depths. Power pole anchoring keeps you locked on structure, while the Minkota trolling motor runs whisper-quiet through grass beds. Active livewell keeps bait frisky, and the fish finder shows what's below before you make your first cast. GPS keeps you on productive spots, VHF radio maintains contact with other boats, and there's cold storage for drinks and snacks during the 6-hour trip. Wheelchair accessible setup means everyone can get in on the action. Whether you're after speckled trout in the creeks or prowling for bull reds along the jetties, this rig handles it all with room for four anglers to fish comfortably.
Folly Beach