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Charleston's Premier 6-Hour Nearshore Reef Charter

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

Summary

Want to get out on the water and catch some fish without going too far from Charleston? Captain Brent's 6-hour nearshore reef trip is perfect. You'll head just offshore to target species like Sheepshead, Red Drum, Black Drum, and Sea Trout. It's a private charter for up to three people, so you'll have the boat to yourselves. All the gear, live bait, and licenses are included - just bring yourself and be ready to reel 'em in. The captain works around the tides to pick the best fishing times. If the weather's acting up, no worries - you can switch to inshore fishing at a lower price. It's $900 for one person, plus $50 for each additional angler. Remember to tip your captain if you have a great day out there!
Charleston's Premier 6-Hour Nearshore Reef Charter

Reeling 'Em In

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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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Charleston's Nearshore Reef Fishing Adventure

Ready to reel in some of Charleston's finest nearshore catches? Captain Brent's 6-hour charter is your ticket to a top-notch fishing experience just off the coast of South Carolina. We're talking prime spots for Sheepshead, Red Drum, Black Drum, and Sea Trout - all within easy reach of Charleston's beautiful shoreline. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers the perfect blend of offshore action and coastal convenience.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out past the breakers, the Charleston skyline fading behind you as Captain Brent guides you to his secret honey holes. This private charter is all about giving you and up to two buddies the run of the boat. We keep it small, with a max of three guests, so you've got plenty of elbow room to work those rods. The nearshore reefs are teeming with life, and we'll be targeting the cream of the crop - those hard-fighting drum species and the crafty sheepshead that'll keep you on your toes.

Gear Up and Get Ready

No need to lug your tackle box - we've got you covered from stem to stern. All the gear you need is on board, from rods and reels to the live bait that'll tempt those big ones out of hiding. And don't sweat the paperwork; your fishing license is included in the package. We're all about making it easy for you to focus on what matters: landing that trophy fish. The boat's well-equipped, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a snack to keep your energy up.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Flexibility is the name of the game with this charter. We know the fish don't punch a time clock, so why should we? Captain Brent works with the tides to make sure you're hitting the water when the bite is hottest. And if Mother Nature throws us a curveball? No worries. We've got a Plan B that'll have you fishing the inshore waters, still with a shot at some great catches. It's this kind of local know-how and adaptability that keeps folks coming back year after year.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Southern Flounder: These flat masters of camouflage are a prized catch in Charleston waters. They're ambush predators, lying in wait on the sandy bottom to snatch up unsuspecting prey. Flounder fishing is an art form, requiring finesse and patience. The best time to target them is during their fall run, when they move towards the ocean to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of enticing a bite and the reward of some of the tastiest fillets around.

Sheepshead: Don't let their striped, prison-jumpsuit looks fool you - these fish are the con artists of the sea. With human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles, sheepshead are notoriously tricky to hook. They're most active in cooler months, hanging around structure like pilings and reefs. The thrill of outsmarting a sheepshead and the fight they put up make them a favorite among local anglers.

Sea Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're aggressive feeders, often found in schools, which can lead to some fast and furious action. Spring and fall are prime times for trout, but they can be caught year-round in Charleston. Anglers love their willingness to hit artificial lures and their delicate, sweet meat.

Redfish: The bulldogs of the inshore world, redfish (or red drum) are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. They're identified by their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail. Redfish can be caught year-round, but fall is particularly exciting when large schools of bull reds cruise the nearshore waters. The sheer power of these fish and their status as a premier game fish make them a top target for many anglers.

Common Carp: While not typically a target species in saltwater, carp can sometimes be found in the brackish waters near Charleston. These freshwater transplants are known for their size and strength, often weighing in at 20 pounds or more. Carp fishing is a niche pursuit that requires specialized techniques and patience. While not as glamorous as some other species, hooking into a big carp can provide an unforgettable battle on light tackle.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, here's the deal - Charleston's waters are calling, and Captain Brent's got the inside track on where the fish are biting. This 6-hour nearshore trip is the sweet spot between a quick inshore jaunt and a full-day offshore marathon. You're getting the best of both worlds: the chance at some serious fish without straying too far from the comfort of Charleston's coastline. At $900 for the first angler and just $50 for each additional friend (up to three total), it's a solid value for a private charter experience.

Remember, the ocean's always changing, and so are the fish patterns. That's why booking with a local pro like Captain Brent is your best bet for a successful day on the water. He's got the flexibility to switch things up if needed and the know-how to put you on the fish, rain or shine. So why wait? Grab your fishing buddies, pick a date, and let's get you out there. The nearshore reefs are calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss what they've got to offer. Book now, and get ready for a Charleston fishing adventure you'll be talking about long after you've docked.

Learn more about the species

Common Carp

Common carp might not be glamorous, but they put up a heck of a fight. These golden-bronze bruisers average 5-15 pounds but can top 50 pounds. Look for them in warm, shallow areas of lakes and slow rivers, often near vegetation. Spring and early summer are best as they feed aggressively and spawn. Carp fishing is all about patience and finesse. Try pack bait or sweet corn on a hair rig. Here's a tip: chum the area with corn or boilies the night before to get them feeding. Just be stealthy - carp spook easily.

Common Carp

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular gamefish. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - sometimes more than one. They love shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two deep. Reds average 5-10 pounds inshore but can reach 40+ pounds offshore. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love their hard runs and excellent table quality. Try sight fishing with gold spoons or scented soft plastics. Local secret: on hot summer days, look for reds gulping air in deeper holes and channels to stay cool.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target here. These silvery fish with spotted backs average 1-3 pounds but can reach 5+ pounds. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and deeper holes, especially at dawn and dusk. They're most active in spring and fall. Trout put up a good fight on light tackle and make excellent eating. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic method, but artificial lures like soft plastics work great too. Pro tip: when you find one trout, there's usually more nearby - work the area thoroughly before moving on.

Sea Trout

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, with distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. You'll find these tough fighters around any structure with barnacles - pilings, jetties, reefs. They typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait stealers, plus they're delicious eating. Use small, strong hooks with fiddler crabs or barnacles for bait. Here's a trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up, then drop your bait right in the mix.

Sheepshead

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. These flatfish typically range from 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're most active in fall as they move offshore to spawn. Flounder put up a good fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky meat. To catch one, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook to let the flounder fully take the bait.

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

Captain Brent's nearshore reef fishing charter offers a laid-back 6-hour adventure off Charleston's coast. You'll cruise out to prime spots where Sheepshead, Red Drum, Black Drum, and Sea Trout are known to bite. With room for up to three guests, it's a great way to spend a day on the water with friends or family. Don't worry about gear or licenses - everything you need is provided, including live bait to entice the fish. The captain keeps an eye on the weather and tides, adjusting plans as needed to ensure a safe and productive outing. If the nearshore waters are too rough, he'll switch gears to inshore fishing at a lower rate. Flexible start times let you take advantage of the best fishing conditions. This trip strikes a nice balance between offshore action and staying close to Charleston. It's perfect for anglers looking to venture a bit further out without committing to a full deep-sea excursion. Remember to bring snacks, drinks, and sun protection for a comfortable day on the boat.

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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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