Half Day Charleston Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, and flounderCaptain provides all tackle and gear at Shem CreekMaximum two guests with experienced local guide
There's something special about fishing Charleston's inshore waters, and Capt. Cody Dakin knows exactly where to put you on the fish. Based out of Shem Creek, this half-day trip gives you the perfect taste of what makes Lowcountry fishing so addictive. Whether you've been chasing fish for decades or you're just getting your feet wet, you're going to love what these waters have to offer. The creeks, grass flats, and oyster beds around Charleston hold some of the most consistent fishing on the East Coast, and with quality gear provided, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm.
Your morning starts at Shem Creek, one of Charleston's most famous fishing spots and the perfect launching point for your adventure. Capt. Cody tailors each trip based on conditions, tides, and what's biting that day. You might find yourself working the grass flats for redfish, casting around dock pilings for sheepshead, or drifting over sandy bottom for flounder. The beauty of Charleston's inshore fishing is the variety – you never know what's going to grab your bait next. This is intimate fishing at its best, with just two anglers max, so you get personalized attention and plenty of casting opportunities. The captain reads the water like a book, positioning you where the fish are holding, and he's always ready to adjust tactics if the bite slows down.
Don't worry about lugging your own gear – everything you need is provided and well-maintained. We're talking quality rods and reels spooled with fresh line, plus a tackle box full of the baits and lures that produce results in these waters. Depending on what we're targeting, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, bouncing jigs along the bottom, or working soft plastics through the grass. The techniques here aren't complicated, but they're effective. Capt. Cody will show you the right retrieve speeds, how to feel the bottom, and when to set the hook. If you're new to inshore fishing, you'll pick up skills that'll serve you well anywhere. Experienced anglers will appreciate the local knowledge and fine-tuned approach that comes from fishing these waters day in and day out.
The redfish around Charleston are absolutely legendary, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats and creek mouths, often in schools that'll make your heart race. They typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, with some bull reds mixed in during certain times of year. Fall and spring are prime time, but honestly, you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. What makes reds so special is their fight – they'll make long runs, dive for structure, and test your drag like few other inshore species. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive spot near the tail.
Sea trout are another staple that keeps anglers coming back. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving water. They're most active in spring through fall, with some of the best action happening right at first light or just before dark. Trout aren't the strongest fighters, but they're fun on light tackle and absolutely delicious on the table. The key is finding the right depth – they might be in two feet of water one day and eight feet the next, depending on temperature and baitfish movement.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy or muddy bottoms waiting for an easy meal. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, but once you hook one, you'll feel that distinctive head-shaking fight. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, and the bigger "doormat" flounder are worth bragging about. What's really cool about flounder fishing is the technique – you're often bouncing baits right along the bottom, feeling for that subtle pickup that signals a fish.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their strength. These bottom-dwellers love structure like oyster beds and bridge pilings, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. They're available year-round but really turn on during cooler months. The smaller ones make good table fare, while the bigger bulls provide arm-burning fights that'll leave you grinning.
Sheepshead are probably the craftiest fish you'll encounter on this trip. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around structure and have a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. But when you do connect with a good sheepshead, you're in for a treat – they're strong, stubborn fighters and some of the best eating fish in the ocean. They're most active during cooler months and require a bit of finesse to hook consistently, which makes landing one even more satisfying.
Charleston's inshore fishing scene is world-class, and word is getting out. Spots with Capt. Cody are filling up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons. This half-day trip gives you a perfect introduction to what makes Lowcountry fishing so special – diverse species, beautiful scenery, and action that keeps you on your toes. Whether you're looking to cross some new species off your list, learn some local techniques, or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip delivers. The gear is provided, the captain knows his stuff, and the fish are waiting. Just remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit. Ready to see what Charleston's waters have in store for you?
Hit the waters around Charleston aboard this solid 22' Bullsbay that knows how to find the fish. Built in 2017 and powered by a dependable 140HP Suzuki, this boat cuts through Lowcountry waters at speeds up to 40 knots to get you to the best fishing spots fast. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of redfish and trout, while GPS keeps you on track whether you're working the grass flats or deeper channels. With room for your small group, you'll have plenty of space to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. Captain Cody runs this boat out of Shem Creek and knows exactly where the redfish are cruising and the trout are biting. The boat handles Charleston's inshore waters like a champ, from shallow oyster bars to tidal creeks where the action happens.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. They're nicknamed "croakers" for the drumming sounds they make, especially during spring spawning season. You'll find them around oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-20 feet of water. Spring is peak season when they school up and are easier to target. What guests love is the strong, steady fight they provide - no jumping, just pure bulldogging power. Smaller fish under 15 pounds make excellent eating with firm, white meat. My go-to technique: use fresh blue crab or cut shrimp on a fish-finder rig. Keep your bait right on bottom near structure, and when you feel that telltale tap-tap-pull, give them a solid hookset.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of the flats, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They range from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds over 40 inches and 30+ pounds. These shallow water specialists love oyster bars, grass flats, and creek edges in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing with peak action in fall and spring during cooler water. What makes them special is their power and the visual excitement of sight fishing in skinny water. They're also excellent eating in the slot size range. Here's my tip: look for nervous water, tailing fish, or wakes on the flats. Use gold spoons or soft plastics, make long casts, and lead them like you're duck hunting.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks," are beautiful silvery fish with distinctive black spots covering their sides. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, making them perfect light tackle targets. You'll find them over grass flats, around creek mouths, and near dropoffs in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, with excellent night fishing during summer months. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their respectable fight for their size. They're also outstanding table fare with tender, flaky white meat - just don't overcook them. Local tip: work topwater plugs or soft plastics over grass flats during moving tides. Early morning and evening produce the best action, and when you find one, there's usually a school nearby.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders are possible. These structure lovers hang tight around docks, pilings, jetties, and any barnacle-covered surface in 5-25 feet of water. Late winter through spring is prime time when they spawn and feed heavily. Guests enjoy the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that require quick reflexes. The reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the key: get your fiddler crab or shrimp bait as close to structure as possible, keep a tight line, and when you feel them pecking, set the hook hard immediately. Their bony mouths require an aggressive hookset.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are flat, oval-shaped fish that run 15-18 inches typically, though bigger ones reach 30+ inches. What makes them unique is having both eyes on their left side and the ability to change colors to match the bottom. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud in shallow bays, creeks, and around structure. Fall through early spring is prime time when they move toward inlets and deeper water. Guests love them because they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They put up a decent fight once hooked too. Here's a local tip: when drift fishing, use light tackle with bull minnows or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Let your bait hit bottom, then slowly lift it a foot at a time - flounder often grab it on the drop.
Charleston, SC