Quick Family Fishing Trip Near Charleston
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
2.5hour inshore fishing adventure near Folly Beach watersTarget seasonal species with professional guide assistance providedKeep catches while exploring calm Charleston coastal areas
Picture this: you and your family gliding through Charleston's protected waters, lines in the water, watching dolphins play alongside your boat while you wait for that telltale tug on your rod. This 2.5-hour inshore fishing adventure combines the best of both worlds – serious angling opportunities and wildlife watching that'll keep everyone engaged. We'll be working the calm waters around Folly Beach and Charleston's back bays, targeting whatever's biting best based on the season and conditions.
This trip's designed for families and recreational anglers who want a taste of Charleston's legendary inshore fishing without committing to a full day on the water. With just two spots available, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to cast without bumping elbows. The beauty of fishing these protected waters means we're not battling big swells or rough conditions – perfect for newer anglers or families with kids who might get seasick in choppy water. You'll be hunting seasonal species that are actively feeding, which means we're always adjusting our game plan based on what's happening right now, not what worked last month. Keep whatever you catch if you want to take dinner home, but heads up – we don't clean fish onboard, so you'll need to handle that part yourself or find a local fish house.
We'll be running light to medium tackle setups that are perfect for the inshore species we're targeting. Depending on what's active, we might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, working soft plastics along grass edges, or even running some cut bait on the bottom. The gear's sized right for these waters – heavy enough to handle a good redfish but light enough that even smaller catches feel like a real fight. Most of our fishing happens in 3 to 15 feet of water, working around oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass flats where these fish like to ambush their next meal. The techniques are straightforward enough that beginners can pick them up quick, but there's enough nuance to keep experienced anglers interested. We'll move around based on tides, bait activity, and what the fish are telling us – sometimes that means drifting with the current, other times we'll anchor up and work a specific spot that's been producing.
Albacore Tuna might surprise you on this inshore trip, but these smaller tunas occasionally push into Charleston's nearshore waters during their seasonal migrations, typically in late spring and early fall. They're built like little torpedoes and fight way above their weight class – when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These fish are pure muscle and speed, making blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your arms. What makes them special here is they're not something you expect to catch on every inshore trip, so landing one feels like hitting the jackpot.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers hang around oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow flats year-round, though they're most active during the cooler months when they school up in bigger numbers. A slot-sized red (15 to 23 inches) will give you a solid fight with powerful runs and head shakes that'll keep your rod tip dancing. Bull reds over the slot size are catch-and-release only, but they're the fish that create those stories you'll tell for years – sometimes pushing 40+ inches and testing every knot you tied that morning.
Southern Flounder are the sneaky stars of these waters, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for unsuspecting bait fish to swim by. Fall is prime time for doormat flounder, when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning run. These flatfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're some of the best eating you'll find in these waters, and they've got a tricky way of fighting that's different from any other species. They'll hug the bottom and use their broad body like a sail, making them surprisingly tough to bring to the boat. A keeper flounder (15+ inches) is always a prize catch and perfect for the dinner table.
With only two spots available per trip, this experience books up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons and weekends. You're getting a top-rated Charleston fishing experience that combines productive angling with dolphin watching in some of the most beautiful water you'll find anywhere. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, looking for a quick fishing fix between other vacation activities, or just want to experience Charleston's famous inshore fishery without burning a whole day, this trip delivers. The intimate setting means you'll learn techniques you can use on your own, get local knowledge about where fish hang out, and create those family fishing memories that stick around long after the vacation's over. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – Charleston's fishing season is strong year-round, but the best weather windows and fish activity periods fill up quick with locals and visitors who know what they're after.
Our nimble motorboat cuts through Charleston's inshore waters with ease, perfect for getting families close to the action without the crowds. With space for just two guests, you'll have plenty of room to cast lines and spot dolphins as they surface around Folly Beach. The shallow draft lets us slip into those productive backwater spots where redfish and trout like to hang out. Built for comfort during those 2.5-hour trips, she's got everything you need to chase whatever's biting that day. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or just want to get away from the dock traffic, this boat handles the calm Charleston waters like a dream. Keep your catch or just enjoy the ride - either way, you're fishing the good spots.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target around Charleston's shallow waters. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-30 inches and love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and dock pilings in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by that distinctive black eyespot near their tail - it fools predators into attacking the wrong end. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. Families love targeting reds because they're aggressive strikers and put up a great fight without being too overwhelming for kids. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor that grills perfectly. Local tip: look for "tailing" reds in super shallow water where their backs break the surface while they're rooting around for crabs and shrimp in the mud.
Thunnus AlalungaThese bullet-shaped speedsters run 18-25 inches and pack serious muscle for their size. Around Charleston, we find them in deeper offshore waters during warmer months when they follow baitfish closer to shore. What makes albacore special is the meat - it's the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat" with that firm texture and mild flavor everyone loves. They never stop moving since they need constant water flow over their gills, so expect a solid fight. These fish travel in massive schools up to 19 miles wide, which means when you find one, you'll likely find plenty more. Pro tip: keep your trolling lures 50-90 feet behind the boat and don't let that first fish get away - he'll take the whole school with him if he escapes.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms throughout Charleston's inshore waters. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically measure 15-18 inches and can change color to match whatever bottom they're sitting on. Both eyes sit on their left side, giving them a unique look that kids find fascinating. Fall migration brings the best fishing as they move toward deeper water for winter. They're ambush predators that wait motionless until prey swims overhead, then strike fast. Flounder make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that's perfect for the whole family. The key to catching them is fishing right on the bottom with live bull minnows or shrimp. Move slowly and feel for that distinctive "tap-tap" bite - they'll mouth the bait before fully committing, so give them a second before setting the hook.
Charleston