Half Day PM Fishing in South Carolina Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Flounder, Redfish, Mackerel, and Cobia inshoreCaptain provides gear and cleans catch at trip endFlexible afternoon departure times accommodate most schedules
There's nothing quite like spending an afternoon on South Carolina's productive inshore waters, especially when you've got a seasoned captain who knows exactly where the fish are biting. This half-day PM fishing trip with On the Fly Outfitters puts you right in the heart of some of the state's best inshore action, targeting everything from hard-fighting redfish to table-fare favorites like flounder and Spanish mackerel. With just two anglers max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience. With a maximum of two guests, you'll have plenty of room to fish comfortably and get hands-on instruction from your captain. The afternoon timing works perfectly for South Carolina's inshore bite patterns, as many species feed actively during these prime hours. Your captain comes equipped with top-quality tackle suited for the day's conditions, whether that means light spinning gear for finicky Spanish mackerel or stouter rods for pulling stubborn black drum off structure. The best part? Once you've landed your catch, the captain handles all the cleaning and filleting at no extra charge, so you can focus on fishing and head home with a cooler full of fresh fillets ready for the dinner table. The flexible departure times mean you can plan around your schedule, making this a perfect option for visitors and locals alike who want to maximize their afternoon on the water.
Inshore fishing in South Carolina requires versatility, and your captain comes prepared with a full arsenal of techniques to match the day's conditions and target species. Expect to use everything from live bait rigs with shrimp and finger mullet to artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons, depending on what's working best. Light tackle enthusiasts will love the finesse approach needed for species like Spanish mackerel and flounder, while those who prefer a more robust fight will get their fix when black drum and cobia show up. Bottom fishing becomes the go-to method around structure where drum and flounder hang out, while sight fishing for tailing redfish in the shallows offers an entirely different kind of excitement. Your captain reads the water conditions, tide movements, and seasonal patterns to put you on the most productive spots, switching tactics as needed throughout the trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to refine your technique or a beginner who's never held a rod, the personalized instruction ensures everyone goes home with both fish and new skills.
South Carolina's inshore waters serve up a diverse menu of hard-fighting gamefish and excellent table fare, each with its own personality and seasonal patterns. Redfish remain the crown jewel of the inshore scene here, with these copper-colored bruisers available year-round in various sizes. Spring through fall offers the best action, when reds feed aggressively in the shallows and around oyster bars. These fish fight like freight trains, making long runs and using their broad sides to pull drag. What makes them special is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they're absolutely delicious when prepared right. Spanish mackerel bring a completely different energy to the trip, showing up in good numbers during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant. These speedsters hit fast and fight even faster, making screaming runs that'll test your drag system. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and make excellent eating when filleted properly. Northern kingfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're incredibly fun to catch and represent some of the best eating you'll find in these waters. Black drum are the heavyweights of the group, with mature fish capable of breaking the 40-pound mark. These bottom-dwellers love structure and put up a dogged fight that's all about power rather than speed. Cobia represent the wild card species that can turn a good day into a legendary one. These chocolate-colored fighters show up around structure and moving water, often following rays and other marine life. When a cobia decides to eat, you better be ready for a battle that combines the raw power of a drum with the speed and stamina of a gamefish twice its size.
With only two spots available per trip, this intimate fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot. The combination of personalized attention, top-quality gear, and complimentary fish cleaning makes this one of the best values you'll find for South Carolina inshore fishing. Whether you're planning a father-son trip, want to introduce someone special to the sport, or just prefer fishing without the crowds, this half-day adventure delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so once you commit, you're locked in for what's sure to be a memorable afternoon on the water. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – the fish are biting, and South Carolina's inshore waters are calling your name.
Step aboard our versatile 26' Pathfinder for an afternoon of productive inshore fishing along South Carolina's fish-rich waters. This well-equipped motorboat handles like a dream whether you're targeting redfish in shallow grass flats or dropping bottom rigs for black drum around structure. The wireless trolling motor lets us approach spooked fish without a sound, while the fish finder keeps us on productive spots all afternoon. With an icebox to keep your drinks cold and space for your gear, you'll stay comfortable as we work the waters for flounder, Spanish mackerel, kingfish, and whatever else is biting. The onboard multimedia system provides tunes between hookups, and GPS with radar ensures we can fish confidently even when afternoon weather rolls in. Perfect for up to 2 anglers who want to experience South Carolina's diverse inshore fishery without committing to a full day. Whether you prefer casting light tackle or soaking bait, this boat puts you in prime position to fill the cooler.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. These dark, powerful fish have crushing jaws built for cracking oysters and crabs. They love brackish waters, oyster beds, and shallow muddy flats, but you'll also find them around pier pilings and creek mouths. Spring is prime time during spawning season when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds. Guests enjoy targeting them because they're strong fighters that make long, powerful runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat - the big ones get tough and are better released. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab, clams, or mussels work best. My trick is to use just enough weight to hold bottom and be patient - drum are methodical feeders that might mouth your bait before committing.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of our inshore waters, often mistaken for sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+, making them a real test of your tackle. They're usually solo hunters hanging around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 15-50 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move through our area during their migration. What guests love about cobia fishing is the visual aspect - we often spot them cruising just under the surface, then cast bucktail jigs or live bait right to them. The fight is powerful and sustained, plus the meat is outstanding - firm and mild like a cross between grouper and mahi. Here's the key: when you see one, approach quietly and make your first cast count because they spook easily.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern kingfish are scrappy little fighters that punch well above their weight class. These bottom-dwelling members of the drum family typically run 10-14 inches and weigh up to 2 pounds, with a distinctive barbel under their chin and dark angular markings. They hang out on sandy and rocky bottoms in shallow coastal waters, often in small schools. Late summer is prime time when they move closer to shore to feed. What makes them fun to target is their surprising fight - they'll bend your rod and make solid runs despite their size. The white meat is delicious and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. They're bottom feeders that love clams, bloodworms, and small pieces of squid. Here's my tip: use light tackle with small hooks and keep your bait right on the bottom - kingfish rarely come up to feed, so you've got to get down to their level.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets here in South Carolina waters. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-35 inches and fight hard in the shallow flats they call home. You'll find them cruising oyster beds, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat almost anything - from live shrimp to topwater plugs - and they put up a solid scrap once hooked. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you spot a red "tailing" in skinny water, cast your bait about 3 feet ahead of where it's moving and let it sit still.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and keep the action fast. These sleek, silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. They travel in large schools near the surface, often within a few miles of shore around structure and bait pods. Late spring through early fall is peak season when water temps warm up. Guests love targeting them because they're aggressive biters that hit hard and fast - perfect for light tackle fun. The meat is rich and flavorful, great grilled or smoked. They'll take small jigs, spoons, or live bait like sardines. My go-to trick is to use a small Clark spoon on light line and cast into feeding birds - where there's bait getting hit on top, there's usually mackerel below.
Charleston