Charleston Inshore Fishing - 4 Hour Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and flounderExpert guides provide personalized fishing tips and techniquesModern boats with toptier gear accommodate two guests
There's something special about fishing Charleston's inshore waters that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. The Low Country's maze of tidal creeks, oyster beds, and grass flats creates one of the Southeast's most productive fishing grounds. Our 4-hour charter puts you right in the heart of it all, departing from Charleston Harbor with everything you need for a successful day on the water. Whether you're looking to bend your first rod or add another trophy to your collection, these waters deliver consistently good action with redfish, trout, flounder, and more.
Your day starts at Charleston Harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get familiar with our well-equipped boat. We keep the group small at just two anglers, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and coaching throughout the trip. The boat comes rigged with quality rods, reels, tackle, and electronics - all the gear you need to put fish in the boat. We'll hit multiple spots during your four hours, reading the tides and conditions to stay on active fish. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - one spot might have us sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, while the next has us bouncing soft plastics along drop-offs for flounder. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will adjust tactics based on what's working best that day. Expect to learn a few new techniques and maybe discover your new favorite style of fishing.
Charleston inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We primarily use light tackle spinning gear loaded with 15-20 lb braid, perfect for the structure-rich environment and strong tidal flows. Soft plastic baits like shrimp imitations and paddle tails are go-to choices, rigged on jig heads or Carolina rigs depending on conditions. When the water's clear and fish are spooky, we might switch to topwater plugs or gold spoons for a more finesse approach. The key is staying mobile and covering water efficiently. We'll work everything from shallow grass beds where redfish cruise during high tide to deeper channel edges where trout stack up on moving water. Your guide will teach you how to feel the bottom structure, work different retrieves, and recognize the subtle bites that separate successful anglers from those who go home empty-handed. The electronics help us locate schools and structure, but reading the water and understanding fish behavior is what consistently puts fish on the hook.
Black Sea Bass are one of those fish that always put up a good fight for their size. Around Charleston, they hang out near structure like jetties, reefs, and bridge pilings in 15-40 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish averaging 1-2 pounds but occasionally reaching trophy size over 4 pounds. They're aggressive feeders that will hit cut bait, soft plastics, and small jigs. What makes them exciting is their bulldog fighting style - they'll dive straight for cover the moment they feel the hook.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing. These spotted beauties cruise the grass flats and channel edges year-round, though spring and fall provide peak action. They typically run 14-20 inches with occasional "gator trout" pushing 24+ inches. Trout are willing biters that respond well to soft plastics worked along the bottom or suspend under popping corks. The bigger fish tend to be more solitary and feed in deeper holes, while smaller school trout can provide non-stop action in the right conditions.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Low Country fishing and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can be found year-round in Charleston waters, from finger mullet schools in the creeks to oyster bed edges during moving tides. Bulls over 27 inches are catch-and-release only, but the slot fish between 15-23 inches make excellent table fare. What gets anglers hooked on reds is their aggressive nature and powerful runs. Whether you're sight-fishing to tailing fish in 2 feet of water or blind-casting to likely structure, the strike of a redfish is something you'll never forget.
Bonnethead Shark might surprise first-time visitors, but these smaller members of the hammerhead family are a blast on light tackle. They show up in Charleston's shallow waters during warmer months, often in schools around grass beds and sandy bottoms. Most run 2-3 feet long and provide exciting fights with their speed and agility. They're also surprisingly good eating when prepared properly, making them a favorite target for anglers looking for something different.
Blacktip Shark represent the larger end of Charleston's shark population that regularly ventures into shallow water. These athletic predators can reach 4-6 feet and are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Summer months bring the best blacktip action, especially around bait schools and current breaks. Fighting one on appropriate tackle is a workout that tests both angler skill and equipment. Their aggressive nature and acrobatic displays make them one of the most exciting catches possible on an inshore charter.
Charleston's inshore fishing scene is world-class for a reason - consistent action, diverse species, and beautiful scenery make every trip memorable. Our 4-hour charter gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and target different species without feeling rushed. The small group size means personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to get on fish. Whether you're a local angler looking to explore new water or a visitor wanting to experience what Charleston fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The combination of expert guidance, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds creates the perfect recipe for a successful day on the water. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing days fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a swift 22-foot Skeeter motorboat powered by a reliable Yamaha 200 HP engine that cuts through Charleston's inshore waters at speeds up to 40 knots. This nimble vessel is built specifically for coastal fishing, giving you quick access to those productive redfish and trout spots around the harbor. The boat comes fully rigged with essential fishing gear including a fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation for precise positioning, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to shallow water targets. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour charter. With space for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without crowding. The Skeeter's shallow draft design lets your guide navigate backwater creeks and flats where the bigger redfish and flounder like to hide.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky members of the grouper family that typically run 2-4 pounds around Charleston, though we've seen some push 8+ pounds. They love hanging around structure - old jetties, pilings, and rocky bottoms in 20-80 feet of water. Spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them fun is they fight hard until they break the surface, then give up quick. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. These fish have an interesting trait - they start as females and change to males as they grow. My tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid or cut bait, and don't be surprised if the bigger males have that distinctive blue coloring and head hump during spawning season.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for those dramatic jumps when hooked. They average 4-5 feet around Charleston and can hit 20+ mph when they want to. You'll find them patrolling shallow waters near jetties and artificial reefs, usually in 30-100 feet. Summer brings the best action when they follow bait schools into our area. What makes blacktips special is their explosive fight - they'll leap clean out of the water multiple times, making for amazing photo opportunities. They're relatively shy but get excited when there's chum in the water. These sharks require heavy tackle because of their powerful runs. While catch-and-release is best practice, the experience of battling one is pure adrenaline. My advice: use oily fish like mackerel for bait and keep your drag tight - they'll test every knot you've got.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead sharks are the little cousins of hammerheads, with that distinctive shovel-shaped head that makes them easy to spot. Most run 3-4 feet long and are completely harmless - actually pretty shy compared to other sharks. You'll find them in shallow bays and around grass flats, often in schools of 10-15 fish. Summer's prime time when they move up from Florida waters to feed on crabs and small fish. What guests love is the uniqueness factor - catching a shark on light tackle is always exciting, even a gentle one like this. They're surprisingly strong fighters that'll test your drag. While not typically kept for eating, they're perfect for photos and bragging rights. Here's my trick: use fresh blue crab cut in half with the hook through a leg joint - bonnetheads can't resist that scent trail.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches and love super shallow water - sometimes so skinny their backs stick out. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths, especially on moving tides. They're year-round residents here, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is that distinctive black spot near the tail and their willingness to eat just about anything. They fight like bulldogs, making long runs and never giving up easy. The smaller "slot" fish are fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're going - these fish spook easily but will crush a well-placed offering.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are beautiful silvery fish covered in distinctive black spots. Most run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds in our waters. They love shallow grass flats, especially around oyster bars and creek mouths where the tide moves bait around. Night fishing can be outstanding, particularly during warmer months when they move into really skinny water to feed. Trout are willing biters that hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with enthusiasm. They're delicate fighters with tender mouths, so keep your drag light. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for the dinner table. One local secret: work your lures slowly over grass beds at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on glass minnows and shrimp.
Charleston