8 Hour Fishing in South Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing charter in South Carolina marshesLearn fly fishing techniques from Captain Nicholas BoydSmall group experience with maximum two guests
Captain Nicholas Boyd knows these South Carolina marshes like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why the Lowcountry is a fly fishing paradise. This isn't your typical day on the water – it's an 8-hour deep dive into some of the most productive inshore waters on the East Coast. Whether you're swinging flies or working light tackle, you'll be fishing waters that hold everything from aggressive redfish to spooky tailing fish in skinny water. Cap'n Nick has been guiding these tidal creeks and grass flats for years, and he'll teach you the nuances that separate good anglers from great ones. With just two anglers per trip, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of shots at fish that'll test your skills.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Boyd at the dock, ready to explore the maze of tidal creeks and oyster bars that make South Carolina's inshore fishing legendary. The Lowcountry marshes offer year-round action, with different seasons bringing unique opportunities and challenges. During the warmer months, you'll work the grass flats during high tide, sight-casting to fish cruising the shallows. When the water drops, you'll move to deeper creek bends and oyster bars where fish stack up waiting for the tide to turn. Captain Boyd specializes in putting you on fish, but more importantly, he'll teach you to read the water like a local. You'll learn to spot nervous water, understand how tides affect fish movement, and develop the casting accuracy needed for these technical waters. The intimate 2-angler setup means you won't be fighting for prime casting positions or waiting your turn – every minute on the water is productive fishing time.
Captain Boyd runs a versatile operation, equally comfortable putting clients on fish with fly rods or spinning gear. If you're new to fly fishing, don't worry – he'll start you with basic casting fundamentals before moving to more advanced techniques like double-hauling and shooting line. The fly fishing here is sight-based, meaning you'll be casting to fish you can see rather than blind casting and hoping. You'll work with 8 or 9-weight rods, throwing everything from topwater poppers to weighted Clousers depending on conditions. For light tackle fishing, you'll use spinning gear matched to the target species and water depth. Soft plastics rigged weedless are the go-to for working grass flats, while jigs and live bait excel around structure. Captain Boyd provides all rods, reels, and tackle, but seasoned anglers are welcome to bring their own gear. He'll adjust techniques throughout the day based on tide, weather, and fish activity – some days call for aggressive topwater presentations, while others require finesse approaches with subtle baits worked slowly through the strike zone.
Redfish are the backbone of South Carolina's inshore fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can push well over the slot limit, providing drag-screaming runs that'll test your equipment. Reds are most active during moving water, whether that's an incoming tide flooding the grass or water draining off the flats. They're aggressive feeders but can turn finicky in clear, calm conditions, making them perfect for honing your presentation skills. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter fishing can be excellent when you find schools holding in deeper creeks. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat both flies and conventional lures, plus their habit of feeding in water so shallow their backs show – true sight fishing at its finest.
Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as locals call them, provide some of the most exciting action in these waters. These beautiful fish are structure-oriented, hanging around oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass line edges. They're ambush predators with excellent eyesight, making them challenging targets that reward accurate casts and natural presentations. Trout bite best during low-light periods and moving water, often feeding aggressively just before and after tide changes. What sets speckled trout apart is their delicate mouths and acrobatic fights – they'll jump, shake their heads, and use every trick to throw the hook. Fall months bring some of the best trout fishing as baitfish schools concentrate in the creeks, drawing hungry specks into feeding frenzies that create some of the most exciting action you'll find anywhere.
Flounder might not be the prettiest fish in the marsh, but they're masters of camouflage and incredibly fun to target with light tackle. These flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud near creek bends and drop-offs, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. Successful flounder fishing requires patience and the ability to work lures slowly along the bottom – they rarely chase fast-moving baits. When they do bite, the initial thump is subtle, often feeling like you've snagged bottom before the fish comes to life. Flounder fishing peaks during spring and fall migrations when fish move between inshore and offshore waters, concentrating in creeks and inlets. Captain Boyd knows the specific bottom contours and current breaks where these fish hold, giving you the best shot at connecting with a "doormat" flounder that'll make for great table fare.
Eight hours with Captain Nicholas Boyd isn't just a fishing trip – it's a masterclass in reading water, understanding fish behavior, and developing skills that'll make you a better angler anywhere you fish. The South Carolina marshes offer world-class inshore fishing, but having a top-rated guide who knows every creek, oyster bar, and grass flat makes all the difference between a good day and an amazing day on the water. With only two spots available per trip, you'll get the personalized attention and prime fishing opportunities that larger boats simply can't provide. Whether you're looking to improve your fly casting, learn new techniques, or just catch some beautiful fish in one
Your fishing adventure starts aboard an 18' Hells Bay Boatworks, a perfectly sized shallow-water boat built for navigating South Carolina's winding creeks and marshes. This nimble craft draws minimal water, letting Captain Nicholas get you into those productive backwater spots where redfish cruise the grass beds and trout ambush shrimp along the drop-offs. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation to mark productive fishing holes and a fish finder to locate baitfish schools and structure below. With space for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work your fly rod or cast light tackle without crowding. The shallow draft design means accessing skinny water flats where bigger boats can't reach, giving you first shot at pristine fishing spots. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in inches of water or working the deeper oyster bars for speckled trout, this Hells Bay handles the diverse inshore terrain with ease. The stable platform provides a solid casting deck while still being light enough to pole through the shallows when stealth mode is required.
Mount Pleasant, SC