Charleston Inshore Fishing - 8 Hour Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-hour inshore fishing charter with all equipment providedNavigate diverse Charleston waters targeting multiple fish speciesProfessional fish cleaning service available for additional fee
Want to spend a full day chasing some of Charleston's best inshore species? This 8-hour charter gives you plenty of time to work the flats, creeks, and structure where redfish, trout, black drum, and sheepshead love to hang out. Right Tide Charters has been putting anglers on fish in these waters for years, and we know exactly where to find them based on tide, weather, and season. You'll get all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, and even your fishing license. Just bring yourself, some snacks, and a cooler to take home your catch.
Charleston's inshore waters are something special. We're talking about miles of tidal creeks, oyster bars, grass flats, and dock structures that hold fish year-round. This 8-hour trip lets us cover way more ground than shorter charters - we can hit multiple spots, adjust to changing conditions, and really dial in on what's biting. The extra time means we're not rushing from spot to spot. If the fish are cooperative at one location, we can stay and work it properly. If they're being finicky, we've got hours to explore different areas and techniques until we find the bite. The boat can handle up to 6 anglers total, with the base price covering 2 people and additional spots available for $50 each. Perfect setup for a small group that wants to fish together without feeling crowded.
We run quality spinning gear matched to the species we're targeting - medium action rods with smooth drags that can handle everything from 14-inch trout to 30-pound black drum. Live bait is usually the ticket here in Charleston. Fresh shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows are our go-to options, but we also carry cut bait for the drum and sheepshead. Artificial lures definitely have their place too - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons can be deadly when conditions are right. We'll be fishing around oyster bars, creek mouths, downed trees, and dock pilings. Lots of structure fishing, which means you need to know how to work your bait without getting hung up every cast. That's where having an experienced captain makes all the difference. We'll teach you how to read the water, feel the bottom, and present your bait where fish are actually feeding. The cleaning service is worth mentioning - $4.50 per fish after your first two gets you professionally cleaned fillets ready for the dinner table.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water and putting up a serious fight. You'll find them cruising oyster bars and grass flats, especially on moving tides. They typically run 18 to 28 inches in our waters, with some real bulls pushing 30-plus inches during certain times of year. Fall and spring are prime time, but honestly, we catch quality reds almost year-round. What makes them so popular is that aggressive strike and the way they peel drag once hooked. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits. Sea trout are another customer favorite, especially during warmer months. These spotted beauties are abundant in Charleston's grass beds and creek systems. They hit live shrimp and soft plastics with equal enthusiasm, and a good trout bite can keep you busy for hours. Most run 12 to 16 inches, but we regularly see fish pushing 20 inches or better. They're one of the most reliable species in our area and perfect for anglers who want consistent action. Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene. These bottom-dwellers can reach impressive sizes - we're talking fish that can break 40 pounds if you're lucky. They love structure, especially around bridges, docks, and oyster beds. Crabs and cut bait work best, and you need to be patient since drum fishing is often about waiting for the right bite. When one picks up your bait, you'll know it immediately. They're powerful fish that use their size and the current to their advantage. Sheepshead round out our target species list, and they're probably the trickiest to catch consistently. These black-and-white striped fish have serious teeth and love to steal bait around structure. Barnacles, fiddler crabs, and shrimp are their preferred meals. The challenge with sheepshead is detecting their subtle bite and setting the hook before they spit the bait. But once you figure them out, they're addictive to target. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in our waters.
This 8-hour charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Charleston inshore fishing has to offer. You're not just buying a fishing trip - you're getting local knowledge, quality equipment, and enough time to really learn these waters. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to explore new spots or someone who wants to spend a full day learning from a professional guide, this trip delivers. The extended time on the water means better odds of finding active fish, especially when conditions change throughout the day. Remember to bring that cooler for your catch, pack some lunch and drinks, and don't forget the sunscreen. Right Tide Charters handles everything else, including your fishing license. Book now and get ready to see why Charleston's inshore fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Charleston's inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. They're famous for their drumming sounds and put up a solid fight on the bottom. Keep fish under 15 pounds for the table - the smaller ones have better flavor and texture. Pro tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and keep your bait right on the bottom near structure. They're notorious for light bites, so stay alert and set the hook quick when you feel that subtle tap.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Charleston's signature inshore species, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 18-32 inches in our shallow flats and creek systems, though big bulls over 40 inches cruise deeper waters. They're year-round residents with peak action in fall and spring. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll crush topwater lures in inches of water, creating explosive strikes that get your heart pumping. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, slightly sweet meat. These fish aren't picky eaters and will hit live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. Charleston tip: look for them tailing in skinny water during high tide around oyster bars. A gold spoon worked slowly through the area usually seals the deal.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are Charleston's year-round bread and butter fish, averaging 14-24 inches with those distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They love grass flats, creek mouths, and shallow waters, especially during low-light periods at dawn and dusk. Spring and fall offer the best action, though summer night fishing can be phenomenal. These fish hit hard and make great table fare with their tender, flaky white meat - just don't overcook them or they'll get mushy. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Local secret: work a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds during moving tide. The sound draws them in from a distance, and that subtle cork movement triggers strikes when they get close.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Charleston with their distinctive black and white stripes and those weird human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around dock pilings, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. They're year-round residents but fishing peaks in spring during their spawning runs. These crafty bait thieves will test your patience, but the reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort. They rarely venture far from cover, so get your bait tight to the structure. My go-to trick: use fiddler crabs on a short leader and watch your rod tip like a hawk. When you see that subtle nibble, don't hesitate - set the hook hard before they strip your bait clean.
Charleston, SC