Charleston's Best Half-Day Inshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: September 12, 2025
Fishing

Charleston
$500 - $900 price range

Summary

Captain Brent's half-day fishing trip in Charleston is perfect for anglers short on time but looking for a solid afternoon on the water. You'll be targeting a variety of inshore species like redfish, sea trout, and flounder in the rich coastal waters. The 4-hour private charter covers all the essentials - rods, tackle, bait, and licenses are provided, so you can focus on the fishing. Departure times are planned around the tides to give you the best shot at a good catch. It's a great way to experience Charleston's local fishing scene without committing to a full day. The trip can accommodate up to 6 people, making it ideal for small groups or families. Remember, the captain works hard to put you on fish, so a tip for good service is always appreciated.

Charleston's Best Half-Day Inshore Fishing Trip

Lowcountry Catches

35 inch cobia today in 8 ft of water on a 2500!

Teaching young kid how to reel trophy redfish

Angler enjoying fishing trip in South Carolina

Charleston's very own Redemption!

Hooked up in paradise!

Reel In Redfish on a Charleston Afternoon

Ready to hit the water for some of the best inshore fishing Charleston has to offer? Captain Brent's half-day afternoon trip is your ticket to hooking into some of South Carolina's most prized catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 4-hour adventure packs in plenty of action without eating up your whole day. From the iconic redfish to the tasty flounder, you'll be targeting a variety of species that call these waters home.

What to Expect on the Water

As you climb aboard Captain Brent's well-equipped vessel, you'll feel the excitement building. This isn't just any old fishing trip – it's a private charter tailored to your group. That means more casts, more catches, and more fun for everyone. The captain's got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to live bait that the local fish can't resist. And don't sweat the paperwork; your fishing license is covered. The afternoon departure time is strategically planned around the tides and weather, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies.

Top Catches This Season

Charleston's inshore waters are teeming with game fish, and Captain Brent knows just where to find them. You'll be targeting the local heavy-hitters like redfish, known for their hard-fighting spirit and distinctive spot on the tail. Sea trout are another favorite, with their speckled beauty and delicious flavor. Flounder might be lurking in the sandy bottoms, while black drum and sheepshead hang around structure, waiting to test your skills. And let's not forget about the carp – these freshwater giants can give you a run for your money in the right spots. The captain's local knowledge means you'll be hitting the honey holes where these fish are biting.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the lowcountry waters around Charleston. Maybe it's the way the sun glints off the marsh grass as you cast your line. Or perhaps it's the thrill of feeling that first tug on your line, knowing a big red could be on the other end. Captain Brent's trips are more than just fishing – they're a chance to experience the rich coastal ecosystem of South Carolina. You might spot dolphins playing in the wake or ospreys diving for their dinner. And with the historic charm of Charleston as your backdrop, it's a scene you won't soon forget. The half-day format is perfect for squeezing in some quality fishing time without sacrificing your entire vacation day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the stars of the show in Charleston's inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties, also known as red drum, can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to trophy-sized bulls pushing 40 inches or more. They love to cruise the flats and oyster beds, often revealing their presence with a telltale tail sticking out of the water. Spring and fall are prime times for reds, but you can catch them year-round in Charleston.

Sea trout, or spotted seatrout, are another favorite target. These sleek predators are known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake the hook, making them a challenging and exciting catch. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring, and love to hang around grass edges and oyster bars. A sea trout on light tackle can give you a run for your money, and they're excellent on the dinner table too.

Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in these waters. These flatfish can change their color to match the bottom, making them nearly invisible until you're right on top of them. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for baitfish to swim by. Fall is the prime time for big flounder as they fatten up before their offshore migration. Catching a doormat-sized flounder is a trophy in any angler's book.

Sheepshead are the bane of many anglers but a prized catch for those in the know. With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive dental work, these fish are experts at stealing bait. They hang around pilings, jetties, and other structures, using their strong teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Catching a big sheepshead is a true test of skill and patience, but the reward is some of the sweetest meat in the sea.

Common carp might seem out of place on an inshore trip, but these freshwater transplants have found a home in some of Charleston's brackish waters. They can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. Carp fishing is a different game altogether, often requiring specialized tactics and bait. Landing one of these golden giants can be the highlight of your trip, especially if you're used to targeting more traditional inshore species.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing Charleston has to offer, Captain Brent's half-day afternoon trip is calling your name. With all the gear provided and the captain's local expertise at your disposal, you're set up for a day of non-stop action. Whether you're dreaming of battling a bull red or outsmarting a crafty sheepshead, this trip delivers the goods. And at $450 for the first angler (with a $50 add-on for each additional person), it's a great value for a private charter experience. Don't let another fishing season slip by – grab your spot on the boat and get ready to make some memories on the water. The fish are biting, and Captain Brent's ready to put you on them. Book now and get ready to feel that rod bend!

Learn more about the species

Common Carp

Common Carp might not be native to Charleston, but they've made themselves at home in our local waters. These golden-hued bruisers average 15-30 inches but can grow much larger – some topping 100 pounds. You'll find them in lakes, slow-moving rivers, and even some brackish areas. They're bottom feeders, rooting around for insects, plants, and small crustaceans. Spring and fall are prime times when carp move into shallows to feed. Anglers target them for their powerful fights and the challenge they present. To catch one, try corn, bread, or specially made boilies on a hair rig. Here's a local tip: chum your spot with corn or breadcrumbs a day before fishing. Carp have great memories and will return to areas where they've found food before.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are a Charleston staple, known for their coppery color and distinctive black spot near the tail. These bruisers can grow up to 45 inches and 50 pounds, but most inshore catches are in the 20-30 inch range. You'll find them in shallow waters, often tailing in just a foot or two of water over oyster beds and grass flats. Fall is prime time for Redfish as they school up and feed aggressively. Anglers love them for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of lures, but live bait like mullet or crab can be deadly. Here's a local secret: on hot summer days, look for Redfish in deeper holes near shallow flats – they'll use these as cool-water refuges between feeding sessions.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Charleston anglers. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically range from 14-24 inches, though some monsters can hit 40 pounds. You'll find them in estuaries, grass flats, and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in spring and fall, when water temperatures are moderate. Sea Trout are prized for their mild, delicate flavor and the exciting topwater action they provide. They're known for their soft mouths, so a gentle touch is key when setting the hook. For best results, try fishing with live shrimp or artificial lures that mimic their natural prey. A local tip: on cloudy days, look for Sea Trout in shallower water than usual – they'll often move in to feed when there's less light.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their distinctive black stripes, are a unique catch in Charleston waters. These crafty fish typically weigh 1-8 pounds and hang around structures like docks, pilings, and oyster beds. They're notorious bait stealers, thanks to their human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans. Spring is prime time for sheepshead fishing, as they gather to spawn near channel passes and offshore reefs. Anglers enjoy the challenge of outsmarting these clever fish, and their sweet, white meat makes for excellent table fare. To land a sheepshead, use light tackle and position your bait as close to structure as possible. A local tip: when you feel the telltale nibble, wait a beat before setting the hook hard – these guys are experts at stripping bait.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. These flat fish typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white flesh and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. To catch one, try slow-trolling or drifting with live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before turning it to swallow. That pause can mean the difference between a catch and a miss.

About the 220 Bay Scout (Bay boat)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

While Captain Brent doesn't mention a specific vessel for this Charleston fishing trip, you can expect a comfortable and well-equipped boat suited for inshore waters. The focus here is on the fishing experience rather than the boat itself. You'll have room to cast your line and reel in catches like redfish and sea trout, with all the necessary gear provided. The boat will likely be sized appropriately for navigating the local waterways and getting you to the best fishing spots. With a capacity for up to 6 anglers, there's flexibility whether you're fishing solo or bringing along friends or family. The emphasis is on maximizing your time on the water during this half-day adventure, so you can count on a practical, fishing-oriented setup that lets you make the most of your 4 hours out on Charleston's rich inshore fishing grounds.

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