Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Charleston Harbor

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Charleston
$345 - $978 price range

Summary

Ready for some classic Charleston fishing? Join Captain Scott for a laid-back 4-hour trip right in Charleston Harbor. It's just you and a buddy on this private outing, with plenty of chances to reel in local favorites like Bluefish, Black Drum, and Redfish. The captain knows all the good spots, so you'll be in prime fishing territory. Heading out at 7:30 AM gives you that sweet morning bite time. No worries if plans change - you can cancel for free up to a week before. At $518 for two people, it's a solid half-day on the water without breaking the bank. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Scott will make sure you have a great time out there. Grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the harbor!

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Charleston Harbor

Harbor Hauls

Summer Flounder caught in SC during fishing tours

Morning bite in Charleston Harbor

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Redfish caught on a fishing trip in South Carolina

Redfish for today!

A redfish caught in Charleston, South Carolina

Awesome catch: redfish

Reel in the Fun: Charleston's Inshore Fishing Adventure

Get ready to wet a line in the heart of Charleston's bustling harbor! This 4-hour inshore fishing trip with Captain Scott is your ticket to a morning of rod-bending action and coastal scenery. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to try your luck, this private charter for two is the perfect way to experience some of the best fishing spots Charleston has to offer. From the moment you step aboard at 7:30 AM, you'll be in for a treat as you target a variety of hard-fighting inshore species that call these waters home.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you meet Captain Scott at the dock, you'll know you're in good hands. He'll get you set up with quality gear and share his local knowledge as you cruise out into Charleston Harbor. This isn't some cookie-cutter tour – it's a real fishing trip tailored to what's biting and where they're hanging out. You might find yourself casting around oyster beds for redfish, working deep channels for black drum, or drifting live bait for bluefish. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you could be battling a bulldogging sheepshead, the next you're reeling in a acrobatic Spanish mackerel. And with just you and your fishing buddy on board, there's plenty of elbow room and personal attention from the captain.

Fishing Techniques & Hot Spots

Captain Scott knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put that knowledge to work to put you on the fish. Depending on the tide, weather, and what's running, you might use a mix of techniques. Light tackle spinning gear is the name of the game here, perfect for feeling those subtle bites and battling fish in the shallow waters. You could be tossing soft plastics around dock pilings, working topwater lures over grass flats, or soaking cut bait in deeper holes. Some days, slow-trolling with live bait is the ticket. The captain will clue you in on the best presentation and how to work your bait or lure. Charleston Harbor is full of fishy structure – from the jetties at the harbor mouth to the bridges and docks lining the shoreline. You'll hit several productive spots during your trip, maximizing your chances of a cooler full of fish and some great photos to show off back home.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Sheepshead: These striped bandits are a favorite target for local anglers, and for good reason. They put up a great fight and taste delicious on the dinner table. Sheepshead love structure, so you'll often find them around pilings, rock piles, and oyster beds. They're notorious bait stealers, so a quick hookset is key when you feel that telltale tap-tap on your line. Spring and fall are prime times to target sheepshead, but you can catch them year-round in Charleston.

Redfish: Also known as red drum or spot-tail bass, redfish are the crown jewel of Charleston's inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties can range from small "rat reds" to bull reds over 40 inches. They're known for their powerful runs and tend to hang around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Fall is the peak season when big schools of bull reds come into the harbor to spawn, but you can catch them all year. There's nothing quite like seeing a redfish's spotted tail waving in the shallows as it roots for crabs.

Ladyfish: Don't let their delicate name fool you – ladyfish are some of the most acrobatic and fun-to-catch fish in the harbor. Often called "poor man's tarpon," these silver missiles will leap and dance across the water when hooked. They're not known for their table fare, but for pure fishing excitement, it's hard to beat a school of ladyfish blitzing bait on the surface. You'll often find them in the warmer months, and they're a blast on light tackle.

Spanish Mackerel: When the water warms up in late spring and summer, Spanish mackerel arrive in force. These toothy speedsters are a blast to catch, often striking lures at high speed and making blistering runs. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Trolling small spoons or casting jigs to feeding schools are effective tactics. Spanish mackerel are also excellent eating, with firm, flavorful meat that's great on the grill.

Bluefish: Aggressive and hard-fighting, bluefish are a staple of Charleston's inshore waters. These chompers will attack just about anything that moves, making them a great target for both experienced anglers and newcomers. They range in size from small "snappers" to hefty 10-pounders. Bluefish often travel in schools, so when you find them, get ready for non-stop action. They're most abundant in the warmer months but can be caught year-round. While some folks aren't fans of their strong flavor, fresh bluefish can be delicious when prepared right.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Charleston's inshore waters offer a fishing experience that's hard to beat. The combination of diverse species, beautiful scenery, and year-round action keeps anglers coming back for more. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just enjoy the thrill of the catch, this trip has you covered. And let's not forget the convenience – you're fishing in protected waters close to shore, so seasickness is rarely an issue. Plus, with the flexible cancellation policy, you can book with confidence knowing your plans are covered if something comes up. Captain Scott's local expertise means you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of Charleston's waterways and learning techniques you can use on future trips.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to get in on the action? This 4-hour inshore trip with Charlestowne Coastal Charters is the perfect way to experience the best of Charleston's fishing scene. For just $518, you and a buddy can enjoy a private morning on the water with an experienced local captain. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just soak in the coastal atmosphere, this trip delivers. And remember, with the 7-day free cancellation policy, you've got nothing to lose by securing your spot now. The fish are biting, the scenery is stunning, and Captain Scott is ready to show you why Charleston is a top-notch inshore fishing destination. Don't let this opportunity slip away – check the calendar, pick your date, and get ready for a memorable day on the water. Tight lines and see you at the dock!

Learn more about the species

Bluefish

Bluefish are the bulldogs of Charleston's inshore waters. These aggressive predators usually run 2-5 pounds, but choppers over 10 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them wherever there's bait - inlets, beaches, and even up in the rivers. They're most abundant from spring through fall. Bluefish are known for their savage strikes and powerful fights. Anglers love them for the pure excitement factor. While not the best table fare, they're fun to catch on light tackle or even fly gear. To hook into some blues, try casting metal lures or topwater plugs into feeding frenzies. My tip: use a wire leader, as their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke!

Ladyfish

Ladyfish are the acrobats of Charleston's inshore waters. These long, slender fish usually run 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 5. You'll find them in bays, estuaries, and along beaches, often in big schools. They're most active in warmer months. Ladyfish are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked - they'll jump and skip across the surface like mini tarpon. While not prized for eating, they're a ton of fun on light tackle. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and wild fights. To catch them, try small jigs or live shrimp under a popping cork. My tip: use a fluorocarbon leader, as their small, sharp teeth can slice through mono. When you hook one, keep your rod tip high to enjoy the show!

Redfish

Redfish are a blast to catch in the shallows around Charleston. Also called red drum, they're easily spotted by that black spot near the tail. Most are in the 3-8 pound range, but big bulls over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them tailing in super skinny water, sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster beds and grass flats. Fall is peak season as they school up. Anglers can't get enough of their strong runs and hard pulls. Plus, they're excellent eating. For best results, try sight-casting with light tackle. My go-to lure is a gold spoon, but live shrimp or mullet work great too. Just remember to fish slowly and quietly - redfish spook easily in shallow water.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are one of the quirkier fish you'll catch around Charleston. These striped "convict fish" typically run 1-8 pounds and hang out near structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. What makes them unique is their human-like teeth, perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn offshore. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their tasty white meat and the challenge of catching them. They put up a good fight too. My tip: use a small, strong hook with fiddler crab or oyster as bait. Get it right next to pilings or other structure and be ready - these guys are crafty!

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are speed demons that show up in Charleston waters from spring through fall. These sleek, spotted fish typically run 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 12. Look for them in open water near the inlets, often in large schools chasing bait near the surface. They're most active on incoming tides. Anglers love Spanish macks for their blistering runs and tasty flesh. They're also great for introducing kids to fishing - the action can be fast and furious when you find a school. To catch them, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind a planer. My favorite technique is to cast small, shiny lures into feeding frenzies. Just watch those teeth when unhooking them!

About the Charlestowne Coastal Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Ready for some quality fishing in Charleston? Captain Scott's got you covered with this 4-hour private trip in the harbor. You and a buddy can hop aboard at 7:30 AM and spend a fun morning on the water, trying your luck with species like Bluefish, Black Drum, and Redfish. At $518, it's a sweet deal for a personalized experience at some of Charleston's top fishing spots. No need to stress about plans changing either - you can cancel for free up to a week before. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to wet a line, this half-day outing is a great way to enjoy the local waters and hopefully reel in some nice catches. Check out the available dates and lock in your trip - it's an awesome way to spend a morning in Charleston!

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