Extended Half Day Charleston Nearshore Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour private charter targeting redfish, trout, and flounderCaptain Brent provides all gear, bait, and fishing licensesFlexible scheduling adapts to weather and optimal tide conditions
Captain Brent's got you covered for a solid 6-hour private charter that takes you just outside Charleston's inshore waters to where the real action happens. This isn't your typical dock fishing – you'll be targeting the nearshore reefs where Sheepshead, Red Drum, Black Drum, and Sea Trout hang out in numbers. With space for up to three anglers, this trip gives you the perfect balance of staying close to home while getting into fish that don't see as much pressure as the stuff right at the jetties.
You're looking at a full morning or afternoon on the water, depending on what the tides are doing. Captain Brent runs his schedule around when the fish are most likely to bite, not just when it's convenient – that's the difference between going home with a cooler full of fish versus a bunch of stories about the ones that got away. The boat launches from Charleston and makes a short run to the nearshore structure where these species like to set up shop. Don't worry about bringing anything except yourself and maybe some snacks – all your gear, live bait, and fishing licenses are handled. The weather can be a game-changer out here, so if conditions aren't safe for the nearshore spots, Captain Brent will adjust the trip to inshore waters and work with you on pricing. Safety always comes first, but that doesn't mean you won't catch fish.
This type of fishing is all about reading the bottom structure and knowing where these fish like to hold. You'll be using a mix of live bait and cut bait, depending on what's working that day and what species you're targeting. Sheepshead are notorious for being structure huggers, so you'll be dropping baits right next to pilings, rocks, and reef edges where they feel comfortable. The drum species – both Red and Black – cruise these same areas but respond to different presentations. Sea Trout tend to suspend over the structure or work the edges, so Captain Brent will have you switching up techniques throughout the day. The tackle is medium-heavy enough to pull fish away from structure but not so heavy that you lose the feel of what's happening down there. Live shrimp, fiddler crabs, and cut bait make up most of the arsenal, with Captain Brent calling the shots based on conditions and what the fish are telling him.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators around Charleston's nearshore waters. These flat fish bury themselves in sandy bottoms near structure and wait for baitfish to swim by before striking. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning run. What makes them special is their fighting style – they don't jump or make long runs, but they use their flat profile to create maximum resistance, feeling much heavier than they actually are. Plus, there's nothing better than fresh flounder fillets on the dinner table.
Sheepshead earn their reputation as the "convict fish" with those black and white stripes, but they're also known as bait thieves for good reason. These fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish off structure, making them one of the trickiest species to hook consistently. They're most active during cooler months from November through March when they move inshore to spawn. Landing a good Sheepshead requires patience and quick reflexes – they'll tap your bait so lightly you barely feel it, then drop it if you don't set the hook immediately. Their firm, white meat rivals any fish in these waters.
Sea Trout, or Spotted Seatrout, are the bread and butter of Charleston's nearshore fishing scene. These fish are active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall transitions when water temperatures are in their sweet spot. They're aggressive feeders that will hit live shrimp, cut bait, and even artificial lures when they're fired up. What anglers love about trout is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. They school up around structure and grass flats, often giving you multiple hookups once you find them.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the heavyweight champions of Charleston's nearshore waters. These copper-colored bruisers can range from slot-size fish around 20 inches to bull reds pushing 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. They're built for power, using their broad tails to make strong runs toward structure or into shallow water. Redfish feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish around the reefs and are known for their distinctive drumming sound they make when stressed. The slot-size fish are perfect for the table, while the big bulls provide pure adrenaline before being released to fight another day.
Captain Brent's extended half-day trips fill up quick, especially during prime fishing seasons when these nearshore species are most active. At $900 for the first angler and $50 for each additional guest, you're getting a top-rated private charter experience that includes everything you need for a successful day on the water. The 6-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to work different spots and techniques while staying flexible with tide changes and fish behavior. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or someone wanting to get away from the crowded inshore spots, this trip delivers the goods. Book early to secure your preferred dates, and don't forget that 20% tip for Captain Brent when he puts you on the fish.
Captain Brent's 22-foot Bay Scout is your ticket to some serious fishing action in Charleston's productive waters. This reliable 2004 bay boat packs a punch with its 200HP Yamaha engine, getting you to the fish fast and bringing you back comfortable. The spacious layout gives you plenty of room to fight those redfish and trout without bumping elbows. Everything you need is on board - the fish finder helps locate schools holding in structure, GPS keeps you on productive spots, and the icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Built for Charleston's inshore and nearshore waters, this boat handles the choppy stuff when you're chasing drum on the reefs, but stays stable in the shallows when targeting speckled trout. Whether you're working live bait around oyster bars or casting artificials at tailing redfish, this Scout puts you in position to make it happen.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the poster fish of Charleston's shallow water fishing. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, with plenty of bull reds over 30 inches mixed in. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and creek edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. That distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-bronze color makes them easy to spot. Fall brings the best action when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What gets guests fired up is watching them crash topwater lures and then make blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat on smaller ones is excellent - mild and sweet. My go-to trick: look for nervous baitfish or "pushing" water on calm days. Cast ahead of cruising fish and let your lure sit still until they're close, then twitch it once.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks," are one of our most consistent inshore targets. They average 14-18 inches with plenty of 3-5 pounders mixed in during good runs. Look for them over grass flats and around creek mouths in 3-8 feet of water. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and evening. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, but winter can produce some big gator trout in deeper holes. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit artificial lures - topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp all work great. The fight is solid with good head shakes, and the meat is mild and flaky. Local trick: work your lure slow and steady over grass beds. They'll often follow before committing, so don't speed up when you see one trailing your bait.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white prison stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're smart and tasty. Most run 2-8 pounds around Charleston's docks, bridges, and oyster reefs. They've got human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs, making them picky eaters. Spring spawning season (February-April) brings the best action when they school up near structure. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that'll test your patience. The reward is sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any fish. Here's the key: use fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp, get tight to the structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish blend perfectly with sandy and muddy bottoms in 2-15 feet of water. They typically run 15-20 inches and around 3-5 pounds, though we catch some pushing 8+ pounds. What makes them special is watching both eyes on one side of their head scan for prey while they lay motionless. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our inlets and sounds. They hit live mud minnows, shrimp, and finger mullet hard. The meat is sweet and flaky - some of the best eating you'll find. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook. They like to grab bait sideways first, then turn to swallow it headfirst.
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