3 HR Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target six species including Redfish and Tarpon in shallow watersThreehour guided inshore fishing adventure for all skill levelsTwoguest capacity trip with experienced Captain Crawford
Charleston's inshore waters are calling your name, and Captain Crawford knows exactly where the fish are biting. This 3-hour fishing trip takes you into the shallow flats and grass beds where Charleston's most sought-after gamefish hang out. You'll be casting into gin-clear water where you can actually see your target before making the perfect presentation. With room for just two anglers, this isn't some crowded party boat situation – it's your chance to fish prime spots with personalized attention from one of Charleston's top-rated guides.
Captain Crawford runs his operation out of Charleston's pristine inshore waters, targeting the flats, creeks, and oyster bars that make this area famous among serious anglers. The shallow water fishing here is visual and exciting – you're sight-casting to fish you can actually see cruising the flats. The boat stays in skinny water, usually between 2-6 feet deep, which puts you right in the strike zone for redfish, black drum, and flounder. Morning trips often start with the sun breaking over the marshes, creating perfect conditions as the fish move onto the flats to feed. The intimate group size means Captain Crawford can coach you through each cast, whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or a newcomer who's never held a rod. The action can be fast and furious when you hit the right spot at the right time, with multiple species often feeding in the same area.
Captain Crawford sets you up with quality spinning gear perfectly matched to Charleston's inshore fishing. You'll be throwing live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures depending on what's working best that day. The techniques vary based on conditions and target species – sometimes you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water, other times you're working deeper grass beds for flounder using a slow retrieve. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks. Live shrimp is the go-to bait here, and Captain Crawford knows the best local suppliers to ensure you're fishing with premium bait. When the fish are spooky, you might switch to artificials like soft plastics or spoons that you can work quietly through the water column. The boat is equipped with a shallow-water anchor system that lets you hold position on productive spots without spooking fish in the skinny water.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Charleston inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters are available year-round. They cruise the flats in schools during fall and winter, making for some of the most exciting sight-fishing you'll find anywhere. Slot-size reds (14-27 inches) fight like bulldogs, making multiple runs toward structure. Spring brings spawning activity when you might encounter oversized bull reds that will test your tackle and your patience. What makes redfish so special here is how you can spot them tailing in shallow water, their copper sides flashing as they root around oyster bars looking for crabs and shrimp.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and Charleston's waters hold some true giants. These fish love oyster bars and structure where they crunch on shellfish with their powerful pharyngeal teeth. You'll hear them before you see them – that distinctive drumming sound they make is unmistakable. Spring is prime time for big drum, with fish over 30 pounds common around the right structure. They're not the fastest fish, but their sheer power and stubbornness make them a favorite among anglers who appreciate a good tug-of-war. The slot limit keeps you honest, but catch-and-release fishing for the big boys is always exciting.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise in Charleston's inshore waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to swim by. These flatfish are most active during fall migration when they move from the shallows toward deeper water to spawn. Captain Crawford knows the drop-offs and channel edges where flounder stack up during this movement. They're ambush predators, so your presentation needs to be right on their nose – sometimes literally. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the way they inhale your bait and then just sit there, making you wonder if you're hung up on bottom until you set the hook and feel that head shake.
Tarpon are the silver kings that show up in Charleston waters during summer months, bringing aerial acrobatics that you'll never forget. These fish can range from juvenile tarpon around 20-30 pounds up to monsters over 100 pounds that will take you into your backing in seconds. They're often found around bridges, inlets, and deeper channels where they feed on baitfish. What makes tarpon so special is their jumping ability – once hooked, they'll launch themselves completely out of the water multiple times, shaking their heads violently trying to throw the hook. Even if you don't boat one, just having a tarpon eat your bait and jump is worth the price of admission.
Charleston Saltwater Guide Co. has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while providing the kind of personalized service you won't find on bigger boats. Captain Crawford's local knowledge runs deep – he's been working these waters long enough to know where fish will be based on tide, weather, and season. The 3-hour format is perfect for getting a taste of Charleston's world-class inshore fishing without committing to a full day. Whether you're visiting Charleston and want to add some fishing to your trip, or you're a local angler looking to learn new water, this adventure delivers the goods. With only two spots available per trip, Captain Crawford can focus on your success rather than managing a crowd. Book now and get ready to experience why Charleston's inshore fishing has such a devote
Jump aboard our nimble 18' Hell's Bay flats boat and get ready to work Charleston's productive inshore waters! This shallow-draft beauty draws just inches, letting us slip into those skinny spots where the big Redfish and Spotted Seatrout like to hang out. With a peppy 70HP Yamaha pushing us along, we'll cover plenty of water chasing Black Drum around oyster bars and stalking Flounder in the grass beds. The onboard fish finder helps us locate schools while GPS keeps us on the productive spots. Grab a cold drink from the icebox between hookups - you'll need the energy when that Bull Red takes off or a Jack Crevalle starts pulling drag. Perfect for 2 anglers who want to get into the action without dealing with big boat hassles. Captain Crawford knows these backwaters like his own backyard and will put you on fish whether you're throwing artificials or soaking bait.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of Charleston's inshore waters, and they'll test your drag like nothing else. These bruisers commonly run 15-30 pounds, but we hook monsters over 50 regularly. They cruise oyster beds, creek mouths, and shallow flats with their heads down, crushing crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear them "drumming" underwater, a sound you feel through the boat hull. Summer and fall fishing stays solid around structure. What makes them special is their pure strength and stubborn fight. They don't jump, just dig deep and bulldoze. Smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but we usually release the big breeders. Best tip: use fresh blue crab or cut shrimp on a fish finder rig, and when you feel that steady thump-thump, set the hook hard and hold on.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Charleston's bread and butter - copper-colored beauties that'll give you a fight and a great dinner. Most fish we catch run 18-27 inches, perfect slot size, though bull reds over 30 inches patrol deeper waters. Those distinctive black spots near the tail aren't just for looks - they confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. You'll find them tailing in grass flats, around oyster bars, and cruising creek edges in 2-6 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring fishing really heats up when they school. What makes reds special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll drag you into structure if you let them. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for blackening. My favorite technique is sight fishing with gold spoons or live shrimp under popping corks. Key tip: when you see their backs out of water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush prey. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches, though we've seen some reach over 2 feet. Both eyes sit on their left side, which freaks out first-timers but makes them fascinating to catch. You'll find them on sandy bottoms in shallow bays, creeks, and around oyster bars where they hunt shrimp and small fish. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. They don't fight like a redfish, but watching one materialize from what looked like empty bottom is pure magic. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. Pro tip: drift slowly with live shrimp on a Carolina rig and watch your rod tip closely. Their bite feels like you snagged bottom, then suddenly comes alive.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings that turn grown anglers into kids again. These prehistoric giants average 80-120 pounds around Charleston, though 200-pounders show up when conditions align. They roll in deeper channels, around bridges, and near inlets during summer months, especially on warm evenings with moving water. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size - it's those heart-stopping jumps when hooked. They'll clear the water 6-8 feet, gill rattling and trying to throw your hook. Most folks don't eat them due to bony meat, so it's all about the fight and bragging rights. Late spring through early fall gives you the best shots, particularly around dawn and dusk. The key is patience - these fish are smart and spooky. My go-to method is live shrimp or crabs drifted near structure, but keep that rod tip low when they jump or you'll lose them every time.
Charleston, SC