%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
- Updated Date: September 11, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F921e46f4-f27a-4fb4-99c3-deb07599d5b0%2Fratecard%2Fredfish.png&w=1200&q=75)
Coastal 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 Lowcountry: Beginner's Inshore Adventure
Ready to wet a line in some of South Carolina's most productive inshore waters? Captain J Hook Charters has you covered with this beginner-friendly morning trip out of Mount Pleasant. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to polish your skills, you'll be targeting the Lowcountry slam - redfish, trout, and flounder - plus some bonus species in the rich waters of Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek. With all gear provided and an expert guide at the helm, you're in for a fish-filled start to your day.
What to Expect on the Water
Rise and shine, anglers! We'll meet at the dock at 7 AM, just as the sun's warming up the flats and getting the fish active. This 4-hour trip is perfect for early risers looking to make the most of the morning bite. You'll be fishing from a comfortable, stable boat designed for inshore waters, so no worries if you're new to boating. The captain will run you through a quick safety briefing, then it's time to start casting. We'll hit a mix of spots - from oyster beds where redfish love to tail, to deeper channels where trout hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - one minute you might be sight-casting to reds in skinny water, the next you could be working a jig along the bottom for flounder.
Tactics for Inshore Success
Inshore fishing in Mount Pleasant is all about versatility. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. You might start off tossing live shrimp under a popping cork - a local favorite for trout and redfish. Or, if the fish are being finicky, we might switch to soft plastics worked along the bottom. For flounder, we'll often use a Carolina rig with a mud minnow - these flatfish can't resist it. The captain will show you the ropes on casting, working your bait, and setting the hook. By the end of the trip, you'll have a solid grasp of the basics and might even be outfishing the pros!
What Anglers Are Saying
"This was a great trip. We started early and timed the morning bite well. He got us on fish immediately. Cat fishing was awesome. He is knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend this trip to novice and experienced anglers." - Kyle
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewel of Lowcountry inshore fishing. They love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, often giving themselves away with their characteristic "tailing" behavior as they root for crabs in shallow water. Reds in the 18-27 inch range are common, but don't be surprised if you hook into a bull red over 40 inches! They fight hard and are excellent table fare.
Spotted Seatrout: These speckled beauties are a staple of inshore fishing in Mount Pleasant. They're known for their delicate bite and acrobatic jumps once hooked. Trout love to hang around depth changes and structure, often schooling up in cooler months. The "gator" trout (over 20 inches) are prized catches, but even the smaller ones put up a great fight on light tackle.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom waiting for bait to pass by. They're most active in the warmer months and can often be found near drop-offs and in deeper holes. While they might not fight as hard as other species, the challenge of hooking them and their excellent taste make them a favorite target.
Black Drum: Cousins to the redfish, black drum are often found in the same areas but tend to stick to slightly deeper water. They use their sensitive barbels to root out crustaceans and can grow to impressive sizes. Smaller "puppy drum" are great eating, while the big ones (some over 80 pounds!) are usually released as trophies.
Striped Bass: While not as common as the other species, stripers can be a exciting surprise catch in the cooler months. They're often found around structure and in deeper channels, hitting hard and fighting all the way to the boat. The population has been improving thanks to conservation efforts, making them an increasingly viable target for Mount Pleasant anglers.
Time to Book Your Spot
This beginner-friendly inshore trip with Captain J Hook Charters is the perfect way to get your feet wet in the world of Lowcountry fishing. With a mix of species to target, hands-on instruction, and the beautiful backdrop of Charleston Harbor, you're in for a morning you won't forget. Whether you're looking to bend a rod for the first time or hoping to dial in your inshore skills, this trip has something for everyone. The early bite won't wait - grab your spot now and get ready to make some fishing memories in Mount Pleasant!
Customer Review
Fish On Frenzy
Kyle Gulbranson
August 18, 2025
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, often reaching 30 to 40 pounds. These bruisers hang out near oyster beds and muddy bottoms in Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek. They're easily recognized by their silvery-black color and distinctive "croaking" sound. Spring's the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love Black Drum for their powerful fights and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To hook one, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. Here's a local secret: fish the outgoing tide around structure for your best shot at a big one. Just be ready for a workout – these fish don't give up easily!
Redfish
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are the rockstars of Mount Pleasant's inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties, sporting a distinctive black spot near their tail, typically range from 20 to 30 inches in our waters. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, especially during high tides when they're hunting for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but they're catchable year-round. Anglers love Redfish for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To hook one, try sight-casting with live bait or artificial lures in shallow water. Local tip: look for "nervous water" or tailing fish in grassy areas during flood tides. The thrill of watching a Redfish chase down your lure in clear, skinny water is hard to beat.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Spotted Seatrout, are a staple in Mount Pleasant's inshore fishing scene. These sleek, spotted fish typically run 14 to 24 inches long. You'll find them lurking around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in Shem Creek and Charleston Harbor. They're most active in spring and fall, especially around dawn and dusk. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To catch one, try using live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures that mimic small baitfish. Here's a local trick: focus on areas with moving water and structure, and vary your retrieve speed to trigger strikes. The "speckled" pattern on these fish makes them a beautiful catch, and their fight on light tackle is hard to beat.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are a prized catch in Mount Pleasant's inshore waters. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches long. You'll find them in shallow, sandy or muddy bottoms of coastal areas, bays, and estuaries. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the bottom to ambush prey. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing, as they move to deeper waters for spawning. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild-flavored meat. To catch one, try still fishing or drift fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local tip: use a slow retrieve and feel for that distinctive "thump" when a flounder strikes. It's a unique fishing experience that'll test your patience and skill.
Striped Bass
Striped Bass, or "stripers," are a blast to catch in Mount Pleasant's waters. These silvery fish with distinct black stripes can grow up to 30 inches long here. You'll find them cruising around structure in Charleston Harbor, especially near bridges and deeper channels. Fall and spring are prime seasons when they're chasing baitfish. Stripers are known for their hard-hitting strikes and strong fights, making them a favorite among anglers. They're also great eating fish. To land one, try casting lures that mimic their favorite prey – menhaden or mullet. A local tip: early mornings or evenings around moving tides can be magical for striper fishing. Keep an eye out for birds diving – that's often a sign of stripers feeding on the surface.
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
This was a great trip. We started early and timed the morning bite well. He got us on fish immediately. Cat fishing was awesome. He is knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend this trip to novice and experienced anglers.