Charleston Backcountry Fishing with Captain Scott
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour charter targeting redfish, jack crevalle, and bluefishAll gear, bait, and fishing licenses included with Captain ScottAccess diverse inshore waters including creeks, flats, and channels
When you're looking for a top-rated Charleston fishing charter that really delivers, Captain Scott's backcountry trips hit different. This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation – we're talking about a private 6-hour charter designed for just two anglers who want to get into some serious fish. Starting at 7:30 AM, you'll work Charleston's backwaters, inlets, and nearshore zones where the real action happens. The Lowcountry's maze of creeks, flats, and channels holds some of the Southeast's best inshore fishing, and Captain Scott knows exactly where to find the fish when they're biting.
This charter takes you into Charleston's most productive fishing zones, from the shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to the deeper channels where jack crevalle school up. Captain Scott runs a clean, well-equipped boat that can handle everything from skinny water creek fishing to nearshore structure fishing. You'll start early to beat the heat and catch the morning bite, which is often the most productive time on these waters. The trip covers diverse terrain – one minute you might be sight-fishing tailing redfish in 18 inches of water, the next you're working a channel edge for bluefish or Spanish mackerel. All your gear, bait, and fishing licenses are handled, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The flexible cancellation policy gives you peace of mind with Charleston's sometimes unpredictable weather patterns.
Captain Scott matches techniques to the conditions and target species each day. In the shallows, you'll likely use live bait or artificials for sight-fishing redfish and jack crevalle. When working deeper water, expect to use cut bait, live shrimp, or lures depending on what's working best. The tackle is sized appropriately for each technique – light enough to feel every bite but heavy enough to handle these hard-fighting inshore species. Spinning reels are the go-to setup for most situations, loaded with braided line for sensitivity and hook-setting power in deeper water. When the fish are spooky in clear, shallow water, Captain Scott will often switch to lighter fluorocarbon leaders to get more bites. The boat is rigged with multiple rod holders, a good fishfinder, and a shallow water anchor system that lets you stay positioned perfectly on productive spots.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Charleston's inshore fishing scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches in local waters and fight like fish twice their size. They're most active during spring and fall, but Charleston's year-round population means you've got shots at them in any season. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat in super shallow water – watching a big red crush a topwater lure in 12 inches of water is something every angler needs to experience. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Crevalle jack are the muscle cars of the inshore world, and Charleston's populations are world-class. These fish school up in channels and around structure, averaging 15-25 pounds but capable of reaching 40-plus. They're most abundant from late spring through early fall, and when you find a school, the action can be absolutely wild. Jacks fight harder pound-for-pound than almost any inshore species – they'll test your drag, your arms, and your patience. While they're not great eating, they're pure adrenaline on the end of a line.
Bluefish bring the aggression factor that gets anglers hooked on inshore fishing. Charleston's blues typically run 2-8 pounds, with larger fish showing up during their spring and fall migrations. They're voracious feeders that will hit everything from live bait to flashy spoons, and when they're feeding, you can catch them as fast as you can get a line in the water. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive strikes make every hookup exciting, plus they're fantastic on the dinner table when prepared fresh.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons that add variety to any Charleston charter. These sleek predators average 1-3 pounds and are most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. They're typically found around structure, channel edges, and anywhere current brings baitfish together. Spaniards hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait with lightning-fast strikes, and their initial runs will surprise anglers who underestimate their fighting ability. They're also some of the best eating fish in Charleston waters.
Ladyfish might be the most underrated species on this list. These silvery acrobats jump like miniature tarpon and provide non-stop action when they're schooled up. They're most common during summer months and are often found in the same areas as other species, making them a great bonus catch. While they're typically released, their aerial displays and fighting spirit make them customer favorites, especially for newer anglers building confidence.
Captain Scott's backcountry charters book up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons. With only two anglers per trip, you're getting personalized attention and access to spots that bigger boats can't reach. The early morning start time puts you on the water when fish are most active, and the 6-hour duration gives you time to work multiple areas and techniques. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next personal best or someone newer to saltwater fishing wanting to learn from a pro, this charter delivers the goods. All gear and licenses are included, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat and making memories on Charleston's legendary inshore waters.
Your fishing platform for this Charleston backcountry adventure is a 2020 BullsBay center console, perfectly rigged for targeting redfish, jack crevalle, and bluefish in the Lowcountry's diverse waters. This 20-footer gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work the flats, creeks, and channels where these species lurk. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Scott position you quietly over productive spots without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate structure and schools in Charleston's maze of marshes and inlets. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. Built for South Carolina's coastal conditions, this bay boat handles everything from shallow grass flats where redfish tail to deeper channels where jack crevalle ambush bait. The center console design provides 360-degree fishing access, making it easy to cast to breaking fish or work live bait around oyster bars and dock pilings.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that typically run 2-8 pounds in our waters, known for their voracious appetite and sharp teeth. You'll find them in schools around jetties, inlets, and nearshore structure, especially when they're chasing baitfish to the surface. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, creating those famous "bluefish blitzes" where the water churns like a washing machine. Guests enjoy their hard strikes and strong fights, plus the smaller ones (under 5 pounds) make excellent table fare with proper preparation - bleed them immediately and ice them down. Here's what works: when you see birds diving and water exploding, get there fast with metal spoons or cut bait. Blues will hit almost anything, but be careful handling them - those teeth are razor sharp.
Caranx HipposJack crevalle are the bulldogs of our waters - thick, powerful fish that average 3-8 pounds but can push 20+ pounds in deeper areas. You'll find them in schools around structure, grass flats, and channels, often pushing baitfish to the surface while birds dive from above. They're most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round here in Charleston. What makes jacks exciting is their raw power and willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them - they fight harder than fish twice their size. While not the best eating, they're pure fun on medium tackle. Here's a local tip: when you see birds working, cast silver spoons or white jigs past the school and retrieve fast. Jacks love the chase and aggressive movement will trigger strikes.
Elops SaurusLadyfish earn the nickname "poor man's tarpon" for good reason - they put on quite a show with their jumping and thrashing once hooked. These silver missiles typically run 12-20 inches and can be found throughout our inshore waters, from the creeks to nearshore areas. They're most active during warmer months and can be caught year-round in Charleston's waters. What guests love about ladyfish is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights on light tackle - they'll jump repeatedly trying to throw the hook. While they're not great table fare, they make excellent bait for larger species like snook. Pro tip: use a heavy fluorocarbon leader since their small but sharp teeth will cut through regular mono. Small jigs, live shrimp, or cut bait work well when you find a school.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of Charleston's most prized catches, running 20-35 inches on average with that classic copper-bronze back and signature black spot near the tail. These drum love our shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow you'll see their backs breaking the surface. They're here year-round but fish best in spring and fall when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that hard pull and bulldogging fight once hooked, plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat. My go-to trick: look for nervous water or subtle wakes in skinny areas early morning. Use topwater plugs or live shrimp, and always approach these spots quietly - redfish are easily spooked but worth the stealth.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-18 inches, with beautiful yellow spots along their silver sides. These fast swimmers show up in our nearshore waters and around jetties, piers, and inlet mouths from spring through fall. They school up and feed aggressively on small baitfish, making them fairly easy to locate when they're around. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight well for their size, and are some of the best eating fish we catch - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key is speed: use small silver spoons, gotcha plugs, or live shrimp and retrieve them quickly. Spanish mackerel have sharp teeth, so use a short wire leader. When you hook one, keep your rod tip up and reel steady - they'll make several runs.
Charleston