5.0(1 Reviews)Charleston Inshore Fishing | 4 Hour Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting Sea Trout, Red Fish, and Flounder.Departs from Limehouse Landing with abundant convenient parking available.Optional Bull Red and Shark fishing upon guest request.
Looking for some serious inshore action in the Holy City? Captain Steve's got you covered with this top-rated half-day fishing charter that'll put you right in the thick of Charleston's best fishing grounds. We're talking about the kind of trip where you'll be swapping fish stories for years to come. Starting from Limehouse Landing – which has plenty of parking so you won't be circling around looking for a spot – we'll cruise out into those famous low country waters where the fish are biting and the scenery's something else. This isn't just a fishing trip; it's your chance to experience what makes Charleston one of the best inshore fishing destinations on the East Coast.
Your 4-hour adventure kicks off at Limehouse Landing, where Captain Steve will have everything rigged and ready to go. We're targeting the bread and butter species that make Charleston inshore fishing legendary – Sea Trout, Red Fish, Flounder, and Sea Bass are our main focus, but don't be surprised if we chase some Bull Reds or even sharks if they're showing up on the fish finder. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility; we read the water and go where the fish are biting that day. You'll spend your time drifting the grass flats, working structure around docks and oyster beds, and maybe even running some shallow water if the tide's right. Between the fishing action, you'll get to cruise through some of the most beautiful waterways in the Lowcountry – think winding creeks, marsh grass swaying in the breeze, and maybe a dolphin or two checking out what we're up to.
We fish smart here in Charleston, and that means matching your approach to what the fish want on any given day. Most of our fishing happens with live bait – mud minnows, shrimp, and finger mullet are the go-to choices that these inshore species can't resist. We'll be using medium-action spinning rods with enough backbone to handle those bigger reds but sensitive enough to feel a trout picking up your bait. Depending on conditions, we might drift the flats with popping corks, fish structure with Carolina rigs, or even throw some artificials if the fish are aggressive. Captain Steve knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll put you on the right spots at the right time with the right bait. The tackle's all provided, but if you've got a lucky lure or favorite rod, feel free to bring it along.
"Fabulous trip! Highlight of our trip to Charleston. Captain Steve was helpful, knowledgeable, and totally fun. Caught some amazing fish." - Sue
Ladyfish: Don't let anyone tell you ladyfish aren't worth catching – these silver rockets will give you a fight that'll make your drag scream. They're most active during the warmer months and love to jump and run when hooked. What makes them special here in Charleston is how they school up around structure and baitfish, often signaling that bigger predators are nearby. They hit live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action.
Blacktip Shark: Now we're talking about some real excitement. Blacktips are common in Charleston's inshore waters, especially during summer months when they cruise the flats looking for an easy meal. These sharks typically run 3-5 feet and will test your tackle and your nerves when they make their signature jumps. They're incredible fighters that never give up, and catching one on relatively light tackle is something you'll remember forever. We usually target them with cut bait or live offerings near drop-offs and channels.
Black Grouper: These bottom dwellers are the bulldogs of the inshore scene. Black grouper around Charleston typically hang around hard structure – think bridge pilings, rock piles, and artificial reefs. They're ambush predators that inhale their prey, so you need to be ready to set the hook hard and keep them away from cover. What's awesome about black grouper is their size potential and the fact that they're excellent table fare. They're more common during cooler months and require heavier tackle to turn their heads.
Black Sea Bass: Don't underestimate these chunky bottom fish – they're scrappy fighters that love structure and make for fantastic eating. Black sea bass are year-round residents in Charleston waters, though they're most active during spring and fall transitions. They're perfect for anglers who want steady action since they often school up in good numbers. These fish hit cut bait, squid, and small jigs worked near the bottom, and they're known for their aggressive strikes and bulldog-like fighting style.
Black Drum: The heavyweights of the inshore game, black drum are what dreams are made of. These fish can grow massive – we're talking 20, 30, even 40+ pound fish that will test every inch of your tackle and technique. They're most active during spring spawning runs but can be caught year-round around oyster beds, bridge pilings, and creek mouths. Black drum are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. They prefer crabs and cut bait, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know immediately that you've got something special on the other end.
Charleston's inshore fishing scene is world-class, and this 4-hour trip with Captain Steve gives you the perfect taste of what makes our waters so special. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check some new species off your list or someone who just wants to experience the best that Charleston fishing has to offer, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of diverse species, beautiful scenery, and expert local knowledge makes
Your Charleston inshore fishing adventure starts aboard our comfortable 25-foot Sportsman, perfect for navigating the scenic low country waterways. This well-equipped boat handles up to six anglers and features everything you need for a successful day on the water - from a fish finder to help locate your targets to a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to those finicky redfish and sea trout. The onboard restroom and icebox keep everyone comfortable during your 4-hour trip, while the GPS ensures we hit all the productive spots around Charleston's marshes and creeks. We'll launch from convenient Limehouse Landing and target sea trout, redfish, flounder, and sea bass in the productive inshore waters. Feel like chasing something bigger? Just ask about going after bull reds or sharks. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites as we cruise through some of South Carolina's most beautiful coastal scenery.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters - powerful bottom-dwellers that can test even experienced anglers. They range from slot-size 15-inchers to massive 40+ pound bulls. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, creek mouths, and pier pilings in 2-30 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, but we catch them year-round. These fish are known for their drumming sounds and incredible strength - they'll make long, bulldogging runs that'll burn your arms. Smaller ones eat great, but the big bulls are better released. They're bottom feeders with crusher teeth built for crabs and oysters. My best advice: use fresh blue crab or fiddler crabs on a Carolina rig, fish dead on the bottom, and when you get bit, don't horse them - let that drag work and enjoy the fight.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll test your gear and your patience. Most of ours run 10-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders show up around deeper structure. They live on offshore wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom from 60-200 feet, moving shallower in winter months. Spring and fall offer the best shots when they're more active. What makes them special is the combination of incredible strength and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. The fight is all about power, not speed. They'll try to get back to their hole and break you off on the rocks. My key tip: the second you feel that thump, start cranking hard and don't let up. Use 80+ pound braid with heavy drag - you've got to muscle them up and away from structure before they know what hit them.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable targets - chunky, scrappy fish that show up year-round in good numbers. They average 1-3 pounds but can reach 6+ pounds around deeper structure. You'll find them on wrecks, rocky bottom, jetties, and artificial reefs from 40-120 feet. Peak season runs May through October when they're close to shore. What guests love is they're both fun to catch and fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They fight harder than you'd expect for their size, staying deep and using that broad body. Here's something interesting: they're all born female and change to males as they grow. My tip for consistent success is fish right on the bottom with cut bait or small jigs - they rarely come up to chase lures, but they'll hammer anything presented at their level.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their high-speed jumps and black-tipped fins. Most run 3-6 feet and 30-60 pounds around Charleston. They patrol our nearshore waters from 30-100 feet, especially around structure and baitfish schools. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when water temps climb. These sharks get excited easily and put on quite a show - they'll leap 15+ feet out of the water when hooked. The fight is strong and fast, making them a favorite for catch-and-release fishing. They're actually pretty timid despite their reputation, often hanging back until the chum gets them fired up. My go-to trick is using fresh, oily bait like mackerel or sardines on heavy circle hooks with 50+ pound gear. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure - they'll tire themselves out with all that jumping.
Elops SaurusKnown as the "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are silver-bodied fighters that'll give you a show. These sleek fish typically run 1-3 pounds but can hit 15+ pounds in our waters. You'll find them in shallow bays, around creek mouths, and along shorelines where they hunt in schools. They love brackish water and can handle everything from fresh creeks to full salt. Best action happens spring through fall on any tide. What makes them fun is their aerial display - once hooked, they jump and thrash like mini tarpon. The meat's decent but most folks enjoy the fight more than the table fare. My tip: use a fluorocarbon leader because these fish have small sharp teeth that'll cut through mono, and be ready for them to go airborne the second they feel the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0Fabulous trip! Highlight of our trip to Charleston. Captain Steve was helpful, knowledgeable, and totally fun. Caught some amaz...
Charleston