Damn Good Charleston Fishing Charters

Seasonality is not an issue for our Charleston fishing guides when fishing in South Carolina's Lowcountry. The vast biodiversity, water types, and relatively temperate climate means the bite is on year-round. Whether fishing Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant or on a deep sea fishing charter out of Charleston, SC, hooking up is not an issue- the only question is the size of your rod-bending fish that comes aboard to keep you company!

View All Mount Pleasant Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Year round on fishing charters from Charleston SC, Black Drum can be found swimming alongside their smaller Redfish cousins. In the heat of summer, migrating Tarpon make their way into the bays and sounds in pursuit of schooling Menhaden and other baitfish. While Charleston isn't necessarily known for its Tarpon fishing, experienced guides know that trophies are out there. With a little patience and a bit of luck, 100+ pound Tarpon can be caught in the waters around Charleston.

One of the many prized species of Charleston inshore fishing charters is the Redfish. Cruising winding creeks and rivers on a skiff, stalking schooling Reds is some of the most peaceful fishing out there... until you get a bite.

There is no shortage of Redfish on Charleston fishing trips, and your captain will provide rigs and bait to use when targeting these violent eaters. Your Damn Good Guide will have the lowdown on the best techniques to use depending on the season and conditions. Many guides use shrimp or baitfish hooked up to a cork and jig head to target hungry bull Reds, or a soft plastic baitfish imitation. Another popular way to entice a Red is by using a spoon with a soft plastic tail to make more of a disturbance in the water. The inshore waters where Reds reign supreme are dark, muddy and full of silt. You'll need a lot of color and noise to draw attention to your bait.

Bottom fishing for flounder is productive in the spring, summer and fall. Caught year round, but especially in the colder months between fall and spring, Speckled Trout, or "Specks" can be found waiting in ambush along grass lines and oyster beds.

In the spring, Sheepshead can be found in the flats during high tide, or perusing the rocky bottomed areas near piers, jetties and bridges. Sheepshead are known as bait stealers so make sure you have your bait hooked well.

Another popular way to target Reds is on the fly. The best fly fishing in Charleston SC is done in the maze of intertidal creeks and flats that surround the city. Fly fishing allows anglers to exploit productive skinny waters that Redfish feed in. The darkness of the brackish inshore water means that sight fishing is a must. Redfish are more than happy to help you out with this as they crawl across shallow mud flats, through Spartina grass fields and up small creeks that branch out from the deeper water. Visible "tailing" Reds are easily recognizable as they prowl the shallows in search of fiddler crabs, shrimp, or anything else that moves.

The location, technique and fly choice depends on a multitude of factors ranging from seasonality and temperature patterns, to wind speed and water clarity. Your Damn Good Charleston fly fishing guide will know what to do. A 7 to a 9 weight Fly rod will suffice, and you'll have a lot of flies to choose from. Crab imitations, poppers, Clouser minnows and everything in-between; Reds will devour them all.

The waters within 10 miles of the Charleston coast contain some of the most productive fishing in South Carolina. Nearshore fishing is generally done in waters around 100 feet deep. Fishing closer to shore means less money spent on gas, and more time spent on the fish.

Artificial reefs and other seafloor structures provide an oasis for dozens of species of gamefish. Hard fighting species like Cobia, Goliath Grouper, King Mackerel, Amberjack, Snapper, Barracuda and smaller reef species can be found hunting baitfish in these nearshore waters year round. Depending on target species and season, you can expect to use live or artificial bait to troll, cast, or bottom fish. These trips are ideal for taking the family out for a fun day on the water, but make no mistake, there are monster fish lurking in the shallows. From 300 pound Goliath Grouper, to surprisingly strong Triggerfish, nearshore trips are perfect for anglers who want to switch it up and catch a variety of fish, or target specific species. There is no telling what you'll hook up to!

Hop around shallow wrecks and artificial reefs for fantastic shark fishing out of Charleston, SC, or head further offshore to troll or fish deep structure. Much like the inshore fishing, there is no shortage of biodiversity in the saltwater fisheries off the Charleston coast.

Offshore fishing charters from Charleston SC usually go more than 10 miles off the shore in waters deeper than 100 feet. Generally, offshore fishing involves targeting a variety of trophy Pelagic species around deep structure or open water. Some trips require a couple hour commute out to the prime fishing waters, while others last for multiple days.

A staple of Charleston deep sea fishing is the Wahoo fishing out of Charleston, SC. Battling a mature Wahoo is like trying to reel in a torpedo that continually changes direction. These streamlined predators commonly reach 3 to 5 feet long, weigh 50-80 pounds, and can swim up to 60 miles per hour- and Charleston offshore fishing offers an unbeatable opportunity to get after them!

They're also one of the tastiest fish in the sea. Starting in the spring, Wahoo and other popular gamefish like mahi-mahi, tuna, and the occasional Sailfish invade the deep waters off of Charleston. These fish are often caught while trolling at multiple different depths using outriggers, planing boards and artificial lures imitating bait fish or squid.

Another great strategy is to find large seaweed islands, often called "paddies", which fish use for protection and food. One of the most exciting things as an offshore fisherman is finding one of these floating oases and drawing out a massive gamefish. One well placed cast is all you need to land the fish of a lifetime!

Charleston fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Charleston include inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing. Inshore fishing is perfect for those who want to stay close to shore and catch species such as redfish, trout, and flounder. Nearshore fishing takes you a bit further out and allows you to catch species such as king mackerel, cobia, and tarpon. Offshore fishing is for the more adventurous angler and takes you out to the Gulf Stream where you can catch species such as tuna, mahi-mahi, and billfish.

Some of the most common fish to catch in Charleston include redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, king mackerel, cobia, tarpon, tuna, mahi-mahi, and billfish. Charleston fishing charters often visit landmarks such as Fort Sumter and the Ravenel Bridge, providing a unique perspective of the city while you fish. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there's a Charleston fishing charter that's perfect for you.

Charleston, South Carolina is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. With its diverse waterways and abundant marine life, there are plenty of great spots to cast a line. Here are some of the best places to fish in Charleston, whether you're looking to go on a fishing charter or just fish from the shore:

1. Folly Beach Pier - This iconic pier offers great fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers, with a variety of fish species to catch.

2. Charleston Harbor - The harbor is home to a wide range of fish, including redfish, trout, and flounder. Fishing charters are available for those who want to explore the deeper waters.

3. Kiawah Island - This barrier island is known for its pristine beaches and excellent fishing. You can fish from the shore or book a fishing charter to explore the nearby creeks and marshes.

4. Wando River - The Wando River is a popular spot for catching redfish, trout, and sheepshead. Fishing charters are available for those who want to venture further out into the river.

5. Cooper River - This river is home to some of the biggest fish in the area, including catfish, bass, and striped bass. Fishing charters are recommended for those who want to navigate the river's strong currents.

6. Isle of Palms Pier - This pier offers great fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers, with a variety of fish species to catch. Fishing charters are also available for those who want to explore the deeper waters.

7. Bulls Bay - Bulls Bay is a remote area that offers excellent fishing for redfish, trout, and flounder. Fishing charters are recommended for those who want to explore the area's hidden creeks and marshes.

While Charleston fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this charming city. Take a stroll through the historic district and admire the beautiful architecture, or visit the Charleston City Market for unique souvenirs and local goods. For a taste of the Lowcountry, indulge in some delicious seafood at one of the many restaurants in the area. If you're looking for some outdoor fun, head to Folly Beach for a day of sun and sand, or explore the beautiful gardens at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. For history buffs, a visit to Fort Sumter National Monument is a must-see. And don't forget to take a sunset sail on the harbor for breathtaking views of the city skyline.