Shark Fishing in Charleston Harbor
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target sharks in Charleston Harbor's productive watersExpert crew provides specialized gear and local knowledgeFourhour inshore charter accommodates up to six guests
Nothing gets your heart pumping quite like feeling a shark take your bait in the warm waters off Charleston. Richard's Fishing Charters brings you face-to-face with some of the Atlantic's most powerful predators right here in our backyard waters. This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip – we're talking serious sharks, serious gear, and memories that'll last a lifetime. Our 4-hour charter gives you plenty of time to get dialed in and experience what makes Charleston one of the top-rated shark fishing destinations on the East Coast.
We'll meet you at the dock ready to roll with everything you need for a world-class shark fishing adventure. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we've been perfecting our shark game for years. The moment we clear the harbor, you'll feel the anticipation building as we head to our proven spots where the sharks are actively feeding. Charleston Harbor and the nearby coastal waters offer perfect conditions during summer months – warm water temps bring baitfish, and baitfish bring sharks. You'll be fishing with up to 5 other anglers, which creates a great atmosphere where everyone's rooting for each other to hook up. Our captains will position the boat strategically, reading the currents and structure to put you where the action is hottest.
Shark fishing is all about patience, proper rigging, and using the right bait in the right spots. We run heavy tackle setups – think 80-pound class rods paired with reels that can handle serious line capacity and drag pressure. Our crew rigs everything with circle hooks and wire leaders that can withstand those razor-sharp teeth. Fresh cut bait is the name of the game here, and we'll have a variety on board including bluefish, mackerel, and other oily fish that create a solid scent trail in the water. We'll deploy multiple baits at different depths and distances from the boat, creating a feeding zone that draws sharks in from all directions. The key is keeping your baits moving naturally with the current while maintaining that perfect balance between giving the shark room to run and keeping enough pressure to set the hook properly.
Charleston's waters host an impressive variety of shark species throughout the summer season, each bringing their own fight characteristics and personality to the table. Blacktip sharks are probably our most common catch, ranging from 3 to 6 feet and known for their aerial acrobatics when hooked. These guys are incredibly active during June through September, often feeding in schools near the surface. What makes blacktips so exciting is their unpredictable nature – one minute they're stripping drag in a screaming run, the next they're launching themselves clear out of the water trying to shake your hook. Sandbar sharks are the bulldogs of our local waters, typically running larger at 4 to 7 feet and putting up a grinding, powerful fight that'll test your endurance. They prefer deeper water near structure and are most active during incoming tides when baitfish get pushed over the reefs and ledges.
Bull sharks are the heavyweights that every angler hopes to tangle with during their Charleston shark fishing adventure. These thick-bodied fighters can exceed 8 feet and are renowned for their raw power and stubborn fighting style. Bulls are year-round residents but become most active in our area during the warmer months when they move into shallower water to feed. They're ambush predators that prefer areas with good current flow and plenty of baitfish activity. What sets bull sharks apart is their incredible strength – they don't jump like blacktips, but they'll pull you into backing faster than you'd expect and test every knot and connection on your rig.
Charleston's shark fishing season is heating up, and spots on our most popular dates fill up quick. This 4-hour charter gives you the perfect taste of what our waters have to offer without taking up your entire day. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check sharks off your bucket list or a newcomer ready to experience some serious fishing action, our crew will make sure you're set up for success. We provide all the specialized gear, tackle, and expertise – you just need to show up ready for an adventure. The memories you'll make battling these apex predators in Charleston's beautiful coastal waters are worth every minute, and our customer favorite approach ensures you'll walk away with stories to tell for years to come.
Our 2019 Key West Center Console cuts through Charleston Harbor's waters with confidence, powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that reaches 39 knots when you need to get to the fishing grounds fast. This sleek fishing machine comes equipped with everything serious anglers need for targeting sharks along the South Carolina coast. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're positioning for that perfect cast, while the GPS navigation system ensures you never lose track of productive fishing spots. The built-in fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your targets beneath Charleston's rich waters. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines and land those hard-fighting sharks that call these coastal waters home. The center console design gives everyone clear access to the action while providing the captain excellent visibility for maneuvering around structure and following the fish.
Charleston