5.0(26 Reviews)Half Day Inshore Charter with Captain Mike
5.0(26 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Halfday inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and black drumAll gear, licenses, and fish cleaning included in packageAccommodates up to six guests with morning or afternoon options
Looking for a solid four-hour fishing trip that won't break the bank? This half-day inshore charter with Captain Mike delivers exactly what you're after. Perfect for morning risers or afternoon warriors, this trip gets you on the water targeting redfish, sea trout, sheepshead, and black drum in some of the most productive inshore waters around. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler wanting to hit the flats without committing to a full day, this charter strikes the perfect balance between action and affordability.
Captain Mike keeps things simple and effective on his clean Pathfinder, a boat that's perfectly suited for navigating shallow inshore waters where the big reds like to prowl. You'll start with a brief rundown of the day's game plan based on current conditions - tides, weather, and where the fish have been biting. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety; one minute you're sight casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water, the next you're working structure for black drum or picking apart oyster bars for sheepshead. Everything's included in your trip cost - quality rods and reels, fresh bait, tackle, fishing licenses, and fish cleaning service. All you need to bring is yourself, some snacks, drinks, and realistic expectations. The boat comfortably handles up to six anglers, though it's priced for two, making it easy to add family members or friends who want to get in on the action.
You'll be fishing with medium-action spinning rods paired with reliable reels spooled with 15-20 pound test line - the sweet spot for inshore species that can range from schoolie trout to bull redfish pushing 30 inches. Captain Mike's tackle box is stocked with everything from live shrimp and cut bait to artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs. Depending on conditions and target species, you might find yourself bouncing jigs along the bottom for black drum, working a popping cork over grass beds for trout, or making precision casts with gold spoons when the reds are schooled up and feeding aggressively. The captain's local knowledge really shines when it comes to reading water - he knows which oyster bars hold the biggest sheepshead, where the trout stack up during different tide phases, and how to position the boat for the most effective presentations. Don't worry if you're new to inshore tactics; Captain Mike takes time to explain techniques and will gladly help you improve your casting accuracy and lure presentation.
"LOCAL knowledge. That's what you get with Captain Mike. Hardworking, laidback, willing to teach, and will do the best he can to put you on the bite." - Darrell
"My family of 6 went fishing this morning with Captain Mike. We had a wonderful time catching all different species of fish. It was the perfect morning for fishing. Boat was clean and ready to go, found free parking and docked where it was easy to find. Loaded with bait and Captain Mike took care of the perfect casting and we caught some great reds and trout." - Julie
"We had a great fishing trip with Captain Mike. Had a memorable fishing trip and caught our limit." - Carrie
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers provide some of the most consistent action you'll find. Ranging from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches up to oversized bulls that can push 35+ inches, reds are aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to artificial lures. They're most active during moving tides and can be found year-round, though fall and spring offer the most explosive action. What makes redfish special is their fighting ability - they make blistering runs and use their broad tails to bulldoze through the water, testing your drag and patience.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, schooling up over grass beds and around structure throughout the year. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches, with occasional "gator trout" exceeding 24 inches that'll have you questioning your tackle choice. They're most active during cooler months and early morning or late afternoon periods. Trout hit soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom, live shrimp under popping corks, and topwater lures during low-light conditions. Their delicate mouths require a gentle touch, but their willingness to bite makes them perfect for novice anglers building confidence.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of your bait presentation skills, earning their nickname as "convict fish" thanks to their black and white stripes and their tendency to steal bait without getting hooked. These structure-loving fish congregate around oyster bars, docks, and pilings where they use their human-like teeth to crush crabs, barnacles, and fiddler crabs. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they move inshore to spawn. Landing a quality sheepshead requires patience, sharp hooks, and quick reflexes, but their excellent table fare makes the effort worthwhile.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with mature fish often exceeding 20 pounds and providing arm-burning fights in shallow water. These bottom-feeders cruise oyster beds and muddy flats using their sensitive barbels to locate crabs and shrimp. They're most active during cooler months and around structure during moving tides. Black drum hit cut bait, live shrimp, and crab baits fished on the bottom, and their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style will test your gear and technique. Smaller "puppy drum" in the 3-8 pound range are excellent table fare, while the larger fish make for great photos before release
Hit the water in style aboard our 2019 25' Sea Pro, powered by a reliable 250HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fish fast and smooth. This modern boat handles inshore waters like a dream, with plenty of room for your small crew to move around while working the lines. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating those prized redfish and trout hideouts, while the GPS keeps you on course to the hottest spots. When you hook into something big, the spacious deck gives you room to fight it properly. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooked fish without making a sound. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox, and when nature calls, there's an onboard head so you don't have to cut your fishing short. Whether you're casting for speckled trout in the grass flats or sight-fishing redfish in shallow backwaters, this rig has everything you need for a successful day on the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldozers of inshore fishing, capable of reaching 30+ pounds and putting serious bend in your rod. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow estuaries where they crunch shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is your best bet when they school up for spawning and become easier to target. What sets them apart is that distinctive drumming sound they make - you can actually hear schools underwater. They're great fighters with serious pulling power, though stick to fish under 15 pounds for eating since the bigger ones get tough and lose flavor. Fresh blue crab is your best bet for bait since it stays on the hook better than softer offerings. My tip: use just enough weight to hold bottom and watch for that slow, steady pull - they don't hit hard, they just pick up your bait and swim away with it.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky members of the grouper family are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action around structure. Most run 1-4 pounds and put up a solid fight until they break the surface. You'll find them hugging jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move shallow to feed and spawn. What makes them special is their firm, flaky white meat - some of the best eating fish around. Males turn bright blue during spawning and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. Here's the key: use a 2-hook rig with squid or fish strips, keep it tight to the bottom, and set the hook hard when you feel that telltale tap. They're notorious bait stealers, so stay alert and don't give them time to work the bait off your hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of shallow water fishing, cruising flats in water so thin their backs stick out. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can push 40+ pounds offshore. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines where they root for crabs and shrimp. That distinctive black spot near their tail fools predators and makes them unmistakable. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What guests love most is watching them crush topwater lures in skinny water - it's visual fishing at its finest. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. The key is staying quiet and making long casts ahead of cruising fish. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but don't overlook gold spoons and topwater plugs for pure excitement.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing - beautiful silver fish covered in black spots that'll hit just about anything you throw at them. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with occasional giants pushing bigger numbers. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow. Night fishing can be magic, especially around lights that draw baitfish. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect on the table. Just don't overcook them or they'll turn mushy. They're aggressive feeders that'll take live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. Pro tip: work the grass edges during moving water and vary your retrieve speed until you find what they want. When you hook one, keep steady pressure - their soft mouths tear easily if you horse them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of inshore waters - gray bodies with black stripes and human-like teeth that'll surprise you every time. Most run 1-8 pounds, but 20-pounders lurk around deeper structure. They're glued to any hard cover: docks, bridges, barnacle-covered pilings where they pick off crabs and shellfish. Early spring during spawning season gives you the best shot when they gather in big numbers. Guests love them because they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat, plus those weird teeth make for great photos. They're notorious bait thieves though - they'll nibble your offering right off the hook if you're not paying attention. Here's what works: get your bait right against the structure, use a firm hook set when you feel them, and try fiddler crabs or fresh shrimp on a small hook. The closer to the pilings, the better your chances.
5.0 out of 5.0LOCAL knowledge. That’s what you get with Captain Mike. Hardworking, laidback, willing to teach, and will do the best he can to p...
Darrell, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Friendliest and most down to earth guide we have had in a long time. Really enjoyed meeting Capt. Mike. He definitely puts custo...
Capt Mike is a pleasure to spend time with and we enjoyed the great fishing trip. I felt like I was fishing with family. I recomme...
Frank the Tank, Thank you! always a pleasure having yall out! till next time.
Took my son for his 12th Bday. Captain Mike was very attentive to him and did a good job making the entire experience enjoyable....
Michael Medwed, Thank you! You folks were awesome!
We enjoyed this trip so much. Reeled in some decent fish. We had a great time. Thanks Captain Mike
Great time, Great Captain! Will definitely book again!
Great time, Great Captain! Will definitely book again with Captain Mike!!!
Great time, Great Captain! Will definitely book again with Captain Mike!!!
Captain Mike did it again! He gave my son and me another fantastic experience on the water—this time introducing us to an entirely...
Mike was great Polite freindly we enjoyed are time with him and the fishing was great too
We had such a wonderful day on the water! It was worth every penny. Captain Mike is an outstanding guy. He’s got a great person...
Thanks Matthew! Glad you guys enjoyed it! looking foward to our offshore trip!
Had a great time out with Mike today, he knew where to go and made sure we caught fish. Caught some great reds and black drum. Hig...
Thanks Michael! Great time on the water with you guys!
We would highly recommend Capt. Mike as his professionalism, courtesy and knowledge of the local waters made the trip a great time...
Blessed to have you guys aboard! Great family & personalities! Im looking foward to our next tri...
We had a great fishing trip with Captain Mike. Had a memorable fishing trip and caught our limit.
It was awesome spending the time with the guys! Looking foward to our next one!
This was our second time going out with Mike and he is a excellent charter. He really puts in the work to make sure your trip is ...
Second time we have been out with Mike and he really puts in the work to make sure your trip is successful. Thanks again and will...
Matt Lail, Thank you! Till next time!
Christmas 2025 and Capt. Whitesides ensured we were OVERLOADED with memories. Capt. Whitesides exceeded all my expectations. We...
My husband and I, with our two kids, ages seven and nine, joined Captain Mike for an amazing 4 hour fishing adventure! Captain Mi...
Capt. Mike worked hard to put me on fish, worked the weather and tides, and was friendly and helpful. He's also a great guy to han...
We have been on several guides with Mike and we have had the most amazing fishing trips with him! He is truly professional and we...
My family of 6 went fishing this morning with Captain Mike. We had a wonderful time catching all different species of fish. It was...
Great day of inshore fishing for Reds with Captain Mike! Great set up on his Pathfinder and he put the work in to put us on some f...
We had a great time with Captain Mike! It was a blast. Kids had fun and caught a few good ones! We would absolutely book again!
Charleston