Full-Day Charleston Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targeting redfish, tarpon, and king mackerelEight hours exploring Charleston's productive inshore waters and flatsAll fishing gear, bait, and licenses included with Captain Scott
There's something special about Charleston's inshore waters that keeps anglers coming back season after season. When you book this 8-hour private charter with Captain Scott, you're not just getting a fishing trip – you're getting access to some of the most productive inshore fishing grounds on the entire Southeast coast. Starting at 7:30 AM, this full-day experience gives you the time and flexibility to really dial in on the fish, whether they're holding in the creeks, cruising the flats, or prowling the nearshore edges where the big kings like to hunt.
Captain Scott knows these Charleston waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put that knowledge to work for you and your fishing partner on this intimate 2-person charter. The beauty of a full 8-hour trip is the flexibility – if the redfish are tailing on the flats early in the morning, you'll work those fish until the tide changes. When the action shifts to deeper water where the tarpon are rolling, that's where you'll head next. This isn't a cookie-cutter trip where you hit the same three spots every time. Scott reads the conditions, the tides, and the fish movements to put you on the best bite of the day. All your gear, bait, and licenses are included, so whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you're covered. The extended time on the water means you'll likely get to try multiple techniques – from sight fishing the shallows to bottom fishing structure to maybe even some light tackle action if the conditions are right.
Charleston's inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. In the shallow creeks and oyster bars, you'll be sight fishing for redfish using live bait or artificial lures, watching for that telltale bronze flash or the nervous water that gives away a feeding school. The grass flats are perfect for working topwater plugs early in the morning when the trout and reds are actively feeding in the skinny water. As you move toward the nearshore edges, the techniques shift to trolling for king mackerel or dropping live bait on structure for black sea bass and drum. Captain Scott's boat is rigged with quality tackle suitable for everything from finesse fishing to handling the brute strength of a tarpon or oversized redfish. The variety of terrain you'll cover in 8 hours is what sets this charter apart – from 2-foot flats where you can see bottom to 30-foot nearshore ledges where anything can happen. Each spot requires different skills and offers different rewards, giving both novice and experienced anglers plenty to learn and enjoy.
The redfish around Charleston are absolute bulldogs, and they're the backbone of the inshore fishery here. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 18 to 35 inches, with the slot-size fish being perfect for the dinner table and the oversized bulls providing heart-stopping fights in shallow water. Peak season runs from April through November, but you can find quality reds year-round in the deeper creeks during winter months. What makes Charleston redfish special is their willingness to feed in extremely shallow water – there's nothing quite like watching a 30-inch red blow up on a topwater plug in 18 inches of water.
Spanish mackerel bring speed and acrobatics to your day, typically showing up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. These silvery speedsters average 1-3 pounds and are absolute lightning when hooked, often clearing the water multiple times during the fight. They're perfect light-tackle fish and excellent table fare when prepared fresh. Spanish mackerel are also fantastic for getting kids or novice anglers hooked on fishing – they bite aggressively and fight way above their weight class.
Black sea bass might not be the prettiest fish in Charleston waters, but they're among the most reliable and tasty. These bottom-dwellers love structure and are typically found in 15-40 feet of water around rocks, reefs, and wrecks. They average 1-4 pounds with occasional larger specimens, and they're open season year-round in South Carolina waters. Sea bass are perfect for filling the cooler when the glamour species aren't cooperating, and their firm white meat makes them a favorite among charter guests.
Black drum are the gentle giants of the Charleston inshore scene, with fish ranging from 5-pound "puppy drum" to massive 40-plus-pound bulls that test your tackle and patience. Spring months typically produce the biggest drum as they move into shallow water to spawn. These fish are incredible fighters in shallow water, using their broad sides and stubborn nature to wear down anglers. The larger drum are typically released due to concerns about ciguatera, but the smaller ones are excellent eating and provide steady action when other species are finicky.
King mackerel are the apex predators of the nearshore waters, and when they're around, they can make your entire day in a matter of minutes. These toothy speedsters can reach 30-plus pounds in Charleston waters and are typically targeted with live bait or high-speed trolling. Peak season runs from April through October, with the largest fish often showing up during the cooler months. Kings require wire leaders and quality tackle, and they'll test every knot and connection you have. Landing a big king is a team effort and a highlight that anglers remember for years.
This full-day charter represents some of the best value in Charleston inshore fishing. Eight hours with an experienced captain, all gear and licenses included, and access to the most productive waters in the Lowcountry – it's everything you need for a world-class fishing experience. The 7-day flexible cancellation policy means you can book with confidence, knowing that if the weather doesn't cooperate, you're covered. Whether you're a local angler looking to explore new water or a visiting angler who wants to
Your fishing platform for Charleston's inshore waters is a 2020 BullsBay center console that knows these waters well. This 20-footer gives you and your partner plenty of room to work the flats and creeks where redfish cruise and tarpon roll. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking fish in shallow water, while the GPS and fish finder help Captain Scott put you on productive spots from the creek mouths to the nearshore edges. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh during the full 8-hour day on the water. Built for Charleston's mix of shallow flats and deeper channels, this bay boat handles everything from sight-casting to bottom fishing with the stability you want when a big king mackerel makes its run.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, with most fish running 15-40 pounds and some topping 60. These grey-black bruisers cruise oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you can actually hear them drumming underwater. They're bulldogs that make long, steady runs and test your drag system. The smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big bulls are better released. They're picky eaters that want fresh blue crab, cut mullet, or shrimp fished right on bottom. My go-to tip: fish the incoming tide around oyster bars and listen for that distinctive drumming sound - it means dinner.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, aggressive bottom dwellers that love structure. Around Charleston, most run 1-3 pounds, but 5-8 pounders show up regularly on deeper wrecks and reefs. They hang around jetties, rock piles, and artificial reefs in 20-60 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed heavily. They're scrappy fighters that make multiple runs toward structure, trying to cut you off. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find - sweet and mild. They'll hit cut squid, live shrimp, or small jigs bounced right on bottom. Here's the trick: once you hook one, get them up fast because they school up, and where there's one, there's usually a dozen more waiting.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, averaging 15-25 pounds with trophy fish hitting 40-plus. These silver bullets patrol the 40-100 foot range around live bottom, ledges, and temperature breaks from late spring through fall. They're pure adrenaline - making blistering runs that'll scream drag and test your nerves. The fight's what hooks most anglers, plus they're excellent eating when prepared fresh. We typically troll with live menhaden, cigar minnows, or spoons, but they'll also hit freelined baits around structure. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are mandatory. Local tip: watch for diving birds and bait schools on the surface - kings often push bait up from below, and that's when you'll get some of the most explosive strikes of your life.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing, with most slot fish running 18-27 inches and weighing 3-8 pounds. These copper-colored beauties with the signature black spot near their tail cruise oyster beds, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-6 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes reds special is their versatility - they'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, live shrimp, or cut bait. The fight's solid with strong runs, and they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My favorite trick: look for "tailing" fish in skinny water where their tails stick up while they root for crabs - sight-casting to these fish is pure magic.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are built for speed with their sleek, silvery bodies and yellow spots along the sides. Most run 1-3 pounds around Charleston, though bigger ones hit 8-10 pounds. You'll find them schooling near the surface around jetties, nearshore reefs, and along the beach from late spring through fall when water temps climb above 70°F. They're aggressive feeders that slam spoons, jigs, and live bait like menhaden or sardines. What makes them fun is that explosive strike and their blazing runs once hooked. The meat's excellent too - mild flavor that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you see diving birds or baitfish getting pushed to the surface, get there fast and cast shiny spoons right into the commotion.
Charleston