Mixed Tackle Fishing at Folly Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Mixed tackle fishing targets surf fish to large sharksExtended trips increase chances for bigger, better catchesAccommodates groups up to 8 guests with varied equipment
Looking for a fishing trip that covers all your bases? Our Mixed Tackle Fishing charters at Folly Beach give you the best of everything in one epic day on the water. We're talking light tackle action for quick fights, medium setups for those mid-size bruisers, and heavy gear when you need to reach the deeper water where the big boys hang out. Whether you're after your first redfish or hunting for a shark that'll make your buddies jealous, this charter's got you covered. With trips ranging from 4 to 12 hours, you've got plenty of time to dial in on what's biting and really put some fish in the cooler.
This isn't your typical one-trick-pony fishing trip. We run a smart setup that lets us adapt to whatever Mother Nature throws our way. The beauty of mixed tackle fishing is versatility - when the surf's pumping and the smaller fish are feeding close to shore, we'll have you casting light rigs into the wash. But when conditions call for it, we're not afraid to break out the heavy artillery and send baits way out past the breakers where the real monsters cruise. You'll be fishing with up to 7 other anglers, which creates a great vibe and lets everyone learn from each other's techniques. The longer trips really pay off because we can move around, try different spots, and wait out the tide changes that often trigger the best bites. Don't worry about bringing anything - we've got all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need.
Our mixed tackle approach means we're always ready for whatever swims by. The light casting rods are perfect for working the surf zone - you'll be throwing everything from shrimp to cut bait for trout, whiting, and smaller drum. These setups let you feel every bump and tap, which is half the fun of fishing the surf. When we step it up to the mid-range gear, we're talking about rods that can handle the kayaked baits we run out past the breakers. This is where things get interesting - we'll paddle fresh cut mullet or stingrays out to the deeper water where redfish, black drum, and sharks patrol. The heavy tackle comes into play when we need serious distance and stopping power. We're talking big conventional reels spooled with heavy line, perfect for sending large baits 200+ yards offshore and wrestling with whatever decides to eat it. The key is reading the conditions and matching your tackle to what's happening that day.
Black drum are absolute tanks and one of the most reliable targets we have at Folly Beach. These bruisers can push 40+ pounds and will test your drag system to the limit. They're bottom feeders that love blue crab, cut shrimp, and chunks of mullet. Spring and fall are prime time, especially around the new and full moons when they move into the surf to spawn. What makes black drum so special is their fight - they don't jump or run like other fish, but they'll pull straight down with incredible power. Landing a big drum on medium tackle is a workout you won't forget, and they make excellent table fare if you keep one for the cooler.
Sea trout might not be the biggest fish in the surf, but they're scrappy fighters that hit hard and taste even better. These spotted beauties love live shrimp and soft plastics worked through the deeper holes and channels. They're most active during the cooler months, and you'll often find them in schools - catch one and there's usually more around. Trout have soft mouths, so you need to play them carefully, but that's part of the challenge. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Folly Beach serves up some beautiful bulls during their fall and spring runs. These copper-colored fighters can reach 30+ inches and will give you a battle that combines power, speed, and determination. Reds are sight feeders that love live bait, but they'll also crush cut mullet and blue crab. The big bulls often travel in schools just outside the breakers, and when you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop. What makes reds special is their versatility - they fight hard, look amazing, and are fantastic on the table when they're slot-sized.
Blacktip sharks bring the excitement factor that every angler craves. These aggressive predators hit baits hard and immediately launch into their signature jumping displays. Most blacktips we catch range from 3 to 6 feet, perfect for putting up a memorable fight without being dangerous to handle. They're most active during the warmer months and love fresh cut bait, especially mullet and bluefish. The best part about blacktip fishing is the visual aspect - seeing a 5-foot shark cartwheeling through the air 100 yards from shore never gets old.
Tiger sharks are the apex predators that separate the serious shark anglers from the weekend warriors. These massive, prehistoric-looking beasts can exceed 10 feet and 500 pounds, making them one of the most challenging fish you can hook from the surf. Tigers are opportunistic feeders that will eat just about anything, but they show a preference for large, oily baits like whole bonito or big chunks of stingray. They're more common during the summer months and tend to feed more actively at night or during low-light conditions. Hooking a tiger shark is a lottery ticket - you never know if you'll be fighting a 6-footer or a true giant that could take hours to land.
Mixed tackle fishing at Folly Beach gives you the complete South Carolina surf fishing experience in one trip. Instead of being locked into one technique or target species, you're getting a masterclass in reading conditions and adapting your approach
This 12-foot fishing vessel puts you right where the action happens in Folly Beach's productive inshore waters. Built tough but nimble, she handles everything from shallow flats to deeper channels where the big fish roam. With room for up to 8 anglers, there's plenty of space to work different tackle setups without crowding your crew. Her compact design lets us slip into those hard-to-reach spots where redfish cruise the grass beds and sharks patrol the drop-offs. Whether you're casting light tackle for surf species or deploying heavy gear for monster rays, this boat gets you close to the fish and keeps you stable for those crucial hooksets. Perfect for our mixed tackle approach that targets everything from schooling fish to apex predators lurking in Folly's diverse waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish cruise shallow mudflats, oyster beds, and creek mouths in 2-20 feet of water, using their crusher jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning around March and April. What makes them special is that deep, drumming sound they make - you'll actually hear them before you see them. They're bulldogs on the line, making long, stubborn runs that'll test your drag. For eating, stick with fish under 15 pounds for the best taste. Pro tip: fish live or peeler crab right on the bottom near oyster bars during moving tides - the scent trail draws them in from way off.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are our most common shark species, typically 3-5 feet long with those distinctive black-tipped fins. They patrol nearshore waters from 10-100 feet deep, often working around structure, baitfish schools, and drop-offs. Summer months bring them close to shore when the water warms up and bait is thick. What makes them exciting is their aerial show - these sharks will jump completely out of the water when hooked, spinning and tail-walking like a tarpon. They're also pretty aggressive feeders, hitting both live and cut bait readily. The fight is fast and furious but manageable on medium tackle. They're curious too, sometimes following the boat. Best bet is to chum with oily fish like mackerel or sardines to get them fired up, then drop a fresh chunk on a circle hook. Once that slick gets going, they'll usually show up within minutes.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow water fishing, running anywhere from slot-sized 20-inchers to bull reds over 40 pounds. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek edges in water so shallow their backs break the surface. Those distinctive black spots near the tail make them easy to identify. Spring and fall offer the hottest action when they're most active feeding. What makes reds special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll pull drag and make your arms burn. They're also incredibly smart, often requiring stealthy approaches in skinny water. Excellent eating in the slot, with firm, sweet meat. The key trick here is watching for nervous water and tailing fish on the flats during incoming tides - cast ahead of their direction and let your bait settle naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most consistent catches, averaging 14-24 inches with that beautiful spotted silver body. They love grass flats, creek mouths, and deeper channels in 3-15 feet of water, especially around structure like docks and oyster bars. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes, but summer nights under lights can be phenomenal. What guests love is their willingness to hit artificials - they'll smash topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. The fight is scrappy but not overwhelming, making them perfect for lighter tackle. They're also excellent table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. Here's the trick: when working grass flats, use a popping cork with a shrimp or jig suspended below - that popping sound calls them in from surprising distances.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators we target on our longer trips, averaging 8-12 feet but capable of reaching monster sizes over 15 feet and 1000+ pounds. These solitary hunters roam deeper waters around 50-200 feet, following warm currents and moving into shallower areas to feed. Summer brings them closer to shore when water temps peak. What draws anglers is the sheer power and size - hooking a big tiger is a bucket list experience that'll push your tackle to the limit. They're also unique with those fading tiger stripes and their reputation as the ocean's garbage disposal. The fight is a marathon of deep runs and stubborn resistance. We target them with heavy tackle, large cut baits like tuna or mackerel, and plenty of patience. Key is getting a good chum slick going in deeper water near structure - when a tiger shows up, you'll know it.
Charleston, SC