Charleston Inshore Fishing Charter - 4 Hours
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish, trout, and flounderExpert captain provides guidance for all skill levelsSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests
Looking for a solid half-day on Charleston's inshore waters? This 4-hour charter with Skinny Water Charters puts you right where the fish are biting. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's got the patience to work with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers. You'll be targeting some of Charleston's most popular species while learning the ins and outs of Low Country fishing. With just 2 spots available, you get that personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great one.
Your morning starts at the dock where Captain will get you set up with everything you need. No need to stress about gear - he's got quality rods, reels, and tackle that can handle whatever Charleston's waters throw at you. The boat's built for these shallow inshore waters, letting you get into spots where bigger vessels can't reach. That's where the magic happens. You'll be working the grass flats, creek mouths, and oyster bars where redfish cruise and trout hang out waiting for an easy meal. The captain's approach is hands-on but relaxed - he wants you catching fish, but he also wants you understanding why you're fishing certain spots and using specific techniques. Whether you're learning to read the water or perfecting your cast, he's there to guide you through it. The 4-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots without feeling rushed, and if the fish are cooperative in one area, you can stay put and make the most of it.
Charleston inshore fishing is all about adapting to conditions and knowing what the fish want on any given day. You'll likely be using live bait like shrimp, mud minnows, or finger mullet - the captain knows where to get the freshest stuff and how to rig it properly for each species you're targeting. Artificial lures play a big role too, especially when fish are actively feeding. Soft plastics on jig heads are go-to options for working the grass flats and drop-offs. The captain will show you how to work these lures with the right action to trigger strikes. You might also throw some topwater plugs early in the trip when fish are more likely to hit surface baits. The key is reading the water and matching your presentation to what the fish are doing. Structure fishing around docks, oyster bars, and creek bends requires a different approach than working open flats. The captain will position the boat to give you the best shot at productive water while teaching you to spot the signs that indicate where fish are likely to be holding.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters can be found year-round in our waters, though they tend to school up more heavily in fall and winter months. You're looking at fish typically ranging from 18 to 27 inches - that slot size that fights hard and tastes even better. Reds love to cruise shallow water looking for crabs and shrimp, especially around oyster bars and grass edges. When you hook one, expect a strong initial run followed by that classic headshaking fight that makes your drag sing. What makes redfish special here is their willingness to eat just about anything when they're feeding - live shrimp, cut bait, or a well-placed artificial can all do the trick.
Spotted seatrout are another Charleston favorite that keeps anglers coming back. These fish are most active during warmer months, typically from spring through late fall. Trout are ambush predators that love to hang around structure like docks, drop-offs, and grass beds. They've got great eyesight and can be particular about presentation, making them a fun challenge on light tackle. Most trout you'll catch run between 14 to 20 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing over 24 inches. They're known for their soft mouths, so keeping steady pressure without horsing them is key to landing them successfully.
Southern flounder bring a different element to the mix as bottom dwellers that require specific techniques to target effectively. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud near creek mouths and channel edges. Summer and early fall are prime time for flounder, when they're most active and feeding heavily before their offshore migration. A good flounder typically runs 16 to 20 inches, and they're prized for their excellent table fare. Fishing for flounder often involves dragging baits along the bottom or working soft plastics with a slow, methodical retrieve.
Tarpon represent the wildcard species that can show up when conditions are right, typically during warmer months from late spring through early fall. Charleston's tarpon aren't the massive fish you find in Florida, but they still pack plenty of fight in the 20 to 40 pound range. These silver kings are known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs that test both your tackle and your skills. Landing a tarpon on light inshore tackle is considered a badge of honor among local anglers, and the captain knows the spots where these fish are most likely to appear.
Charleston's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent and diverse fishing on the East Coast, and this 4-hour charter gives you a perfect taste of what makes this area special. With only 2 anglers per trip, you get the individual attention that helps you improve your skills while maximizing your chances at multiple species. The captain's local knowledge and teaching approach means you'll leave with more than just fish stories - you'll have a better understanding of how to read water, present baits, and adapt to changing conditions. Whether you're looking to check Charleston off your fishing bucket list or you're a local wanting to learn new spots and techniques, this charter delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Charleston's inshore fishing scene draws anglers from all over the country.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like underwater missiles - dark brown, powerful fish that average 30-50 pounds but can push 100. They're loners, not schooling fish, so each one's a prize. Spring migration brings them through Charleston waters, usually around reefs, buoys, and structure in 20-60 feet. What makes cobia fishing exciting is the sight fishing - spotting them cruising near the surface like brown torpedoes. They're strong fighters with serious pulling power, and they're top-shelf eating with firm, white meat. During spawning season, look for them in shallower water. Here's the key: when you see one, get a bucktail jig or live bait down fast - they're curious but won't stick around long. Color doesn't matter much; presentation does.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are Charleston's bread and butter - aggressive, beautiful fish that put up a solid fight. Most run 20-30 inches, but we regularly see slot fish and the occasional bull red over 40 inches. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, often in water so skinny their backs show. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is sight fishing - watching a red's copper back cruise the shallows before making your cast. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. These fish aren't picky eaters but get spooky in shallow water. My tip: when you spot one tailing, cast well ahead and let your bait settle - rushing the presentation will send them running.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder might look funny with both eyes on one side, but they're serious table fare and fun to catch. Most run 15-18 inches, though doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds make for great photos. They bury in sandy or muddy bottoms around creek mouths, docks, and shallow flats, waiting to ambush prey. Fall's prime time when they're fattening up before moving offshore. What makes them special is they're perfect for beginners - not overly spooky and they eat well. Plus, few fish taste better fresh. They're ambush predators, so they hit hard but don't run far. Best technique is drifting live mud minnows or shrimp right on bottom. Pro tip: when you feel that tap-tap bite, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait around.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are the ultimate bucket-list fish around Charleston. Most tarpon we see range 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, though giants over 200 pounds show up offshore. They're famous for those spectacular jumps - sometimes 10 feet clear of the water when hooked. Best action happens late spring through early fall when they migrate through our waters. You'll find them in deeper channels, around structure, and sometimes right in the harbor. What makes tarpon special is pure athleticism - they'll test your tackle and stamina with long, powerful runs. We practice catch-and-release since they're not great eating. Pro tip: keep steady pressure but bow to them when they jump, or they'll throw the hook every time.
Charleston, SC