Half Day PM Fishing - South Carolina Inshore
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day afternoon inshore fishing targeting multiple speciesCaptain provides gear and cleans catch at no costSmall group experience with maximum two guests aboard
When the afternoon heat starts to break and the fish begin to move, that's when you want to be on the water. This half-day PM fishing trip with On the Fly Outfitters puts you right where the action is in South Carolina's productive inshore waters. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species along our coast - redfish, cobia, Spanish mackerel, kingfish, and black drum - all while enjoying the cooler evening bite that local anglers know delivers consistent results. With just two spots available, you get personalized attention from an experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience. With only two anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and direct access to your captain's local knowledge. The afternoon timing is perfect for South Carolina's inshore fishery - the water temps start cooling down, baitfish become more active, and predatory species move into feeding mode. Your captain comes loaded with top-quality gear suited for whatever technique the fish are demanding that day, whether that's light tackle action or bottom fishing for the bigger bruisers. The real cherry on top? He'll clean and fillet your entire catch at no extra charge, so you're walking away with dinner ready for the pan. No messy cleanup, no guessing how to properly fillet that first cobia - just fresh fillets ready for your cooler.
South Carolina's inshore waters offer incredible diversity, and your captain adjusts techniques based on conditions, tides, and what's biting. Light tackle fishing dominates when Spanish mackerel and smaller redfish are schooled up - you'll be throwing spoons, jigs, or live bait on spinning gear that lets you feel every head shake and run. When targeting bigger black drum or bull reds, expect to switch to bottom rigs with heavier tackle and cut bait or crab. Cobia fishing often means sight casting to fish cruising the surface or working structure with bucktails and soft plastics. The captain provides all gear, but if you have favorite rods or reels you're comfortable with, bring them along. Terminal tackle, bait, and ice are all included, so you can focus on the fishing instead of worrying about rigging up.
Redfish are the bread and butter of South Carolina inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in our waters, with the occasional oversized bull pushing 30+ inches. They're most active during moving tides around oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass flats. What makes reds so special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag and make multiple runs even in shallow water. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Cobia are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here, often called the "brown shark" for their distinctive coloring and size. These fish average 25-40 pounds but can easily top 50 inches and provide the fight of a lifetime. Peak season runs May through September when they're cruising shallow waters, following rays and sharks. Spotting a cobia swimming near the surface and watching it charge your bait is pure adrenaline - they're curious, aggressive, and incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag system.
Spanish mackerel bring non-stop action during their peak runs from late spring through early fall. These sleek speedsters rarely exceed 3-4 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. When you find a school, expect rapid-fire hookups on light tackle with screaming runs and aerial displays. They're also fantastic eating - mild, white meat that's perfect for the grill or blackened in a pan.
Northern kingfish might be smaller than their offshore cousins, but they're scrappy fighters that hit hard and taste great. These bottom dwellers love sandy areas and will readily take cut bait, shrimp, or small jigs. They typically run 1-3 pounds but fight much bigger, making them perfect for light tackle action. Their white, flaky meat is mild and sweet - ideal for fish tacos or fried fish dinners.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with mature fish often exceeding 40-50 pounds. These powerful bottom feeders love structure, oyster beds, and deeper channels where they root around for crabs and shellfish. The fight is all about power - steady, relentless pressure that will wear out your arms. Smaller drum under 30 inches make excellent eating, while the big ones are typically released to continue spawning.
This half-day PM trip offers the perfect balance of serious fishing and manageable time commitment. You'll experience South Carolina's world-class inshore fishery during prime afternoon and evening hours when fish are most active. With only two spots available, you get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. The captain's local expertise, quality gear, and complimentary fish cleaning service means you can focus entirely on the fishing experience. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so secure your spot when you find an available date. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or a beginner wanting to learn proper techniques, this trip delivers the authentic South Carolina fishing experience you're looking for.
Get ready to fish South Carolina's productive inshore waters aboard our well-equipped 26' Pathfinder! This motorboat handles beautifully in coastal shallows where Redfish, Flounder, and Spanish Mackerel love to hang out. You'll have room for 2 anglers plus all the gear needed for a successful afternoon on the water. The boat comes loaded with a fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation, and even radar for those hazy coastal days. Stay comfortable with the onboard icebox for cold drinks and snacks, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking spooky fish in shallow water. Whether you're working the grass flats for Redfish or dropping baits for Black Drum and Cobia, this half-day trip puts you right where the fish are biting. Your captain provides quality tackle and will clean your catch so you can head home with fresh fillets for dinner. Perfect for both seasoned anglers and newcomers wanting to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Carolina coast has to offer.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants reaching 50+ pounds. These dark, barrel-shaped fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring is prime time during spawning season when they school up and are easier to target. What's cool about drum fishing is hearing them "drum" underwater - they make this distinctive croaking sound. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. My go-to setup is fresh blue crab on a circle hook fished right on the bottom. Here's the trick: use enough weight to stay put, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, don't set the hook - just start reeling and let the circle hook do its job.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of our inshore waters, averaging 30-50 pounds but capable of hitting 100+. These dark brown fish cruise alone around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they move through our area heading north. What guests love about cobia fishing is the sight-fishing aspect - you actually see these massive fish swimming near the surface before you cast. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between shark and mahi. Here's the key: when you spot one, don't cast right at it. Lead them by 20 feet with a bucktail jig and work it slowly along the bottom.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern kingfish might be small, but they punch above their weight class. These bottom-dwellers average 10-14 inches and have that distinctive barbel under their chin that helps them root around sandy bottoms for crabs and worms. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, especially around surf zones and sandy flats. Late summer is peak season when they move closer to shore. Don't let their size fool you - they fight surprisingly hard for their weight and the white meat is sweet and delicate. Kids especially love catching these because they're consistent biters. The secret is keeping your bait on the bottom with just enough weight to hold, and use small pieces of fresh shrimp or bloodworms on a size 1 or 2 hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored fighters are what keep anglers coming back to our South Carolina waters. Redfish typically run 20-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. You'll find them cruising oyster beds, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on shrimp and crabs. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great with that mild, flaky meat, and give you a real challenge on light tackle. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your shrimp or jig well ahead of where they're heading and let it settle to the bottom.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically weigh 1-3 pounds and travel in fast-moving schools near the surface. Look for them around jetties, piers, and offshore structure during warmer months from late spring through early fall. They're incredibly fun on light tackle - the fight is way bigger than the fish. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. The trick with Spanish mackerel is speed - use small shiny spoons or jigs and retrieve them fast. When you find a school, work quickly because they'll move through an area in minutes.
Charleston