6 HR Nearshore Fishing Trip - Johns Island, SC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour nearshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and troutAccommodates up to six guests with familyfriendly experienceProfessional charter service exploring Johns Island pristine waters
Ready to get your lines wet in some of the best nearshore waters South Carolina has to offer? Miss Emily Charters' 6-hour nearshore fishing trip out of Johns Island puts you right in the sweet spot where coastal waters meet the open ocean. This isn't your typical inshore paddle around the creeks – we're talking about venturing out to structure-rich waters where the fish are bigger, more aggressive, and way more fun to fight. Perfect for families, seasoned anglers, or anyone looking to step up their fishing game without committing to a full offshore adventure.
Your day starts early at the Johns Island marina, where Captain Emily and her crew will have everything rigged and ready to roll. We're talking about a serious fishing machine here – not some weekend warrior setup. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle specifically chosen for nearshore action. You'll cruise out past the inshore flats and head to productive nearshore structure like artificial reefs, ledges, and drop-offs where the fish like to hang out. The ride out takes about 30-45 minutes depending on conditions and where the fish are biting that day. Once we're on the spot, it's game time. The crew will get everyone set up with appropriate tackle and bait, whether we're bottom fishing over structure or working live bait around current breaks. Don't worry if you're new to this – the crew knows how to put fish in the boat and they're great teachers too.
Nearshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll primarily be bottom fishing with circle hooks and heavy enough sinkers to hold bottom in 30-60 feet of water. The crew uses a mix of live and cut bait – think squid, shrimp, and whatever baitfish are running that day. Rods are medium-heavy conventional setups that can handle the bigger fish we're targeting while still being manageable for younger anglers or folks who don't fish regularly. When we're working structure, it's all about getting your bait down to where the fish are holding and keeping it there despite the current. The captain will position the boat to drift over productive spots or anchor up when conditions allow. You'll learn to feel the difference between a fish pickup and your sinker bouncing on the bottom – it's a skill that comes with practice but makes all the difference in your hook-up ratio.
Bonnethead sharks are some of the most fun fish you'll tangle with on this trip. These smaller members of the hammerhead family typically run 2-4 feet long and are absolute bulldogs when hooked. They're most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they love cruising over sandy bottoms looking for crabs and small fish. What makes bonnetheads special is their fight – they'll make several hard runs and have this unique way of rolling and thrashing that keeps your drag screaming. Kids especially love these fish because they're manageable size-wise but still give you that heart-pumping shark experience. Plus, they're perfectly safe to handle for photos before release.
Blacktip sharks bring the heat when it comes to nearshore action. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet in our waters and are known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through summer when they move into nearshore waters to feed and breed. Blacktips are speed demons – their initial run will test your drag settings and your nerves. They're also jumpers, often clearing the water multiple times during the fight, which makes for some epic photos and stories. These sharks respond well to fresh cut bait fished on the bottom or suspended in the water column. The key is having your drag set properly because they'll break you off in a heartbeat if you're locked down too tight.
Black sea bass might not have the glamour of sharks, but these chunky bottom dwellers are pure fun on the right tackle. They typically run 12-18 inches in our nearshore waters and are available pretty much year-round, with peak action in fall and winter months. What makes black sea bass awesome is their reliability – when other species aren't cooperating, you can usually count on sea bass to bend the rods. They're also excellent eating, which adds another dimension to the experience. These fish love structure, so we'll target them around artificial reefs, ledges, and hard bottom areas. They hit squid and cut bait aggressively and fight way harder than their size suggests, making multiple runs toward the bottom trying to get back into their rocky hideouts.
This 6-hour nearshore adventure with Miss Emily Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers and families are looking for – quality fishing in productive waters with a crew that knows how to put you on fish. You're getting access to some of Johns Island's best nearshore fishing grounds with all tackle and instruction included. Remember that fuel costs run $200-$400 depending on how far we need to travel to find the fish, but that's just part of nearshore fishing – sometimes the fish are close, sometimes they're not. The crew will work their tails off to make sure you have a successful day on the water, whether that means multiple moves to find active fish or switching up techniques when conditions change. Book your trip now and get ready for some legitimate nearshore action that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Set sail aboard our 39-foot Luhrs 36 Convertible, a proven sportfishing machine built for serious angling around Johns Island's productive waters. This 2004 beauty runs on twin 420HP Caterpillar diesels that'll cruise you to the fishing grounds at a solid 27 knots, getting you more time with lines in the water chasing redfish, trout, and king mackerel. The roomy cockpit comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of space to work multiple rods without getting tangled up. Whether you're targeting inshore species in the shallow flats or heading out to the nearshore reefs for bigger game, this convertible has the range and stability to handle whatever the Charleston waters throw at you. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to saltwater fishing or experienced crews looking to fill the cooler. The cabin provides welcome shade between bites, and there's ample storage for tackle, bait, and your catch of the day.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. These chunky grouper relatives run 1-3 pounds typically, hanging around structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 40-120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're shallow and aggressive. They're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag, then make excellent dinner - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. What's cool is the big males turn bright blue during spawning and develop a hump on their heads. They're bottom feeders, so drop squid strips or cut bait right to the structure. My go-to rig is a simple two-hook bottom rig with enough weight to stay put in the current.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of our most exciting nearshore targets - they're the ones you see jumping clear out of the water when hooked. These sharks average 4-5 feet but can push 9 feet, with those telltale black-tipped fins that give them their name. They patrol artificial reefs and structure in 30-100 feet of water, especially during warmer months. What guests love is their acrobatic fight and the adrenaline rush when they start spinning. They're also surprisingly social, so where you catch one, there's usually more around. Oily baits like mackerel or sardines work best - I like to chum heavy and use circle hooks on 30-50 pound tackle. Pro tip: keep tension steady during their jumps or they'll throw the hook.
Sphyrna TiburoThese smallest hammerheads are fun targets around Johns Island's shallow waters. Running 3-4 feet long with that distinctive shovel-shaped head, bonnetheads are harmless and actually pretty shy compared to other sharks. You'll find them cruising sandy flats and grass beds in 5-20 feet during summer months when they migrate up from Florida. They travel in small schools, feeding on crabs and small fish. What makes them great for families is their manageable size and gentle nature - they'll still give you a solid fight on medium tackle. The key is using fresh blue crab chunks and letting them find it on the bottom. Circle hooks work best since they're not aggressive biters.
Johns Island