Mixed Tackle Fishing Adventures at Folly Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Mixed tackle fishing targets surf fish to large sharks4 to 12 hour trips accommodate up to 8 guestsLight and heavy tackle increases catch variety and success
Looking for some serious action on the water? Our mixed tackle fishing trips out of Folly Beach give you the best shot at landing everything from tasty inshore favorites to heart-pounding sharks. Charleston Shark and Surf Fishing runs these top-rated charters with flexibility in mind – we're talking 4 to 12 hours on the water, so you can pick what fits your schedule and stamina. With only 8 anglers max per trip, you'll get plenty of personal attention and room to work your lines without bumping elbows.
This isn't your typical one-trick fishing trip. We bring a full arsenal of tackle options because Folly Beach waters serve up variety like nowhere else. You'll start with light casting rods perfect for working the shallows where sea trout and smaller drum like to cruise. As the day develops, we'll break out the mid-range tackle – think kayaked rods that let us get baits to those prime shark feeding zones and redfish haunts that the bigger boats can't reach. When conditions are right and the fish are running large, we'll deploy the heavy artillery for those bucket-list catches that require serious firepower and long-distance casting. The beauty of this mixed approach means you're never stuck with the wrong gear for what's biting. Weather and tides change throughout the day, and so do the fish – we adapt right along with them.
Our tackle selection isn't random – it's based on decades of fishing these waters and knowing what works when. Light tackle gets the nod early morning when sea trout are actively feeding in 3-6 feet of water. These fish are spooky, so finesse matters more than brute force. Mid-range setups shine during moving tides when redfish patrol the grass beds and blacktip sharks start their afternoon patrol routes. We'll kayak baits out to drop zones that shore-bound anglers can only dream about reaching. The heavy tackle comes into play when we're targeting tiger sharks or large black drum that require serious drag and backbone. Circle hooks are our go-to for catch and release, while we'll rig J-hooks when you're looking to take dinner home. Fresh cut bait, live shrimp, and artificials all have their place in our game plan – we'll teach you when and why to use each option.
Black drum around Folly Beach are absolute bulldogs that'll test every ounce of your tackle and technique. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, with the occasional giant pushing 40-plus pounds that'll make your arms burn. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, especially around oyster beds and structure where they root for crabs and shellfish. What makes black drum special isn't just their fight – they're excellent table fare when handled properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Folly Beach fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties hit artificials with aggressive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. Most of our trout run 14 to 20 inches, with trophy fish over 24 inches showing up regularly during cooler months. They're incredibly light-sensitive, so early morning and late afternoon produce the hottest action. Sea trout are also some of the best eating fish in these waters – their delicate flavor and flaky texture make them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Redfish are the crown jewel of South Carolina inshore fishing, and Folly Beach serves up some of the most consistent red drum action on the coast. These bronze-backed fighters average 20 to 35 inches, with slot-limit fish providing sport and meat while the oversized bulls offer pure adrenaline. Fall brings the best numbers as schools of reds work the surf and creek mouths. Their powerful runs and stubborn fights in shallow water create fishing memories that last a lifetime. Plus, they're world-class table fare with a slightly sweet flavor that works with any cooking method.
Blacktip sharks bring the excitement level up several notches with their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. These 3 to 6-foot predators are most active during warmer months when baitfish schools are thick. Blacktips are perfect for anglers who want to experience shark fishing without dealing with truly massive fish that require extreme heavy tackle. Their acrobatic fights and relatively manageable size make them ideal for building confidence before targeting larger species.
Tiger sharks represent the apex of what Folly Beach has to offer serious anglers. These massive predators can stretch 8 to 12 feet and provide fights that are absolutely legendary. Summer months bring the best tiger shark opportunities, particularly during evening hours when they move into shallower water to hunt. Landing a tiger shark is a bucket-list achievement that requires teamwork, patience, and respect for one of the ocean's most impressive predators. We practice strict catch and release with tigers to preserve these magnificent fish for future generations.
Folly Beach mixed tackle fishing delivers the kind of variety and action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're chasing your first redfish, looking to battle a shark, or just want to put some fresh sea trout in the cooler, this trip covers all the bases. The extended time options mean you can really dial in the bite and make the most of prime conditions. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – our customer favorite trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your Charleston Shark and Surf Fishing adventure today and get ready to experience why Folly Beach is renowned as one of the Southeast's premier fishing destinations.
This compact 12-foot fishing vessel puts you right in the action for some serious angling around Folly Beach's productive waters. Built tough but nimble, she handles the inshore shallows like a champ while giving your group of up to 8 anglers plenty of room to work their lines. Perfect for mixed tackle fishing where you'll be switching between light casting rigs for smaller species and heavy gear when you hook into something that wants to run hard. The open layout gives everyone space to fight fish without tangling lines, and you can easily move around when targeting everything from redfish in the grass to rays and sharks in deeper pockets. Whether you're working the surf line or drifting structure, this boat gets you where the fish are biting without all the bulk of bigger vessels that can't access the skinny water spots.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 90. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 3-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when the action really heats up. Guests love the fight these fish put up, plus the smaller ones make excellent table fare. The bigger ones over 15 pounds get tough and stringy, so we usually release those. Best tip: use fresh crab bait and make sure it stays on the bottom. These fish are picky eaters but worth the wait.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of shark fishing, known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. These sleek predators average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet. They cruise in 30-100 feet of water around artificial reefs and drop-offs. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're chasing baitfish closer to shore. What makes them exciting is their speed and aerial displays - they'll leap 20+ feet out of the water. They're also pretty social, so where you find one, there's usually more. We use heavy tackle with circle hooks and oily baits like mackerel or sardines. The secret is getting a good chum slick going to draw them in from deep water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are sight-fishing gold around here, cruising the shallows in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their copper-red backs and that distinctive black spot near the tail. They run anywhere from slot-size around 18-27 inches up to bull reds over 40 pounds. These fish love oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is watching them crash topwater lures in skinny water - pure adrenaline. The smaller ones are fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you see one tailing, cast well ahead of where it's moving and work your bait slowly back.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are one of our most popular targets around Folly. They typically run 14-24 inches and love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. During cooler months, they school up in deeper channels making them easier to find. What makes them special is their delicate white meat - some of the best eating fish we catch. They're also great fighters on light tackle. These fish can be tricky, so try working topwater plugs early morning or late evening when they're most active. Plastic shrimp and soft plastics work well too. The key is not overcooking them since the meat is softer than other species.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators that serious shark anglers dream about. These massive fish can reach 14+ feet and over 1,000 pounds, with those distinctive dark stripes that fade with age. They patrol deeper waters around 100+ feet but will come shallow to feed. Summer months bring the best opportunities when water temps are warmest. What sets them apart is their incredible power and that anything-goes appetite. Landing one is a true bucket-list experience that takes patience and heavy gear. We use 100+ pound tackle with big baits like whole mackerel or tuna chunks. Key tip: let them run when they hit - trying to stop a tiger too early will just result in broken tackle.
Charleston, SC