5.0(5 Reviews)Inshore Fishing! Folly Beach, SC
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Inshore fishing adventure guided by experienced Captain MikeSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximumProfessional charter service guarantees successful fishing outcomes
Looking for some serious action on the inshore waters around Folly Beach? Captain Mike and the Sea Breeze Charters crew know exactly where to put you on fish. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking about getting after some of South Carolina's most sought-after species in waters that consistently produce. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, this four-person charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The beauty of Folly Beach's backwaters and nearshore structure creates perfect habitat for redfish, trout, flounder, and even the occasional tarpon that'll test your drag system.
Captain Mike has been working these waters long enough to know where the fish are holding based on tide, weather, and season. You'll launch from Folly Beach and head into the maze of creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats that make the Lowcountry such a productive fishery. The boat holds up to four anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to work without tangling lines. Don't worry about bringing tackle – everything's provided, from the rods and reels down to the terminal tackle that actually catches fish in these waters. Captain Mike's got the local knowledge to adjust techniques based on what's biting, whether that means working live shrimp around dock pilings or throwing topwater plugs at first light over grass beds.
The inshore game around Folly Beach calls for a mix of approaches depending on what we're targeting. You'll work with medium-action spinning gear that can handle everything from 14-inch trout to bull reds pushing 30 pounds. Live bait fishing is king here – fresh shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows account for most of the action. Captain Mike also keeps a selection of artificial lures for when the fish are aggressive: soft plastics on jig heads for working structure, topwater plugs for early morning redfish feeds, and spoons for covering water when the trout are schooled up. The key to success in these waters is reading the tide and understanding how fish move with the water flow. You'll learn to work oyster bar drop-offs on the falling tide and grass flat edges when the water's moving back in.
"Our trip was June 25th 2024. We had a group of 4. We had a wonderful time and hammered the Reds the last few hours. We had Captain Doug, fill in. We hope we have his name correct, he was great and all of us had a great time." - Jeff
"Great experience fishing with Captain Mike and Captain Doug. They were dedicated to making sure we had a great fishing experience and we did!" - Alysia
"We all caught fish in a tough environment, it was 2 days after the hurricane came through so Captian Mike worked hard to put us on some fish. Thanks" - 8597492581
Redfish are the bread and butter of Folly Beach inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and oyster bars throughout the area. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish ranging from slot-size 20-inchers to oversized bulls that can top 40 pounds. Reds are aggressive feeders that'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. The fight they put up in shallow water is what keeps anglers addicted – long runs and bulldogging power that tests your equipment and technique.
Sea trout provide steady action and excellent table fare when they're schooled up in the grass beds. These spotted beauties are most active during moving tides and low-light periods. Summer and early fall produce the best numbers, with fish averaging 14 to 18 inches and the occasional gator trout pushing 20-plus inches. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork and soft plastic paddle tails worked slowly through the grass.
Summer flounder patrol the sandy bottoms and channel edges around Folly Beach from late spring through early fall. These flatfish are ambush predators that require a different approach – slow presentations with live bait or jigs bounced along the bottom. The bigger "doormat" flounder are some of the best eating fish in these waters, and hooking into a 5-pound flatfish provides a surprisingly strong fight on light tackle.
Tarpon are the wildcards that can show up during summer months, particularly around the jetties and nearshore waters. These silver kings aren't huge by Florida standards, but a 50-pound tarpon in South Carolina waters will provide the fight of a lifetime. They're drawn to baitfish schools and can be targeted with live mullet or large artificial lures. The jumping, gill-rattling fights make tarpon a bucket-list species for serious anglers.
Blacktip sharks add some excitement when they move into the area chasing baitfish. These hard-fighting sharks are most common during warmer months and provide non-stop action on appropriate tackle. They're excellent sport on medium-heavy gear and offer a different type of fight than the typical inshore species. Captain Mike knows how to target them safely and effectively when conditions are right.
Sea Breeze Charters has built a reputation around consistently putting clients on fish, even when conditions get tough. Captain Mike's local knowledge combined with quality equipment and proven techniques gives you the best shot at success on Folly Beach's productive inshore waters. The four-person capacity keeps groups small enough for personalized attention while giving everyone plenty of chances at the action. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or just want to experience some of South Carolina's best inshore fishing, this charter delivers the goods. Book your trip now and see why ang
Get ready to fish the productive waters around Folly Beach with Captain Mike aboard this well-equipped motorboat built for serious anglers. This versatile vessel handles inshore, offshore, and nearshore reef fishing with ease, giving you access to South Carolina's best fishing spots. The wireless trolling motor lets us move quietly through shallow flats without spooking fish, while the GPS keeps us on the hot spots and the fish finder shows what's swimming below. When visibility drops or weather moves in, the radar keeps us safe and on course. The VHF radio ensures we stay connected with other boats and shore. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Mike knows these waters inside and out, so whether you're targeting redfish in the creeks or hitting the reefs for grouper and snapper, you'll have the right boat and guide to make it happen.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are some of the most exciting fish you can hook near Folly Beach. These streamlined fighters average 4-5 feet long but can reach 8+ feet and over 200 pounds. They're easily identified by the black tips on their fins and their incredible jumping ability - they can launch 20+ feet in the air when hooked. You'll find them patrolling our nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, often around structure and bait schools. Summer months bring the best action when they move inshore to feed. What guests love most is the spectacular aerial show these sharks put on - they're like silver torpedoes exploding from the water. They're also strong fighters that'll test your tackle and skills. We practice catch-and-release with all our sharks. Pro tip: when chumming for blacktips, use oily fish like mackerel or herring pounded into a paste. The scent trail draws them in from long distances, and once you get one fired up, others usually follow. Keep that chum line going steady.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are South Carolina's signature inshore species, and they're what put Folly Beach on the fishing map. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-27 inches around here, with their distinctive black spots near the tail making them unmistakable. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active. What makes redfish special is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Guests love sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water - it's like hunting with a rod. My local secret: look for nervous water and mullet jumping - redfish are usually underneath pushing baitfish around. When you see that activity, cast a shrimp or cut bait just outside the commotion and hold on tight.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are South Carolina's bread-and-butter inshore species, and for good reason. Most fish we catch run 14-18 inches with plenty of 2-3 pounders mixed in. They're gorgeous fish with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots and a yellow mouth that gives them away every time. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster beds, and in shallow creeks - especially during moving tides. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and evening producing the most strikes. Guests love targeting specks because they fight hard for their size, bite a variety of baits, and make outstanding table fare with firm, flaky white meat. They're also willing biters, so kids and beginners can usually count on some action. Here's a local trick: during cooler months, look for them schooled up in deeper creek mouths and channels. When you find one, there's usually a bunch more nearby, so work that area thoroughly before moving on.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms around Folly Beach. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, but we catch plenty of "doormat" flounders over 20 inches that can weigh 5+ pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, using their chameleon-like ability to change colors and patterns. You'll find them on soft bottoms in 10-30 feet of water, especially near structure and drop-offs. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. Guests enjoy flounder fishing because they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat, plus there's real skill involved in feeling their subtle bite. Unlike other fish, flounder don't slam the bait - they pick it up and swim off. My tip: when you feel that telltale weight, count to three before setting the hook. Give them time to really take the bait, or you'll pull it right out of their sideways mouth.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are the ultimate bucket-list fish around Folly Beach. Most tarpon here run 4-6 feet long and weigh 80-150 pounds, though we occasionally see giants pushing 200+. They're famous for their wild jumps - sometimes launching 10 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them cruising our deeper channels and around structure during late spring through early fall when water temps warm up. What makes guests love tarpon fishing is the pure adrenaline rush - their acrobatic fights are legendary, and just seeing one roll on the surface gets everyone's heart pumping. These ancient fish have been around for 125 million years, so hooking one connects you to something truly prehistoric. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the king by dropping your rod tip - it keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0Our trip was June 25th 2024. We had a group of 4. We had a wonderful time and hammered the Reds the last few hours. We had Captain...
Great experience fishing with Captain Mike and Captain Doug. They were dedicated to making sure we had a great fishing experience ...
Captain Doug and Mike had our backs out there today. Id recommend them to anyone.
Mike was a great guy. We had a lot of fun and caught a bunch of fish. We will be calling him again next time!
We all caught fish in a tough environment, it was 2 days after the hurricane came through so Captian Mike worked hard to put us on...
Folly Beach, SC