Full-Day Charleston Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour private charter targeting redfish, tarpon, and king mackerel.Captain Scott guides trips through Charleston's productive inshore waters.All fishing gear, bait, and licenses included for two guests.
When you're serious about putting some quality fish in the boat, Captain Scott's 8-hour private charter is exactly what you need. Starting bright and early at 7:30 AM, this full-day trip gives you the time and flexibility to really work Charleston's best inshore waters. Whether you're after your first redfish or looking to add a tarpon to your bucket list, this charter covers all the bases. With gear, bait, and licenses included, all you need to bring is your appetite for some world-class fishing action.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job – Captain Scott takes full advantage of those 8 hours to hit multiple spots and adapt to what the fish are telling us. You'll start in the productive creek systems where redfish love to ambush bait, then work your way to the flats where you can sight-cast to tailing reds and cruising drum. As conditions and fish activity dictate, you might find yourself working the nearshore edges where king mackerel patrol and Spanish mackerel school up in feeding frenzies. The beauty of a full-day trip is having the luxury to follow the bite and try different techniques. Some days we're throwing topwater plugs at dawn, switching to live bait presentations mid-morning, then finishing with some light tackle action as the tide changes. Captain Scott reads these waters like a book, and with just two anglers maximum, you get personalized instruction and prime fishing spots all day long.
Charleston's inshore fishery is all about reading the tides, structure, and bait movements – and Captain Scott has it dialed in. You'll learn to work live shrimp under popping corks around oyster bars, cast cut bait to channel edges where big drum cruise, and present artificial lures to schooling mackerel. The boat carries everything from light spinning gear for finesse presentations to heavier tackle when the big kings show up. Depending on conditions, you might find yourself fishing shallow grass flats one hour and deeper creek bends the next. The key spots include productive creek mouths where baitfish concentrate, expansive flats perfect for sight fishing, and those nearshore structure lines that hold everything from cobia to king mackerel. Captain Scott knows when to anchor up and wait for the fish to come to you, and when to stay mobile and cover water. It's this combination of local knowledge and proper technique that consistently puts fish in the boat, regardless of your experience level.
The redfish here are absolutely legendary – these bronze bulldogs average 20-28 inches and fight like fish twice their size. Peak season runs from April through November, with fall producing some true monsters. What makes Charleston reds special is their willingness to eat topwater lures, especially during those magical dawn and dusk periods. You'll find them tailing in skinny water, cruising oyster bars, and ambushing bait in creek systems. Spanish mackerel show up in numbers during summer months, typically 14-20 inches of pure speed and aggression. They school up around bait pods and absolutely demolish small spoons and jigs – perfect light tackle action that'll keep your rod bent all day. Black sea bass are year-round residents around structure, with the best fishing from May through September. These chunky bottom dwellers average 1-3 pounds and are fantastic table fare. Black drum are the gentle giants of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from 20-40 pounds not uncommon. Spring and fall are prime time, and when you hook into a big drum, you'll understand why they're called "the bulldozer of the flats." King mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery – when they're around in summer and early fall, these 15-30 pound torpedoes provide some of the most exciting action you'll find anywhere. They hit fast, jump high, and test your tackle to the limit.
A full-day charter with Captain Scott isn't just about catching fish – it's about experiencing Charleston's incredible inshore fishery the right way, with plenty of time to enjoy the process and learn techniques you'll use for years to come. With the flexible 7-day cancellation policy, you can book with confidence knowing weather won't ruin your plans. This top-rated charter consistently delivers because it combines local expertise, quality gear, and the time needed to really work the water properly. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or someone wanting to experience world-class inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait until the best dates are gone – Charleston's inshore fishing is trending upward, and Captain Scott's calendar fills up fast during peak season.
Your fishing platform for this Charleston adventure is a 2020 BullsBay center console, perfectly rigged for chasing redfish through the marshes and tracking down tarpon in deeper waters. This 20-footer gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work lures and fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Scott's boat comes loaded with everything you need – a fish finder to locate structure where king mackerel hang out, GPS to navigate Charleston's maze of creeks and channels, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour trip. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow flats where redfish feed without spooking them. Whether you're casting artificial baits around oyster bars or running to nearshore ledges for kings, this bay boat handles Charleston's varied inshore waters with ease.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of Charleston's flats – powerful, stubborn fighters that'll test your patience. These dark, chunky fish typically run 10-30 pounds around here, with their cousin redfish sharing similar haunts. Find them on shallow oyster beds, muddy flats, and around creek mouths where they cruise for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. They're famous for that drumming sound they make, especially during spawn. The fight is all power – no jumping, just raw strength that'll wear you out. Fresh soft crab or cut blue crab works best since they're bottom feeders with strong jaws built for crushing shells. Pro tip: when you feel that steady thump-thump-thump, that's a drum investigating your bait. Give them time to fully commit before setting the hook.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that love hanging around structure. Most run 1-3 pounds, but the bigger males can hit 6-8 pounds and sport that distinctive hump on their heads during spawning. You'll find them on hard bottom, around jetties, wrecks, and rock piles in 20-80 feet of water. Late spring through summer is best when they move inshore to spawn and feed heavily. They put up a scrappy fight all the way to the boat and make excellent table fare – sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's the thing about sea bass: they're curious but spooky. Drop your bait right on the structure, but if you don't get bit in the first few minutes, move to another spot. They're usually there or they're not.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters and absolute favorites for serious anglers. These torpedo-shaped fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds when conditions are right. Look for them in 40-100 feet of water along temperature breaks, drop-offs, and around bait schools. Summer and early fall are peak season when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration. The fight is pure adrenaline – blazing runs that'll strip line off your reel in seconds. They're excellent eating when fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's what works: troll live menhaden or blue runners on wire leaders with a stinger hook rig. Kings typically hit the tail section of baitfish, so that trailing hook is crucial. When one hits, clear the other lines fast – where there's one king, there's usually more.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Charleston's signature inshore fish and the reason many anglers fall in love with shallow water fishing. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-30 inches in our waters, with that distinctive black spot near their tail that fools predators. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh creeks in just 1-4 feet of water – sometimes so shallow their backs show. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively on incoming tides. The fight is steady and strong, with powerful runs that'll make your drag sing. Plus, they're delicious – mild, sweet meat that's perfect for blackening or grilling. My go-to trick: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during moving tides. Cast a gold spoon or live shrimp just ahead of where they're headed and let it sink naturally.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that'll give you a solid fight on light tackle. These silver speedsters typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh around 2-4 pounds, though bigger ones show up. You'll find them schooling near the surface around Charleston's nearshore waters, especially over structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps warm up and baitfish are thick. They hit hard and make blazing runs that'll test your drag. The meat's excellent – mild, flaky, and perfect for grilling or smoking. My tip: when you see diving birds or surface action, get there fast but drift into the school quietly. Use small shiny spoons or live shrimp on light wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Charleston