Bull Redfish & Shark Charter - Charleston
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target bull redfish and sharks near Charleston's coast and jettiesAll fishing gear, bait, and fuel included with charterAccommodates up to 5 guests with additional fee arrangement
Get ready to bend some serious rod on Charleston's premier bull redfish and shark charter. Charleston Fish Rod Bending puts you right where the action happens - those productive jetties, nearshore wrecks, and structure-rich zones where trophy bull reds cruise and sharks patrol. This isn't your typical inshore trip. We're talking about serious fish in their prime feeding zones, with all the tackle, bait, and fuel included so you can focus on what matters most - getting tight to some monsters.
Your charter targets Charleston's most sought-after gamefish in waters that consistently produce. We fish the jetties at Folly Beach and Sullivan's Island, plus the nearshore structure where big bulls stack up during their seasonal runs. The boat accommodates up to 2 anglers as standard, though we can bump that to 5 with an additional fee if your crew wants to get in on the action. Every trip includes all your fishing gear, fresh bait, cleaning supplies, and fuel - no hidden costs or surprise fees. Plan on a full day of fishing these productive waters, with the captain positioning you over the best structure and current breaks where these fish love to feed. The Charleston area offers year-round opportunities, but certain seasons definitely outshine others for specific species.
We run heavy tackle setups designed to handle Charleston's biggest predators. For bull redfish, expect to fish with circle hooks and cut bait around structure, jetties, and oyster beds where these copper-colored tanks love to feed. The captain provides everything from 20-pound spinning gear for smaller bulls up to 50-pound conventional setups when we're targeting true giants. Shark fishing means serious hardware - think 80-pound class reels with wire leaders and chunks of fresh bait. We fish both bottom rigs and float lines depending on what species we're after and where they're holding. The boat stays positioned over productive structure, letting baits work in the current while you wait for that unmistakable thump of a big fish picking up your offering. Circle hooks are standard for both redfish and sharks, making catch-and-release much easier while keeping fish healthy.
Scalloped hammerheads are the crown jewel of Charleston shark fishing. These prehistoric predators cruise Charleston's nearshore waters, especially around structure and temperature breaks. They average 4-6 feet but can push 8 feet or more, with that distinctive flattened head making them instantly recognizable. Spring through fall offers the best action, particularly when water temps climb into the 70s. What makes scalloped hammers so special is their fight - they're strong, fast, and absolutely relentless once hooked.
Bull redfish are Charleston's signature gamefish, and for good reason. These copper-sided bruisers range from 27 inches up to true giants pushing 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. Fall brings the best bull red action as fish school up for their spawning runs, though summer months produce consistent catches around jetties and nearshore structure. Bulls fight like freight trains, using their broad tails and bulldogging power to test your tackle and technique. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Smooth hammerheads offer another shot at shark action, typically running smaller than their scalloped cousins but making up for it with acrobatic fights. These sleek predators love the same waters as scalloped hammers but tend to be more active during warmer months. They're perfect for anglers wanting shark action without the absolute brute force of larger species.
Blacktip sharks bring pure excitement to any charter. These aggressive feeders hit baits hard and immediately go airborne, jumping and spinning in spectacular displays. They range from 2-5 feet in Charleston waters and are most active during summer months when baitfish schools are thick. Blacktips are perfect for anglers new to shark fishing since they're manageable size but still deliver that authentic shark fishing experience.
Lemon sharks round out the target species list with their distinctive yellow coloration and powerful builds. These bottom-dwelling predators lurk around structure and sandy areas, ambushing prey with surprising speed. Lemons average 4-6 feet in Charleston waters and provide steady, powerful fights without the aerial acrobatics of blacktips. They're most active during warmer months and respond well to both cut bait and live offerings.
Charleston's bull redfish and shark action doesn't wait around, and neither should you. This charter puts you on proven fish with experienced guidance and all the gear needed to make it happen. Whether you're chasing that personal best bull red or want to tangle with Charleston's impressive shark population, these waters consistently deliver the goods. The combination of productive fishing zones, quality tackle, and local knowledge makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers. Book your dates now and get ready to see why Charleston's fishing reputation keeps growing among anglers who demand the best action on the water.
This motorboat is built for serious fishing action around Charleston's waters, taking you straight to where the big bull redfish and sharks are biting. She handles 2 anglers comfortably with room to move around when you hook into something heavy. The boat cuts through chop easily to reach productive spots near the jetties and coastal structure where these fish hang out. Everything you need is on board - quality rods, reels, tackle, fresh bait, and cleaning station so you can focus on fishing. The captain knows these waters and can expand the trip for up to 5 people if your crew grows. Fuel is covered, so you're not watching the gas gauge when the fish are cooperative. Perfect setup for targeting those powerful redfish and getting into some shark action without dealing with a crowded head boat.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull reds are the crown jewel of our Charleston waters. These copper-colored bruisers average 28-33 inches but the big ones we target can push 45+ inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats, oyster bars, and around jetties in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring and fall are prime time, especially when the water's moving on incoming tides. What guests love is watching these giants cruise the shallows and that explosive topwater strike when they hit. The fight is solid and they're excellent table fare with that sweet, firm meat. My go-to trick is throwing topwater plugs or live shrimp near oyster beds right at first light - that's when the big ones feed.
Carcharhinus LimbatusThese are the acrobats of our shark fishing - blacktips love to jump and put on a real show. They average 4-5 feet but can hit 9 feet, easily spotted by those black fin tips. You'll find them in 30-100 feet around reefs, jetties, and drop-offs where they hunt schools of sardines and mackerel. Spring through fall offers the best fishing when baitfish are thick. What guests love is their aerial displays - they'll launch 20+ feet out of the water and spin like a spinner dolphin. They're scrappy fighters and known to jump right into the boat if you're not careful! They're also pretty good eating. Key tip: use oily baits like fresh mackerel or live sardines, and keep your drag loose - when they jump, bow to the fish or they'll snap your line.
Negaprion BrevirostrisThese yellow-tinged sharks are some of the most reliable fighters in our waters. Lemons typically run 6-8 feet and have a stocky build that makes them powerful swimmers. They love shallow water around mangroves, creek mouths, and sandy flats in 10-30 feet, often coming into water barely deep enough to cover their backs. Warmer months from May through September are peak season when they're most active in our area. What makes them popular with guests is their aggressive nature and dogged fight - they don't give up easy and will make multiple runs. They're curious too, often circling the boat before taking bait. For best results, fish live or fresh cut bait near structure during moving tides, especially around dusk when they're actively hunting.
Sphyrna LewiniThese hammerheads are the smaller cousins of the smooth hammerhead, running 4-6 feet on average with that distinctive scalloped edge on their head. They cruise our coastal waters during the day, usually in 30-100 feet around jetties and nearshore structure. Best action happens spring through fall when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What makes them special is that wide head gives them amazing sensory abilities - they can literally feel fish hiding in the sand. Guests love the unique look and solid fight they put up. Since they're protected, it's strictly catch and release. Pro tip: use fresh cut bait like mackerel or herring on circle hooks, and fish early morning or late evening when they're most active.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe big daddy of hammerheads around Charleston, these guys can stretch 10+ feet and pack serious power. Unlike their scalloped cousins, smooth hammerheads have that perfectly curved head without the notched edge. They prefer cooler water temps and patrol deeper areas from 20-200 feet, especially around structure and drop-offs. Summer months bring the best action when they move closer to shore following bait schools. What makes them exciting is their size and strength - they'll test your tackle and stamina. These are catch-and-release only, but the photos are worth it. They're more aggressive than scalloped hammerheads too. Best approach is heavy tackle with wire leaders, fresh cut bait like bonito or mackerel, and patience - they're worth the wait.
Charleston