5.0(4 Reviews)Half Day Charleston Redfish & Trout Adventure
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, and flounderCaptain Cody provides all tackle and gear at Shem CreekSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per trip
Ready to get your lines wet in some of the Southeast's most productive inshore waters? Captain Cody Dakin knows exactly where the fish are hanging out around Charleston's legendary flats and creeks. This half-day charter puts you right in the heart of Lowcountry fishing action, where redfish patrol the oyster bars and speckled trout cruise the grass beds. You'll launch from Shem Creek—one of Charleston's most famous fishing spots—and spend your morning or afternoon targeting multiple species that call these waters home. Whether you're bringing your kids for their first real fishing trip or you're a weekend warrior looking to add some Charleston reds to your photo collection, Captain Cody tailors every trip to match your crew's experience level and fishing goals.
Your fishing day starts at Shem Creek, where you'll meet Captain Cody and get situated on his well-equipped boat. The beauty of Charleston's inshore fishing is the variety—one cast you might be working a oyster bar for sheepshead, the next you're sight-fishing tailing redfish in skinny water. Captain Cody reads these waters like a book, adjusting tactics throughout the trip based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling him. The intimate two-angler setup means you get personalized attention and plenty of shots at fish. Don't worry about bringing tackle—everything's provided, from spinning gear for the trout to heavier setups when the big drum show up. The pace stays relaxed but productive, giving you time to enjoy Charleston's stunning marsh scenery between hookups.
Captain Cody's approach combines proven Lowcountry techniques with quality tackle that can handle whatever swims in these waters. You'll fish everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics bounced along the bottom for flounder. When the redfish are tailing in the shallows, expect some exciting sight-fishing with artificial lures. The boat comes rigged with rods matched to each technique—medium-light spinning setups for trout, stouter gear for the bigger redfish and black drum. Circle hooks keep fish healthy for release, and Captain Cody knows exactly which baits work best for each species during different seasons. The fishing happens in Charleston's protected inshore waters, so you're not dealing with big waves or long boat rides. More time fishing, less time traveling—that's how local guides like to run their trips.
"Top Notch Charter, Captain Cody kept us on fish all charter - Reds, Flounder, and Trout. Highly Recommended!! The Bakers" - Scott
"Captain Cody is top notch! Very knowledgeable of the area. Professional and works hard to get you on the fish. Will definitely be booking with him in the future. We had a great 6 hour trip" - Richard
"Captain Cody was a great guide. My son's 13th birthday will be a lasting one and he was an integral part of making that happen. He asked for sharks and he got us to them! Super down to earth, friendly, funny, and full of fishing knowledge that he was more than happy to share and teach. Thanks Cody, we will for sure be biking with you again in the future ." - Ryan
Redfish are the crown jewel of Charleston inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up some serious fights. Charleston's reds typically run 18 to 27 inches, though bigger bull reds cruise the deeper channels. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, when schools of slot-sized fish flood the creeks during high tides. What makes redfish so special is their aggressive nature—they'll crush a well-presented shrimp or smash a topwater lure in inches of water. The sight of a redfish's bronze back cutting through shallow water gets every angler's heart racing.
Sea Trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are Charleston's most reliable year-round target. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spotted sides typically range from 14 to 20 inches, with occasional "gator trout" pushing over two feet. They love grass beds and drop-offs, especially during moving tides. Trout bite best on live shrimp or soft plastic jigs, and they're perfect for anglers who enjoy finesse fishing. Spring through fall produces the most consistent action, though Charleston's mild winters keep some fish active all season long.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush passing baitfish. Charleston's flatfish run anywhere from keeper-sized 15-inchers to doormat flounder over 20 inches. They're most active during cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for flounder fishing. What makes flounder fishing exciting is the challenge—you need to feel that subtle tap and set the hook at just the right moment. These fish are also some of the best eating you'll find in local waters.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped thieves of Charleston's oyster bars, famous for stealing bait with their human-like teeth. These crafty fish require patience and skill to hook consistently, but they're worth the effort. Charleston sheepshead typically range from 2 to 8 pounds, with the biggest fish showing up during their winter and spring spawning runs around structure. They're notorious bait stealers, so quick reflexes and sensitive tackle are essential. Land a few nice sheepshead and you've got some of the finest table fare the ocean offers.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore flats, using their powerful bodies and crushing jaws to hunt crabs and shellfish around oyster beds. Charleston's black drum range from smaller "puppy drum" to massive fish over
The 22' Bullsbay puts you right where the fish are biting in Charleston's productive inshore waters. This 2017 Carolina-built boat runs smooth and quiet with its 140HP Suzuki, perfect for sneaking up on redfish in the shallows or covering water fast when the trout are schooling. Captain Cody knows these Lowcountry creeks like the back of his hand, and with onboard GPS and fish finder, you'll spend more time with lines in the water than searching around. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddy. Whether you're working live shrimp around docks for sheepshead or throwing artificials at tailing reds, this boat gets you there comfortably and puts you on the fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Charleston's flats, running anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 50+. You'll hear them before you see them - they make drumming sounds that attract mates and can spook other fish. Look for them around oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow muddy bottoms where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up in big numbers. What guests love is the bulldogging fight and those distinctive croaking sounds. Smaller fish under 15 pounds make great table fare. Here's the key: use fresh crab bait on a Carolina rig and keep it right on the bottom. They're picky eaters, so when you feel that tap-tap-tap, give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Charleston's signature species - copper-colored bulldogs with distinctive black spots near their tails that'll test your drag system. They range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds over 40 inches that can weigh 30+ pounds. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They're year-round fish but fall brings the best action when big schools move through. What guests love is watching them tail in skinny water, then that powerful run when hooked - plus they make excellent table fare when kept in the slot. My go-to trick is sight fishing with gold spoons or live shrimp under popping corks. When you see them tailing, cast past them and work your lure back slowly. They'll eat just about anything, but don't crowd them in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are perfect starter fish with their distinctive spots and willingness to bite artificials. Most run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, though gator trout over 20 inches prowl deeper grass beds. They love shallow grass flats, creek mouths, and oyster points in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall are best, especially early morning and evening when they're feeding actively. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and their delicate, sweet meat that's hard to beat on the table. They're also great fighters for their size. The secret is working grass edges during moving water - incoming tide is prime time. Throw a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches under, or try a soft plastic jerkbait. Keep it simple and let the bait do the work in the current.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and gray stripes, but what really gets people talking are those human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders show up around deeper structures. You'll find them tight to dock pilings, bridge supports, and oyster bars - anywhere with hard structure and current. They bite year-round but spring spawning brings the biggest schools. Guests love the challenge since they're notorious bait thieves with light bites, plus they make outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The trick is getting your bait right against the structure - I'm talking inches away. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small hook, and when you feel that subtle tick, set the hook immediately. They'll steal your bait all day if you hesitate.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish can change color to blend with mud and sand bottoms while both eyes sit on their left side. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though you might hook into one pushing 20+ pounds. They love shallow bays, creeks, and muddy flats where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time when they're fattening up before heading offshore to spawn. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they come off the bottom - plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. Pro tip: when drift fishing, let your bait hit bottom then work it slowly in foot-long hops. They'll often follow before committing, so be patient and keep that bait moving just above the mud.
5.0 out of 5.0Top Notch Charter, Captain Cody kept us on fish all charter - Reds, Flounder, and Trout. Highly Recommended!! The Bakers
It was a pleasure having you guys on the boat today!
Captain Cody is top notch! Very knowledgeable of the area. Professional and works hard to get you on the fish. Will definitely ...
I had a great time with you guys! Hope to see you this summer for some bull redfish!
Captain Cody was a great guide. My son’s 13th birthday will be a lasting one and he was an integral part of making that happen. He...
Charleston, SC