Back Country Fishing - Folly Beach Charters
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Inshore fishing targets redfish, trout, black drum, sharks, flounderAccommodates up to four guests with complimentary bottled waterMidday backcountry charter through Atlantic Breeze Charters
Picture this: you're drifting through the shallow backcountry waters around Folly Beach, the morning sun reflecting off the creek channels as your line cuts through the water. This isn't your typical offshore grind – we're talking about prime inshore action where redfish cruise the grass flats and black drum prowl the oyster bars. Our half-day trips get you into the heart of these productive waters with plenty of room for up to four anglers. You'll be chasing some of the Lowcountry's most sought-after species while staying cool with complimentary water and soaking up that authentic Charleston fishing experience.
The backcountry around Folly Beach is where the real magic happens. We're talking about a maze of tidal creeks, oyster beds, and grass flats that hold fish year-round. This top-rated charter experience puts you right in the sweet spots where the big reds like to hang out during the warmer months. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast you might hook into a hefty black drum around the structure, the next you could be battling a feisty trout over the grass beds. We keep the groups small at four people max, so everyone gets plenty of shots at the action. The boat's equipped with everything you need, and we'll have you rigged up with the right tackle for whatever's biting that day. Fair warning though – those mid-day summer trips can get toasty, so bring that sun protection and let us handle keeping you hydrated.
Backcountry fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be working a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are telling us. For the drum and reds, we love running fresh shrimp or cut bait near the oyster bars and dock pilings where they like to feed. The grass flats call for a different game plan – here we'll sight-fish with topwater plugs during the early morning or switch to soft plastics when the fish move deeper during the heat of the day. The gear we use is perfectly matched to these waters – medium-heavy spinning rods that can handle a big red's run but still have the sensitivity to feel a trout's subtle bite. Circle hooks are our go-to for most situations since they hook fish clean and make for easy releases. The key to success in these skinny waters is staying quiet and making accurate casts to structure and drop-offs where the fish ambush their prey.
Black drum are the real prize in these backcountry waters, and Folly Beach has some absolute tanks swimming around. These fish love hanging around oyster beds and bridge pilings where they use their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish and crabs. You'll find them in good numbers during the cooler months, but they stick around year-round in deeper holes and channels. What makes drum fishing so addictive is their bulldogging fight – they don't jump like a red, but they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. Most of the drum we hook range from 5 to 20 pounds, but don't be surprised if we connect with something pushing 40 pounds or more. The fight alone makes them a customer favorite, and their willingness to eat fresh shrimp or crab makes them relatively predictable targets.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Charleston's inshore scene, and the backcountry flats around Folly are prime real estate for these copper-colored fighters. These fish are most active during the warmer months when they cruise the shallow flats in schools, creating some of the most exciting sight-fishing opportunities on the East Coast. Reds typically run 18 to 27 inches in our waters, putting most of them in that perfect slot size range. What gets anglers hooked on redfish is their aggressive nature – they'll crush topwater baits with explosive strikes and make blistering runs toward the nearest structure. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during the morning and evening hours when they're actively feeding in the shallows.
Spotted seatrout add finesse to the mix, preferring the grass beds and sandy potholes where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. These fish are most cooperative during the spring and fall months when water temperatures are in their comfort zone. Trout fishing requires a lighter touch – they're known for their soft mouths and tendency to throw hooks if you horse them. Most of our trout run 14 to 20 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing 25 inches or better. They're a blast on light tackle and make excellent table fare for those looking to take home dinner.
Flounder round out the slam opportunities, hanging tight to structure and channel edges where they can ambush prey. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying motionless on the bottom until an unsuspecting baitfish swims by. Summer months offer the best flounder action, particularly around the full and new moon phases when they're more active. While they don't fight as hard as the other species, flounder make up for it by being some of the best eating fish in these waters. Most run 14 to 18 inches, with the occasional doormat pushing 20 inches or better.
The backcountry around Folly Beach delivers world-class inshore fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to connect with some quality fish or a family wanting to experience authentic Lowcountry fishing, this charter puts you in the right spots with the right techniques. The variety of species, the scenic beauty of these tidal creeks, and the year-round fishing opportunities make this a trending choice for both locals and visitors. Don't sleep on booking your trip – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Get your crew together, pack the
Step aboard our restored 1982 Proline, a classic Florida Keys-built beauty that knows these waters like an old salt. This shallow-draft workhorse cuts through Folly's backwaters with ease, getting you into those prime fishing spots where the big reds and trout hang out. The high bow keeps you dry when the chop picks up, while dual casting platforms give everyone room to work their lines without tangling up. Rigged with a reliable Yamaha 150, Power-Pole for instant anchoring, and a Minn Kota trolling motor for stealthy approaches, she's got everything you need for serious fishing. The fish finder will show you what's swimming below, while the active live well keeps your bait frisky and your catch fresh. Stay connected with VHF radio, navigate confidently with GPS, and keep your drinks ice-cold in the built-in cooler. This setup handles up to four anglers comfortably and is wheelchair accessible, so everyone can join the hunt for redfish, trout, black drum, and whatever else is biting in these productive backwaters.
Folly Beach