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Expert-Guided 6-Hour Inshore Fishing in Charleston

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Mount Pleasant, SC
  • $200 - $700 price range
  • Updated Date: September 8, 2025

Summary

Ready for a full day of Charleston Harbor fishing? This 6-hour trip with Happy Dog Charters is perfect for anglers looking to really explore the inshore waters. We'll start by catching live bait, then hit multiple prime spots to track down the best action. There's no rush - we're all about finding the fish you came for, whether it's Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, or Sheepshead. We use tried-and-true techniques to put you on fish, adapting our approach based on what's biting. This trip is great for both seasoned saltwater anglers and newcomers alike. With room for up to 3 guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast and reel in some memorable catches. The harbor's got a mix of flats, channels, and structure that hold fish year-round, so we've always got options. Bring your camera - between the fishing and the scenery, you'll want to capture the day.
Expert-Guided 6-Hour Inshore Fishing in Charleston

Charleston Harbor Hookups

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One angler fishing in SC

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Redfish caught in SC on fishing tour

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Redfish catch in Mount Pleasant

The best bait? A perfect cast!

Angler catches 24-inch fish while fishing in SC

Saltwater fishing excitement in South Carolina!

Scenic view of Mount Pleasant landscape

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

Redfish caught during fishing tour in SC

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Best fishing tours in SC

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Scenic fishing tour in SC

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Person enjoying fishing tours in Mount Pleasant

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Redfish caught on fishing tour in SC

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One angler fishing in SC

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Redfish caught in SC on fishing tour

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Redfish catch in Mount Pleasant

The best bait? A perfect cast!

Angler catches 24-inch fish while fishing in SC

Saltwater fishing excitement in South Carolina!

Scenic view of Mount Pleasant landscape

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

Redfish caught during fishing tour in SC

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Best fishing tours in SC

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Scenic fishing tour in SC

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Person enjoying fishing tours in Mount Pleasant

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Redfish caught on fishing tour in SC

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One angler fishing in SC

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Redfish caught in SC on fishing tour

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Redfish catch in Mount Pleasant

The best bait? A perfect cast!

Angler catches 24-inch fish while fishing in SC

Saltwater fishing excitement in South Carolina!

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Redfish & Trout: Charleston's Inshore Slam

Hey there, anglers! Ready for a real Charleston fishing adventure? This ain't your average half-day trip – we're talking six full hours of non-stop action in the heart of Charleston Harbor. We'll be chasing the cream of the crop: redfish and speckled trout, with a shot at black drum and sheepshead too. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip is designed to put you on fish and keep those rods bent.

What's the Deal?

First things first – we're gonna start by catching our own bait. There's nothing like fresh bait to get those fish fired up. Once we're loaded up, we'll hit the hotspots. I'm talking oyster beds, grass flats, and deep channels – wherever the fish are biting. We don't just sit in one spot all day; we'll keep moving until we find the action. And when we do? Hold on tight, 'cause it's game on!

How We Fish

We use a mix of techniques to get those fish in the boat. For redfish, we might be sight-casting to tailing fish in the shallows or working deep holes with cut bait. Trout? We'll likely be throwing soft plastics under a popping cork or working topwater lures at first light. It all depends on the conditions and what the fish are doing that day. I'll show you the ropes, and before you know it, you'll be hooking up like a pro.

Fish You'll Be Chasing

Redfish are the kings of Charleston inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers can grow over 40 inches long and put up one heck of a fight. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be working docks, oyster bars, and grass lines. The best part? They'll eat just about anything when they're hungry.

Speckled trout are our other main target. These spotted beauties are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic jumps. They're most active in cooler months, but we can find them year-round if you know where to look. Nothing beats the sound of a trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn.

Black drum are like redfish's bigger, uglier cousins. They can grow to over 100 pounds, though we usually catch them in the 5-20 pound range. They're not the prettiest fish, but man, do they fight hard and taste great.

Sheepshead are the thieves of the inshore world. With their human-like teeth, they're experts at stealing bait. But when you hook one, you're in for a treat. They fight like crazy and are some of the best eating fish in the harbor.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been fishing these waters for years, and I still get excited every time I leave the dock. There's something special about Charleston Harbor – the way the sun rises over the bridge, the dolphins playing in our wake, the pelicans diving for bait. And when you add in the chance to catch some of the best inshore fish on the East Coast? It's no wonder people can't get enough.

Time to Get Your Lines Wet

So, what do you say? Ready to experience the best of Charleston inshore fishing? This extended half-day trip gives you plenty of time to really get into the action. We'll catch bait, hit multiple spots, and do whatever it takes to put you on fish. And hey, even if the bite is slow (which doesn't happen often), you're still spending a beautiful day on the water with great company. Don't wait – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Let's make some memories and catch some fish!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are the bread and butter of Charleston inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers can range from "puppy drum" size up to bull reds over 40 inches. Look for them tailing in shallow flats at high tide, often in water so skinny their backs are out of the water. They love hanging around oyster beds and creek mouths. Fall is prime time when big schools push into the shallows, but we catch them year-round. Reds are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights - even a smaller one will give you a workout. They're also great eating fish, with a sweet, firm flesh. If you want to land a big red, try sight-casting with cut mullet on a circle hook. Let them pick it up and start to run before you engage the reel - that circle hook will do the rest, setting right in the corner of the mouth.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite target in Charleston Harbor. These fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a sporty fight on light tackle. You'll find them around grass flats and oyster bars, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but we can catch them year-round. Anglers love sea trout for their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare - they've got a mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. When fishing for specks, try using a popping cork with a live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise attracts them, and once they investigate, that shrimp is hard to resist. Just remember to set the hook quickly - they've got soft mouths and can throw the hook if you're not paying attention.

Sea Trout

About the The Bay Reef

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for an action-packed fishing adventure in Charleston Harbor? Join us for a 6-hour trip designed to give you the full inshore experience. We'll kick things off by catching our own bait, then hit multiple prime spots in search of Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Sheepshead. This trip is all about maximizing your time on the water and putting you on the fish. We'll keep moving until we find the hot bite, using proven techniques to increase your chances of success. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to saltwater fishing, you'll have a blast reeling in Charleston's prized inshore species. With room for up to 3 guests, it's the perfect outing for a small group or family. Don't miss this opportunity to explore Charleston's rich fishing grounds and create lasting memories on the water.
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Join Happy Dog Charters for a day on the water with Captain Chris Gay, exploring the best fishing spots in Mount Pleasant, SC. Book your trip today and enjoy a fun-filled experience targeting Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, and more!

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