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Recently Booked Tarpon Fishing Charters In Charleston, Sc
Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Charleston
Charleston Low Country Adventure
Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Charleston
Inshore Fishing - 24’ Blazer Bay
Nearshore Fishing Charter in Charleston
3/4 Day Nearshore Fishing Frenzy!
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Top Types of Tarpon Trips in Charleston
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Target Species in Charleston
- Get it while it's HOT!
- This species is in play.
- You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
- Couldn't tell ya! (no data)
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Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Charleston
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Nearshore Fishing Charter in Charleston
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Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Charleston
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Inshore, River Fishing Charter near Charleston
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Everything to Know About Booking a Charleston tarpon fishing charter
What are the best tarpon fishing charters in Charleston?
The best tarpon fishing charters in Charleston are:
Why should I book a tarpon fishing charter in Charleston with Captain Experiences?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 5 tarpon trips in Charleston, and the most popular trips in the area are 3/4 Day Nearshore Fishing Frenzy! guided by Johnston, Inshore fishing - 24’ Blazer Bay guided by Johnston, and Inshore aboard Sportsman Bay Boat guided by Adam.
Our guides in Charleston are rated a 4.75 out of 5 based on 3806 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.
All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.
Looking for kid friendly tarpon guides / fishing lessons in Charleston? Check out our beginner and family friendly tarpon guides in Charleston.
What types of tarpon fishing charters are common in Charleston?
Inshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing for tarpon in Charleston as well as nearshore fishing, river fishing, and flats fishing.
The most common fishing techniques in Charleston are light tackle fishing, artificial lure fishing, and sight casting but topwater fishing and cut bait fishing are popular as well.
How much do Charleston tarpon fishing charters cost?
Prices for tarpon in Charleston can range anywhere from about $568 to $1,700, but the average price for a half day trip for tarpon in Charleston is $729. The average price for a full day trip for tarpon in Charleston is $1,148.
Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?
Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.
Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.
Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.
What month is best for tarpon fishing in Charleston?
The most popular season for tarpon fishing in Charleston is summer, and most anglers book their trips 15 days in advance.
Do I need a Charleston fishing license for tarpon and what are the bag limits for tarpon in Charleston?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in Charleston, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Charleston. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Charleston.
What is tarpon in Charleston all about?
In Charleston, South Carolina, tarpon fishing offers anglers an exhilarating opportunity to target one of the ocean's most prized gamefish. Tarpon, known for their impressive size, acrobatic leaps, and fierce fights, inhabit the coastal waters around Charleston, particularly during the warmer months. These powerful fish are often found in estuaries, nearshore flats, and along the coastline, where they feed on baitfish and crustaceans. Anglers from around the world flock to Charleston for the chance to battle these magnificent silver kings.
The tarpon fishing season in Charleston typically peaks during the summer months, from June through August, when water temperatures rise and baitfish populations increase. During this time, tarpon migrate along the coast, following schools of baitfish and congregating in areas with abundant food sources. Anglers often target tarpon using live bait such as mullet or crabs, as well as artificial lures like swimbaits and topwater plugs, presenting them in areas where tarpon are known to frequent.
Once hooked, tarpon put up an incredible fight, testing the angler's skill and equipment to the limit. These powerful fish are known for their acrobatic leaps out of the water and long, blistering runs. Anglers must be prepared with heavy-duty tackle, strong fishing line, and sturdy rods and reels capable of withstanding the immense pressure exerted by these silver giants. Landing a tarpon is considered a badge of honor among anglers, and successfully releasing one after a thrilling battle is a testament to both the angler's prowess and the resilience of these magnificent fish. Overall, tarpon fishing in Charleston offers anglers an unforgettable and adrenaline-pumping experience on the water.
What are the most popular months to fish for tarpon in Charleston?
In Charleston, South Carolina, the tarpon fishing season is largely influenced by water temperatures and migratory patterns. Typically, the tarpon season in Charleston aligns with the warmer months, spanning from late spring through early fall. During this time, water temperatures rise, creating optimal conditions for tarpon to migrate along the coast and feed voraciously on baitfish and crustaceans.
Late spring marks the beginning of the tarpon season in Charleston, as water temperatures start to climb and baitfish become more abundant. As summer progresses, tarpon become more prevalent along the coastline, congregating in estuaries, nearshore flats, and along the beaches. This period offers anglers prime opportunities to target these majestic fish as they move closer to shore in search of food.
As fall approaches and water temperatures begin to cool, the tarpon season in Charleston starts to wind down. While some tarpon may still be present in the area, their numbers typically decline as they begin their migration to warmer waters further south. Anglers looking to target tarpon during this time may need to adjust their tactics or venture to different locations along the coast. Overall, the tarpon season in Charleston provides anglers with a limited but rewarding window of opportunity to pursue these iconic fish in the coastal waters of South Carolina.
What techniques are popular for catching tarpon in Charleston?
In Charleston, South Carolina, anglers employ various techniques to target tarpon, known for their powerful fights and acrobatic leaps. One effective method for tarpon fishing in Charleston is live bait fishing. Anglers often use live mullet, crabs, or large shrimp rigged on circle hooks and present them in areas where tarpon are known to frequent, such as estuaries, nearshore flats, and along the beaches. Live bait fishing allows anglers to mimic natural prey items and entice strikes from hungry tarpon.
Another productive technique for tarpon fishing in Charleston is sight casting. This method involves visually spotting tarpon cruising in shallow waters and presenting lures or flies directly in front of them. Anglers often use lightweight spinning gear or fly fishing equipment to make accurate casts to the tarpon. Successful sight casting requires stealth and precision, as tarpon can be easily spooked by noise or sudden movements.
Once hooked, tarpon put up a formidable fight, testing the angler's skill and equipment. Anglers must be prepared with heavy-duty tackle, strong fishing line, and sturdy rods and reels capable of withstanding the intense pressure exerted by these powerful fish. Fighting a tarpon requires patience and perseverance, as these fish are known for their long runs and aerial displays. Overall, tarpon fishing in Charleston offers anglers an exhilarating and challenging experience on the water.
What other species are popular in Charleston?
Aside from the thrilling pursuit of tarpon, Charleston, South Carolina, offers anglers a diverse range of other species to target for an exciting fishing adventure. One popular species among anglers is the redfish, also known as red drum, a prized inshore species known for its powerful runs and delicious taste. Redfish can be found in the shallow bays, estuaries, and marshes throughout the Charleston area, providing anglers with ample opportunities for sight casting and shallow water fishing.
Another prized gamefish in Charleston's waters is the speckled trout, also known as spotted seatrout, renowned for its delicate flavor and impressive fighting abilities. Speckled trout can be found in the same shallow waters as redfish, particularly in areas with submerged structure such as oyster beds and grass flats. Anglers often target speckled trout using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs.
For anglers seeking offshore adventures, Charleston offers opportunities to target a variety of pelagic species such as king mackerel, mahi-mahi, and tuna. These fast-swimming predators inhabit the offshore waters near Charleston and provide anglers with exhilarating battles and memorable catches. Whether targeting inshore species like redfish and speckled trout or venturing offshore for pelagic predators, Charleston provides anglers with a diverse and rewarding fishing experience throughout the year.
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Other Fishing Species in Charleston
- Almaco Jack
- Amberjack
- Barracuda
- Black Drum
- Black Seabass
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blacktip Shark
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefish
- Bonnethead Shark
- Bull Shark
- Cobia
- Flounder
- Gag Grouper
- Hogfish
- Jack Crevalle
- Kingfish
- Mahi Mahi
- Red Snapper
- Redfish
- Sailfish
- Scamp Grouper
- Scup
- Sheepshead
- Spadefish
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Triggerfish
- Tripletail
- Vermillion Snapper
- Wahoo
- Weakfish
- White Marlin
- Whiting
- Yellowfin Tuna
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What's biting in Charleston?
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