8-Hour Charleston Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour charter targets Sea Trout, Red Fish, Flounder, and Sea BassDeparts from Limehouse Landing with convenient parking availableBull Reds and Sharks available upon special request
Looking to spend a serious day on the water around Charleston? This eight-hour charter with Sunshine Charters puts you right in the heart of some of South Carolina's best inshore fishing grounds. We'll launch from Limehouse Landing where parking is easy, then head out into the maze of creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats that make the Lowcountry famous among anglers. Whether you're after your first redfish or looking to add some variety to your tackle box, this extended trip gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques throughout the day.
This isn't a rushed half-day trip where you're watching the clock. Eight hours means we can really explore what Charleston's inshore waters have to offer. We'll start early to beat the crowds and target active fish during prime feeding times. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – if the trout are biting hot on one flat, we can stay put and load the cooler. If things slow down, we've got time to relocate and try different structure. Between Limehouse Landing and the endless network of tidal creeks, we'll cruise scenic waterways where dolphins are regular fishing buddies and the scenery changes with every bend. Pack some snacks and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too focused on your rod tip to think much about lunch when the bite is on.
Charleston inshore fishing is all about reading the tides and matching your approach to what the fish want. We'll likely start with live shrimp under popping corks around oyster bars and dock pilings – this setup is deadly for trout and redfish, especially during moving water. When we're targeting flounder, we'll switch to bouncing jigs or live finger mullet along channel edges and drop-offs. The grass flats come alive during high tide, perfect for sight fishing reds with gold spoons or soft plastics. If you're up for some shark action, we can set out some heavier tackle with cut bait and let it soak while working other species. The Lowcountry's tidal range gives us multiple bite windows throughout the day, so we'll adjust our spots and techniques as conditions change. All tackle and bait are provided, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one.
Black Drum around Charleston are absolute tanks that'll test your drag system. These bottom feeders cruise oyster bars and shallow flats, especially during cooler months when they school up in impressive numbers. Look for fish ranging from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to bull drums pushing 40+ pounds. They're notorious for their bulldogging fights – no flashy jumps, just pure power heading for the nearest structure. What makes drum fishing exciting here is the variety in size and the fact that you never know if that steady pull is a three-pounder or a fish that'll have you questioning your tackle choices.
Sheepshead are the convict fish that drive anglers crazy with their light bites and incredible ability to steal bait. These black and white striped fish hang around structure like dock pilings, bridges, and oyster bars, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and fiddler crabs. Winter months through early spring are prime time when they stack up for their spawning runs. A typical keeper runs 12-14 inches, but don't be surprised to hook into a 4-5 pound slab that fights like it's twice that size. The challenge with sheepshead is feeling that subtle tap and setting the hook before they drop your expensive shrimp and swim away laughing.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. Spring and fall offer the best numbers, but you can catch trout year-round in the right spots. Keepers start at 15 inches, and while most fish run 16-20 inches, those gator trout over 24 inches are what dreams are made of. What anglers love about trout fishing is the consistency – when you find a good school, you can often catch them until your arm gets tired or you limit out.
Bonnethead Shark are the smaller cousins of hammerheads that provide non-stop action during warmer months. These 2-4 foot sharks are found in shallow grass beds and sandy areas, often in schools that make for fast-paced fishing. They're perfect for anglers who want to experience shark fishing without the heavy tackle requirements of their larger relatives. Bonnetheads fight harder than their size suggests and are completely safe to handle for photos before release. Kids especially love these sharks because they're manageable but still exciting enough to create lasting fishing memories.
Blacktip Shark bring serious excitement to any inshore trip with their spectacular aerial displays and blazing runs. These coastal sharks range from small juveniles perfect for light tackle to mature fish pushing 100+ pounds that'll smoke your reel. Summer months are peak season when blacktips flood the inshore waters chasing bait schools. What makes blacktip fishing special in Charleston is the combination of their acrobatic fights and the relatively shallow water where you can watch the entire battle unfold. There's nothing quite like seeing a blacktip launch itself completely out of the water while trying to throw your hook.
Charleston's inshore waters deliver world-class fishing experiences, and this eight-hour charter gives you the time to really make the most of what's available. From the peaceful cruise through scenic creeks to the heart-pounding moments when something big grabs your bait, this trip covers all the bases. The extended time frame means we're not rushed, so whether you're a seasoned angler wanting to target specific species or someone new to saltwater fishing looking for variety, we can tailor the day to match your goals. Book your spot with
Step aboard our 25-foot Sportsman and get ready to fish Charleston's prime inshore waters for eight hours of serious angling action. This well-equipped fishing machine handles up to six anglers comfortably while you target Sea Trout, Red Fish, Flounder, and Sea Bass throughout the scenic low country waterways. The boat's got everything you need for a successful day on the water - a reliable fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches in shallow waters. When you need a break from casting, there's an onboard restroom, icebox for your catch and drinks, plus a multimedia system to keep the good vibes going. Departing from Limehouse Landing with convenient parking, you'll have plenty of time to work different fishing spots and techniques. Feeling adventurous? Ask about going after Bull Reds and Sharks for an extra challenge. Whether you're sight fishing the flats or working structure, this charter gives you the full Charleston fishing experience with room to move around and fight those low country gamefish properly.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Charleston's inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but can surprise you with fish pushing 90 pounds. These gray-black bruisers love our oyster beds, shallow flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're bottom feeders, so fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom works best. What makes them special is the fight - they're bulldogs that will test your drag. Keep fish under 15 pounds for eating; the big ones are better released. Here's a local tip: when you feel that telltale tap-tap-pull, wait a beat before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are the acrobats of Charleston waters - they'll jump clear out of the water when hooked, spinning and thrashing in spectacular fashion. Most run 4-6 feet and are built for speed with those distinctive black-tipped fins. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, around structure, and in 30-100 feet of water. Summer months bring them into our area as they follow bait schools. What guests love is the aerial show and powerful runs - these fish have serious attitude. They're also one of the better eating sharks. Fresh cut bait like mackerel, bluefish, or mullet works great. Use heavy tackle with circle hooks and wire leaders. My advice: get ready for a rodeo when you hook one, and always have your camera ready - those jumps happen fast and make for great photos.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead Sharks are the friendly hammerheads of Charleston - small, curious, and completely harmless. Most run 3-4 feet long and travel in schools of 10-15 fish. You'll find them in shallow bays, around grass flats, and near the beaches during summer months. They migrate south in winter, so May through October is your best shot. What makes them fun is they're active fighters and unique looking with that shovel-shaped head. Plus, seeing a hammerhead, even a small one, always gets guests excited. They love blue crab - cut it in half and hook it through a leg joint. The key is using a wire leader because those small teeth are sharp. Here's my trick: once you hook one, others in the school often stick around, so keep multiple baits ready for some fast action.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are Charleston's bread and butter fish. Most run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them over grass flats, around creek mouths, and in 3-8 feet of water throughout our estuaries. They feed best during moving tides, especially early morning and late evening. Spring through fall is prime time, but winter can be excellent when they school up in deeper holes. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters, fun to catch, and make excellent table fare with their flaky white meat. They'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: don't horse them to the boat - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook. Keep steady pressure and let your drag do the work.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of Charleston waters with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the smartest fish we target. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any structure with barnacles. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can strip your hook clean. Spring is best when they're feeding heavy before spawning. What guests love is the challenge - these fish will test your patience and skill. The payoff is sweet white meat that's hard to beat on the table. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks, and get as close to the pilings as possible. My go-to trick: once you feel them nibbling, set the hook hard and fast - hesitate and they'll steal your bait every time.
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