Charleston Shark Fishing Charter - 2 Hours
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour shark fishing adventure in Charleston watersTarget bull sharks and bonnet heads with provided gearSmall group charter accommodating up to four guests
Get ready to tangle with some serious predators in Charleston's productive inshore waters. This 2-hour shark fishing trip with Skinny Water Charters puts you face-to-face with bulls, bonnetheads, and whatever else is cruising the flats and channels around the Holy City. We're talking about a top-rated fishing experience that gets your heart pumping from the moment you set the hook. Perfect for couples or fishing buddies, this charter accommodates up to 2 anglers who want to test their skills against some of Charleston's most exciting game fish.
You'll meet your captain at one of Charleston's premier boat launches, where we'll head out to proven shark territory. The beauty of fishing Charleston's inshore waters is the variety - we might be working oyster bars one minute and deeper channels the next, all depending on where the sharks are feeding. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish using live bait, cut bait, or whatever's working that day. The boat is rigged specifically for shark fishing, with heavy tackle that can handle whatever comes up from the depths. Don't worry about bringing anything - we've got all the gear, bait, and fishing licenses covered. Just show up ready to fish and maybe bring some snacks and drinks for the ride.
Shark fishing is all about patience and the right setup. We'll be using circle hooks and wire leaders - essential gear when you're targeting toothy critters that can snap monofilament like it's thread. Depending on conditions, we might anchor up in a good spot and wait for the sharks to find our chum line, or we could be drifting baits along structure where these predators like to hunt. Fresh cut bait usually does the trick - blue fish, menhaden, or whatever baitfish are running thick. The tackle is stout but manageable, typically 30-50 pound class gear that gives you enough backbone to bring these fish to the boat without being overpowered. Your captain will walk you through the techniques and make sure you're comfortable with the setup before we start fishing.
Bull sharks are the crown jewel of Charleston's inshore shark fishing scene. These stocky, aggressive predators can push 6-8 feet and pack serious muscle. Bulls love the brackish water where rivers meet the ocean, making Charleston's harbor system prime real estate. They're year-round residents but really fire up during the warmer months from May through October. What makes bulls so exciting is their attitude - they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up easy. Plus, they're one of the few shark species that regularly ventures into shallow water and even freshwater, so you might hook one in surprisingly skinny water.
Bonnethead sharks might be smaller, but they're customer favorites for good reason. These unique members of the hammerhead family typically run 2-4 feet and have that distinctive shovel-shaped head that makes them instantly recognizable. Bonnetheads are abundant in Charleston's grass flats and shallow bays, especially during summer months. They're perfect for anglers who want steady action and a good fight on lighter tackle. What's really cool about bonnetheads is they're one of the few sharks that actually eat vegetation along with crabs and small fish. They school up in good numbers, so where you catch one, you'll often find more.
Charleston's shark fishing is world-class, and this 2-hour trip gives you a perfect taste of what our waters have to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some sharks to your species list or someone who's never felt the power of a big fish on the other end of the line, this charter delivers. The combination of Skinny Water Charters' local knowledge and Charleston's healthy shark population creates consistently good fishing. Book early, especially during peak season, because word gets around fast about the guides who know how to put clients on fish. Two hours might sound short, but when you're fighting a bull shark in 6 feet of water, every minute counts. Get ready for some serious fishing action.
Hit the waters around Charleston aboard our well-equipped motorboat built for serious shark fishing. This reliable vessel comes loaded with everything you need for a productive 2-hour hunt – GPS to find the best shark zones, plus an ice box to keep your catch fresh. The boat handles beautifully in Charleston's inshore waters where bull sharks and bonnet heads cruise the channels. With room for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines without getting tangled up. All fishing gear and licenses are covered, so just bring yourself and get ready to tangle with some serious predators. Whether you're targeting aggressive bulls or smaller bonnet heads, this boat gets you to where the sharks are biting in Charleston's productive waters.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smaller, friendlier cousins of hammerheads with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. These 3-4 foot sharks are perfect for folks wanting shark action without the intimidation factor. They're harmless to humans but still give you a solid scrap on lighter tackle. You'll find them in our shallow bays and near-shore waters during the warmer months, often traveling in small schools. What's fun about bonnetheads is they're aggressive feeders but manageable size-wise - great for families or first-time shark anglers. They love crabs and shrimp, so fresh blue crab chunks work best. Pro tip: cut your crab in half and thread the hook through one of the legs. The scent trail in the water and the natural presentation will get their attention fast.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavy hitters of Charleston waters - thick, powerful fish that average 8-12 feet and pack serious muscle. These gray-topped predators love our shallow coastal waters and can handle both salt and brackish conditions, which is why we see them cruising near inlets and river mouths. Summer through early fall gives you the best shot at hooking one. What makes bulls special is their reputation and the fight they put up - pure power from start to finish. They'll test your gear and your patience. Fresh cut mullet or whole bream works well, but here's a local secret: if you can get fresh eel, that's your golden ticket. The oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook even when smaller fish try to steal it.
Charleston, SC