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Charleston's Premier 6-Hour Nearshore Reef Charter

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Charleston
  • $500 - $900 price range
  • Updated Date: September 12, 2025

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing action off the Charleston coast? Captain Brent's 6-hour trip takes you to the nearshore reefs where you'll target Sheepshead, Red Drum, Black Drum, and Sea Trout. This private charter is perfect for up to three anglers looking to fish a bit further out while staying close to town. We've got you covered with all the gear, live bait, and licenses - just bring yourself and be ready to reel 'em in. The captain adjusts start times based on tides to maximize your chances. If the weather's not cooperating for nearshore fishing, we'll switch gears and hit the inshore waters at a different rate. It's $900 for one person, with $50 for each additional angler. Remember, a 20% tip goes a long way if you're happy with the service. So grab your fishing buddies and let's see what's biting out there!
Charleston's Premier 6-Hour Nearshore Reef Charter

Reeling in the Big Ones

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Redfish caught in Charleston

A perfect day on the water

4 people fishing in Charleston

Creating memories

One fisherman reeling in a big catch in SC

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One person fishing with a line in SC

Redfish Trophy in Charleston SC Fishing Charter

Cobia fishing in SC

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

Redfish caught while fishing in SC

Teaching young kid how to reel trophy redfish

Angler enjoying fishing trip in South Carolina

Charleston's very own Redemption!

Redfish caught in SC

Hooked up in paradise!

A single person fishing in Charleston

Trophy catch of the day!

A single bluefish caught while fishing in Charleston

Catch of the day!

Redfish caught in Charleston

A perfect day on the water

4 people fishing in Charleston

Creating memories

One fisherman reeling in a big catch in SC

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One person fishing with a line in SC

Redfish Trophy in Charleston SC Fishing Charter

Cobia fishing in SC

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

Redfish caught while fishing in SC

Teaching young kid how to reel trophy redfish

Angler enjoying fishing trip in South Carolina

Charleston's very own Redemption!

Redfish caught in SC

Hooked up in paradise!

A single person fishing in Charleston

Trophy catch of the day!

A single bluefish caught while fishing in Charleston

Catch of the day!

Redfish caught in Charleston

A perfect day on the water

4 people fishing in Charleston

Creating memories

One fisherman reeling in a big catch in SC

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One person fishing with a line in SC

Redfish Trophy in Charleston SC Fishing Charter

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Reel in the Big Ones: Charleston's Extended Half Day

Get ready for some serious action on the water with Captain Brent's extended half-day fishing trip out of Charleston, South Carolina. This 6-hour adventure takes you to the nearshore reefs where the fish are biting and the fun never stops. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting your feet wet, this private charter for up to three guests is the perfect way to experience some of the best fishing the Lowcountry has to offer.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll start by meeting up at the dock, where Captain Brent will get you squared away with all the gear you need. No need to worry about licenses or bait - it's all covered. As we head out, you'll get to soak in the views of Charleston's historic harbor before we hit the nearshore reefs. Once we're in the zone, it's time to drop lines and see what's biting. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so get ready for some hot spots where Sheepshead, Red Drum, Black Drum, and Sea Trout love to hang out. And hey, if the weather's acting up, we've got a backup plan - we'll switch gears and hit the inshore waters for some equally awesome fishing at an adjusted price. Flexible start times mean we're always fishing when the bite is on, working with the tides to maximize your chances of landing a monster.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

On this trip, we're all about versatility. Depending on what's running, we might be bottom fishing for Sheepshead around structure, sight-casting to tailing Redfish in the shallows, or working the grass lines for Sea Trout. Captain Brent's got all the right gear, from light tackle spinning rods to baitcasting setups. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures to entice the fish. You might find yourself dropping a fiddler crab to a hungry Sheepshead or working a soft plastic for Trout. The captain will show you the ropes, so even if you're new to this style of fishing, you'll be casting like a pro in no time. And for you seasoned anglers, get ready to swap some fish stories and maybe learn a new trick or two.

Top Catches This Season

While we don't have specific customer reviews for this trip yet, anglers who've fished these waters with Captain Brent have been coming back with coolers full of fish and grins from ear to ear. The nearshore reefs off Charleston have been producing some stellar catches, with many folks landing their personal best Sheepshead or battling bull Redfish that'll make your arms ache (in the best way possible). The variety of species and the quality of the fish have been keeping everyone on their toes and coming back for more.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Southern Flounder: These masters of camouflage are a prized catch in Charleston waters. They're ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom, blending in perfectly with their surroundings. Flounder fishing is an art form, requiring finesse and patience. The best time to target them is during the fall when they're fattening up for their offshore migration. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these flat fish, and their sweet, white meat makes for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste.

Sheepshead: Often called "the convict fish" due to their distinctive black and white stripes, Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers and a true test of an angler's skills. These fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and crabs. They're found around structures like pilings and reefs, and the fight they put up is pound-for-pound one of the best. Spring and fall are prime times for Sheepshead, but you can catch them year-round in Charleston. Landing a big Sheepshead is always a cause for celebration on the boat.

Sea Trout: Also known as Spotted Seatrout or Speckled Trout, these fish are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They're known for their speckled patterns and their willingness to hit topwater lures, making for some exciting visual strikes. Sea Trout are most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring. Anglers love targeting them for their sporty fight and their excellent table fare. The "gator" trout (the big ones) are the stuff of Charleston fishing legends.

Redfish: The poster child of inshore fishing in the Southeast, Redfish (also called Red Drum) are a bucket-list fish for many anglers. These copper-colored beauties can be found tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising the deeper channels. They're known for their powerful runs and their distinctive spot near the tail. While they can be caught year-round, the fall "bull red" run is something special, with large schools of oversized Reds entering the inshore waters. Hooking into one of these bulls is an experience you won't forget.

Common Carp: While not typically a target species in saltwater, Carp can be found in the freshwater areas near Charleston. These "freshwater bonefish" are known for their size and fighting ability. Carp fishing is a niche pursuit that requires specialized techniques and patience. They're most active in the warmer months and can often be seen "clooping" at the surface. While not prized for eating, catching a big Carp on light tackle can be an unexpected thrill during your Charleston fishing adventure.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. This extended half-day trip with Charleston Fishing Excursions is the real deal. You're getting 6 solid hours on the water with a captain who knows these fish like they're old friends. Whether you're aiming to fill the cooler or just want to bend a rod, this trip's got you covered. With all gear provided and the flexibility to adjust to weather conditions, you're set up for success from the moment you step on board. At $900 for the first angler and just $50 for each additional guest (up to three total), it's a sweet deal for a private charter experience. So what are you waiting for? The fish are calling, and Captain Brent's ready to put you on 'em. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of Charleston fishing you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. Let's go fishing!

Learn more about the species

Common Carp

Common Carp might not be Charleston's glamour fish, but they're a blast to catch. These golden-olive bulldozers average 15-30 inches and 4-30 pounds, with some topping 100 pounds. You'll find them in calm waters like lakes and slow-moving rivers, often rooting around the bottom. Spring and fall are best, when they move into the shallows to feed. Anglers love carp for their powerful fights and the challenge of outwitting these wary fish. To target them, use a 9-foot rod with 7-8 weight line for average fish, heavier for the big boys. Corn or bread make great baits, but boilies are the pro's choice. Here's a local tip: chum your spot with corn or breadcrumbs the day before fishing. When you cast, be stealthy - these fish spook easily. Let your bait sit still and wait for that telltale run.

Common Carp

Redfish

Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are a Charleston staple. These copper-colored beauties, with their distinctive tail spot, usually run 28-33 inches when mature. You'll find them in shallow water, often so shallow their backs break the surface. They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and mud bottoms. Fall is prime time as they school up for spawning. Anglers go crazy for their powerful runs and delicious, mild-flavored meat. To hook one, focus on water 1-4 feet deep, especially during low tide. They'll eat almost anything, but live shrimp or mullet are hard to beat. Here's a local trick: look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the mud. Cast your bait just ahead of them and hold on tight - when a big red hits, you're in for a fight!

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Spotted or Speckled Trout, are a favorite in Charleston's waters. These silvery, torpedo-shaped fish typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, shallow bays, and around oyster beds, especially at night. They love cooler water, so fall and winter are prime seasons. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their delicate, flaky white meat and the exciting topwater strikes they provide. These fish school up in deeper channels during colder months, making for some great action. To target them, try using artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. A local tip: idle along grass flats at night, casting towards shorelines. The trout's eyes reflect your headlamp, giving away their position. Remember, they have soft mouths, so set the hook gently to avoid tearing it out.

Sea Trout

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their distinctive black and white stripes, are a unique catch off Charleston's coast. These tough fighters typically weigh 1-8 pounds and grow up to 20 inches long. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs where they feast on barnacles and small crabs with their eerily human-like teeth. Spring is prime time as they form large spawning groups. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers and the reward of their sweet, white meat. To outsmart a sheepshead, use light tackle and position your boat close to structure without anchoring. Bait your hook with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp, and set it firmly - these fish are notorious for nibbling without committing. When you feel that telltale tap, give a sharp hook set to land your prize.

Sheepshead

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They're usually 15-18 inches long, but can reach 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie flat, waiting to snatch up smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for catching flounder as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of their subtle bite. To land one, try drifting or still fishing with live bait or artificial lures. A local trick: use a slip lead rig with a 1/4 to 3/8 oz head, and slowly work it along the bottom. When you feel a slight tap, resist the urge to set the hook immediately - give the flounder a moment to fully take the bait before reeling in your catch.

Southern Flounder

About the 220 Bay Scout (Bay boat)

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for some serious fishing action in Charleston? Captain Brent's got you covered with this 6-hour nearshore reef trip. You'll be targeting the big boys like Sheepshead, Red Drum, Black Drum, and Sea Trout. It's a private charter, so you and up to two buddies can have the boat to yourselves. Weather's always a factor, so if the seas are too rough, we'll switch gears and hit the inshore waters instead. Don't worry, the price will be adjusted accordingly. Flexible start times mean we can chase the best tides for maximum fish action. No need to sweat the details - all the gear, live bait, and licenses are sorted. It's perfect if you want to dip your toes into offshore fishing without straying too far from Charleston's coastline. Prices kick off at $900 for solo anglers, with an extra $50 per additional person. If the captain shows you a great time, a 20% tip is a nice way to say thanks.

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Charleston Fishing At Its Best

Make the most of your time in Charleston with an exhilarating fishing adventure led by Captain Brent Welch! Don't let the opportunity slip away – book now to experience the thrill of reeling in a big catch while enjoying the stunning waters of Charleston. Timeslots are filling up fast, so secure your spot today and get ready for a day of unforgettable fishing fun!

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