4 HR Inshore Fishing Charter with Dogfish Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter targets redfish and troutExpert captain provides gear and teaches multiple fishing techniquesSmall group experience accommodates maximum two guests
Charleston's inshore waters are calling, and there's no better way to answer than with a focused 4-hour charter that gets you right into the action. With Dogfish Charters, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're getting a front-row seat to some of the most productive inshore fishing on the East Coast. Our intimate 2-person capacity means you'll get personalized attention from an expert captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're throwing your first cast or you've been working these flats for years, this trip delivers the kind of hands-on fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Four hours gives us the perfect window to hit multiple spots and adapt to what the fish are doing that day. We'll start by reading the tide charts and weather conditions, then head out to target the most productive areas based on current conditions. Charleston's inshore scene is all about versatility – one minute we might be working shallow grass flats for tailing redfish, the next we're dropping down to structure for some solid trout action. The beauty of inshore fishing here is that you're always within sight of land, but the diversity of habitat means every cast can bring something different. Our captain will put you on fish while teaching you to read water, understand tide movements, and recognize the subtle signs that separate good anglers from great ones. All your gear is included, from quality rods and reels to a full selection of lures and bait that match what's working in these waters right now.
We fish smart, not hard, using proven techniques that match Charleston's unique inshore environment. Bottom fishing with live or cut bait is deadly when targeting flounder around structure, while light tackle spinning with soft plastics absolutely crushes it on the grass flats. When conditions are right, we'll break out the popping gear for some serious topwater action – there's nothing quite like watching a big red blow up on a surface lure in shallow water. Our tackle selection includes medium-light spinning setups perfect for finesse presentations, along with slightly heavier gear when we need to horse fish out of structure. We carry a full spread of proven baits: live shrimp, mud minnows, cut mullet, plus an arsenal of soft plastics in colors that consistently produce in these waters. The captain will match your tackle to the technique and target species, whether that's a lightweight jig head for working oyster bars or a heavier weight for holding bottom in current. Four hours lets us really dial in what's working and give you time to master the presentations that are producing fish.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that respond well to both live bait and artificials. Most of our trout run between 14-18 inches, with plenty of keepers in the mix and the occasional gator trout pushing 20+ inches. They school up over grass beds and around structure, making them relatively predictable once you understand their patterns. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with early morning and late afternoon being prime time. What makes trout so appealing to anglers is their willingness to hit lures – a well-presented soft plastic or topwater plug can trigger violent strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They're also excellent table fare, which means you can take home dinner along with some great memories.
Redfish are the rock stars of Charleston's inshore scene, and once you hook into one, you'll understand why. These copper-colored bulldogs average 18-27 inches in our area, with slot fish being perfect for the dinner table and the bigger bulls providing heart-stopping fights in shallow water. What sets reds apart is their year-round presence and their willingness to feed in everything from skinny water flats to deeper creek mouths. During warmer months, sight fishing for tailing reds in 2-3 feet of water is about as good as it gets – watching a red tip up to feed while you make a perfect cast is pure fishing poetry. They're structure-oriented fish that love oyster bars, dock pilings, and grass edges, which makes them somewhat predictable once you learn their habits. The fight is what hooks most anglers – reds make powerful runs and use their broad sides to pull drag even after they're boat-side.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, and targeting them requires a completely different approach than trout or reds. These flatfish typically run 14-20 inches in our waters, with the occasional doormat pushing 3-4 pounds. They're masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand or mud waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. Fall is absolutely prime time for flounder, when they're staging near inlets before their offshore spawning migration. What makes flounder fishing so rewarding is the precision required – you need to put your bait right on their nose and be ready for a subtle bite that's easy to miss. They're ambush feeders that prefer live or fresh cut bait, though slow-worked soft plastics can be deadly when fished right along the bottom. Once hooked, they don't fight like a red or trout, but their unique flat profile creates drag that can surprise inexperienced anglers. Plus, there's no better eating fish in the ocean than a fresh flounder dinner.
Charleston's inshore fishing scene delivers year-round, but prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. This 4-hour charter gives you serious fishing time without eating up your whole day, making it perfect for couples, parent-child trips, or anyone wanting to experience world-class inshore fishing without a major time commitment. With all gear included and an expert captain who lives and breathes these waters, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. The intimate 2-person capacity means you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of rod time – no waiting aroun
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our 2013 19-foot MayCraft center console, perfectly rigged for Charleston's productive inshore waters. This nimble boat handles the shallow flats and coastal structure with ease, powered by a dependable 115HP Evinrude that gets you to the fish quickly and quietly. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, ideal for sight casting to tailing redfish or working the grass beds for spotted seatrout. Our GPS navigation and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating productive spots, whether we're targeting oyster bars, creek mouths, or nearshore reefs. With room for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up. The boat's shallow draft opens up backcountry areas where bigger vessels can't venture, putting you right in the heart of Charleston's legendary fishing grounds where redfish, trout, and flounder call home.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail are pure fighters that'll test your drag. Most run 20-35 inches, but the big "bull" reds can push 40+ inches and really put up a battle. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, creek mouths, and spartina grass edges. They're here year-round, but fall brings the best action when they school up for their spawn. What guests love most is sight-fishing to tailing reds in skinny water - nothing beats watching a 30-inch red crush your topwater plug. My go-to trick: cast past them and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily, so patience pays off big time.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are one of Charleston's most popular inshore targets. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones surprise you sometimes. They love our grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, but winter can be productive when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: work your lure slowly over the grass beds and listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound when they're feeding - that's your cue to cast.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically measure 15-18 inches, with both eyes on their left side - nature's perfect ambush predator. They bury themselves in sand near creek mouths, dock pilings, and channel edges, waiting to ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall migration offers prime fishing when they head offshore to spawn, making them easier targets in 8-15 feet of water. Guests enjoy the challenge of finding these camouflaged fighters, plus they're some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. Best trick I've learned: drift slowly and bounce your bait right on bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook.
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