South Carolina Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour inshore fishing charter with experienced Captain ZackAll gear provided plus instruction for novice and experienced anglers2guest capacity ensures personalized deep sea fishing experience
Captain Zack knows these South Carolina waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 6-hour inshore charter is designed for up to 2 anglers who want to experience what makes our coastal waters some of the best fishing grounds on the East Coast. Whether you've been fishing your whole life or you're just getting started, Captain Zack will have you dialed in on the right techniques and hotspots that consistently produce results. You'll be working structure, grass flats, and inlet mouths where the big fish hang out - and trust me, when you hook into a bull red or a monster king mackerel, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over the country just to fish these waters.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Zack at the dock. He'll have all the tackle rigged and ready - from spinning gear for the lighter inshore action to conventional setups when we're targeting the bigger offshore species that cruise close to shore. The boat is equipped with everything you need, including a full spread of rods, quality reels, and a tackle box that's seen some battles. Captain Zack's approach is hands-on but never pushy - he'll show you the ropes if you need it, or step back and let you work if you've got your own rhythm. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is having enough time to hit multiple spots without feeling rushed. We might start working some grass beds for redfish, then move to structure for cobia, and finish the day trolling for kings. It's all about reading the conditions and adjusting the game plan to put you on the most active fish.
Inshore fishing in South Carolina is all about versatility, and Captain Zack has the tackle selection to prove it. For sight fishing redfish in skinny water, you'll be throwing soft plastics and gold spoons on spinning gear - nothing beats the feel of a 30-inch red taking drag in 3 feet of water. When we're working structure for cobia and snapper, we'll switch to live bait rigs with circle hooks, letting blue crabs and live shrimp do the talking. The king mackerel fishing here is world-class, especially during the warmer months, and Captain Zack runs a mix of slow trolling with live bait and pulling spoons behind planers. He'll teach you how to read the fish finder, spot bait schools, and work the currents that concentrate game fish. The gear is all top-shelf stuff - Penn and Shimano reels, quality rods that can handle the fight, and sharp hooks that don't bend out on big fish.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of South Carolina's inshore scene, and for good reason. These silver bullets can hit 40+ pounds and make runs that'll test your drag system and your patience. Kings are most active from late spring through fall, and they love to hang around temperature breaks and bait schools. When you hook one, get ready for a fight - they'll make long, screaming runs and throw themselves out of the water trying to shake the hook. Captain Zack knows exactly where to find them, whether we're working the nearshore reefs or trolling the shipping lanes.
Barracuda might not win any beauty contests, but they're pure attitude with fins. These toothy predators are ambush hunters that love to crush fast-moving lures, and their initial strike will snap your head back. They're found year-round in our waters, often hanging around structure and grass beds. A good barracuda will go 15-20 pounds and fight dirty - expect jumps, head shakes, and plenty of wire leader getting tested. They're also fantastic table fare when prepared right, despite what some anglers think.
Redfish are the bread and butter of South Carolina inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are what dreams are made of. Bull reds over 27 inches are catch-and-release only, but the fight they put up makes every minute worth it. These fish love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, especially during moving tides. Fall is prime time for big schools of reds, and sight fishing for them in clear water is as good as it gets. They're smart, spooky, and once hooked, they'll use every bit of structure and current to try to break you off.
Cobia are the gentlemen of the inshore world - big, curious, and always up for a fight. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) can push 50+ pounds and have the attitude to match. Spring and early summer are peak cobia season, when they're cruising the shallows looking for crabs and rays to munch on. They're sight fishers' dreams because they'll actually follow the boat and investigate baits. Once hooked, they dive deep and pull steady - no flashy jumps, just pure power and determination.
Red Snapper are the holy grail for many bottom fishermen, and South Carolina's nearshore reefs hold some quality fish. These ruby-red fighters are structure-oriented and love live or fresh dead bait. They're not the biggest fish you'll catch, but pound-for-pound, few fish fight harder or taste better. Snapper fishing requires patience and finesse - light bites, quick hook sets, and steady pressure to keep them away from the structure where they'll cut you off in a heartbeat.
Captain Zack's South Carolina fishing charters fill up fast, especially during peak season, and there's a good reason why. Six hours on the water with a captain who knows where the fish live and how to catch them consistently is exactly what you need for your next fishing adventure. Whether you're looking to check some species off your bucket list, learn new techniques, or just spend a day doing what you love most, this
Your South Carolina inshore adventure happens aboard a reliable Sea Pro center console boat, perfectly suited for navigating the shallow coastal waters where the big fish love to hide. This fishing machine comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - a built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the GPS navigation system ensures we always know exactly where we are. When morning fog rolls in or visibility drops, the onboard radar keeps us safe and on course. The real game-changer is the fish finder that helps locate schools of redfish, trout, and flounder lurking beneath the surface. Built for two anglers, this boat gives you plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around the deck without getting tangled up. Captain Zack knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish while sharing his knowledge about reading tides, choosing the right bait, and proper casting techniques. Whether you're after your first keeper or trying to land that trophy catch, this setup gives you the perfect platform to make it happen in South Carolina's productive inshore waters.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are aggressive predators that'll give you a serious fight on light tackle. These torpedo-shaped fish average 2-4 feet but can hit 6 feet, and they're built for speed - capable of hitting 35 mph when they strike. You'll find them in shallow waters around structure like reefs, jetties, and grass beds where they ambush prey. They're active year-round in our warm waters but really turn on during summer months. Guests love their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. The smaller ones make decent table fare too. Pro tip: use shiny lures or spoons that mimic the silvery baitfish they hunt, but keep your fingers clear - those razor-sharp teeth mean business.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - these chocolate-brown fish average 30-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. They're loners, usually found around structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move through our waters heading north. What guests love is sight-fishing for them on the surface and their incredible table quality - firm, white meat that's restaurant-grade. They'll eat just about any lure you throw, but bucktail jigs work best. Here's my secret: look for them following rays and sharks on the surface. When you spot one, get a bait in front of it quick - they're curious fish that'll usually investigate.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter off our coast, typically running 20-40 pounds with the occasional 60+ pounder. These silver rockets cruise offshore in 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they follow baitfish migrations. What guests love most is their blistering initial run - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish can. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for grilling. Here's a local trick: rig with two hooks on a wire leader since kings often bite the tail end of live bait first. Watch for diving birds - that's usually where the kings are feeding underneath.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - these crimson beauties average 15-25 inches but can push 30+ pounds. They live on hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet, holding tight to structure. Summer months offer the best bite when regulations allow. What makes them special is their stubborn fight straight down and incredible eating quality - sweet, firm meat that's perfect for any preparation. They're smart fish that require finesse. My best advice: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait, drop it right to the bottom, and be patient. When one bites, reel steady and don't give it slack - they'll head straight for the rocks to break you off if given the chance.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action in skinny water. These copper-colored beauties average 18-32 inches and love hanging in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's their trademark. Fall and spring offer prime fishing when they school up, but summer sight-fishing is hard to beat. What makes them special is their willingness to eat just about anything and their bulldogging fight in shallow water. They're also fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. My go-to tip: throw topwater plugs early morning over the flats and watch for those explosive surface strikes that'll get your heart pumping.
Charleston, SC