5.0(1 Reviews)Redfish & Trout Inshore Fishing in Charleston, SC
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead in Charleston watersSmall group experience with maximum two guests per tripAll fishing gear, licenses, and beverages included
Charleston's shallow waters are calling your name, and Captain Carlo's got the local knowledge to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking about getting into the heart of Charleston's productive inshore waters where redfish cruise the grass flats and speckled trout ambush baitfish around oyster bars. You'll be fishing prime spots that locals have been working for generations, targeting four of the area's most sought-after species. With all your gear, licenses, and drinks covered, you can focus on what really matters – putting fish in the boat.
This top-rated Charleston fishing adventure starts early when the fish are most active and the water's still got that morning calm. You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped inshore boat designed to navigate Charleston's maze of creeks, oyster beds, and grass flats. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast you might be working a creek mouth for trout, the next you're sight-casting to a school of tailing redfish in two feet of water. Captain Carlo knows these waters like the back of his hand, and after 15+ years guiding these same flats, he's got the seasonal patterns dialed in. The intimate 2-guest capacity means you're getting personalized attention and plenty of rod time. No fighting crowds or waiting your turn – just quality fishing in some of South Carolina's most productive waters.
Inshore fishing in Charleston is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. Shrimp under popping corks work magic around structure, while soft plastics on jig heads are deadly when fish are holding tight to bottom. You'll learn how to work the tides – Charleston's big tidal swings create feeding opportunities that savvy anglers capitalize on. Moving water means active fish, and we'll position ourselves to intercept them as they move between feeding areas. The boat comes rigged with quality spinning gear matched to the species we're targeting. Light tackle makes every fight more exciting, whether it's a 20-inch trout or a bull redfish that's going to test your drag system. All terminal tackle, bait, and beverages are provided, so you can concentrate on honing your technique and enjoying the fishing.
"Have been fishing with Captain Carlo for over 15 years. Fantastic trip as always!" - Phillip
Redfish are the crown jewel of Charleston's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can be found year-round in our waters, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're schooled up and feeding aggressively. Bull reds push 30+ inches and will absolutely smoke your drag, while slot-size fish in the 18-27 inch range are perfect for the dinner table. What makes redfish so exciting is their willingness to eat – they're not as finicky as some species, and when you find them, they usually cooperate. Look for them around oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow flats where they root around for crabs and shrimp.
Sea Trout, or specks as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs near structure. Spring through fall produces the most consistent action, with fish ranging from schoolie 12-inchers to doormat trout pushing 4-5 pounds. Trout can be picky eaters, making them a fun challenge on light tackle. They've got soft mouths, so you need to play them carefully, but their willingness to hit topwater plugs early in the morning makes for some explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping.
Southern Flounder are the chameleons of Charleston's waters, lying flat against sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish are masters of disguise and provide a different kind of excitement – you never know when that "snag" on bottom is actually a nice flounder inhaling your bait. Fall is prime time for doormat flounder as they stage for their offshore spawning run. A 3-4 pound flounder is great eating, and the bigger gals can push 6+ pounds. They require patience and the right presentation, but when you connect with a good one, they'll put up a surprisingly strong fight.
Sheepshead are Charleston's most notorious bait thieves, earning them the nickname "convict fish" thanks to their black and white stripes. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs, making them incredibly fun to target around docks, pilings, and oyster beds. They're notorious for stealing bait without getting hooked, which makes landing one feel like a real accomplishment. Winter months bring the best sheepshead fishing when they school up around hard structure. A 3-4 pound sheepshead is a nice fish, and they're absolutely phenomenal on the dinner plate – firm, white meat that rivals any fish in these waters.
Charleston's inshore fishing is world-class year-round, but the best dates fill up fast with both repeat customers and newcomers looking to experience what makes this fishery so special. Captain Carlo's track record speaks for itself – clients coming back for 15+ years don't lie about the quality of fishing and service you'll receive. With everything included except your fishing license (which we handle), this customer favorite trip removes all the hassle and lets you focus on the fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or someone wanting to experience Charleston's renowned inshore fishing scene, this is your chance to fish with a local expert who knows where the fish live and how to catch them consistently.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Charleston inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches with that distinctive black spot near their tail. They cruise our shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs breaking the surface. You'll spot them around oyster bars, creek mouths, and spartina grass edges. Fall is prime time, but they bite year-round in our temperate waters. What makes them special is the visual fishing - watching a 10-pound red cruise the shallows and eat your lure is pure adrenaline. They fight hard and make great table fare when kept within slot limits. The secret is polarized sunglasses and quiet approaches. Cast ahead of cruising fish with a gold spoon or topwater plug. When they're tailing in skinny water, drop a weedless jig right in front of their nose.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are a Charleston favorite, running 14-24 inches with beautiful silver sides covered in spots. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. You'll find them in 2-6 feet of water around oyster bars and creek mouths. Summer and fall provide the best action, though they school up in deeper holes during winter cold snaps. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater lures - there's nothing like watching a trout explode on a surface plug at sunrise. They're also excellent eating with tender, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. My go-to technique is working a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. The key is making long casts and working your bait slowly - trout will follow before they strike.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of our most distinctive catches with their black and white prison stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around Charleston's docks, bridges, and jetties. They're structure lovers - anywhere you see barnacle-covered pilings, you'll find sheepshead scraping away. Spring is peak season when they spawn around our inlet structures. What makes them special is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with incredibly light bites. Once hooked though, they're bulldogs that'll test your drag. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any inshore fish. Here's the trick: use fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks, get tight to the structure, and when you feel them pecking, set the hook hard immediately. They'll steal your bait all day if you hesitate.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush prey. They run 15-18 inches typically, though we've seen some push over two feet. Both eyes sit on their left side, which always gets a reaction from first-timers. You'll find them on sandy and muddy bottoms in our shallow bays and creeks, especially around structure. Fall and winter are prime time when they're feeding heavy before heading offshore. They put up a solid fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Pro tip: use live mud minnows or shrimp on a 1/4 oz jig head, and fish it slow right on the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
5.0 out of 5.0Have been fishing with Captain Carlo for over 15 years. Fantastic trip as always!
North Charleston, SC