5.0(1 Reviews)Charleston Inshore Fishing with Top Predator Adventures
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half and threequarter day inshore fishing trips in Charleston watersTarget redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum speciesAll fishing gear and equipment provided by experienced captain
Captain Cody Dakin knows these Charleston waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. Based out of Shem Creek, this 3/4 day guided trip targets some of the best inshore species the Lowcountry has to offer. Whether you're chasing your first redfish or you've been throwing lures for decades, Cody tailors each trip to give you the best shot at filling the cooler. With top-quality gear provided and a maximum of just two anglers, you'll get the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Your Charleston fishing adventure kicks off at Shem Creek, one of the most popular launching points in the area for good reason. Captain Cody runs a clean, well-maintained boat equipped with everything you need to target redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast you might be working a grass flat for trout, and the next you're sight-fishing a tailing red in skinny water. The 3/4 day format gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots without feeling rushed. Cody reads the conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly, whether that means working structure for sheepshead or drifting flats for flounder. The Lowcountry's maze of creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats provides endless opportunities, and with only two anglers max, you won't be fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to cast.
Captain Cody comes prepared with quality spinning gear that's perfectly matched to Charleston's inshore fishing. You'll be throwing everything from live shrimp under popping corks for trout to working soft plastics around oyster structure for redfish. The boat is rigged with multiple rod setups so you can quickly switch techniques as conditions and targets change throughout the day. When the tide's moving and the trout are aggressive, you might find yourself casting topwater plugs over grass beds. When it's time to target sheepshead around docks and pilings, Cody switches you over to bottom rigs with fiddler crabs. The gear is maintained and ready to go – no need to worry about bringing your own tackle or wondering if the drag is set right. Cody handles all the technical stuff so you can focus on reading the water and making good casts. He'll coach you through different techniques, from proper jigging motions for flounder to setting the hook on a finicky sheepshead bite.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Charleston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers fight like freight trains and are willing biters when you find them. In the Lowcountry, slot-sized reds typically run 18 to 27 inches and can be found year-round, though fall brings some of the best action. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where baitfish get pushed around by the tide. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive nature – when they want to eat, they'll crush a lure or live bait with authority. Captain Cody knows where they stage during different tide phases, and there's nothing quite like watching a red trail your lure through clear water before demolishing it.
Sea Trout are another Charleston favorite that keeps anglers coming back. These spotted beauties are abundant in local waters and provide steady action when conditions are right. They typically run 12 to 18 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing over 20 inches. Spring through fall offers the most consistent trout fishing, with early morning and late afternoon being prime times. Trout relate to grass beds, drop-offs, and creek mouths where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. They're perfect for anglers who enjoy finesse fishing – a well-placed cast with a popping cork and live shrimp often produces multiple hookups. The fight might not be as bulldogged as a redfish, but their willing nature and good eating qualities make them a trip favorite.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise in Charleston's waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to swim overhead. These flatfish typically range from 14 to 20 inches, with larger "doormat" flounder occasionally making an appearance. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing in the Lowcountry, as they stage near inlets preparing for their offshore spawn. Captain Cody targets them around creek bends, shell beds, and areas where moving water creates current breaks. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique – you need to work your bait along the bottom and give them time to fully engulf it before setting the hook. Their unique fighting style and excellent table fare make them a prized catch that tests your angling skills.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped challenge that keeps experienced anglers humble. These structure-loving fish have incredible eyesight and a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. They typically run 12 to 16 inches around Charleston's docks, bridges, and oyster bars. Winter months often provide the best sheepshead action as they congregate around structure in deeper water. What makes them so challenging is their light bite – they can pick up a fiddler crab bait and drop it before you even know they were there. Captain Cody has the patience and local knowledge to put you in the right spots with the right presentation. When you finally connect with a good sheepshead, their surprising strength and determined fight make all the missed opportunities worthwhile.
Black Drum round out the target species list with their distinctive barbels and bronze coloration. These bottom dwellers can range from smaller "puppy drum" around 14 inches up to larger specimens pushing 20 inches or more. They're year-round residents but really turn on during coo
The 22' Bullsbay is your ticket to some serious fishing action in Charleston's pristine waters. This 2017 beauty packs a punch with its 140HP Suzuki engine, getting you to the hotspots fast while staying smooth on those choppy days. Built tough for the Lowcountry's challenging waters, she'll cruise at 40 knots when you need to chase the bite. The spacious deck gives you and your fishing buddy plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. Modern GPS keeps you on the productive flats and channels, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of redfish and trout. Perfect for navigating Charleston's intricate creek system and shallow waters where the big fish hang out. Captain Cody knows exactly how to position this boat for the best shots at landing quality catches throughout your trip.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, and these bruisers will test your drag system. Most fish we catch run 5-30 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into something pushing 50+ pounds. They love hanging around oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is when they really turn on during spawning season - you can actually hear them drumming underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with firm, white meat, but the big bulls are better released. They're surprisingly spooky for such big fish. Here's what works: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a fish-finder rig, and when you feel that first tap, give them a second before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our Lowcountry waters and what most folks dream about catching. These copper-colored beauties with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 18-35 inches in our area. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek edges. Fall is prime time when they school up and feed aggressively before winter. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight that'll test your equipment. The slot-size fish make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're surprisingly spooky in shallow water, so approach quietly. My best advice: use a gold spoon or topwater plug early morning over grass flats. When you see that signature "wake" pushing through shallow water, cast well ahead and work your lure back slowly.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are one of our most popular inshore targets. These beautiful fish with their spotted sides typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, perfect for light tackle action. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially early morning and late evening when they feed actively on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats watching one explode on a surface plug at dawn. The meat is tender and flaky, but don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for nervous water over grass flats. Throw a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below and work it slowly through the disturbance.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our local waters with those distinctive black and white stripes, but what really gets people talking are their human-like teeth. These clever fish hang tight around any structure - dock pilings, bridges, jetties - anywhere they can scrape barnacles and pick off crabs. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see some pushing 20 pounds. Winter and early spring are best when they school up for spawning. They're notorious bait thieves with light bites, so stay alert. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My trick: use the smallest hook you can get away with and fresh fiddler crab. Get as close to structure as possible and set the hook at the first sign of weight - they'll clean your bait off before you know it.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms throughout our local creeks, flats, and nearshore waters. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push over 20 pounds. What makes them special is watching both eyes migrate to their left side as they mature. They're ambush predators that'll nail live shrimp, mullet, and bull minnows. Fall and winter are prime time when they move toward inlets to spawn. The meat is sweet and flaky - some of the best table fare you'll find. My go-to tip: when drift fishing, let your bait hit bottom then work it slowly in one-foot lifts. They like to grab it on the drop.
5.0 out of 5.0
Charleston, SC