Half Day Afternoon Fishing Trip In Charleston
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, and flounderCaptain Brent provides all gear, bait, and fishing licensesPrivate charter accommodates up to six anglers total
Looking for a solid afternoon on Charleston's inshore waters without committing your whole day? Captain Brent's got you covered with a 4-hour private charter that puts you right where the fish are biting. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip – we're talking about a customized fishing experience targeting some of the Lowcountry's best species including redfish, sea trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just visiting Charleston and want to wet a line, this half-day trip delivers the goods without eating up your entire schedule.
Captain Brent knows these Charleston waters like the back of his hand, and he's not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish. Your departure time isn't set in stone – it's based on tides and weather conditions because that's what separates the pros from the weekend warriors. When the fish are most likely to be feeding, that's when you'll be out there with your line in the water. The boat comes loaded with everything you need: quality rods, fresh tackle, live bait, and all your fishing licenses are handled. You just show up ready to fish. This is a private charter, so you're not sharing the boat with strangers or dealing with crowded conditions. It's your trip, your pace, and your fish stories to tell later.
Inshore fishing around Charleston is all about reading the water and adjusting your approach. Captain Brent runs a variety of techniques depending on what's working that day – from sight fishing the flats for tailing redfish to working structure for sheepshead and black drum. You'll be using live bait most of the time because that's what these fish want, but don't be surprised if artificial lures come into play when the conditions are right. The tackle is sized perfectly for inshore species – not too heavy that you can't feel the fight, but strong enough to handle that bull red when it decides to make a run. Expect to fish everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channels, oyster bars, and dock pilings. The beauty of Charleston's inshore waters is the variety – you're never fishing the same spot or using the same technique for more than a few casts.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Charleston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to monster bull reds that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but these fish bite year-round if you know where to look. What makes redfish special is their fight – they're strong, stubborn, and will use every oyster bar and grass bed to try to break you off. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near their tail.
Sea trout are your bread-and-butter inshore species around Charleston. These speckled beauties love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving tides. They typically run 12-20 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" over 24 inches that'll make your day. Sea trout are active spring through fall, with the best action happening in the cooler months when they school up. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to keep a few for dinner.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise in Charleston's shallow waters. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottoms near structures, waiting to ambush baitfish. They're most active during their fall migration when they're heading to deeper waters to spawn. Flounder fishing requires patience and the right technique – you'll be bouncing baits along the bottom and feeling for that distinctive "tap-tap" bite. A good flounder runs 15-20 inches and makes for some of the best eating you'll find in these waters.
Sheepshead are the convict fish of the inshore world with their black and white stripes, and they're notorious for having some of the sharpest teeth and quickest bite in the water. These structure-loving fish hang around dock pilings, bridges, and oyster bars where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. They're most active in cooler months, and catching them requires finesse and quick reflexes. Sheepshead are prized for their white, flaky meat and the challenge they present to even experienced anglers.
Common carp might not be the prettiest fish in Charleston waters, but they're strong fighters that'll surprise you with their power. These fish are opportunistic feeders and can be found in various depths and structures. While they're not typically targeted specifically, when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. They're powerful fish that use their size and strength to test your equipment, making for an exciting fight even if they're not your primary target species.
This half-day afternoon trip starts at $500 for your first angler, with additional spots available for $50 each up to six total fishermen. That's a solid value for a private charter with an experienced captain who knows how to put you on fish. Remember, everything's included – rods, tackle, bait, and licenses – so you're getting a complete fishing package. Captain Brent's built his reputation on consistent results and repeat customers, so you know you're in good hands. The afternoon timing is perfect if you want to sleep in, grab lunch, and still get in some quality fishing time before dinner. Don't forget that 20% tip if Captain Brent puts you on the fish – it's standard in the charter fishing world and shows appreciation for a job well done. Charleston's inshore fishing is world-class year-round, so whether you're here for a weekend or calling Charleston home, this trip delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back for more.
Captain Brent's 22-foot Bay Scout is your ticket to Charleston's prime fishing grounds. This 2004 bay boat packs serious punch with its 200HP Yamaha engine, getting you to the fish fast and smooth. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to battle those feisty redfish and speckled trout without bumping elbows. Built for Charleston's shallow waters, this versatile rig can slip into those secret spots where the big flounder hide. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on the productive waters. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the 4-hour adventure. Whether you're casting for black drum around the jetties or working the grass flats for sea trout, this reliable bay boat handles it all with ease.
Cyprinus CarpioCommon Carp might not be your typical Charleston inshore target, but these golden-bronze fighters show up in our brackish creeks and backwaters. These heavy-bodied fish with barbels on their lower jaw typically run 15-30 inches and 4-20+ pounds - some monsters hit 40+ pounds. They're bottom feeders that love slow-moving water, muddy areas, and spots with vegetation. Spring and fall see the most action when water temps hit 70-80°F and they move shallow to spawn. What surprises guests is their incredible strength and endurance - they'll fight you to the boat and beyond. They're not great table fare, but the sport is unmatched. My trick: use corn or bread on a hair rig and fish it dead still on the bottom - these guys are spooky and any movement will send them running.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Charleston's shallow water fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails typically range 20-35 inches and can push 40+ pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them tailing on grass flats, around oyster bars, and in tidal creeks. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings schools of big bulls. What makes them special is their powerful fight and willingness to eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. The meat is excellent too - mild and sweet. Guests get hooked on the sight-fishing aspect and explosive strikes. Local tip: approach quietly and cast past them, then work your bait into their path - spook one and you'll likely clear the whole flat.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are one of Charleston's most popular inshore targets. These silvery fish with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, making them perfect on light tackle. You'll find them cruising grass flats, creek mouths, and shallow bays feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and evening. Spring through fall offers the best action, though they school up in deeper holes during winter. Guests love their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make strong runs. The meat is tender and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. My advice: fish the grass edges during moving water and don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are soft and tear easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Charleston waters with their distinctive black and white stripes. These 2-5 pound fish hang around any structure they can find - bridge pilings, docks, jetties, and oyster bars where they munch on barnacles and crabs. What sets them apart are their human-like teeth that can crush shellfish with ease. They're year-round targets, but spring spawning season brings the biggest concentrations. Guests love their sneaky fight and the challenge of outsmarting these notorious bait thieves. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: keep your bait tight to the structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they'll steal your shrimp faster than you can blink.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. What makes them unique is having both eyes on one side of their head - usually the left. They love shallow coastal waters, creeks, and around structure where they can blend in perfectly. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're moving toward deeper water. Guests love the challenge of spotting these camouflaged fighters, and they make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. My tip: watch for movement in the sand or that telltale outline - once you spot one flounder, there's usually more nearby.
Charleston