Charleston Inshore Fishing on 24' Bay Boat
Private Trip
Four-hour inshore fishing adventure in Charleston Harbor and JettiesTarget seabass, sharks, bull reds, and trout with expert guidesSix-person capacity on 24-foot bay boat with Short Skirts Sportfishing
Looking for some solid inshore action without the hassle of a long boat ride? This 4-hour afternoon charter puts you right in the heart of Charleston's most productive fishing waters. We'll work the harbor and jetties where the fish stack up, giving you and up to 5 buddies plenty of shots at some quality catches. Our 24-foot bay boat handles these waters perfectly – stable enough for everyone to fish comfortably but nimble enough to chase the bite when it heats up.
We kick off in the afternoon when the tide's usually moving just right and the fish are starting to feed heavy. Charleston Harbor and the jetties offer some of the most consistent inshore fishing on the East Coast, and there's a reason local anglers hit these spots day after day. The rocky structure around the jetties holds baitfish, which draws in everything from hungry redfish to prowling sharks. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand – every oyster bar, every drop-off, every spot where the current creates an ambush point. We're not just randomly throwing lines in the water; we're targeting specific structure and following the signs that tell us where the fish are holding. The boat's equipped with quality rods and tackle, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear.
Inshore fishing around Charleston means adapting to what's working on any given day. We'll be bottom fishing around structure with cut bait for the bigger drum and sheepshead, but don't be surprised if we switch it up with some live shrimp under popping corks when the trout are schooled up. The jetties fish best with heavier tackle since you're dealing with current and rocks – we're talking 20-30 pound class gear that can handle a bull red if one decides to eat. For the sharks, we'll step up the game with circle hooks and wire leaders. Your captain will handle the rigging and show you the techniques that work best for each species. No need to be an expert – we'll get you dialed in whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been at it for years.
Black drum around Charleston are absolute tanks, and the jetties produce some serious fish. These bruisers can push 40-50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They love crabs and cut bait around the pilings and rocky bottom, especially when the water's got some color to it. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer afternoons can be lights-out if you hit it right. When a big drum takes off on its first run, you'll understand why anglers get hooked on targeting these fish.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps things interesting. These black-and-white striped convicts have mouths full of human-like teeth and they're not afraid to use them to steal your bait. They hang around structure – docks, pilings, rocks – anywhere they can pick off barnacles and crabs. The bite is so subtle you'll swear you're just bumping bottom until your rod loads up. They're fantastic eating and they'll test your reflexes every time.
Redfish are what put Charleston on the inshore fishing map. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive, strong, and they eat just about anything we throw at them. Slot-sized fish run 18-27 inches and fight way above their weight class. The oversized "bull" reds are catch-and-release only, but hooking into a 35-inch fish that peels drag like a freight train is worth it every time. They school up around the jetties and feed heavily in the harbor year-round.
Sea bass might be smaller than the other target species, but they make up for it in numbers and table fare. These chunky bottom-dwellers stack up around hard structure and they'll eat as fast as you can drop a line down to them. Perfect for getting kids involved or filling the cooler when the bigger fish aren't cooperating. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Bonnethead sharks bring the excitement factor that keeps everyone alert. These smaller members of the hammerhead family are common around Charleston and they hit baits meant for other species. They're great fighters on lighter tackle and they're actually pretty good eating if you handle them right. Seeing that distinctive hammer-shaped head come up to the boat never gets old, and they're a blast to catch and release.
Four hours on the water targeting multiple species around some of Charleston's most productive fishing grounds – that's what makes this trip a local favorite. The afternoon timing means you're fishing when the action typically heats up, and the 6-person max keeps things comfortable without feeling crowded. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just want to get out and bend some rods, this charter delivers the goods. The captain's local knowledge and the boat's fishability give you the best shot at a memorable day on the water. Book now and get ready to see why Charleston's inshore fishing keeps anglers coming back trip after trip.
Meet the "Short Skirts" - your ticket to some serious fishing action in Charleston's productive waters. This well-equipped 30-footer is built for comfort and success, handling up to 6 anglers with room to move around. Your First Mate knows these waters inside and out, guiding you to the best spots around the Harbor and Jetties where Seabass, Bull Reds, Trout, and even Sharks are waiting. The boat's loaded with everything you need: fish finder to locate the schools, outriggers and downriggers for trolling, plus a live bait tank to keep your offerings fresh. When you need a break from fighting fish, there's a comfortable bed onboard and a private toilet. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while GPS, radar, and VHF radio ensure safe navigation. Whether you're targeting inshore species or looking for that trophy Bull Red, this boat puts you in prime position for a productive day on Charleston's legendary fishing grounds.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are Charleston's gentle giants, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 90. These gray-black fish love our shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and around jetty pilings where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their signature drumming sounds underwater. They're bottom feeders, so fresh blue crab or fiddler crab works best. Keep your bait tight on the hook since smaller drum under 15 pounds eat much better than the big ones. Pro tip: when you feel that steady tap-tap-tap, don't set the hook right away - let them really take it before you pull.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead sharks are Charleston's friendliest sharks with that unique shovel-shaped head that sets them apart from other hammerheads. Most run 3-4 feet long and are completely harmless - perfect for families wanting that shark experience without the worry. You'll find them in shallow bays and around grass flats during warmer months, often in schools of 10-15 fish. They put up a scrappy fight on medium tackle and give everyone a thrill. Summer brings them up from Florida, and they'll move back south when it cools off. Fresh blue crab cut in half works best - hook it through a leg and let it sit on bottom. These shy sharks take their time, so be patient and let them really eat the bait before setting.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Charleston's signature shallow water fighters, cruising our flats in just 1-4 feet of water. Most run 20-35 inches with those distinctive black spots near their tails. They love grass beds, oyster bars, and muddy creek mouths where they hunt crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up tight. Guests get hooked on the explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights these copper-colored fish deliver. The smaller ones make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They'll hit everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. My go-to trick: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during moving tides - that's where you'll find them feeding.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are our bread-and-butter bottom fish, hanging around hard structure like jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-60 feet of water. Most weigh 1-3 pounds with dark gray-black coloring and that big mouth full of sharp teeth. They school up tight and are aggressive feeders, making them perfect for newcomers. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when the water warms up. Guests love how cooperative they are - drop squid strips or bucktail jigs down and you're in business. They're also some of the best eating fish we catch with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use braided line so you can feel every tap on the bottom and set the hook quick - they'll steal your bait fast.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Charleston - those black and white stripes make them easy to spot around dock pilings and jetties. Most run 1-8 pounds, but 20-pounders show up when you least expect it. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth, so you need fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp hooked tight. Get your bait right against structure since they rarely venture far from cover. Spring spawning brings the best bite when they gather in big schools. Guests love the challenge - these fish will nibble your bait clean off if you're not paying attention. The white, flaky meat makes great table fare too. Here's the trick: when you feel them pecking, give them a second to really grab it, then set hard.
Charleston, SC