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Happy Dog Charters

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Mount Pleasant SC

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Christopher Gay, Captain at Happy Dog Charters

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If you’re looking for an unforgettable day on the water, Happy Dog Charters offers one of the best fishing charter Mount Pleasant SC. Whether you’re reeling in a big catch, spotting dolphin pods, or soaking in the sunset over Charleston Harbor, Captain Chris Gay ensures a fun and stress-free experience for all ages. Specializing in family-friendly fishing charters SC, Happy Dog Charters welcomes anglers of all skill levels—including kids—so everyone can enjoy a day on the water.Step aboard a 19’ Key West Bay Reef boat, built for light tackle fishing Mount Pleasant. Powered by a 150 HP Yamaha engine, this center console reaches speeds of up to 35 knots, allowing you to quickly access top fishing spots around the Charleston Harbor. The boat is fully equipped with safety gear, navigation electronics, and a large cooler for your food and drinks, ensuring a comfortable and successful trip.Happy Dog Charters specializes in inshore fishing around Mount Pleasant SC, targeting sought-after species like Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Sheepshead. Whether you’re after a trophy catch or just want to enjoy the peaceful waters of Charleston Harbor inshore fishing, there’s something for everyone. If you're planning a trip and wondering about the best time for inshore fishing in SC, Captain Chris provides expert guidance to help you maximize your chances of landing fish.For those who love fishing in the evening, consider one of the sunset fishing charters. There’s nothing quite like casting a line as the sky turns shades of orange and pink over the Holy City. Whether you're focused on Redfish charters, searching for the best bait for inshore fishing SC, or simply enjoying the beauty of the coast, this experience is one you won’t forget.Your fishing license and high-quality gear are included, so all you need to bring are snacks, drinks, and sun protection. If you're bringing children, reach out in advance to ensure the right-sized life jackets are available.If you're looking for affordable, private fishing charters, Happy Dog Charters offers customized trips tailored to your needs. Whether it’s a 2, 4 or 6 hour charter fishing, an evening cruise or watching the sunset on the water, Captain Chris is ready to make it happen. Book your trip today and discover why Happy Dog Charters is one of the top things to do in Mount Pleasant, SC.

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Upcoming Availability

May 2025
June 2025

Expertise & Attributes

fishing

hunting

First aid & CPR certifiedFirst aid & CPR certified
fishing

fishing

Good with FamiliesGood with FamiliesGood with KidsGood with KidsGood with New AnglersGood with New AnglersLive BaitLive BaitMaster GuideMaster GuideNature / Wildlife ViewsNature / Wildlife ViewsSaltwater FishingSaltwater Fishing
fishing

wildlife

FishFishIdentifying AnimalsIdentifying AnimalsStorytellerStorytellerWildlifeWildlife
fishing

tours

Ability To Read The AudienceAbility To Read The AudienceBasic First AidBasic First AidCharismaticCharismaticClear And Loud SpeakerClear And Loud SpeakerCustomized ExperienceCustomized ExperienceGood With FamiliesGood With FamiliesGood With KidsGood With KidsHigh EnergyHigh EnergyHumorHumorKnowledge Of Best ViewsKnowledge Of Best ViewsLocal KnowledgeLocal KnowledgePeople PersonPeople PersonPositive AttitudePositive AttitudeProfessionalProfessionalQuick On FeetQuick On FeetSafetySafety

Fishing Techniques

Heavy TackleLight Tackle

Hunting Techniques

Bird hunting

What's Included

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Keep your Catch

Keep your Catch

This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.

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Good to Knows

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

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Alcohol

Alcohol

This guide offers trips that serve alcohol.

License

License

Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.

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Nature / Wildlife Views

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

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What's Included

Keep your Catch

Keep your Catch

This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.

Show More

Good to Knows

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

Show More

Alcohol

Alcohol

This guide offers trips that serve alcohol.

License

License

Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.

Show More

Nature / Wildlife Views

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

Show More

Trips Available with Happy Dog Charters

Private 6 Hour Inshore Fishing Trip

Fishing

Starting At $700

Private 6 Hour Inshore Fishing Trip

Fishing Area: Mount Pleasant, SC

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

The Bay Reef • 19' Key West • Max 3 guests (base trip price includes 3 guests)

Description: This trip is designed for anglers who want the full inshore fishing experience—from catching bait to exploring multiple prime fishing spots. We’ll stay on the move, tracking down the best bite, unless the action is red-hot in one location. There’s no rush—our focus is on finding the fish you came to Charleston for and making sure you have an unforgettable time on the water. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to target Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Sheepshead, using proven techniques that maximize success. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to saltwater fishing, this trip is designed to be both exciting and rewarding. Book your 6-hour inshore fishing trip today!

Custom Charter Trip

Fishing

Starting At $400

Custom Charter Trip

Fishing Area: Mount Pleasant, SC

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

The Bay Reef • 19' Key West • Max 3 guests (base trip price includes 3 guests)

Description: Looking for something beyond the standard fishing trip? This is your opportunity to design the perfect day on the water with Happy Dog Charters. Whether you want to focus on inshore fishing, explore Charleston’s scenic waterways, or enjoy a mix of both, we’ll tailor the trip to your preferences. You can chase trophy Redfish, cruise past historic landmarks, or take a relaxed ride to spot dolphins and other wildlife. No two trips are the same—it's all about what you want to experience. Contact us today to create your custom charter adventure!

Private 4 Hour Fishing Charters

Fishing

Starting At $400

Private 4 Hour Fishing Charters

Fishing Area: Mount Pleasant, SC

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

The Bay Reef • 19' Key West • Max 3 guests (base trip price includes 3 guests)

Description: Join us for an unforgettable fishing adventure as we explore the Historic Charleston Harbor, venture out to the Charleston Jetties, and navigate the Cooper and Wando Rivers. We'll also fish the Intracoastal Waterway and any other hot spots where the fish are biting! Your trip includes a 45-quart cooler with ice and water, along with top-quality fishing gear, bait, and all necessary licenses—so you can focus on reeling in the catch of the day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-time fisherman, we’ll ensure you have a fun and successful day on the water. Book your trip today and experience the best inshore fishing Mount Pleasant, SC, has to offer!

Sunrise Or Sunset Eco Tour

Tour

Starting At $200

Sunrise Or Sunset Eco Tour

Tour Area: Mount Pleasant, SC

Tour: Cruise

Capacity:

Max 3 guests (base trip price includes 3 guests)

Description: Enjoy a beautiful Sunrise or Sunset on the pristine waters of Charleston,SC launching out of Mount Pleasant, SC. We will explore tranquil back water of the South Carolina Lowcountry and get to watch nature wake up or go to sleep. We will see native wildlife and the occasional dolphin. Trip times will be based on actual Sunrise and Sunset on the day our your tour, booking times and generalized and actual time will be shared with you upon booking.

Private Sunset Cruise & Fishing

Fishing

Starting At $300

Private Sunset Cruise & Fishing

Fishing Area: Mount Pleasant, SC

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

The Bay Reef • 19' Key West • Max 3 guests (base trip price includes 3 guests)

Description: If you're short on time—whether sneaking away from a family vacation or squeezing in a trip after business meetings—this is your best chance to experience Charleston’s incredible inshore fishing. As the sun sets, we’ll hit the water for one last opportunity to reel in Redfish, Speckled Trout, and more before calling it a day. The trip wraps up with a scenic ride back to the dock, offering a picture-perfect Lowcountry sunset to end your adventure. Trip times vary, so contact us to plan your perfect evening on the water! Book your evening fishing trip now and make the most of your time in Charleston!

Vehicle

The Bay Reef

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

3

Boat Length:

19 ft

Manufacturer Name:

Key West

Model Year:

2003

Engine Manufacturer Name:

Yamaha

# of Engines:

1

Horsepower Per Engine:

150

Maximum Cruising Speed:

30

Features: Bait Tank Ice-Box Trolling Motor Fish Finder GPS VHF Radio

Happy Dog Charters Key West Boat

The 19' Keywest Bayreef 196 is a reliable center console boat built for inshore and nearshore fishing. Powered by a 150HP Yamaha engine, it reaches speeds of 35 knots while comfortably accommodating up to 3 guests.

Boat

Happy Dog Charters Key West Boat image 0

The Bay Reef

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

3

Boat Length:

19 ft

Vehicle Details

FAQs about Happy Dog Charters

Reports and Expert Articles

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New Charter Record

what a day, what a day, king tides, lots if water and fish if a life time!!!

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Shrimp and Red

I got my little fishergal out of school early for a beautiful day on the water (Science Class), Shrimp and Reds were easy to find and we hosted a casting clinic to end the day with a handful of Redfish caught by herself. We saw Dolphins, got boat naps and were home cleaned up in time for bed time!!

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Beautiful day on the water

Count the spots!

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Mount Pleasant, SC Fishing Report

Reeling in the big smiles and the big bites! This one was feeling a little camera shy…but I wasn’t! #FishingAdventures #HookedForLife #CatchOfTheDay #HappyDogCharters

Ratings & Reviews Summary

5.00
out of 5
Based on 16 ratings
100%
recommended
recommended
Based on 16 recommendations
5
16
4
3
2
1

Best Reviews

May 30, 2025

One year after a shark bit my hand while fishing for Redfish—a bucket list catch for me—I finally picked up a rod again. Captain Chris made the experience unforgettable, putting me on four incredible Reds ranging from 24 to 31 inches. The action was nonstop! He was knowledgeable, helpful, and took us to excellent fishing spots. I also got to try different techniques and even learned how to throw a cast net for baitfish. From now on, Captain Chris will be my go-to charter in Charleston. One of my best fishing days ever!

May 30, 2025

Captain Christopher was friendly, approachable, and extremely helpful. He made the trip enjoyable and shared excellent recommendations. I’ll definitely book with him again in the future!

May 30, 2025

My son and I enjoyed a half-day trip, catching Redfish and Pinfish. The captain was knowledgeable, friendly, and shared valuable insights about saltwater fishing. It was a fantastic experience, and we highly recommend him to anyone!

May 30, 2025

Captain Chris was a fantastic fishing guide—patient, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about both fishing and boating. We had an unforgettable day on the water and highly recommend Happy Dog Charters!

May 30, 2025

Amazing trip! Highly recommend. Chris knows the fish and local waters well. I’ll definitely be back!

May 30, 2025

Chris was a fantastic guide—respectful, helpful, and attentive. He assisted with everything I needed, and we caught several fish, choosing to release them all. It was an incredible day on the water!

May 30, 2025

My wife and I celebrated my birthday fishing with Captain Chris. He kept us reeling in fish and having a great time throughout the trip. We’ll definitely be back in the spring!

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