%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F11201%2Fimages%2Fcaptainj.png&w=1200&q=100)
Top-Rated Inshore Fishing in Mount Pleasant, SC
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- South Carolina
- $450 - $600 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F921e46f4-f27a-4fb4-99c3-deb07599d5b0%2Fratecard%2Fredfish.png&w=1200&q=75)
Lowcountry Catches
Charleston Harbor hookup
Lowcountry fishing success
Casting lines near Isle of Palms
Big smiles, Mt Pleasant bite
null
null
Lowcountry fishing moment
Calm morning in Mt Pleasant
Backwater bite is on
Topwater fun in Mt Pleasant
Charleston Harbor hookup
Lowcountry fishing success
Casting lines near Isle of Palms
Big smiles, Mt Pleasant bite
null
null
Lowcountry fishing moment
Calm morning in Mt Pleasant
Backwater bite is on
Topwater fun in Mt Pleasant
Charleston Harbor hookup
Lowcountry fishing success
Casting lines near Isle of Palms
Big smiles, Mt Pleasant bite
Reel in the Action: 4-Hour Charter Fishing
Hey there, anglers! Ready to wet a line in some of South Carolina's most productive inshore waters? Captain J Hook Charters has got you covered with our 4-hour morning trip out of Mount Pleasant. We'll hit the sweet spots around Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek, targeting the local favorites that keep fishermen coming back year after year. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip is tailor-made for a good time on the water. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's get after some fish!
What to Expect on the Water
Our day kicks off bright and early at 7 AM, perfect timing to catch the fish when they're most active. We'll cruise out from Mount Pleasant, taking in the sights of the beautiful Lowcountry coastline as we head to our first fishing spot. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you might be casting near oyster beds for redfish, the next you could be drifting for trout in deeper channels. We provide all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, plus your fishing license is covered. Just bring yourself, some snacks, and a cooler for your catch. Oh, and don't forget the camera – these waters are known for some impressive photo-worthy catches!
Techniques That Land the Big Ones
On this trip, we'll use a mix of techniques to target different species. For redfish, we might do some sight casting in the shallows or use popping corks near grass lines. When we're after trout, we'll often drift with live bait or work artificial lures. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse, so we'll show you how to work the bottom with slow retrieves. Don't worry if you're new to these methods – your captain will be right there to guide you through each technique. We use light to medium tackle, which means even smaller fish put up a fun fight. And hey, there's nothing quite like the thrill of feeling that first tug on the line!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bulldogs are a favorite among local anglers. They love to hang around structure and can often be spotted tailing in shallow water during high tide. Redfish put up a great fight and are known for their powerful runs. The best part? They're delicious on the grill!
Spotted Seatrout: Also known as speckled trout, these fish are abundant in our waters year-round. They're known for their speckled pattern and have a soft mouth, which makes for an exciting and challenging catch. Early morning is prime time for trout, so our 7 AM start gives us a great shot at landing a few.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are the ninjas of the inshore world. They lie flat on the bottom, waiting to ambush prey. While they might not put up the strongest fight, the challenge is in the catch – you've got to have a keen eye and quick reflexes to hook these flat fish.
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish can grow to impressive sizes. They're often found near structure and put up a stubborn fight. Black drum have a distinctive "croaking" sound, earning them the nickname "sea puppy" among some anglers.
Striped Bass: While not as common as some other species, stripers are a prized catch when we come across them. They're known for their hard strikes and powerful runs. Catching a striper in these waters is always a highlight of any trip.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks love our 4-hour trips because they pack a lot of action into a manageable timeframe. It's long enough to get on some good fish, but short enough that you're not wiped out for the rest of the day. Plus, morning fishing often means calmer waters and more active fish. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some of the best fishing Mount Pleasant has to offer. And let's be honest – there's something special about being out on the water as the sun comes up, rod in hand, waiting for that next big bite. It's the kind of experience that turns first-timers into lifelong fishing enthusiasts.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and see what's biting, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 4-hour charters are perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to squeeze in some quality fishing time. Remember, we're limited to 4 guests per trip to ensure everyone gets plenty of attention and fishing time. So don't wait – the fish are calling, and Captain J Hook Charters is ready to get you on them. Book your spot today, and let's make some fishing memories in the beautiful waters of Mount Pleasant!
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a blast to catch inshore. They typically run 14-24 inches and hang out in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. In winter, they school up in deeper channels. These fish have a mild, delicate flavor that's hard to beat - just be careful not to overcook the tender white meat. Anglers love targeting them for their willingness to hit artificial lures and tasty fillets. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the fish move in and out of the estuaries. One local trick: try slow-trolling soft plastics like Gulp! shrimp along grass edges on an incoming tide. The sea trout will often stack up there to ambush bait. Keep your drag set light, as they have soft mouths and tend to shake hooks loose easily.
Redfish
Southern flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom waiting to strike. They typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters, bays and estuaries. Fall is the best time as they move to spawn offshore. Anglers love targeting them for their excellent table fare - some of the best eating fish around. Their camouflage makes them tricky to spot, which adds to the challenge. For best results, try drift fishing or slow-trolling with live bait like mullet or shrimp. One local tip: work your bait right along the bottom with a slow, bumping retrieve. When you feel that telltale thump, give the flounder a second or two to get the bait in its mouth before setting the hook.
Sea Trout
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family, with some topping 90 pounds! Most you'll catch run 5-30 pounds though. They love hanging around oyster beds and mud flats in brackish water. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers target them for their strong fights and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The bigger ones can be tough and not as tasty. Black drum use those chin barbels to root out crabs and shellfish, so fresh crab or shrimp are top baits. Here's a local trick: on a falling tide, look for "tailing" drum with their tails waving above the surface as they dig for food in shallow water. Ease up quietly, drop a piece of crab nearby, and hold on!
Southern Flounder
Redfish are a favorite target around here, growing up to 28-33 inches on average. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs sticking out! They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mud bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers get fired up for the fight these fish put up and their excellent table fare. That signature black spot near the tail is actually a decoy to fool predators. When you're out there, try working topwater lures like Skitter Walks early in the morning - the explosive strikes are a blast. For best results, look for "tailing" redfish with their tails waving above the surface as they root around for crabs and shrimp in the shallows. Just ease up quietly and make an accurate cast past them, then work it back into their feeding zone.
Striped Bass
Striped bass, or stripers, are hard-fighting fish that'll test your gear. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 70! Look for them around structures like reefs, sandbars, and drop-offs. Stripers love moving water, so target them near shorelines and inlets. Spring and fall migrations offer the best action as they chase baitfish up and down the coast. Anglers prize them for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To boost your chances, try casting live eels or big swimming plugs around dawn or dusk when the fish are most active. One local tip: keep an eye out for working birds - that often means stripers are pushing bait to the surface. Motor upwind of the action, cut the engine, and drift into casting range for some exciting topwater hits.
About the Epic (Center console)
%2F%2Fusers%2F921e46f4-f27a-4fb4-99c3-deb07599d5b0%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fboat.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
