5.0(2 Reviews)Beaufort SC Fishing Charters | 3 Hour Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Three-hour inshore fishing charter targeting premium coastal speciesExpert captains provide guidance and top-quality fishing equipmentSmall group experience accommodates up to four guests maximum
Looking for a solid half-day fishing adventure in the Lowcountry? You've found it. Captain Tommy runs one of Beaufort's most reliable inshore charters, putting anglers on fish in some of South Carolina's most productive waters. This 3-hour trip targets the big four species that make Beaufort famous among fishing circles - redfish, black drum, spotted seatrout, and sheepshead. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, this charter delivers consistent action in waters that have been feeding families for generations.
Your morning starts at the dock where Captain Tommy has everything rigged and ready to go. No rushing around or wasted time - he's got tackle sorted, bait prepped, and a game plan based on current conditions. The boat accommodates up to four anglers comfortably, so you won't be shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers fighting for rail space. Tommy knows these waters like his own backyard, hitting the productive grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where fish stack up during feeding windows. Expect to move between 2-3 spots during your trip, targeting different species based on tide, time of day, and what's biting. The Beaufort River system and surrounding salt marshes provide endless opportunities, from shallow water sight fishing to deeper structure work around docks and jetties.
Captain Tommy provides all the gear you need - quality spinning rods matched with appropriate reels and tackle for inshore species. You'll be using everything from live shrimp and fiddler crabs to cut bait and artificial lures depending on what the fish want that day. Techniques vary based on target species - bottom fishing with Carolina rigs for black drum and sheepshead around structure, drift fishing grass flats for seatrout, and sight casting to tailing redfish in shallow water. Tommy adjusts tactics throughout the trip based on conditions and fish behavior. If you've got your own gear and prefer to use it, bring medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting setups with 15-20 lb test line. Circle hooks in sizes 2-1/0 work well for most situations, and having some 1/4 to 1/2 oz jig heads doesn't hurt if artificials are working.
"Tommy was amazing!! Best charter we have ever taken! Tommy was very patient, informative, and put us on a ton of fish. He kept the experience personal but professional and kept his boat very clean. We had a blast and will definitely be booking again in the future. Thank you Tommy for a great experience!" - Britni
"We had a great time fishing with Tommy! He was ready and waiting when we arrived at the dock- and we were even a little bit early. Caught some great fish and enjoyed the time on the water! We would definitely book with him in the future!" - Nichole
Redfish are the crown jewel of Beaufort's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-27 inches in local waters, with plenty of oversized bulls mixed in during fall months. Reds feed aggressively on incoming tides, crushing live shrimp around oyster bars and grass edges. What makes them special is their fight - they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to dog it out near the boat. Spring through fall provides the most consistent action, though winter fishing can be outstanding on warmer days. There's nothing quite like watching a red's back break the surface as it tails in skinny water.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute tackle-busters that'll test your drag system. These bottom-dwellers grow huge in Beaufort's waters - fish over 30 pounds are common around deeper structure and bridge pilings. They feed primarily on crustaceans, making fiddler crabs and blue crab pieces irresistible baits. Black drum fight dirty, using their weight and the bottom to try breaking you off. Peak season runs from late winter through spring when big schools move into the sound for spawning. Landing a 40-pound drum on medium tackle is a workout you won't forget.
Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Beaufort fishing. These beautiful fish average 14-18 inches with occasional gator trout pushing 24+ inches. They're structure-oriented, holding around grass beds, dock lights, and creek mouths where baitfish concentrate. Specks hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm, making them perfect for anglers wanting to improve their technique. Their delicate mouths require finesse - too much pressure and they'll throw the hook. Best fishing happens during moving water, especially the last two hours of incoming tide when they feed most aggressively.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the group, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black stripes and tendency to steal bait. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and oysters. They require patience and skill - light tackle, small hooks, and a gentle touch when they pick up bait. Sheepshead average 2-4 pounds locally but fight much larger, using their deep bodies and the structure they live around. Winter months produce the best action when they school up around bridges and docks. Successfully hooking sheepshead consistently separates experienced anglers from beginners.
This 3-hour charter hits the sweet spot for productive fishing without eating your entire day. Captain Tommy's reputation speaks for itself - professional, knowledgeable, and focused on putting clients on fish. The Beaufort area offers some of South Carolina's most consistent inshore fishing, and having a local expert who knows seasonal patterns
Jump aboard our 2019 25-foot C Hawk motorboat, perfectly rigged for chasing redfish and spotted seatrout in Beaufort's productive inshore waters. This nimble fishing machine packs a reliable 300HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the fish fast, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're working the grass flats for tailing reds. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of trout, and GPS keeps you on those honey holes. With a built-in bait tank to keep your shrimp lively and room for up to 4 anglers, this boat's designed for serious fishing action. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising drum or dropping lines on structure for sheepshead, this C Hawk delivers the performance and features you need for a productive day on the water around Beaufort.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights around here, running 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90+. These gray-black bruisers love our shallow oyster beds and muddy flats, especially during spring spawning season when they school up thick. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, so fresh crab bait works best. What makes them special is that deep, rumbling sound they make - you can actually hear schools drumming underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating with flaky white meat. My local trick: fish the incoming tide around oyster bars with blue crab on a Carolina rig. When they hit, they pull like freight trains and test your drag system. Perfect fish for anglers wanting a serious fight without going offshore.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters, easily spotted by that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. Most run 20-35 inches, but we regularly see bulls pushing 40+ pounds in deeper water. These fish love our shallow flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. Fall and spring are peak times when they school up and feed aggressively. What guests love is their power - they'll peel drag and make blistering runs that test your skills. Plus, they're great table fare with sweet, firm meat. My local tip: look for "nervous water" or tailing fish on the flats during low tide. Cast ahead of moving schools and work topwater plugs or gold spoons slowly.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds on average. These silvery beauties with dark spots love our grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk. They're most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round in our deeper channels during winter. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit both live shrimp and artificial lures - topwater plugs create explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is tender and flaky, though you don't want to overcook it. My local secret: fish the edges of grass beds on moving water with a popping cork and live shrimp. Listen for them "croaking" - when trout are vocal, they're feeding and ready to bite.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those distinctive black bars and human-like teeth. They run 1-8 pounds typically, though we see 20-pounders around dock pilings and bridge structures. These guys are notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble your shrimp or fiddler crab right off the hook if you're not paying attention. Spring is prime time when they spawn around our jetties and channel markers. What guests love is the challenge - they require finesse and quick hook sets. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. My go-to tip: use small hooks and keep your bait tight to the structure. When you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, don't hesitate - set that hook hard and fast.
5.0 out of 5.0Tommy was amazing!! Best charter we have ever taken! Tommy was very patient, informative, and put us on a ton of fish. He kept the...
We had a great time fishing with Tommy! He was ready and waiting when we arrived at the dock- and we were even a little bit early....
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