6 HR Nearshore Fishing Trip - Johns Island, SC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour nearshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and troutAccommodates up to six guests with all skill levels welcomeProfessional charter service exploring pristine Johns Island waters
Miss Emily Charters knows how to put you on fish. This 6-hour nearshore adventure out of Johns Island gives you the perfect blend of action and comfort without burning through your whole vacation budget on fuel. We're talking about productive waters where Bonnethead Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, and Black Sea Bass call home. Captain Emily has been working these waters for years, and she'll put her local knowledge to work getting your group of up to 6 anglers into some serious action. Whether you're bringing the family for their first real fishing trip or you're seasoned anglers looking to add some new species to your list, this charter delivers the goods.
When you step aboard Miss Emily's boat, you're getting a real South Carolina fishing experience. The nearshore waters around Johns Island offer the perfect sweet spot - close enough to keep things comfortable, but far enough out to get into some quality fish. You'll be targeting structure and feeding areas where these species love to hang out. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from quality rods and reels to tackle that's proven effective in these waters. Captain Emily keeps things relaxed but focused - she wants everyone to catch fish, and she's got the patience to help first-timers learn the ropes while keeping experienced anglers challenged. The 6-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different spots without feeling rushed, and you'll cover enough water to find where the fish are biting on your particular day.
This nearshore fishing trip relies on bottom fishing and live bait techniques that really produce results in these waters. You'll be dropping lines near structure, reefs, and ledges where these species congregate to feed. Captain Emily provides medium to heavy action rods paired with conventional reels that can handle the fight these fish put up. Circle hooks are the way to go for sharks - they hook clean and reduce injury to fish you might release. For Black Sea Bass, you'll work with smaller hooks and lighter leaders, often fishing multiple hook rigs to maximize your chances. Live bait like shrimp, squid, and cut bait work best, and the captain comes prepared with a variety of options. You'll learn proper fish handling techniques, especially important when dealing with sharks. The boat's fish finder helps locate structure and bait schools, while the captain's GPS marks ensure you're fishing the most productive spots in the area.
Bonnethead Sharks are one of the most fun species you'll encounter on this trip. These smaller members of the hammerhead family typically run 2-4 feet long and are absolute fighters on medium tackle. They're active year-round in South Carolina waters, but peak action happens during the warmer months from May through October. What makes Bonnetheads special is their unique diet - they're actually omnivores that eat a lot of seagrass along with crabs and shrimp. They're perfect for families because they're manageable size-wise but still give that authentic shark fishing experience. The way they run when hooked and their distinctive hammer-shaped head makes for great photos and even better fish stories.
Blacktip Sharks bring serious excitement to any fishing trip. These athletic predators typically range from 3-6 feet around Johns Island and are famous for their aerial acrobatics when hooked. Spring through fall offers the best Blacktip action, with peak fishing during the summer months when they move into nearshore waters to feed and reproduce. These sharks are aggressive feeders that hit live bait hard and fast. Once hooked, they'll make blistering runs and often launch themselves completely out of the water - it's a sight that never gets old. Blacktips are excellent eating if you decide to keep one within regulations, though many anglers prefer the catch-and-release approach for conservation.
Black Sea Bass might not have the glamour of sharks, but they're absolute favorites among serious anglers who know good eating fish. These bottom dwellers typically run 1-3 pounds in nearshore waters, with larger specimens possible around deeper structure. They're most active during cooler months, making them perfect targets when shark action slows down. Black Sea Bass are aggressive biters that hit both live and cut bait readily. They school up around hard bottom, reefs, and artificial structure, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Their firm white meat makes them a top choice for the dinner table, and they're relatively easy to clean and fillet. The daily bag limit allows for a nice harvest while maintaining sustainable populations.
Miss Emily Charters has earned its reputation as a top-rated fishing service around Johns Island by consistently putting clients on fish and providing genuine South Carolina hospitality. This 6-hour nearshore trip offers outstanding value when you factor in the quality of the experience, the captain's local expertise, and the variety of species you'll target. Remember that fuel costs run $200-400 depending on how far we travel to find the fish, but that's standard for the area and ensures we're fishing the most productive waters. The boat handles 6 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for family groups or fishing buddies looking to split costs. These nearshore waters fish well year-round, but booking in advance ensures you get your preferred dates. Whether you're after the excitement of shark fishing or hoping to fill the cooler with Black Sea Bass, this charter delivers the authentic South Carolina fishing experience you're looking for.
Our 39-foot Luhrs Convertible is built for serious fishing around Johns Island's productive waters. This 2004 sportfisher comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of deck space for fighting fish and storing gear. Twin 420HP Caterpillar diesels push her at a smooth 27 knots, getting you to the nearshore grounds quickly and efficiently. The roomy cockpit gives everyone space to work, whether you're battling king mackerel or working the shallows for redfish and trout. With professional fishing amenities throughout, she's designed to make your 6-hour charter productive and comfortable. The covered bridge provides relief from the Carolina sun between bites, while the open transom makes landing fish easy. Perfect for families wanting to experience Charleston's legendary fishing or seasoned anglers targeting the area's best species.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are hands-down the best eating fish we target, and they're scrappy fighters until they break the surface. These chunky members of the grouper family run 1-4 pounds typically, with dark bodies and white-spotted fins. Males turn bright blue during spawn and grow a distinctive hump on their heads. We fish them around wrecks, rocky bottom, and structure in 20-120 feet from late spring through summer when they move inshore. They're mostly bottom feeders but will hit jigs and live bait. What's wild is they're all born female and change to male as they grow. Squid strips on a double-hook rig work great, but drop your bait right on the structure - they don't chase far from home.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world - they'll jump clean out of the water and sometimes right into your boat! These streamlined fighters average 5 feet but can reach over 9 feet. We target them around artificial reefs and structure in 30-100 feet of water where they patrol for baitfish. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when they're feeding heavy on mackerel and sardines. Guests go nuts watching them leap 20+ feet in the air during the fight. They're excitable and social, which can lead to multiple hookups. Bring heavy braided line and circle hooks - they get wound up quick. Pro tip: use oily baits like fresh mackerel or live sardines in your chum to get them fired up and competitive.
Sphyrna TiburoThese smaller hammerheads are perfect for families since they're completely harmless and pretty shy. You'll recognize them by their shovel-shaped heads and grey-brown bodies that run about 3-4 feet long. We find them in shallow bays and channels during summer months before they head south for winter. What makes bonnetheads special is they're the smallest hammerhead species and travel in schools of 10-15 fish. They put up a solid fight on medium tackle, and guests love the unique experience of catching a "baby hammerhead." Fresh blue crab chunks work best - cut the crab in half and hook it through a leg joint. The scent drives them crazy and they'll hit it hard.
Johns Island