Charleston Weekend Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and troutFamilyfriendly trip accommodates up to four guests maximumCharleston waterways provide scenic backdrop for fishing experience
Looking for the perfect way to spend your weekend on Charleston's legendary inshore waters? Silver Beard Charters has you covered with our top-rated 4-hour fishing trips that'll have you hooked from the first cast. We're talking about some of the most productive inshore fishing on the East Coast, where the creeks, flats, and oyster bars hold more fish than you can shake a rod at. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing trip or you're a weekend warrior looking to bend some rods, this Charleston fishing charter delivers the goods every single time.
Your morning starts when we push off from the dock and head into Charleston's maze of tidal creeks and grass flats. This isn't your typical head-boat experience – with just 4 anglers max, you're getting the personal attention that makes all the difference between going fishing and actually catching fish. The beauty of our inshore waters means we're never more than a few minutes from productive fishing spots, so you'll have lines in the water before you know it. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but when you add in consistent action from reds, trout, sheepshead, flounder, and black drum, you've got yourself a world-class fishing experience. Don't worry about bringing gear – we've got everything covered, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks if you want them, and get ready for some serious fun on the water.
We fish these waters the way they're meant to be fished – with live bait, artificial lures, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years of working these flats. Depending on the tide and season, we might be sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water, bouncing shrimp along oyster bars for sheepshead, or working the grass edges with soft plastics for trout. The gear we use is perfectly matched to our target species – medium-action spinning rods that can handle everything from 14-inch trout to 30-pound bull reds. We're big believers in circle hooks for live bait fishing, and our tackle boxes are loaded with everything from popping corks and jig heads to spoons and topwater plugs. The key to success in these waters is reading the conditions and adapting your approach, which is exactly what we do. One minute we might be drifting over shell beds, the next we're anchored up on a productive drop-off. It's this versatility that keeps the action hot throughout the entire 4-hour trip.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Charleston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These bronze beauties range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to massive bull reds that'll test your drag and your patience. Spring and fall are prime time for reds, when they're feeding aggressively in preparation for spawning runs. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat just about anything – live shrimp, cut bait, soft plastics, and topwater plugs all produce. There's nothing quite like watching a red crush a topwater lure in 2 feet of water.
Sea Trout are our bread and butter species, and Charleston's grass flats hold some of the most consistent trout fishing you'll find anywhere. These spotted beauties typically run 12-16 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing 20+ inches. They're most active during the warmer months, from April through October, and they absolutely love live shrimp under popping corks. Trout are also suckers for soft plastic jigs worked slowly along grass edges and drop-offs. They're perfect for kids and beginners because they're aggressive biters and great table fare.
Sheepshead are the convict fish – those black and white stripes are unmistakable, and so is their reputation for being bait thieves. These structure-loving fish hang around oyster bars, docks, and bridge pilings, where they use their human-like teeth to crunch on barnacles and crabs. Winter is prime sheepshead season in Charleston, when the cooler water concentrates them around structure. They're notorious for light bites and quick hook sets are essential. Landing a quality sheepshead requires patience and skill, which makes them a favorite among experienced anglers.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as we call them up north, are the masters of camouflage. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottoms and ambush unsuspecting baitfish swimming overhead. Charleston's inlet waters and deeper creeks hold good populations of flounder, especially during the summer months. They're typically caught while drifting with live bait or bouncing bucktails along the bottom. Flounder are prized for their sweet, white meat and their fighting ability – they'll make several strong runs before coming to the net.
Black Drum are the bulldozers of the inshore world. These powerful fish can range from puppy drum around 16-20 inches up to monsters pushing 40+ pounds. They're year-round residents in Charleston waters, though spring and fall offer the most consistent action. Black drum are bottom feeders that love blue crab, cut bait, and fresh shrimp. When you hook into a big drum, you know it immediately – they pull with steady, crushing pressure that'll make your arms ache. They're not the prettiest fish in the creek, but they make up for it with pure muscle.
Charleston's inshore fishing scene is renowned for good reason – we've got the fish, the scenery, and the guides who know how to put it all together for an amazing day on the water. This 4-hour weekend charter gives you the perfect taste of what makes our waters so special, without eating up your entire day. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to fishing, celebrate a special occasion,
Our 2015 Sea Hunt Bay Boat is the perfect fishing companion for your Charleston adventure. This 22-foot center console runs on a reliable 200HP Yamaha engine that gets you to the best inshore spots quickly and quietly. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast lines without bumping elbows. The shallow draft design lets us slide into those skinny water holes where the reds love to feed, while the stable platform keeps everyone comfortable whether you're sight fishing or bottom bouncing for sheepshead. Built tough for Charleston's coastal waters, this boat handles everything from glassy morning conditions to afternoon chop. The center console layout gives everyone easy access to the action, and there's ample storage for tackle, coolers, and your catch of the day.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Charleston's inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow mudflats, oyster beds, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're famous for their drumming sounds and put up a solid fight that'll test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab or cut shrimp on the bottom near structure, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard - they're notorious bait thieves with those crushing jaws.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Charleston's crown jewel, with their copper backs and signature black spot near the tail. These bruisers typically run 18-32 inches and love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring offer the hottest action, especially on moving tides. What makes reds special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fight that'll test your tackle. Plus, slot-sized fish make excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures all work. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on shallow flats during high tide. Present your bait quietly and be ready for a drag-screaming run.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are Charleston's bread-and-butter fish, running 14-24 inches with beautiful spotted sides. They love grass flats and shallow creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water, especially around moving tides. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but early morning and evening bites are best. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit lures and their fantastic table fare - tender, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also great fighters for their size, making them ideal for kids and beginners. Try working a soft plastic shrimp or paddle tail along grass edges on a 1/4 oz jig head. The secret is keeping your lure just above the grass - too deep and you'll hang up, too high and they won't see it.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Charleston with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the best eating around. These 1-8 pounders hang tight to any structure with barnacles: docks, bridge pilings, and jetties. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they spawn in large schools. What guests love is their challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that'll strip your hook clean. The reward is sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any fish in these waters. My go-to setup is fresh fiddler crab or shrimp on a small hook, fished tight to structure. The key is feeling that subtle nibble and setting the hook immediately - hesitate and they'll steal your bait every time.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise in Charleston waters, changing colors to match the bottom perfectly. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and love sandy bottoms in 10-30 feet of water around inlets and channel edges. Fall months from September through November offer the best fishing when they're most active. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're ambush predators that'll nail live minnows, mullet, or sea worms presented on the bottom. Here's the trick: hook your baitfish through the lips and use just enough weight to stay down. When you feel that thump, count to three before setting the hook - they grab sideways and need time to turn the bait.
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