Expert-Guided Charleston Inshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Charleston
$500 - $900 price range
Updated Date: September 12, 2025

Summary

Looking to squeeze in some quality fishing during your Charleston visit? Captain Brent's 4-hour inshore trip is perfect for anglers short on time but big on ambition. You'll head out to prime local spots targeting a variety of fish like redfish, sea trout, flounder, and more. Everything you need is provided – rods, tackle, live bait, and licenses. The captain times your departure around the tides and weather to maximize your chances of success. It's a private charter, so you'll have personalized attention whether you're a seasoned pro or trying fishing for the first time. With room for up to 6 people, it's a great option for small groups or families. The base price covers one angler, with a modest fee for additional guests. Remember to bring some cash to tip your guide if you have a great time out there!

Expert-Guided Charleston Inshore Fishing Charter

Reels and Rods

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!

Charleston's Morning Inshore Fishing Bonanza

Ready to wet a line in Charleston's legendary inshore waters? Captain Brent's got you covered with this action-packed half-day trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you'll have a blast targeting some of the Lowcountry's most prized catches. From the iconic redfish to the elusive flounder, this four-hour adventure packs in all the excitement of a full day on the water. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to see why Charleston's inshore fishing scene is the talk of the Southeast!

Trip Overview

Kick off your day right with an early morning start, when the fish are biting and the water's calm. Captain Brent knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on the fish faster than you can say "tight lines." This private charter means you've got the whole boat to yourself and up to five buddies. No need to lug your gear – everything from rods and reels to live bait is provided. Plus, your fishing license is covered, so you can focus on what really matters: landing that trophy catch. The Captain times each trip with the tides, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of fish.

What to Expect on the Water

Get ready for some light tackle action that'll keep you on your toes. You might start off sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, or drifting live bait along oyster beds for monster trout. Captain Brent's got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using popping corks to entice those wary sea trout or working a jig slow and steady for flounder. You'll hop from spot to spot, hitting up grass flats, creek mouths, and maybe even some structure around the harbor. It's all about reading the water and adjusting your technique on the fly – that's the beauty of inshore fishing in Charleston.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though there's plenty of those. It's the way the sun paints the marsh gold as it rises. It's the splash of a redfish tail in the shallows. It's the salty breeze and the call of ospreys overhead. Charleston's inshore waters are a slice of angling paradise, and once you've experienced it, you'll be hooked for life. Captain Brent's local knowledge and easy-going style make every trip feel like you're fishing with an old buddy. Whether you're telling fish stories or learning new techniques, these four hours fly by faster than a speeding mullet.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The crown jewel of Charleston's inshore scene, these copper-colored beauties are known for their hard pulls and bulldog determination. In the shallows, you might spot their tails waving above the water as they root for crabs – a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. They're here year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools invade the flats.

Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these wily predators are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They've got paper-thin mouths, so setting the hook takes finesse. Look for them around oyster bars and creek mouths, especially during the cooler months. There's nothing quite like the distinctive 'pop' when a trout hits a topwater lure at dawn.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait to ambush their prey. Catching these flatfish requires patience and a delicate touch. They're most active in the warmer months, hanging around drop-offs and structure. When you hook one, get ready for some weight – a big flounder can put up a surprising fight.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are often called the convict fish. They're notorious bait stealers, thanks to their human-like teeth. You'll find them around pilings and oyster beds, where they use those chompers to crush crustaceans. Landing a big sheepshead is a true test of an angler's skill.

Black Drum: The redfish's cousin, black drum can grow to massive sizes. Younger ones, called puppy drum, are common catches on this trip. They love crustaceans and put up a great fight on light tackle. Listen for their distinctive 'drumming' sound – it's how they got their name.

Common Carp: While not typically targeted in saltwater, carp can be found in some of the brackish areas around Charleston. These golden giants are prized for their size and fighting ability. Hooking one is like tying into a submarine – get ready for a long, powerful battle.

Time to Book Your Spot

Charleston's inshore waters are calling, and Captain Brent's ready to show you the best of what they've got to offer. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just soak in the Lowcountry beauty, this half-day trip delivers. With all gear provided and flexible scheduling around the tides, it's the perfect way to squeeze in some quality fishing time. Remember, the boat's all yours, so bring the family or round up your fishing buddies. At $450 for the first angler and just $50 for each additional person, it's a steal for a private charter experience. Don't let another season slip by – book your Charleston inshore adventure now and get ready to make some lasting memories on the water!

Learn more about the species

Common Carp

Common Carp are hefty, golden-bronze fish that thrive in Charleston's freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers. These bottom-feeders typically range from 15-30 inches and can weigh up to 30 pounds or more. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas, often rooting around for food. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Anglers love carp for their powerful fights and the challenge of outsmarting these wary fish. When targeting carp, patience is key. Use simple baits like corn or dough balls on a hair rig. Here's a local trick: chum the area with boiled corn to attract carp, then fish with similar bait. They're incredibly strong for their size, so use sturdy tackle. Carp fishing is all about finesse - they're easily spooked, so stay quiet and avoid sudden movements. While not typically eaten in the US, catch-and-release carp fishing offers a great challenge for anglers of all skill levels.

Redfish

Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are a prized catch in Charleston's waters. These copper-colored beauties, with their distinctive black tail spot, typically range from 20-30 inches inshore. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and in deeper channels during winter. They're most active during moving tides, especially in fall when they school up. Anglers love Redfish for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. When targeting them, look for "tailing" fish in shallow water during high tide. Use live bait like mullet or crabs, or try artificial lures like gold spoons. Here's a local tip: on hot days, look for Redfish in deeper holes near oyster beds where the water's cooler. They put up a great fight, often making strong runs and head shakes. Remember, slot limits apply, so be sure to check current regulations before keeping your catch.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Spotted Seatrout, are a favorite in Charleston's inshore waters. These silver-sided fish with distinctive spots typically range from 14-24 inches. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster beds, and in deeper channels during winter. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially around moving tides. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild-flavored meat. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up for winter. When targeting Sea Trout, try using soft plastic lures or live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a local trick: listen for their distinctive "trout knock" - a popping sound they make with their air bladder. This can help you locate a school. Sea Trout put up a good fight but have soft mouths, so set the hook gently and keep steady pressure. Remember, they're sensitive to cold, so winter fishing can be hit or miss.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are a unique catch in Charleston's waters. These tough fighters typically weigh 1-8 pounds and hang around structure like docks, bridges, and oyster beds. They're infamous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs - their favorite snacks. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn near channel passes and offshore reefs. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait-stealers, and their sweet, white meat is a delicacy. When fishing for sheepshead, patience is key. Use small, strong hooks and bait like fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are notorious for nibbling bait off the hook, so give them time to really take it.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are bottom-dwelling ambush predators, typically 15-18 inches long. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, often camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms. They're masters of disguise, changing color to match their surroundings. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as they move to spawn. Anglers love targeting these fish for their delicate, mild-flavored meat and the challenge of spotting them. When fishing, use light tackle and present your bait or lure right on the bottom. A local trick: drag your bait slowly across the bottom to mimic a wounded baitfish. Southern Flounder have both eyes on their left side, which helps them spot prey while staying hidden. They're not the strongest fighters, but landing one takes skill and patience. Remember, they're "left-handed" fish, so cast slightly to their left for the best chance at a bite.

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

Captain Brent's half-day fishing trip offers a chance to explore Charleston's inshore waters and reel in some local favorites. Over four hours, you'll cast lines for redfish, sea trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, and other species that call these waters home. The captain provides all the gear you need, including rods, tackle, and live bait, so you can focus on the fishing. With flexible departure times based on tides and weather, you'll hit the water when the fish are most active. This private trip is ideal for solo anglers or small groups looking to make the most of limited time on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, Captain Brent aims to put you on the fish and show you the best of Charleston's inshore fishing scene.

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