Bull Redfish & Shark Charter - Charleston, SC
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target bull redfish and sharks near Charleston coastlineAccommodates up to 5 guests with additional fee optionAll fishing gear, bait, and fuel included in charter
When you're looking for serious action off Charleston's coast, this bull redfish and shark charter delivers the kind of fishing that gets your heart pumping. We're talking about targeting some of the most powerful fighters in these waters - massive bull reds that'll test your drag system and sharks that know how to put up a fight. Charleston Fish Rod Bending runs this top-rated charter focusing on the productive waters around our jetties and nearshore structure where these apex predators cruise for their next meal. With all gear, bait, cleaning, and fuel included, you just need to show up ready to fish hard.
This charter targets the sweet spots where bull redfish and sharks patrol - think jetty mouths, channel edges, and nearshore structure that holds bait. We're not talking about a leisurely day of catching keeper-sized reds; this trip is designed for anglers who want to tangle with fish that can easily hit 30+ pounds and sharks that'll make your reel scream. The standard trip accommodates 2 anglers, but for an additional fee, you can bring up to 5 people total. Captain knows these Charleston waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position the boat where the current, structure, and bait come together to create feeding opportunities. Expect to fish with heavy tackle - we're using gear that can handle the power these fish bring to the table. The close-to-coast approach means less travel time and more fishing time, plus you'll be working productive waters that consistently produce quality fish.
This isn't your typical inshore light tackle fishing - we're rigging heavy to handle what Charleston's waters throw at us. For bull redfish, we'll be using circle hooks with fresh cut bait, targeting structure and drop-offs where these bruisers hunt. The captain provides all tackle, which includes heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line that can handle long runs and structure. Shark fishing involves chunk baits and wire leaders, fished on the bottom or suspended in the water column depending on conditions and target species. You'll learn how to fight these powerful fish properly - keeping steady pressure, using the boat's positioning to your advantage, and knowing when to let them run versus when to gain line back. The jetties and nearshore waters around Charleston create current breaks and structure that concentrate bait, which draws in both bull reds and various shark species. We're fishing areas where you can feel confident that every cast has the potential to connect with something memorable.
Scalloped hammerheads are the crown jewel of Charleston shark fishing, and these prehistoric predators show up consistently in our nearshore waters. These sharks are built for speed and endurance - when you hook one, expect multiple long runs that'll test both your tackle and your patience. Scalloped hammers typically run 4-8 feet in our waters, and their distinctive head shape makes them one of the most recognizable sharks you can catch. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant, and they often hunt in small groups around structure.
Bull redfish are the other main target, and Charleston's population of oversized reds is legendary among serious anglers. These copper-colored tanks can exceed 40 inches and 30 pounds, and they fight like they're twice that size. Bulls are most active during spring and fall migrations, but Charleston's year-round population means you've got shots at them regardless of season. When a bull red takes your bait near structure, expect an immediate power run that'll have your drag singing. These fish use the current and structure to their advantage, making every fight a chess match between angler and fish.
Smooth hammerheads bring a different kind of fight - they're built more for sustained runs than the explosive power of their scalloped cousins. These sharks often show up in slightly deeper water and can reach impressive sizes in Charleston's waters. They're curious by nature and will often investigate boat sounds and chum slicks, making them exciting targets for anglers who enjoy the anticipation of seeing their quarry before the hookup.
Blacktip sharks are the speed demons of this charter's target list. These athletic sharks are known for their acrobatic fights, often jumping completely out of the water when hooked. They're abundant in Charleston's nearshore waters, especially around bait schools, and they provide consistent action when larger species are being finicky. Blacktips typically range from 3-6 feet in our waters and fight way above their weight class.
Lemon sharks round out the target species list, and these golden-colored sharks are ambush predators that often lurk around structure. They're powerful fighters that prefer to use brute strength rather than speed, making for exciting battles on appropriate tackle. Lemons are more common in warmer months and often hang around areas with good current flow and structure that holds bait.
Charleston's bull redfish and shark fishing represents some of the best big-fish action on the East Coast, and this charter puts you right in the middle of it. With all tackle, bait, fuel, and cleaning included, you're getting serious value for a world-class fishing experience. The captain's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has made this a customer favorite among anglers who want to target trophy-class redfish and sharks. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to check some species off your list or someone ready to step up to heavy tackle fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back to Charleston. Don't wait - prime dates for bull red and shark action book up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
This motorboat is built for serious redfish and shark action around Charleston's productive inshore waters. Perfect for a duo of anglers ready to target bull reds cruising the jetties and sharks patrolling the coastal drop-offs. The captain knows exactly where these fish feed and when to find them stacked up near structure. Everything's included - rods, reels, tackle, fresh bait, and fuel - so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging lines. The boat handles Charleston's choppy waters with ease, getting you to the hot spots quickly whether that's working the jetty rocks for big reds or drifting baits in deeper water for sharks. Can bump up to 5 people for an additional cost if you want to bring the whole crew. The captain will clean your catch so you head home with fillets ready for the grill. This boat stays close to shore but still reaches the prime fishing zones where Charleston's biggest predators hunt.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull reds are what dreams are made of around Charleston. These copper-colored bruisers can push 40+ pounds and fight like freight trains in shallow water. You'll find them cruising 1-4 foot flats around oyster bars, jetties, and grass beds where their backs sometimes show above water. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up near inlets and beaches. What guests love most is watching these fish crush topwater plugs in skinny water - the explosion is something else. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to trick is using live shrimp or cut mullet around moving water during tide changes. Look for nervous baitfish and work the edges of structure slowly.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for those spectacular jumps that can reach 20 feet out of water. These sleek sharks average 4-5 feet but can hit 9 feet and 270 pounds. They love our shallow coastal waters around 30-100 feet, especially near jetties and artificial reefs where baitfish gather. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're actively feeding on sardines, mackerel, and herring. What guests enjoy most is their explosive strikes and aerial displays - they'll literally jump into the boat sometimes! They're social feeders, so where there's one, there's usually more. Use oily baits like fresh mackerel or live sardines, and get ready for some serious excitement on medium-heavy tackle.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are the bulldogs of our waters - stocky, powerful, and instantly recognizable by their yellowish color. These sharks typically run 6-8 feet around Charleston, with some reaching 10+ feet and 400 pounds. They prefer shallow coastal areas, mangroves, and sandy flats in 10-30 feet of water where they hunt crabs, fish, and rays. Summer months bring the best opportunities when water temps climb and they move into our area. Guests love their stubborn, grinding fight - they're not flashy but they'll wear you down with steady power. Their unique color and prehistoric look make for great photos. Pro tip: use fresh stingray or crab for bait near sandy bottom structure during warmer months.
Sphyrna LewiniThese unique sharks with their distinctive flattened heads are a rare sight in our waters due to conservation concerns. Females can reach up to 8 feet and 180 pounds, while males stay smaller around 6 feet. They cruise our coastal waters during the day, hunting offshore at night for fish, squid, and rays. Their wide-set eyes and special sensors help them locate prey buried in sand. While protected as critically endangered, occasional catch-and-release encounters happen near jetties and deeper waters around 30-100 feet. What makes them special is that hammer-shaped head - it's like nothing else you'll see. If you do hook one, keep steady pressure and prepare for a strong, determined fight.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe largest hammerhead you're likely to encounter here, smooth hammerheads can stretch over 10 feet and pack serious muscle. Unlike their scalloped cousins, these sharks have that classic curved head without the center notch. They prefer our warmer months from spring through fall, cruising both inshore waters and offshore around 20-200 feet deep. What sets them apart is their aggressive nature - they'll hit baits hard and give you a fight that'll test your gear. They feed on other sharks, rays, and bony fish, making them apex predators worth targeting. Best approach is using fresh cut bait like mackerel or bluefish on heavy tackle near structure. Keep your drag smooth - they make powerful runs.
Charleston