5.0(2 Reviews)Private Inshore Fishing Charter – Charleston, SC
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 2-hour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and troutAll fishing gear, bait, and licenses included with expert guideCovers backcountry creeks, grass flats, and tidal river locations
Charleston's inshore waters are pure magic for anglers, and this 2-hour private charter with Charlestowne Coastal Charters gives you the inside track to the Lowcountry's best fishing spots. Captain Scott knows these waters like the back of his hand – from hidden backcountry creeks where redfish cruise the shallows to expansive grass flats where speckled trout ambush bait. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip where you're just another number on the boat. You get the captain's full attention, personalized instruction, and access to his secret honey holes that consistently produce fish. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to dial in on Charleston's legendary inshore fishery, this charter delivers the goods.
This top-rated charter takes you through Charleston's diverse inshore ecosystem, where every cast tells a different story. You'll work everything from skinny water backcountry creeks where the bottom is visible and redfish tails break the surface, to deeper tidal rivers where trout stack up on structure. Captain Scott reads the conditions like a book – checking tides, wind, and water temperature to put you on the most productive water for the day. The beauty of this trip is the variety. One minute you're sight-fishing to cruising reds in 18 inches of water, the next you're working grass beds where trout are feeding aggressively on shrimp and finger mullet. All your gear is provided, including rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses, so you can focus entirely on the fishing. The boat is set up specifically for light tackle inshore work, giving you the perfect platform to experience Charleston's world-class coastal fishery.
Charleston inshore fishing is all about finesse, and Captain Scott has the light tackle game dialed in perfectly. You'll be working with spinning gear that's perfectly matched to the conditions – sensitive enough to feel a trout's subtle bite, but with enough backbone to turn a bull redfish away from structure. The approach varies with the conditions and target species. In the backcountry, you might be casting live shrimp under popping corks along oyster bars and dock pilings, or working soft plastics on jig heads through grass beds where trout love to ambush prey. When sight-fishing for reds, it's all about precise presentations with natural baits or perfectly placed artificials. Captain Scott adjusts tactics throughout the trip based on what the fish are telling him – switching from live bait to artificials, moving from shallow flats to deeper channels, always staying one step ahead. The light tackle makes every fish feel like a trophy, turning even a 14-inch trout into a memorable fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
"Scott is patient w the kids. Baits the hooks and will even cast the line out. My son caught a 22 inch 3.3lb trout today at the very 1st honey hole Scott has up his sleeve... Highly recommend... Thank you Scott!!!" - Nikki
"My son and I booked a four hour trip with Captain Scott. Captain Scott is very knowledgeable of the inner coastal of Charleston. He's very personable and I would definitely recommend him to anyone that's looking at catching some fish." - Chris
Redfish are the crown jewel of Charleston's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are available year-round, but spring through fall offers the most consistent action. What makes reds so special here is the variety of ways you can target them. In shallow water, you'll spot them cruising the flats with their backs out of the water, tails waving like flags. A perfectly placed shrimp or crab pattern in front of a cruising red is pure adrenaline – the eat is aggressive, and the fight is bulldogging power that'll test your drag and your patience. Slot-size reds (14-23 inches) are perfect for dinner, while the oversized bulls that patrol deeper channels and structure are pure sport fish that'll give you a workout you won't forget.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing, and Captain Scott knows exactly where they hold throughout the tidal cycle. These beautiful fish are most active during the cooler months from fall through early spring, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Trout are structure-oriented fish that love grass beds, oyster bars, and drop-offs where baitfish concentrate. They're also incredibly fun to catch on light tackle – their initial run is explosive, and they'll jump and head-shake like a miniature tarpon. The bite can be subtle, just a slight tick on the line, which makes them perfect for learning to feel what's happening on the bottom. A 20-inch speckled trout is a legitimate trophy in these waters, and the eating quality is second to none.
Summer flounder add another dimension to Charleston's inshore fishery, particularly during the warmer months when they move into shallow water to feed. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sandy bottoms near structure where they ambush passing baitfish. Flounder fishing requires a different approach – slow retrieves with soft plastics or live bait along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive thump that signals a fish has grabbed your offering. They're notorious for short strikes, often grabbing the tail of your bait and requiring patience to get a solid hookset. When you do connect, flounder fight differently than reds or trout – they use their flat bodies like a sail, creating surprising resistance that makes even smaller fish feel substantial. Plus, few fish can match a flounder's table fare, making them a customer favorite for anglers planning a fish dinner.
Step aboard this well-equipped 20-foot BullsBay center console, your floating base camp for targeting Charleston's legendary redfish and speckled trout. Built in 2020, this bay boat handles the shallow waters of backcountry creeks and grass flats with ease, getting you into those productive spots where the fish are feeding. The wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly through the skinny water without spooking your targets, while the fish finder helps locate structure and schools below. With GPS navigation, your captain can quickly move between honey holes as tides shift throughout the day. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh. Designed for up to 5 anglers but running with just 2 guests, you'll have plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around comfortably while working Charleston's tidal rivers and nearshore structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Charleston's inshore fishing, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. These bruisers average 20-35 inches around our flats and can be found in surprisingly shallow water - sometimes with their backs exposed. They love oyster beds, creek edges, and grass flats year-round, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds so popular is their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating when kept within slot limits. The secret here is sight fishing on low tide - look for their tails or backs in shallow water, then cast ahead of them and let your bait settle naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Charleston's grass flats, running 14-24 inches on average with beautiful spotted sides that shimmer in shallow water. These fish love our oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass beds in 2-6 feet of water. Spring and fall offer the best action, especially around moving tides when they're actively feeding. Anglers love trout because they hit hard, jump when hooked, and make fantastic table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. They're aggressive feeders that'll take live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Key tip: work your lure slowly through the grass - trout will often follow before striking, so patience pays off when you see that telltale wake behind your bait.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of disguise, lying on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side watching for prey above. Around Charleston, they typically run 15-20 inches and love our nearshore waters from 10-40 feet deep. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're most active and easier to locate. What makes flounder fishing special is watching them completely disappear into the sand, then suddenly ambush your bait. They're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to trick is using a bucktail jig tipped with live bait, bouncing it just off the bottom - keep it moving slow and steady to mimic their favorite prey.
5.0 out of 5.0Scott is patient w the kids. Baits the hooks and will even cast the line out. My son caught a 22 inch 3.3lb trout today at the ver...
My son and I booked a four hour trip with Captain Scott. Captain Scott is very knowledgeable of the inner coastal of Charleston. H...
Charleston