1.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Inshore Fishing at Folly Beach
1.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4-hour inshore fishing targeting Cobia, Redfish, and Black DrumAll tackle and fishing licenses included with departure flexibilityAccommodates up to 4 guests with customizable species targeting
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't break the bank or eat up your whole vacation? This 4-hour inshore adventure puts you right in the sweet spot where Folly Beach's productive waters hold some of South Carolina's best bottom fish. You'll be targeting the usual suspects – Cobia, Redfish, Black Drum – plus whatever else decides to bite that day. The best part? Flexible departure times mean you can fish the morning bite or afternoon action, whatever works for your schedule.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. With just 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personal attention from your captain. The trip focuses on bottom fishing around Folly's inshore structure – think oyster beds, creek mouths, and shallow reefs where the fish love to hang out. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust the game plan based on what you're hoping to catch. Want to focus on drum? He'll find the right spots. Looking for that first Cobia? He knows where they cruise. All your tackle and fishing licenses are handled, so just bring some snacks, drinks, a towel, and don't forget the sunscreen – that South Carolina sun can sneak up on you.
Bottom fishing around Folly Beach is all about reading the water and putting baits where fish feed. Your captain will set you up with medium-heavy rods and circle hooks – the gold standard for catching and releasing fish safely. You'll be using fresh cut bait most of the time, maybe some live shrimp when the bite calls for it. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your rig to the bottom, keep just enough tension to feel the bite, and when something grabs hold, resist the urge to jerk the rod. Circle hooks do the work for you. The captain will position the boat over structure using GPS and fish finder technology, then it's game on. Expect to move spots if the bite slows down – that's just smart fishing.
"This trip never happened, please do not book through this website. Apparently Will doesn't work anymore but this website is happy to take your money and pretend like you actually booked a fishing trip, and then the morning of the trip you're driving around looking for a person who isn't there. Please do not book a fishing trip with Will through this website. Now I have to dispute charges on my credit card because even though we called the day of the trip and were assured we would be refunded our deposit, that didn't happen and now I see a charge for the balance on my card." - Brietta
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore waters around Folly Beach. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot in the mid-70s. Kings love to patrol the edges of structure and will absolutely smoke a well-presented live bait or trolled spoon. What makes them special? Pure speed and those blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Plus, they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for the dinner table.
Red Snapper might be the most sought-after bottom fish in these waters, and for good reason. These crimson beauties typically range from 5-15 pounds around Folly, though bigger fish definitely swim in these parts. They're structure-oriented fish that love hanging around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas. Summer months offer the best action, particularly June through August when they're most active. Snapper are notorious for their quick, decisive bites – blink and you'll miss it. They're also fantastic table fare, which explains why they're such a customer favorite on every trip.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action to any inshore trip. These smaller cousins to the Kings rarely exceed 3-4 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and attitude. They school up heavily in late spring and early fall, creating feeding frenzies that'll keep your rod bent all day. Spanish macks are perfect for beginners and kids because they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size. They're also one of the best live baits you can use for larger predators lurking nearby.
Gag Grouper represent the heavyweight division of Folly Beach bottom fishing. These mottled brown bruisers can push 20+ pounds and will test every piece of tackle you've got. They're ambush predators that hang tight to structure, waiting for an easy meal to drift by. Fall and winter months typically produce the best Gag fishing as they move into shallower water. What makes them special is their raw power – once hooked, they'll head straight back to their hole and try to break you off on anything sharp they can find. Successfully landing a big Gag requires skill, patience, and a little luck.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than their grouper cousins, but they're incredibly abundant and fun to catch. These feisty bottom dwellers typically run 1-3 pounds around Folly and are almost guaranteed catches on most trips. They school up on hard bottom areas and will readily take cut bait, small jigs, and live offerings. Sea Bass are most active during cooler months, making them perfect targets for winter fishing when other species move offshore. They're also excellent in the pan, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilled whole.
Half-day trips like this fill up fast, especially during peak fishing season when the bite is hot and the weather's cooperating. Four hours gives you enough time to hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and hopefully boat some quality fish without feeling rushed. The flexible departure times make it easy to work
Hit the waters around Folly Beach aboard this 2016 25' Skeeter bay boat, built for serious fishing action. Powered by a 300HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fish fast, this boat cuts through Charleston's inshore waters with ease. The onboard fish finder helps locate those bottom-dwelling snapper and sea bass while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working the perfect spot. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and stay on course with GPS navigation. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods without bumping elbows. Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows or dropping lines for black drum, this boat handles whatever Folly Beach waters throw at you. The stable platform makes fighting fish easier, and the shallow draft gets you into those productive backwater spots where the big ones hide.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are reliable bottom dwellers that make for steady action and great eating. Most run 1-3 pounds with occasional fish pushing 5+ pounds. They love hanging around structure - jetties, wrecks, rocky bottom, and artificial reefs in 20-100 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What guests enjoy is their willingness to bite and that scrappy fight for their size. They're also top-shelf table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Interesting fact - they all start as females then change to males as they grow. Here's a tip that works well: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid or cut bait. Black sea bass often travel in schools, so when you catch one, drop back down quickly - there's usually more where that came from.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that average 5-15 pounds but can hit 30+ pounds. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, ledges, and structure in 20-100 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active and feeding. What makes gags exciting is that initial slam when they hit your bait, then the bulldogging fight as they try to get back to their hole. They're also some of the best eating fish out there - firm, white meat that's perfect for any recipe. The trick with gags is acting fast once you hook up. Keep your rod low and reel hard right away - if you give them slack, they'll dive into the rocks and you'll lose them. Live pinfish or cut bait works great, just make sure you're fishing right on the bottom.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that usually run 20-30 pounds around here, though we've seen some hit 50+ pounds. They're built for speed with that streamlined olive-colored body and razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often cruising along drop-offs and temperature breaks. Summer through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes kings special is that lightning-fast strike and blistering run - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The fight is worth it since they make excellent table fare with that firm, flaky meat. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep your bait moving - kings like to hit fast-trolled spoons or live bait that's swimming with some action.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing around here. These deep red beauties typically weigh 3-10 pounds but can push 20+ pounds when you find the big ones. They live around hard bottom structure, wrecks, and ledges in 30-150 feet of water. Summer months are best when they move closer to shore to spawn. What guests love most is that hard initial fight - snappers will try to get back to their rocky hideouts and really test your drag. Plus, there's no better eating fish in the ocean with that sweet, firm white meat. They're smart though, so patience pays off. Here's a local trick: drop your bait to the bottom, then reel up a foot or two. Snappers often suspend just off the structure, and that's where you'll get bit.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are scrappy little speedsters that make every trip exciting. They average 2-4 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. Look for them in 10-40 feet of water around structures, drop-offs, or just cruising the open flats. They show up strong from late spring through early fall when water temps hit the sweet spot. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit fast-moving lures and put on an acrobatic show once hooked. Plus they're fantastic on the table with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling. The key is speed - use small spoons or jigs and keep them moving fast. When you see birds diving, that's your cue. Spanish mackerel will be underneath feeding on the same baitfish the birds are after.
1.0 out of 5.0This trip never happened, please do not book through this website. Apparently Will doesn’t work anymore but this website is happy...
Folly Beach