Full Day Family Fishing in Folly Beach Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour inshore fishing trip targeting Redfish and Spanish MackerelFamily-friendly charter accommodates up to four guests with provided gearCaptain Will Adams guides through calm South Carolina coastal waters
Looking for the perfect way to get the whole family hooked on fishing? Captain Will Adams has been running family-friendly charters out of Folly Beach for years, and this 8-hour inshore trip is exactly what you need. We're talking calm waters, patient instruction, and some of the best fishing South Carolina has to offer. Whether you've got kids who've never held a rod or teenagers who think fishing is boring, this charter changes minds fast. The boat's set up with safety in mind, all your gear is provided, and Will knows exactly where to find fish that'll make everyone a believer.
This isn't your typical "sit and wait" fishing trip. We'll be moving around the inshore waters around Folly Beach, hitting different spots depending on what's biting and what the family wants to target. The boat's equipped with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and all the terminal gear. Will keeps the coolers stocked with ice for your catch and drinks, plus there's plenty of shade when the South Carolina sun gets intense. The inshore waters here are protected, so you won't be dealing with big swells or rough seas. Perfect for kids who might get seasick on offshore trips. We'll be fishing everything from oyster bars to creek mouths, depending on the tides and what's moving. Will's great with first-timers – he'll show you how to cast, when to set the hook, and how to fight fish without losing them at the boat.
Inshore fishing around Folly Beach is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials, depending on what the fish want that day. For redfish, we'll often drift oyster bars with cut bait or live shrimp, letting the current do the work while we watch for those telltale thumps on the rod tip. Spanish mackerel love fast-moving spoons and small jigs, so we'll troll the drop-offs and channel edges when they're running. Black drum fishing is pure bottom fishing – heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and fresh crab or shrimp. The kids love this because the bites are obvious and the fights are strong. Will runs quality gear – nothing fancy, but reliable rods and reels that can handle whatever we hook into. The boat's rigged with multiple rod holders, a good fish box, and a live well for keeping bait fresh. Everything's set up so even the youngest anglers can fish comfortably without getting tangled up.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Folly Beach inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters hang around oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow flats year-round. They'll eat just about anything – live shrimp, cut mullet, or artificial baits worked slowly along the bottom. What makes them perfect for families is their predictable behavior and strong, steady fights. Kids can handle them without getting overwhelmed, but they're still exciting enough to get everyone's adrenaline pumping. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up in bigger numbers.
Spanish mackerel show up in huge numbers during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. These speed demons love fast-moving lures and put on an aerial show when hooked. They're perfect for kids because they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size. Plus, they're excellent eating if you want to take some home for dinner. Will knows exactly where to find the schools when they're moving through, usually around structure or bait schools.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene around Folly Beach. These bottom-dwellers can get massive – we're talking 20, 30, even 40-pound fish that'll test everyone's arm strength. They're suckers for fresh crab and shrimp, and once they're hooked, it's a tug-of-war that gets the whole family involved. The bigger ones are usually catch-and-release, but the smaller "puppy drum" are fantastic table fare.
Cobia are the wildcards that can show up anytime during the warmer months. These brown sharks (that's what they look like swimming) are curious fish that'll often cruise right up to the boat. They're incredible fighters and great eating, plus they're big enough that landing one becomes a family team effort. Will's got the eyes to spot them cruising the flats and knows exactly how to get them fired up.
Gag grouper hang around the nearshore structure and rocky bottom areas. They're ambush predators that hit hard and dive straight for cover, making for exciting battles on medium tackle. These fish are prized for their white, flaky meat and are a real treat when you can get them away from the rocks. They're more common in the cooler months when they move into shallower water.
This is the kind of fishing trip that creates lifelong anglers and family memories that stick around for years. Captain Will Adams knows these waters like his backyard, and more importantly, he knows how to make sure everyone on board has a great time – from grandparents to grandkids. The 8-hour format gives you plenty of time to try different techniques, move around to various spots, and really get comfortable on the water. All you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, drinks, and a camera for the fish photos. Write Off The Rip Charters has built their reputation on delivering consistent fishing action and top-notch customer service. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing or just want a relaxing day on the water with guaranteed action, this charter delivers. Don't wait too long to book – the best weather windows and prime fishing times fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Our 25-foot Skeeter bay boat is built for serious fishing adventures in Folly Beach's inshore waters. This 2016 beauty runs on a powerful 300HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the hotspots fast, cruising at speeds up to 60 knots. Perfect for families of up to 4 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing redfish, mackerel, and black drum. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on feeding fish. GPS navigation ensures we hit the best spots, and the icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Built tough for South Carolina's coastal waters, this boat handles beautifully whether we're drifting shallow flats or running deeper channels. She's stable enough for kids to fish comfortably and spacious enough for the whole family to spread out and enjoy the day.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the gentle giants of our inshore waters, and they're perfect for anglers who like a steady, powerful fight rather than jumping acrobatics. These dark, deep-bodied fish with chin whiskers typically run 5-15 pounds, though we see some real tanks over 30 pounds. They hang around oyster bars, mud flats, and creek mouths in shallow water, using those strong jaws to crush crabs and oysters. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. What guests enjoy is the steady, bulldogging fight and the fact that smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are excellent eating. The bigger fish get tough and wormy, so we usually release those. Best bait is fresh blue crab or fiddler crabs fished right on the bottom. My local tip: listen for the drumming sound they make - it's how they communicate, and you can actually hear them under the boat when a school moves in.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of our inshore waters, and when you hook one, you'll know it. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds. We find them around structure like channel markers, pilings, and crab traps in 20-60 feet of water from late spring through summer. They're often spotted cruising just under the surface, which makes for exciting sight fishing. What guests love about cobia is the raw power - they'll strip line and test your drag like nothing else inshore. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill. My tip: when you see one following the boat, drop a bucktail jig right in front of it and work it slow. They're curious fish and will often eat what's presented naturally. Keep steady pressure once hooked - they'll dive for any structure nearby.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the arm-wrestlers of the reef, and landing one is always a battle. These grey, mottled fish typically run 15-25 inches inshore, though the big boys offshore can hit 30+ inches and 20 pounds. We target them around hard bottom, live rock, and artificial reefs in 30-80 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they move into shallower structure to feed. What makes them special is that powerful fight - they'll try to dive straight back to the rocks the second they feel the hook. They're also top-shelf eating with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. The trick is getting them up and away from structure fast. Use heavy tackle, keep your drag locked down, and don't give them an inch. Fresh cut bait like mullet or live pinfish work best. Once you hook up, pump and wind - no letting them run back to their hole.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what put South Carolina on the fishing map, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-30 inches around Folly Beach, though we see some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love our shallow oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding on crabs and shrimp. What makes them special is that explosive strike in skinny water - you'll see their backs out of the water sometimes. They're also excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local trick: when you spot one tailing, cast your bait 3-4 feet ahead and let it settle. They spook easy, so patience pays off. The bite stays strong from dawn through mid-morning.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for families because they're scrappy fighters that kids can handle, plus they bite consistently when they're around. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-18 inches long. We catch them from spring through fall in 10-30 feet of water around jetties, nearshore reefs, and anywhere baitfish are schooling. They travel in large groups, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight well for their size, and make excellent table fare - great smoked or grilled. The key is using small, fast-moving lures or live shrimp. Here's what works: when you see birds diving or bait jumping, get there quick and throw small spoons or jigs. Keep your retrieve fast and erratic - these fish are built for speed and won't chase slow baits. Wire leaders help prevent bite-offs from those sharp teeth.
Folly Beach