Expert-Guided Charleston Inshore Fishing Charter
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Charleston
- $500 - $900 price range
Summary
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Reels and Catches
A perfect day on the water
Creating memories
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Redfish Trophy in Charleston SC Fishing Charter
35 inch cobia today in 8 ft of water on a 2500!
Teaching young kid how to reel trophy redfish
Charleston's very own Redemption!
Hooked up in paradise!
Trophy catch of the day!
Catch of the day!
A perfect day on the water
Creating memories
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Redfish Trophy in Charleston SC Fishing Charter
35 inch cobia today in 8 ft of water on a 2500!
Teaching young kid how to reel trophy redfish
Charleston's very own Redemption!
Hooked up in paradise!
Trophy catch of the day!
Catch of the day!
A perfect day on the water
Creating memories
null
Redfish Trophy in Charleston SC Fishing Charter
Charleston's Half-Day Inshore Fishing Bonanza
Ready to wet a line in some of the Southeast's most productive inshore waters? Captain Brent's got you covered with this 4-hour fishing trip that'll have you casting for Charleston's finest in no time. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this private charter is tailored to make the most of your time on the water. We're talking about targeting the local heavyweights: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, and the ever-elusive Sheepshead.
What's the Deal?
This isn't your average boat ride. Captain Brent's dialed in on the tides and weather to make sure you're fishing when the bite's hot. You'll be slipping out of the harbor and into the rich estuaries and backwaters that make Charleston a angler's paradise. Everything you need is on board - rods, reels, tackle, and live bait that the local fish can't resist. Plus, no need to sweat the paperwork; your fishing license is covered. It's just you, your crew (up to 6 total), and the fish. And let's be real, a 20% tip for the captain if he puts you on the fish is just good karma.
Tactics and Terrain
Get ready to work those inshore honey holes like a pro. We're talking about sight casting to tailing Reds in the grass, working soft plastics along oyster beds for Trout, or dropping live shrimp near dock pilings for Sheepshead. Captain Brent's got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using popping corks to mimic shrimp or slow-trolling mud minnows for big Flounder. The shallow waters around Charleston offer a mix of sandy flats, oyster bars, and grass lines - each spot holding the potential for that next big catch. And don't worry if you're new to this; the captain's there to show you the ropes and put you on fish.
Target Species Breakdown
Redfish: These copper-colored bulldogs are the crown jewels of Charleston's inshore scene. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail, Reds can be found year-round but really turn on in the fall. Look for them tailing in shallow grass flats during high tide or cruising the edges of oyster bars. They'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures, and trust me, when a big one takes your bait, you'll know it.
Speckled Trout (Sea Trout): These spotted beauties are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. They love to ambush bait around structure, so casting near docks or grass lines can be deadly. A popping cork rig with live shrimp is hard to beat, but soft plastics work wonders too. The "speck" bite can be fast and furious when you find a school.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, these flatfish lie in wait on sandy or muddy bottoms. Late summer through fall is peak season as they fatten up for their offshore migration. Drifting live bait or working a jig slowly along the bottom is the ticket. When you feel that distinctive thump, give them a second to take the bait before setting the hook. Flounder make for some of the best eating out there, so be sure to ask about keeping a few for dinner.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and teeth that could make a dentist jealous, Sheepshead are as fun to catch as they are to look at. These structure-loving fish are notorious bait stealers, making them a true test of an angler's skill. They're around all year but really stack up on nearshore structures in the cooler months. Fresh fiddler crabs or oysters are top baits, and when you hook one, be ready for a surprisingly strong fight for their size.
Black Drum: Often overlooked but always a welcome catch, Black Drum can range from puppy drum size to over 50 pounds in inshore waters. They're bottom feeders with a soft spot for crabs and shrimp. You'll find them year-round, but spring can be particularly good as they gather to spawn. Fishing near bridge pilings or in deeper holes with fresh cut bait or crabs can put you on some big ones. They may not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they sure put up a good fight.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Charleston's inshore waters are like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get, but it's always good. One minute you're battling a bull Red, the next you're finessing a Trout out from under a dock. The variety keeps you on your toes, and with Captain Brent's local know-how, you're in for a day of non-stop action. Plus, the scenery ain't bad either - from historic waterfronts to pristine marshes, you're fishing in a postcard. And let's not forget, this is a private charter. That means it's all about you and your crew, whether you're looking to learn new techniques or just want to bend some rods and have a good time.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, Charleston's got a lot to offer, but if you're an angler (or want to be), this half-day trip is a no-brainer. You're getting a seasoned captain, all the gear you need, and a shot at some of the best inshore fishing the Southeast has to offer. Whether you're sneaking away from a family vacation or gathering the boys for a fishing showdown, this trip fits the bill. And at $450 for the first angler (plus $50 for each additional fisherman), it's a solid deal for a private charter. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and Captain Brent's ready to put you on 'em. Book your spot now and get ready to make some Charleston fishing memories. Trust me, once you feel that first tug, you'll be hooked - pun absolutely intended.
Learn more about the species
Common Carp
Common Carp might not be Charleston's most glamorous catch, but they offer a unique challenge for anglers looking to test their skills. These hefty fish average 15 to 30 inches but can grow much larger, with some topping 40 pounds. You'll find them in lakes, slow-moving rivers, and even some brackish areas. Carp are bottom feeders, rooting around in mud for insects, plants, and small crustaceans. They're most active in warm weather, with spring and early summer being prime times to target them. While not prized for eating, carp are respected for their powerful fights and wary nature. To catch carp, patience is key. Use light tackle and small hooks baited with corn, bread, or specially made "boilies." Look for muddy areas where carp have been feeding - you might see bubbles or cloudy water. A local tip: try chumming an area with corn or other bait for a few days before fishing. This can draw carp in and get them actively feeding in one spot.
Redfish
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are a staple of Charleston's inshore fishing scene. These bronze beauties, known for the distinctive spot near their tail, typically range from 20 to 30 inches in the shallows. Bigger "bull" reds over 40 inches can be found in deeper waters. You'll spot redfish tailing in shallow flats, hanging around oyster beds, or cruising marsh edges. They're year-round residents, but fall is particularly exciting as large schools gather to spawn. Anglers love targeting reds for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To hook up with a redfish, try sight-fishing in clear shallows or blind-casting around structure. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well, but artificials like gold spoons or scented soft plastics can be just as effective. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for "nervous water" - slight ripples on the surface often indicate feeding redfish. Approach quietly and make a precise cast just ahead of the disturbance.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in Charleston's inshore waters. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically range from 14 to 24 inches and put up a spirited fight when hooked. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster beds, and in deeper channels during colder months. Fall and spring are prime seasons for sea trout fishing, but you can catch them year-round. They're most active during low light conditions - dawn and dusk are golden hours. Anglers love targeting trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic technique that works wonders. For artificial lures, try soft plastics or topwater plugs. A local tip: focus on areas with moving water, like tidal creeks or around points. Sea trout often stage in these spots to ambush bait fish. Keep your retrieves slow and steady - these fish aren't known for chasing down fast-moving lures.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their distinctive black and white stripes, are a real treat to catch around Charleston. These tough fighters usually weigh 1-8 pounds, but can grow up to 20 pounds. Look for them around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster beds where they feast on barnacles and crustaceans. These fish are crafty bait stealers, known for their human-like teeth that can crush shells with ease. Winter and early spring are great times to target sheepshead as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these clever fish and appreciate their sweet, white meat on the dinner table. To improve your chances, use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Position your bait right up against pilings or structure - that's where sheepshead like to hang out. When you feel a bite, be ready to set the hook fast. These guys are experts at nibbling bait off the hook without getting caught.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of disguise, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with ease. These flatfish typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to a hefty 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans to swim by. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move towards inlets to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking these bottom-dwellers. They put up a good fight once hooked, often making several runs before coming to the boat. To land a flounder, try slow-trolling or drifting with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Keep your bait close to the bottom and be patient - flounder often take their time before committing to the bite. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a moment before setting the hook. It's all about finesse with these guys.
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
