Expert-Guided 6-Hour Inshore Fishing in Charleston

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Mount Pleasant, SC
$200 - $700 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of inshore fishing in Charleston? This 6-hour trip with Happy Dog Charters is all about maximizing your time on the water and putting you on the fish. We'll start by catching live bait, then head out to explore multiple prime fishing spots. Our flexible approach means we can move around to find the best action, or stick to one area if the bite is hot. You'll have plenty of chances to target popular inshore species like Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Sheepshead. We use proven techniques that work well for both experienced anglers and those new to saltwater fishing. With a 3-person capacity, you'll get personalized attention from your guide. This trip is perfect for anglers who want to dive deep into the Charleston inshore fishing scene and really get a feel for what makes it special. Expect a laid-back day filled with fishing, learning, and enjoying the beautiful coastal waters.

Expert-Guided 6-Hour Inshore Fishing in Charleston

Charleston's Inshore Bounty

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

Redfish caught during fishing tour in SC

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Reel in the Action: 6-Hour Inshore Fishing

Hey there, fellow anglers! If you're itching to get out on Charleston's inshore waters and tangle with some serious fish, you've come to the right place. Our 6-hour private trip is the real deal – we're talking about a full-on fishing adventure that'll have you hooked from start to finish. We'll kick things off by catching our own bait (nothing beats fresh bait, trust me), then we'll hit up all the prime spots where the big boys like to hang out. This ain't no rush job – we're here to put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.

What's the Deal?

Look, here's how it goes down. We load up the boat, head out to some killer spots, and get after it. We're talking Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Sheepshead – the whole inshore crew. I'll show you the tricks of the trade, whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line in the salt. We'll keep moving if we need to, chasing the bite all over Charleston's backwaters. But if we stumble onto a hot spot? Buddy, we're gonna park it and wear 'em out. This trip is all about putting fish in the boat and smiles on faces.

Fishing Know-How

Alright, let's talk shop. Inshore fishing in Charleston is a whole different ballgame. We might be tossing live shrimp under a popping cork for trout, or sight-casting to tailing reds in the grass. Maybe we'll soak some cut mullet for big drum, or try to tempt a sheepshead with fiddler crabs. I've got all the gear you need – light tackle setups perfect for inshore work. We'll match our tactics to what's biting, using everything from artificial lures to live bait. And don't worry if you're new to this – I'll walk you through every cast, every hookset. By the end of the day, you'll be fishing like a local.

Fish Tales

No customer reviews provided for this trip.

What's Biting?

Let's break down the stars of the show, shall we? First up, we've got Redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Charleston's inshore waters. They'll test your drag and your patience, especially when they're tailing in the grass flats. Reds can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to big ol' bull reds pushing 40 inches. They're here year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up and feed aggressively.

Next, we've got Speckled Trout. Don't let the name fool you – these guys are more leopard than trout. They're known for their spotted backs and their soft mouths, which means a light touch on the hookset. Specks love to ambush bait around oyster bars and creek mouths. They're most active in the cooler months, and there's nothing quite like the "pop" of a trout hitting a topwater lure at dawn.

Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world. They're not much for looks, but man, can they pull. These bottom-feeders love structure and will happily munch on crabs and shrimp all day long. They're here year-round, but spring and fall see them really turn on. Landing a big black drum is like winching up a Volkswagen – it's a workout, but so worth it.

Last but not least, we've got Sheepshead. These striped convicts are the bane of many anglers, known for their light bites and their uncanny ability to steal bait. But when you hook up, hold on tight. Sheepshead put up a heck of a fight and taste amazing on the plate. They love structure, so we'll target them around pilings and reefs. Winter is actually prime time for sheepshead, when other species slow down.

Time to Get Hooked Up

Listen, if you're looking for a day on the water that's gonna stick with you, this is it. We're talking about 6 hours of non-stop fishing action in some of the best inshore waters Charleston has to offer. Whether you're dreaming of that bull red tailing in the grass or the thump of a gator trout, we've got you covered. Bring your A-game, a good attitude, and maybe a snack or two – I'll handle the rest. The fish are out there, and they're calling your name. So what do you say? Let's get out there and make some memories. Book your trip now, and I'll see you at the dock!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em here, are a blast to catch. These silvery, spotted fish usually run 1 to 3 pounds, but trophy-sized gator trout can top 5 pounds or more. You'll find them in the grass flats, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but sea trout bite year-round. They're most active at dawn and dusk, often feeding aggressively on the surface. Trout are known for their soft mouths, so a light touch when setting the hook is key. Anglers love targeting sea trout for their willingness to hit artificial lures and their delicious, flaky white meat. They're not the hardest fighters, but they make up for it with their acrobatic jumps and head shakes. A local tip: try working a popping cork rig with a live shrimp about 18 inches below. The sound of the cork imitates feeding fish and can really get the trout fired up. Just pop it every few seconds as you slowly retrieve.

Sea Trout

Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are a favorite target for Charleston anglers. These bronze-backed beauties typically range from 3 to 15 pounds inshore, with some real giants lurking in deeper waters. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, hanging around oyster beds, or cruising the edges of marshes. Redfish love structure, so look for them near docks, pilings, and submerged logs. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round. They put up a great fight, often making strong runs and some impressive head shakes. Redfish are also excellent table fare, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. When fishing for reds, try using live or cut mullet on a Carolina rig. A local trick is to look for diving birds – they'll often lead you right to schools of redfish feeding on bait. Just remember to approach quietly, as these fish can spook easily in shallow water.

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 full day of fishing in Charleston's inshore waters? This 6-hour trip gives you plenty of time to experience the best of what our local fishery has to offer. We'll start by catching fresh bait, then hit multiple hot spots in search of Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Sheepshead. Our approach is flexible - we'll keep moving to find the action, but if we stumble upon a honey hole, we'll stick around and make the most of it. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to saltwater fishing, we'll use proven techniques to put you on fish and ensure you have a great time on the water. With room for up to 3 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. No need to rush - we've got all day to track down the species you're after and create lasting memories of your Charleston fishing adventure.

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