5.0(1 Reviews)Beaufort SC Fishing Guide | 6 Hour Inshore Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour inshore charter targeting Redfish, Trout, and Black DrumExpert captain provides guidance with topnotch fishing equipment includedSmall group experience accommodates up to 4 guests maximum
When you're ready to experience some of the Southeast's best inshore fishing, our 6-hour Beaufort charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. Captain Tommy knows these South Carolina waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the track record to prove it. We launch at 8:00 a.m. sharp from Beaufort's pristine waters, giving you a full day to target the area's most sought-after species. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to work productive flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where redfish, trout, black drum, and sheepshead call home. With space for up to 4 anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with dinner.
Your day starts early, but trust me – watching the sunrise over Beaufort's marshes while you're already positioning for your first cast is worth every minute of lost sleep. Captain Tommy runs a tight ship, meaning we're efficient with our time and strategic about our spots. The Lowcountry's intricate network of tidal creeks, grass flats, and oyster beds creates the perfect hunting ground for our target species. Depending on the tide and conditions, we might start working the shallow flats for tailing redfish, then move to deeper channel edges for black drum, or focus on structure fishing for sheepshead. When weather allows, we'll push out to nearshore waters to mix things up – maybe chase some Spanish mackerel or cobia. Every trip is different because the fish dictate the game plan, not the other way around.
We fish smart down here, which means matching your approach to what the fish want on any given day. Captain Tommy keeps the boat stocked with quality gear, so whether you're throwing live bait on the flats or working artificial lures around structure, you'll have what you need. Expect to do some sight fishing when conditions are right – there's nothing quite like watching a 30-inch redfish cruise up to your bait in two feet of crystal-clear water. We'll also work plenty of bottom fishing around oyster beds and dock pilings where black drum and sheepshead like to hang out. The beauty of Beaufort's inshore waters is the variety – one minute you're casting topwater plugs at breaking trout, the next you're dropping live shrimp to drum holding tight to structure. Tommy brings his knowledge of seasonal patterns, tidal movements, and local hotspots that you simply can't get from a fishing app.
"I chartered Tommy to take me, my dad, and cousin out. He did an great job putting us on some fish and we had a great time. Very professional, knew his way around, and had a lot of knowledge about how to fish the area. Looking forward to going out again in the future." - Josh
Redfish are the crown jewel of Lowcountry fishing, and Beaufort's waters hold some absolute tanks. These copper-colored bulldogs typically run 18-30 inches in our area, though don't be surprised if you hook into a 35+ inch bull that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with summer providing the best sight fishing opportunities when reds cruise the shallow flats during high tide. What makes redfish so special is their fight – they'll make powerful runs and use their broad sides to pull hard against your rod. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Sea trout might be the most underrated gamefish in these waters. The speckled trout we target here average 14-20 inches, with plenty of "gator trout" over 24 inches mixed in during cooler months. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are ideal, often feeding heavily on shrimp and small baitfish around grass flats and creek mouths. Trout have relatively soft mouths, so the fight is more about finesse than brute strength – but landing a 5-pound speckled trout on light tackle will absolutely make your day.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore world, and Beaufort's waters produce some serious fish. These bottom-dwellers can range from 5-pound "puppy drum" all the way up to 40+ pound giants that'll make you question your equipment choices. They're most active during spring spawning runs and again in fall, typically holding around oyster beds, channel edges, and deeper holes. Black drum fight with pure power – no fancy jumps or runs, just steady, bulldogging pressure that'll wear out your arms. They're also fantastic eating when kept in the smaller size ranges.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of inshore fishing – they've got human-like teeth for crushing shellfish and the pickiest eating habits you'll encounter. Most sheepshead in our waters run 12-18 inches, though 20+ inch fish are definitely possible around the right structure. They're most cooperative during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn, typically hanging tight to dock pilings, oyster bars, and any hard structure. Successfully catching sheepshead requires patience and skill – they're notorious bait stealers who can clean your hook without you feeling a thing. But once you figure out their game, they provide some of the most rewarding fishing you'll find.
Look, there's a reason Captain Tommy stays busy – he puts his clients on fish, plain and simple. This 6-hour charter gives you enough time to really work different areas and techniques without feeling rushed. The early 8:00 a.m. start means you're fishing during prime morning hours when the bite is typically strongest. With only 4 spots available, you're guaranteed personalized attention and plenty of room to fish com
Hit the productive waters around Beaufort aboard our well-equipped 25-foot C Hawk, a 2019 motorboat that's built for serious inshore fishing. This reliable vessel runs on a powerful 300HP Suzuki engine, getting you to the prime fishing spots quickly while maintaining a smooth ride through South Carolina's coastal waters. The boat features everything you need for a successful day targeting redfish, trout, and black drum – including a built-in bait tank to keep your live bait fresh, a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to shallow flats, and a quality fish finder to locate schools and structure. GPS navigation ensures we can return to hot spots and navigate safely through the intricate inshore waterways. With comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled lines. The boat's shallow draft design allows access to those productive backwater areas where the big reds like to feed, while still being seaworthy enough for nearshore runs when conditions allow.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bruisers of our local waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants hitting 90+. These copper-colored fighters love hanging around oyster beds and shallow muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're incredibly strong fighters that'll test your drag, but stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the dinner table since the big bulls get tough and stringy. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near structure. Keep your bait still and let them find it - these fish are smart and spook easily if you're working the bait too much.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-red color and signature black spot near the tail. These powerful fish run anywhere from schoolie size up to 40+ pound bulls, and they love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths hunting crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the hottest action, especially during moving tides. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldog fight that'll test your tackle, plus they're excellent table fare in the slot size range. The bigger bulls are catch-and-release only, but what a rush! My favorite approach: sight-fish with topwater plugs in 1-3 feet of water early morning. Cast ahead of cruising fish and work it slow - when they blow up on top, it never gets old.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are our bread and butter fish, running 14-24 inches and putting up a scrappy fight on light tackle. These silvery beauties with black spots love grass flats and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - dawn and dusk fishing really pays off. What anglers love is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus that delicate white meat that flakes perfectly when cooked right. During winter, they school up in deeper channels making for some hot action. My local secret: work a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds about 3-6 feet deep. Keep the retrieve slow and let that cork do the calling - trout can't resist that popping sound echoing through the water column.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with their black and white stripes and those creepy human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around dock pilings, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure where they pick off crabs and shellfish. They're notorious bait thieves who'll clean your hook without you feeling a thing, so stay sharp on the rod tip. Spring brings the best action when they move to spawn around jetties and channel markers. What makes them special is that sweet, mild white meat - some say it's the best eating fish in these waters. My trick: use fiddler crabs on a small hook and get as close to the structure as possible. Soon as you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard because they've got tough mouths and will spit that bait quick.
5.0 out of 5.0I chartered Tommy to take me, my dad, and cousin out. He did an great job putting us on some fish and we had a great time. Very pr...
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