Pro Angler Inshore Fishing in Mount Pleasant

Published Date: September 11, 2025
Fishing

South Carolina
$450 - $600 price range

Summary

Ready for an early morning fish? Join Captain J Hook Charters for a 4-hour inshore trip around Mount Pleasant's rich waters. We'll head out at 7 AM, cruising through Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek. Our target? Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, and Black Drum. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to test your skills or someone hoping to improve your technique, this trip's got you covered. Your captain knows these waters inside and out, offering expert guidance and local knowledge to boost your chances of a great catch. We provide all the gear and licenses, so just bring yourself and any personal items you might need. It's a straightforward way to experience some of South Carolina's best coastal fishing without any hassle. The boat can take up to 4 guests, making it perfect for a small group or family outing. Don't miss this chance to reel in some of Mount Pleasant's finest fish – book your spot now and get ready for a productive day on the water.

Pro Angler Inshore Fishing in Mount Pleasant

Reels and Rods

Angler with a large white catfish in South Carolina

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Lowcountry fishing moment

Channel Catfish caught while fishing in Mount Pleasant

Calm morning in Mt Pleasant

Reel in the Big Three: Redfish, Trout, Flounder

Get ready for a top-notch inshore fishing adventure with Captain J Hook Charters in Mount Pleasant, SC. We're talking prime fishing grounds in Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek, where the redfish, trout, and flounder are always biting. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to up your game, this 4-hour trip is your ticket to some of the best inshore action around. We'll get you on the water bright and early at 7 AM, so you can make the most of those prime morning hours when the fish are hungry.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your average boat ride, folks. We're here to fish, and fish hard. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be hitting all the local hotspots. We're targeting the inshore slam - redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder - plus some hefty black drum if they're in the mood. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in the grass, the next you're working a popping cork for trout over an oyster bed. And don't forget about those doormat flounder lurking around the dock pilings. Your captain will be right there with you, offering tips and tricks to help you land that trophy catch.

Techniques That Get Results

We're not messing around when it comes to gear. You'll be using top-of-the-line rods, reels, and tackle - all included in your trip. We'll be employing a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. Expect to do some live bait fishing with mud minnows or shrimp, but we'll also have artificial lures on hand for those who prefer to work a jig or topwater. Your captain will show you the ropes on reading the water, spotting fish, and presenting your bait just right. It's all about finesse in these shallow waters, and by the end of the trip, you'll be working those lures like a pro.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewels of inshore fishing around here. These copper-colored bruisers can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds pushing 40 inches or more. They love to cruise the flats and marshes, often tailing in shallow water as they root for crabs. The best part? They fight like crazy, making long runs and testing your drag. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch quality reds year-round in Charleston.

Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are the ultimate light tackle game fish. These silver beauties with their distinctive spots can be finicky, but when you find a school, it's non-stop action. They love to hit topwater lures at first light, creating heart-stopping explosions on the surface. Spring and fall are your best bets for big trout, with some gator-sized specimens topping 5 pounds.

Southern flounder might not look like much, but don't let their flat appearance fool you. These ambush predators lie in wait on the bottom, ready to pounce on unsuspecting bait fish. They're masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. The challenge is in the presentation - you've got to work that bait right in front of their nose. But when you hook up, it's like fighting a submarine. Fall is flounder season around here, with some real doormats in the 5-pound range not uncommon.

Black drum are the often-overlooked cousins of the redfish, but they can provide some serious pull on light tackle. These bottom-feeders have a more subtle fight than reds, but what they lack in initial burst, they make up for in stamina. They love hanging around structure, so we'll target them near bridges, docks, and jetties. The cool thing about black drum is their size range - you might catch a 2-pounder or a 20-pounder on any given day.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, there's a reason why Mount Pleasant is becoming a go-to spot for inshore fishing. The variety of species, the year-round action, and the stunning backdrop of the Lowcountry - it's hard to beat. Plus, with everything provided, from licenses to top-notch gear, all you need to do is show up ready to fish. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip delivers. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the feeling of that first big redfish peeling line off your reel as the sun comes up over the marsh.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Mount Pleasant's finest inshore species, this is your chance. With only 4 spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't be the one left standing on the dock wishing you'd booked sooner. Grab your fishing buddies, set that alarm clock, and get ready for a morning of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. Whether you're after your personal best redfish or just want to fill the cooler with some tasty trout and flounder, Captain J Hook Charters has got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Book now and let's get fishing!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, often reaching 20-40 pounds. These bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and structure in brackish areas. Look for them in depths from just a few feet down to about 30 feet. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers dig Black Drum for their strong fight and tasty meat, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They're not picky eaters, so fresh crab, shrimp, or cut bait on the bottom will do the trick. Here's a local tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound - it can give away their location. When you hook one, be ready for a stubborn battle. They don't make long runs, but they'll use their weight to bulldog you. Patience and steady pressure are key to landing these powerful fish.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of Mount Pleasant's inshore scene. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-27 inches in the shallows, with bulls over 40 inches cruising nearshore waters. You'll find them tailing in grass flats as shallow as a foot deep, or prowling oyster bars and dock pilings. They're year-round targets, but fall is prime time when big schools gather. Anglers love reds for their powerful fights and their distinctive tail spot. They'll crush topwater lures, but also readily take live or cut bait. Here's a local trick: on flooding tides, look for "nervous water" - it often signals feeding reds. When you hook up, be ready for strong runs and dogged battles. There's nothing quite like watching a big red power across a shallow flat, leaving a wake like a submarine. It's sight fishing at its finest.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also known as Spotted Seatrout, are a staple in Mount Pleasant's inshore waters. These sleek predators usually run 14-20 inches, though gators over 24 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them around grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges in 3-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temps are mild. Anglers love trout for their willingness to hit lures and their delicate, white meat. They put up a good fight on light tackle, often making several runs and head shakes. For consistent action, try a live shrimp under a popping cork. Work it with sharp jerks to mimic fleeing bait. My local tip: focus on points where grass flats meet deeper water - trout love to ambush bait in these transition zones.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are a prized catch around Mount Pleasant. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically run 15-18 inches but can reach up to 33 inches. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, so look for them camouflaged on the bottom. Fall is prime time as they move to spawn offshore. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They have a subtle bite, so stay alert. My go-to rig is a Carolina-style setup with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Work it slowly along the bottom, giving occasional twitches. When you feel weight, don't set the hook right away - give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait. It's a game of patience, but landing a big doormat is worth the wait.

Striped Bass

Striped Bass, or "stripers," are a favorite around Mount Pleasant. These silver-sided fighters typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, with some topping 50. You'll find them in the harbor, around bridge pilings, and in deeper channels. They're structure-oriented, so focus on drop-offs and current breaks. Spring and fall are prime, when they're actively feeding during their migration. Anglers love stripers for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting spirit. They're also excellent table fare. Live bait like menhaden or mullet works well, but artificials like topwater plugs or swimbaits can trigger explosive hits. Here's a local trick: look for diving birds - they often signal feeding stripers below. When you hook up, be ready for powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. It's an adrenaline rush that keeps anglers coming back for more.

About the Epic (Center console)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for an early morning adventure? Join us at 7 AM for a 4-hour fishing trip in Mount Pleasant's rich waters. We'll cruise through Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek, targeting prized catches like redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and black drum. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to polish your skills, our expert captain provides hands-on guidance and local knowledge to boost your chances of success. We've got all the gear and licenses covered, so just bring yourself and any personal essentials. It's a straightforward way to experience South Carolina's bountiful coastal fishing scene without any hassle. Book your spot now and get ready to cast a line in some of the area's most productive fishing grounds.

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