Custom Charleston Inshore Charter | Happy Dog

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Mount Pleasant, SC
$200 - $700 price range
Updated Date: September 8, 2025

Summary

Ready for a day on the water that's all about you? Happy Dog Charters offers custom half-day trips in Charleston Harbor that blend fishing and cruising however you like. Want to chase big redfish? We'll hit the best spots. Rather take it easy and see the sights? We'll cruise by historic landmarks and look for dolphins. Or mix it up with a bit of both - it's your call. With room for 3 guests, this trip is perfect for small groups or families who want to tailor their experience. Our local guides know these waters inside and out, so you're in for a great day whether you're casting lines or just taking in the views. From serious anglers to casual sightseers, we've got you covered. Give us a shout, and let's plan a Charleston Harbor adventure that's exactly what you're after.

Custom Charleston Inshore Charter | Happy Dog

Charleston Harbor Highlights

Beautiful sunset after a sunset charter, great fish and great sunsets

Redfish caught during fishing tour in SC

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Custom Charleston Harbor Adventure

Get ready for a day on the water that's all about you with Happy Dog Charters. We're talking a half-day trip that blends the best of Charleston Harbor fishing with laid-back cruising. Whether you're itching to reel in some big ones or just want to soak in the sights, we've got you covered. Picture yourself casting for trophy redfish one minute, then gliding past Fort Sumter the next. It's your trip, your way, and we're here to make it happen.

Trip Overview

This ain't your average cookie-cutter charter. We're talking a 4-hour slice of Charleston Harbor heaven, tailored to whatever floats your boat. Wanna focus on fishing? We'll hit the honey holes where the redfish and trout are biting. More interested in a scenic tour? We'll cruise by some of the coolest historic spots and secret local hangouts. And if you're after a mix of both? No problem - we'll piece together the perfect combo. With room for up to 3 guests, it's an ideal setup for a family outing, a friends' fishing trip, or even a date with a twist. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack), and we'll handle the rest.

What to Expect on the Water

Once we shove off, the Charleston Harbor becomes our playground. If fishing's on the menu, we'll gear you up with top-notch rods, reels, and bait. Don't sweat it if you're new to this - we'll show you the ropes, from casting to reeling in the big ones. We might try some light tackle fishing around oyster beds for redfish, or drift fishing for trout in deeper channels. If sightseeing's more your speed, we'll cruise at a relaxed pace, giving you plenty of time to snap photos and spot dolphins. And hey, if you want to mix it up, we can always drop a line while we're cruising between landmarks. It's all about going with the flow and making the most of your time on the water.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

There's something special about the flexibility of this trip that keeps people coming back for more. One day you might be battling a bull redfish, the next you're learning about the Civil War as we float by Fort Sumter. It's never the same trip twice, which is part of the magic. Plus, being out on the water gives you a whole new perspective on Charleston. You'll see parts of the city most tourists never get to, from hidden creeks to exclusive waterfront homes. And let's not forget the wildlife - from playful dolphins to soaring ospreys, there's always something cool to spot.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These bruisers are like the heavyweight champs of inshore fishing. They can grow up to 40 inches and put up one heck of a fight. Black drum love hanging around structure, so we'll often target them near pilings or oyster beds. They've got a distinctive "drumming" sound they make, which is pretty cool to hear when you're reeling one in. Best part? They're great eating fish if you catch a smaller one.

Sheepshead: Don't let those funny-looking teeth fool you - sheepshead are smart cookies and a blast to catch. They're masters at stealing bait, so hooking one takes some skill (which we're happy to teach you). We usually find them around barnacle-covered pilings or near rock jetties. Spring and fall are prime sheepshead seasons in Charleston Harbor. These striped beauties are also delicious, with firm, white meat that's great for grilling.

Sea Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are a favorite among light tackle anglers. They're quick, they hit hard, and they're not afraid to put on an aerial show. We often find them in deeper holes or around grass flats, especially during incoming tides. Fall is trophy trout season in Charleston, but you can catch them year-round. If you're into artificial lures, sea trout are a perfect target.

Redfish: Ah, the redfish - the crown jewel of Charleston inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties can range from little "rat reds" to massive bull reds over 40 inches. We target them in shallow water, often sight-casting to tailing fish in the grass. There's nothing quite like watching a big red crush your bait in crystal clear water. They're around all year, but fall is when the big boys come out to play. And trust me, once you hook into a bull red, you'll be hooked for life.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking for a unique way to experience Charleston, this custom trip is the ticket. It's all the good stuff about being on the water, wrapped up in a package that's built just for you. No cookie-cutter tours, no rigid schedules - just you, your crew, and a whole lot of possibilities. So why not give it a shot? Grab your spot now, and let's cook up an adventure you'll be talking about long after you're back on dry land. Trust me, the harbor's calling, and you don't want to miss this call.

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats. These guys love structure, so look near pier pilings and inlets. Spring's your best bet for catching them, as they school up to spawn. Drum are fun to target because of their powerful pull and that distinctive drumming sound they make. They're also good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. When fishing for Black Drum, patience is key. Use fresh crab or clams on the bottom, and wait for that telltale thump. A local trick: try scraping some barnacles off the pilings to create a chum slick - it'll bring them right in.

Redfish

Redfish are the rockstars of our inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties typically range from 20-30 inches, but can grow much larger. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and in tidal creeks - sometimes in water so skinny their backs are exposed! They're year-round residents, but fall is prime time when they school up. Anglers love Redfish for their powerful runs and their ability to turn a calm day into an adrenaline rush. They're also excellent eating. When targeting Reds, keep an eye out for "tailing" fish - their tails sticking up out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Live bait like mullet or crabs works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. Pro tip: on calm days, try topwater lures for some explosive surface strikes.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. They usually run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. During winter, they school up in deeper channels. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. They're suckers for live shrimp, but artificial lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs work great too. Here's a local secret: try fishing the tide changes, especially the last of the outgoing tide. That's when trout often feed most actively. And remember, a slow retrieve usually works best - these guys like an easy meal.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, with their distinctive black and white stripes. These sneaky biters typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. You'll find them year-round, but they really bunch up in early spring for spawning. Folks get a kick out of targeting sheepshead because of their human-like teeth and their notorious bait-stealing skills. They're also excellent table fare, with sweet, white meat. When fishing for them, get as close to the structure as you can - they rarely stray far from cover. Use small hooks and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a tip: when you feel that nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. These guys are masters at stripping bait, so give them time to really take it.

About the The Bay Reef

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for a personalized day out on Charleston Harbor? Happy Dog Charters offers custom half-day trips that blend fishing and sightseeing to match your interests. Whether you're keen to reel in some prized Redfish or simply want to cruise the scenic waterways, we'll craft the perfect outing. Explore hidden coves, check out historic sites from the water, or keep an eye out for playful dolphins as we navigate the harbor. With room for up to 3 guests, it's an ideal way to experience Charleston's coastal beauty your way. No cookie-cutter tours here - just tell us what you're after, and we'll make it happen. From serious anglers to casual sightseers, we've got you covered. Give us a shout to plan your tailor-made Charleston Harbor adventure!

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