Expert Guided Charleston Harbor Inshore Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4 to 8hour inshore fishing trips in Charleston Harbor watersAll equipment, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses included with charterAccommodates up to 6 guests with complimentary refreshments provided
There's nothing quite like getting out on Charleston Harbor with a rod in your hand and the morning sun hitting the water just right. Richard's Fishing Charters runs these inshore trips from 4 to 8 hours, and let me tell you – this is some of the best fishing water you'll find along the South Carolina coast. We're talking about productive creeks, grass flats, and structure that holds fish year-round. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're just getting started, our crew knows exactly where to put you on the bite.
Your charter starts right here in Charleston Harbor, one of the most productive inshore fishing destinations on the East Coast. We'll head out to the maze of creeks and flats that make this area legendary among serious anglers. The boat holds up to 6 people comfortably, so bring the family or grab a few fishing buddies – there's plenty of room to spread out and work different spots. Everything's included in your trip: quality rods and reels, fresh bait, tackle, and your fishing license. We keep a cooler loaded with ice and bottled water on board, plus there's space to store your catch. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're always happy to share tips on technique or help you land that fish of a lifetime. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might work the oyster beds for sheepshead, drift the flats for redfish, or target structure for grouper and black drum.
Inshore fishing around Charleston is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish are doing. We'll typically start with light to medium spinning gear – perfect for working live shrimp under popping corks or bouncing cut bait along the bottom. When we're targeting redfish on the flats, we might switch to topwater plugs or soft plastics that you can work through the grass without hanging up. For the bigger fish like black drum and grouper, we'll bump up to heavier tackle and use fresh cut mullet or blue crab. The beauty of these inshore waters is the variety – you might be sight-casting to tailing reds one minute and dropping down to structure for grouper the next. Our crew will handle all the rigging and re-baiting, but if you want to learn the local knots and techniques, just ask. Most of our regulars started out wanting to learn, and now they're tying their own rigs and reading the water like pros.
Gag grouper are the prize fish that keep anglers coming back to Charleston's inshore waters. These hard-fighting bottom dwellers love the rocky ledges and artificial reefs scattered throughout the harbor. Gags typically run 15 to 25 pounds in these waters, though we've seen some real slobs push 30-plus. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they move shallow to feed. What makes them so special is the fight – they'll head straight for the rocks when hooked, testing your drag and your nerves. Plus, they're absolutely excellent on the dinner table with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Black sea bass might not get the same respect as grouper, but they're scrappy little fighters that school up in huge numbers around structure. These guys average 1 to 3 pounds and have this beautiful dark coloration with bright white bellies. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall fishing is phenomenal when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning season. Sea bass are perfect for kids and beginning anglers because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. They're also fantastic eating – many locals prefer them over more famous species.
Black drum are the bulldogs of Charleston's inshore waters, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. These powerful fish can exceed 40 pounds around here, and they use every ounce of that weight to test your tackle. They love oyster beds and grass flats where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Spring is prime time for the big breeders, but you'll find smaller "puppy drum" throughout the year. The fight is what draws anglers – imagine trying to turn a freight train with a fishing rod. They're not the prettiest fish, but their pulling power is legendary.
Sheepshead are the convict fish with black stripes that drive anglers crazy with their light bites and quick escapes. They school around oyster bars, docks, and bridges where they pick crabs and barnacles off the structure. These fish have human-like teeth that can crack shells, and they use that same crushing power to steal bait right off your hook. The key is using the right bait – live or fresh dead shrimp, fiddler crabs, or oysters work best – and setting the hook at the slightest tap. When you do connect, they make strong runs and have excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Charleston inshore fishing, with their copper-bronze sides and distinctive black spots near the tail. These fish cruise the shallow flats and grass beds, often in schools that make the water look like it's boiling. Slot-sized reds (15 to 23 inches) are perfect for the table, while the big bull reds over 27 inches provide world-class fights on light tackle. Fall is absolutely magical for redfish when they school up in huge numbers for their spawning runs. You'll spot them tailing in skinny water, cruising the edges of grass beds, or blowing up schools of baitfish. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs, and they make long, powerful runs that test your equipment and your skills.
Charleston Harbor fishing is good year-round, but every season has its own magic.
Jump aboard our 2019 Key West Center Console and get ready to chase some serious fish around Charleston Harbor! This beauty packs a powerful 250HP Yamaha that'll cruise you out to the hottest fishing spots at 39 knots, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water instead of getting there. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on those spooky inshore species, while our GPS and fish finder combo takes the guesswork out of locating where they're biting. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and work the water without getting tangled up. The center console layout gives everyone easy access to both sides of the boat, perfect for targeting redfish in the shallows or casting to structure where the trout like to hang out. Whether you're working the creeks at high tide or hitting the flats on the drop, this rig handles Charleston's diverse inshore waters like a dream.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the gentle giants of Charleston's inshore waters, and they put up one heck of a fight. These bruisers typically run 10-30 pounds around here, cruising our shallow oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing crabs and oysters, so fresh crab bait works best. What guests love is that stubborn, bulldogging fight - they don't jump but they'll pull steady and strong. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent eating. Pro tip: look for them in super shallow water on the flats during low tide. You'll actually see their backs breaking the surface as they root around for food.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are perfect for families and first-time anglers around Charleston Harbor. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically weigh 2-4 pounds and love hanging around our jetties, pier pilings, and rocky structure. Late spring through summer is prime time when they school up closer to shore. They're scrappy little fighters until they hit the surface, then settle down nicely. The bonus is they're fantastic table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. You'll often catch several at once since they travel in groups. Best tip I can share: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid or cut bait, and don't be surprised if you double up. They're not picky eaters and will hit just about anything you put in front of them.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper around Charleston are the real deal for anglers wanting a serious fight. These gray, marble-patterned fish typically run 20 inches but can grow to monster size - we've seen 50+ pounders. They love hanging around structure like jetties, reefs, and wrecks where they ambush crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when they're more active in our waters. What makes them special is that powerful initial run when hooked - they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. The meat is excellent eating too, firm and white. Here's the key: once you hook up, keep that drag tight and don't let them freewheel back to cover. Get them up fast or you'll be retying.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Charleston's signature inshore species, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 18-30 inches around our shallow flats and creek mouths. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring are peak times when they're most active. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. What hooks anglers is that explosive topwater strike and strong, steady fight. Plus they're excellent eating when kept in the slot. They'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, or just about any artificial lure. My go-to tip: work the grass flats on an incoming tide early morning or late evening. Look for nervous water or tailing fish, then cast past them and work your bait back slowly.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the craftiest fish in Charleston Harbor, earning their "convict fish" nickname from those black and white stripes. These 2-8 pound tricksters hang around every dock, pier, and barnacle-covered piling they can find. Winter months are best when they're spawning and easier to locate. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and steal your shrimp before you know it. But the payoff is worth it - sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any fish. They're structure huggers, so get your bait right against those pilings. Here's my trick: once you feel that light pecking, don't wait - set the hook hard immediately. They'll nibble your bait clean off if you hesitate.
Charleston