Half Day Fishing Trip in South Carolina
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trips targeting redfish and mackerelSmall group charter accommodates maximum two guestsMorning and afternoon departure options available daily
Looking for a solid fishing charter that won't eat up your whole day? Our half-day trips out of South Carolina waters hit that sweet spot between getting your line wet and still having time for everything else. You can pick between morning or afternoon slots - both 4-hour windows that'll put you right where the fish are biting. We're talking inshore and nearshore waters where redfish patrol the grass flats and Spanish mackerel crash bait schools. With space for just two anglers, you're not fighting crowds or waiting your turn. This is fishing the way it should be - personal, productive, and perfectly timed.
When you step aboard with Stroupe Fishing Charter, you're getting the real deal. We'll cruise out to productive waters where structure holds fish and current lines create feeding opportunities. The boat's rigged for both comfort and fishing efficiency - you'll have room to move, quality tackle at your fingertips, and a captain who knows these waters like his own backyard. Morning trips catch the early bite when fish are most active, while afternoon charters often deliver steady action as baitfish move with the tide. Either way, you're looking at four solid hours of fishing time without the marathon commitment of a full-day trip. The beauty of South Carolina's inshore scene is the variety - one cast might bring a hard-fighting redfish, the next could be a speedy Spanish mackerel.
We fish these waters smart, adapting our approach based on conditions and target species. Light to medium spinning tackle handles most situations perfectly - sensitive enough to feel the subtle take of a spotted seatrout but with backbone for larger redfish and black drum. Live bait works magic here, especially shrimp fished near structure or cut bait for the bigger predators. When Spanish mackerel are running, we'll switch to small spoons or gotcha plugs that mimic fleeing baitfish. The captain reads the water constantly - watching for diving birds, bait schools, and color changes that signal feeding fish. You'll learn to work the grass edges where redfish cruise, drop baits into deeper holes where black drum hold, and work the current breaks where everything feeds. No need to bring your own gear - we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and a tackle box full of local favorites.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of South Carolina waters, hitting baits and lures with lightning-fast strikes that'll test your reflexes. These chrome rockets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs and aerial displays. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they chase bait schools in nearshore waters. What makes them special is their willingness to bite - when mackerel are around, the action stays hot. Their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are essential, and their speed means you need to stay alert.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore scene, using pure power instead of speed to test your tackle. These bottom-dwellers can range from schoolie-sized 5-pounders to genuine monsters pushing 30+ pounds. They're most active during cooler months and love structure - oyster bars, bridge pilings, and deep holes. What anglers love about black drum is their predictability - find the right structure and depth, and they're usually home. They're also excellent table fare when kept at proper size, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
King Mackerel represent the top of the food chain in nearshore waters, with tournament-winning fish regularly caught in South Carolina. These apex predators can stretch over 40 inches and weigh 20+ pounds, making them the ultimate test of tackle and angling skill. They're most active during warmer months and often found around structure, temperature breaks, and bait concentrations. Kings are known for their blistering initial runs and aerial acrobatics. Landing a quality king mackerel is a bucket-list experience that'll have you talking for years.
Sea Trout, or spotted seatrout, are the bread-and-butter species that keep anglers coming back. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots are found year-round in South Carolina waters, though spring and fall offer peak action. They typically range 14-20 inches with occasional gator trout pushing 5+ pounds. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificial lures, plus they're outstanding on the table. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs where they ambush prey.
Redfish are the crown jewel of South Carolina inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters can range from slot-sized 18-27 inchers to bull reds exceeding 30+ pounds. They're year-round residents that patrol grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths. Reds are known for their bulldogging fights and their ability to make powerful runs into structure. What sets them apart is their feeding behavior - they'll crush everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Plus, they're perfectly sized for the dinner table when kept within regulations.
Half-day charters book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot. With only two spots available per trip, you're getting an experience that's more like fishing with a buddy than being part of a crowd. Whether you choose morning or afternoon, you'll hit productive waters when fish are feeding and return with stories worth telling. The variety of species means every trip is different - you might focus on one target species or sample the full menu of what South Carolina waters offer. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your dates. Book your half-day adventure with Stroupe Fishing Charter today and get ready to see why anglers keep coming back to these productive waters.
Your Sea Pro center console is built for South Carolina's inshore waters, where redfish and spotted seatrout love to hang out in the shallows. This reliable motorboat handles coastal runs with ease, getting you to those productive fishing spots without burning through fuel. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while the GPS keeps you on course through winding creeks and channels. When visibility drops, the radar system ensures safe navigation back to port. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those hot Carolina afternoons. Whether you're casting for Spanish mackerel or hoping to hook into a shark, this center console gives you the platform to fish comfortably with room for two anglers to work the waters around South Carolina's coast.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from keeper-size 5-pounders to massive 30+ pound bulls that'll test your tackle. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, creek mouths, and muddy flats in 2-15 feet of water. Spring spawning season brings the best fishing when they school up and get aggressive. What makes them special is that powerful fight - they're bulldogs that use their weight and the current against you. The smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a fish finder rig, and when you feel that slow, steady pull, don't rush the hookset. Black drum mouth their bait first, so give them a few seconds before lifting the rod firmly.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, averaging 10-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds when conditions are right. These silver rockets cruise 40-150 feet deep around structure, dropoffs, and bait schools. Summer and early fall offer prime fishing when they move closer to shore chasing menhaden and blue runners. Kings are pure adrenaline - they'll strip line on blazing runs and jump like tarpon. The meat's decent on smaller fish, but most anglers target them for the pure sport. Trolling spoons or live bait works best, but here's what separates success from frustration: always use a wire leader and rig with a stinger hook. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and often bite bait in half, so that trailing hook catches the short strikes that would otherwise get away.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are South Carolina's signature catch, with their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 18-30 inches, preferring shallow flats, oyster beds, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action when they school up heavily. What makes them special is that mix of power and aggression - they'll crush topwater lures in skinny water and make long, bulldogging runs. Plus, slot-size fish are fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from live shrimp to gold spoons. Best local trick: look for "tailing" fish in super shallow water during high tide. When you see that tail fin waving above the surface, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they're head-down feeding and won't spook easily.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are beautiful fish running 14-24 inches with distinctive black spots across their silver sides. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Cool weather months and low-light periods produce the best action. What draws anglers back is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent eating quality - sweet, tender white meat that's hard to beat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're consistent biters and perfect for light tackle fun. Local secret: fish the moving water during tide changes with a popping cork and live shrimp. Set it about 18 inches deep and work it slowly - that subtle "pop-pop-pause" drives them crazy when they're feeding.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that run 1-3 pounds on average, with their sleek silver bodies and yellow spots making them easy to spot. You'll find them schooling near the surface in our nearshore waters, especially around structure and baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps hit 70°F+. These speedsters put up a scrappy fight for their size and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. They hit fast-moving lures like spoons and small jigs, but here's a local tip: when you hook into a school, keep your lure moving quickly through the area. Spanish Mackerel travel in tight groups, so once you find them, you can often catch several before they move on to chase the next bait school.
Charleston, SC