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 watersAll fishing gear, licenses, and beverages provided onboardSmall group experience with maximum two guests per trip
Charleston's inshore waters offer some of the best fishing on the East Coast, and you'll discover why anglers travel from across the country to wet a line in these productive shallows. This intimate 2-person charter with FishingCharleston101 puts you right where the fish are biting – from grass flats loaded with redfish to oyster bars holding hefty trout. Captain Carlo brings over 15 years of local knowledge to every trip, ensuring you're fishing the right spots at the right times. We've got all your gear, licenses, and cold drinks covered, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.
You'll launch into Charleston's legendary inshore fishery aboard a well-equipped boat designed for navigating shallow waters and tight creeks. The small group size means personalized attention and more time with your rod in hand. Captain Carlo reads these waters like a book – he knows which oyster bars are holding sheepshead, where the redfish are tailing on incoming tides, and which grass beds are loaded with trout. Expect to move between multiple spots throughout the day, adapting to tides, weather, and fish behavior. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused, with plenty of time for both seasoned anglers to dial in their technique and newcomers to learn proper inshore tactics. Charleston's backwaters provide natural windbreaks and stunning scenery, making for comfortable fishing even when offshore conditions are rough.
We fish with medium-action spinning rods perfectly matched to inshore species, using everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics worked along structure. You'll learn to read the water – spotting redfish pushing wakes across flats, identifying productive oyster bars, and recognizing the subtle signs that indicate feeding fish. Live bait fishing with shrimp and finger mullet produces consistent results, while artificial lures like paddle tails and spoons add excitement when fish are actively feeding. We adjust our approach based on tidal movement, targeting different structures as water levels change throughout the day. All tackle, bait, and licenses are included, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. Captain Carlo provides hands-on instruction for proper hook sets, fighting techniques, and safe fish handling to ensure everyone maximizes their success on the water.
"Have been fishing with Captain Carlo for over 15 years. Fantastic trip as always!" - Phillip
Redfish are the crown jewel of Charleston inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers provide heart-stopping fights in shallow water. Adult reds typically range from 20 to 35 inches, with their powerful runs and stubborn nature making every hookup memorable. Fall and spring offer peak action as schools move through the area, but quality fish are caught year-round. Redfish love structure – oyster bars, grass edges, and creek mouths are prime spots. What makes them special is their willingness to eat both live and artificial baits, plus their habit of feeding in water so shallow you can watch the whole fight unfold.
Sea Trout bring finesse and flavor to Charleston's inshore mix, with speckled beauties ranging from keeper-sized 14-inchers to hefty 4-pound gator trout. These spotted predators prefer grass flats and channel edges, especially during moving water. Spring through fall provides the most consistent action, though winter can produce some of the largest specimens. Trout have soft mouths requiring careful handling, but their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps make them a favorite target. They're excellent table fare, and there's nothing quite like the visual excitement of watching a big trout crush a topwater lure over shallow grass.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout Charleston's inshore waters. These flatfish typically run 15 to 20 inches, with occasional doormat-sized fish pushing 5 pounds or more. Fall migration periods offer the best shot at larger specimens as they move toward inlet areas. Flounder require patience and precise presentations, often picking up baits and moving before actually swallowing them. Their unique appearance and impressive size relative to their flat profile always surprises first-time catchers, and they rank among the finest eating fish in these waters.
Sheepshead earn their nickname as the "convict fish" with distinctive black and white stripes, but it's their incredible bait-stealing abilities that make them legendary among inshore anglers. These structure-loving fish with human-like teeth average 2 to 4 pounds in Charleston waters, though 6-pound-plus specimens are caught regularly around prime oyster bars and dock pilings. Winter months provide peak sheepshead action when they school up for spawning. They demand small hooks, light tackle, and lightning-fast reflexes to detect their subtle bites. Landing a quality sheepshead represents a real angling achievement, and their firm, sweet meat rivals any fish in the ocean.
Charleston's inshore fishing scene delivers year-round action, but the best trips book up fast with Captain Carlo's proven track record. This top-rated charter experience combines productive fishing with personalized instruction, making it perfect for both serious anglers and families wanting to experience world-class inshore fishing. With all gear, licenses, and drinks included, plus the intimate 2-person boat capacity, you're guaranteed individual attention and maximum time fishing prime spots. Don't miss your chance to fish with a captain who's been putting clients on Charleston's best inshore species for over 15 years – book your redfish and trout adventure with FishingCharleston101 today.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Charleston's inshore fishing, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-28 inches, but we catch plenty of oversized bulls pushing 40+ inches. These fish love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them tailing on oyster flats, cruising creek edges, and around structure during moving tides. Fall and spring offer the best action, though they bite year-round here. What makes reds special is their powerful fight and that heart-stopping moment when they crush a topwater lure in skinny water. Plus, slot-sized fish are fantastic eating with firm, mild flesh. My favorite technique is sight-fishing with gold spoons or topwater plugs in 1-3 feet of water. Keep noise to a minimum and make long casts ahead of cruising fish.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are the bread and butter of Charleston's grass flats, running 14-24 inches and typically weighing 1-5 pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow grass beds, oyster bars, and creek mouths, especially during moving tides. Spring through fall provides the best action, with early morning and evening being prime time. What makes trout fishing special is their aggressive strikes on topwater plugs and their willingness to hit artificial lures. They're excellent table fare too - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. The fight is spirited with some nice jumps. During winter months, they school up in deeper channels and rivers, making for great action when you find them. Pro tip: work a soft plastic shrimp or paddle tail slowly over grass flats during low light conditions. Keep your drag loose - their soft mouths tear easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusKnown as "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, sheepshead are one of the trickiest fish to catch around Charleston's docks and bridges. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, with those human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off pilings. You'll find them tight to any structure - jetties, bridge pilings, oyster beds - especially during their spring spawn from February through April. What guests love most is the challenge and the payoff - they're notorious bait thieves but make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The fight is strong and determined once hooked. Here's the key: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get your bait right against the structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, but we've seen some push 20+ pounds. You'll find them in shallow estuaries, creek mouths, and around structure where they feed on shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're most active. What makes flounder special is their unique appearance - both eyes on one side - and their excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. They're also surprisingly strong fighters for a bottom dweller. My go-to tip: use a drift rig with live shrimp or mud minnows, and fish it slow along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, wait a beat 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