Private Inshore Fishing Trip - Folly Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Lighttackle fishing targets redfish, trout, flounder in marshesAll tackle and fishing licenses provided for seamless experienceAccommodates groups with multiple boats for corporate events
Looking for a solid day on the water targeting some of Charleston's best inshore species? This private fishing charter with Crosby Coastal Charters puts you right in the heart of Folly Beach's most productive saltwater marshes and creek systems. You'll be fishing light-tackle in shallow waters where redfish cruise the grass beds and flounder ambush baitfish along drop-offs. It's just you and one other angler, so there's plenty of room to work and no crowded rails. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet with saltwater fishing.
Your day starts aboard a spacious 24-foot bay boat that's built for navigating the shallow creeks and oyster bars around Folly Beach. The boat draws just enough water to get you into those productive back-country spots where bigger boats can't reach, but it's stable enough to fish comfortably when the wind kicks up. Captain provides all your tackle, rods, reels, and even handles your fishing license, so you just need to show up ready to fish. We'll be running light spinning gear and conventional tackle depending on what we're targeting - maybe throwing live shrimp under popping corks for trout, or working soft plastics along oyster bars for redfish. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One cast you might be sight-fishing to tailing reds in two feet of water, the next you're working a creek mouth for flounder on the moving tide.
Folly Beach inshore fishing is all about reading the water and working with the tides. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on conditions and what's biting. Live shrimp is always a go-to here - we'll fish them under corks in the grass beds for speckled trout, or free-line them along structure for sheepshead and black drum. When we're targeting redfish, expect to throw soft plastics like paddle tails and jerk baits around oyster bars and marsh points. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts - these fish get plenty of pressure, especially the reds. For flounder, we'll work the channel edges and creek mouths with gulp baits and live finger mullet, bouncing them along the bottom where these flatfish like to ambush prey. Captain's got the local knowledge to put you on the most productive spots based on tide, weather, and recent fish activity.
Black drum are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters. These bruisers hang around oyster bars and bridge pilings, crushing crabs and shrimp with their powerful jaws. You'll find them year-round, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight - they don't jump like a tarpon, but they'll test your drag and make long, powerful runs. Plus, the slot-sized fish (14-24 inches) make excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for blackening or grilling.
Summer flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically caught during summer months. These fish require patience and technique - you need to work your bait slowly along the bottom, feeling for that subtle tap-tap-tap bite. When you hook into a nice doormat flounder, you'll understand why they're prized by anglers. Their broad, flat body creates serious resistance, and landing a 4-5 pound fish feels like pulling up a dinner plate that's fighting back.
King mackerel might seem like an odd target for inshore trips, but Folly Beach's nearshore waters regularly hold these speed demons, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These fish are pure adrenaline - when a king hits your bait, it's usually a screaming run that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. We'll troll live baits or work the edges where baitfish are thick. The bite can be explosive, and their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are essential. A good king mackerel fight combines blistering speed with aerial acrobatics that'll get your heart pumping.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Folly Beach inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs are available year-round and offer some of the most exciting sight-fishing opportunities on the East Coast. During warmer months, you'll spot them tailing in skinny water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. The visual aspect - seeing the fish, making the cast, watching them eat - is what hooks most anglers. Reds fight hard and dirty, using their broad tails to make powerful runs and their knowledge of local structure to try breaking you off. The slot fish (14-23 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide trophy-caliber photo opportunities.
Cobia are the wildcards of Folly Beach fishing. These brown sharks (as locals call them for their appearance) show up in spring and summer, often following rays in shallow water or cruising around structure. What makes cobia special is their curiosity - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate, giving you shots at sight-casting. They're aggressive feeders that'll eat live bait, jigs, or topwater plugs. Once hooked, cobia are serious fighters that combine the power of a redfish with the stamina of a king mackerel. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's fantastic grilled or fried.
This top-rated private charter gives you the flexibility and personal attention you won't find on crowded head boats. Captain adjusts departure times based on t
Our 2014 24-foot Pathfinder bay boat is your ticket to productive fishing in Folly Beach's rich inshore waters. This center console design gives you plenty of casting room while we target redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the shallow creeks and marshes. The 300HP Yamaha gets us to the fishing grounds quickly at 35 knots, then we switch to the wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to spooked fish. The GPS keeps us on productive spots while the fish finder shows what's swimming below. Built tough for South Carolina's saltwater, this boat handles everything from calm backwater flats to choppy bay crossings. With space for up to six anglers, there's room to spread out when the bite gets hot. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing redfish or bottom fishing for black drum, this reliable platform puts you right where the fish are feeding.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. You'll find them cruising shallow mudflats and oyster beds where they use those powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're curious fish that'll eat just about any bottom bait, but fresh crab works best since it won't get stolen by catfish. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table - the big bulls get tough and lose their flavor. Pro tip: when you feel that thump-thump bite, don't set the hook hard. Let them run with it a few seconds, then lift steady.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown sharks that aren't sharks - that's how most people first see them cruising near the surface. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds and fight like freight trains, making long powerful runs. They're loners that hang around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers, usually in 30 feet or less. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they're moving through our waters. What guests love is sight-fishing for them - watching that chocolate-colored torpedo come up to crush your lure. The meat is outstanding, firm and white like a premium steak fish. They're curious and will often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Best trick is to have a bucktail jig ready when you spot one. Cast ahead of them, let it sink, then hop it back slowly.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system, averaging around 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90. These silver bullets cruise deeper waters from 40-150 feet, often near structure or temperature breaks. They're voracious predators that'll hammer everything from blue runners to squid. What guests love most is that blistering initial run - few fish match their raw speed and power. The meat is excellent when fresh, with high oil content that's perfect for the grill. Spring and fall migrations offer the best action when they're moving through our area in numbers. Here's the key: always use a two-hook rig on a wire leader. Put one hook in the bait's nose and let a treble dangle near the tail - kings love to bite the back end first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, with that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-colored back. Most run 20-30 inches, but we see plenty of slot fish perfect for dinner. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where they hunt for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the best action when water temps are just right. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike and bulldogging fight in shallow water. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The bite can be subtle or aggressive depending on conditions. Watch for nervous water or tailing fish, and always approach them quietly - they spook easily in skinny water.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can hit 26 pounds. They're called "chameleons of the sea" because they change color to match the bottom perfectly. Fall fishing from September through November is when they're most active and easier to catch. What makes them special is that aggressive strike when they come up off the bottom - plus they're some of the best eating fish in our waters. Look for them around creek mouths and drop-offs where current brings food. My go-to trick is hooking live minnows through the eyes and using just enough weight to stay down. When you feel that tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they bite sideways.
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