Kick off your weekend right with a 4-hour inshore fishing adventure in Mount Pleasant, SC. We'll hit the water at 7 AM sharp, ready to tangle with some of Charleston's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll cruise through Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek, dropping lines for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum. Best part? We've got all the gear and licenses covered, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
Picture this: You're sipping your morning coffee as we idle out of the marina, the sun just peeking over the horizon. The air's crisp, and there's that unmistakable salt smell that tells you you're in for a good day. We'll start by hitting some of my favorite spots – maybe those oyster beds where the reds love to hang out, or that deep hole where the big trout like to school up. I'll get you set up with the right bait and show you the techniques that work best for each species. And don't worry if you're new to this – I've got plenty of patience and love teaching folks the ropes. By the time we're done, you'll be casting like a pro and hopefully reeling in some nice fish for the cooler.
We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where. Might start with some live bait fishing, drifting shrimp or mullet near structure for those big reds. If the trout are active, we could switch to artificial lures – nothing beats the thrill of a speck smashing a topwater plug at dawn. For the flounder, we'll slow things down with some bottom bouncing techniques. I'll provide all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, all top-notch gear that's well-maintained and ready for action. We'll be fishing from my 22-foot bay boat, which is perfect for getting into those skinny water spots where the big fish hide out. It's stable, comfortable, and has plenty of room for four anglers to fish without getting in each other's way.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of our inshore waters. They put up a heck of a fight and can grow to over 40 inches long. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers. Look for that distinctive spot on their tail – some folks call 'em spot-tail bass. They love to cruise the flats and hang around oyster beds, often tailing in shallow water which makes for some exciting sight fishing opportunities.
Spotted Seatrout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They've got a beautiful spotted pattern and some seriously sharp teeth. We catch them best in the cooler months, often around grass beds and deeper holes. Early morning and late evening are prime times, especially if you want to try your hand at topwater fishing. There's nothing quite like seeing a big trout explode on a surface lure.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and taste great on the dinner table. We typically target them in the warmer months, fishing around creek mouths and drop-offs. They like to ambush their prey, so we'll use techniques that mimic a wounded baitfish. The challenge with flounder is detecting their subtle bite – I'll show you how to feel for that telltale 'thump' when they grab your bait.
Black Drum: Cousins to the redfish, black drum can grow to massive sizes. We usually catch them in the 5-30 pound range, but they can get much bigger. They're bottom feeders with a soft bite, so we'll use natural baits like crab or shrimp. You'll find them around pilings, bridges, and in deeper holes. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but they put up a great fight and are excellent eating when they're smaller.
Striped Bass: While not as common as our other targets, we do get some nice stripers in our waters, especially in the cooler months. These fish are aggressive predators and will hit a variety of lures and live baits. We often find them around structure like bridge pilings or in the deeper parts of the harbor. Landing a big striper is always a highlight of any trip.
Folks love fishing these waters because there's always something biting. One day you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in gin-clear water, the next you could be battling a bruiser black drum in the depths of the harbor. The variety keeps things interesting, and the scenery ain't bad either. You've got the historic Charleston skyline on one side and the wild beauty of the Lowcountry on the other. Plus, the fishing here is good year-round – each season brings its own opportunities and challenges. And let's not forget the potential for some real trophy fish. It's not uncommon to hook into a bull red over 40 inches or a gator trout pushing 6 pounds. Those are the kind of catches that keep anglers coming back trip after trip.
If you're looking to make the most of your weekend, this 4-hour inshore trip is hard to beat. We'll get you on the fish, teach you some new tricks, and send you home with some great memories – maybe even some fresh fillets for dinner. Remember, everything's included except your personal items, so it's as easy as showing up ready to fish. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Charleston's inshore fishing, this trip's got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially on weekends, so don't wait to book. Give me a shout, and let's get you out on the water for some of the best inshore fishing Mount Pleasant has to offer. Trust me, once you've felt the tug of a big red on the end of your line, you'll be hooked for life.
Black Drum are some of the heaviest hitters in our inshore waters. These fish can range from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 90 pounds. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds, pier pilings, and in brackish estuaries. They're bottom feeders with a taste for crustaceans, using their strong jaws to crush shells. Spring is prime time for Black Drum fishing, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love targeting them for their powerful fights and good eating quality, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To hook one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a fish-finder rig. Here's a local tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound – it can lead you right to a school. Just remember, the bigger ones can be tough and less tasty, so consider releasing those giants to fight another day.
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are a favorite target in our shallow waters. These bronze beauties typically range from 28 to 33 inches when mature, but can grow much larger. Look for them in water as shallow as 1 to 4 feet, often tailing in grass flats or cruising near oyster beds. They're year-round residents, but fall is prime time when they school up. Anglers love Redfish for their strong fights and excellent eating quality. That distinctive black spot near the tail? It's actually a false eye to confuse predators. To catch one, try live bait like shrimp or crabs, or artificial lures like topwater plugs and jigs. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails breaking the surface as they feed in shallow water. Move in quietly and make a precise cast – these fish can be spooky but the sight fishing is incredibly exciting.
Sea Trout, also known as Spotted or Speckled Trout, are a staple in our inshore waters. These fish typically range from 14 to 24 inches and weigh 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love hanging around structure and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their delicate, mild flavor and the fun they provide on light tackle. They're known for their soft mouths, so a gentle touch is key when fighting them. To catch one, try using live shrimp or artificial lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs. Here's a local tip: on cold winter days, look for them in deeper channels where they school up. Slow your retrieve in cooler water – these fish won't chase fast-moving bait when it's chilly.
Southern Flounder are a unique catch in our local 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 coastal areas, often buried in sandy or muddy bottoms where they ambush prey. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to blend in with their surroundings. Spring and fall are prime seasons for flounder fishing. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, sweet meat and the challenge of hooking these bottom-dwellers. To catch one, try slow-moving baits like live minnows or shrimp. My top tip? Use a Carolina rig with a light leader and let your bait drift slowly along the bottom. When you feel a bite, give the flounder a moment before setting the hook – they often grab prey and reposition it before fully committing.
Striped Bass, or "stripers," are a favorite around here. These powerful fish can range from 20 to 40 pounds, with some giants hitting 70 pounds. Look for them near structures like reefs, sandbars, and drop-offs, especially in cooler waters. They're known for their annual migrations, following bait fish up and down the coast. Fall and spring are prime seasons when they're feeding heavily. Anglers love stripers for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they make up for it with raw power. To catch one, try live bait like herring or menhaden, or use artificial lures that mimic their prey. Here's a local tip: during the fall migration, look for diving birds – they'll often lead you right to feeding stripers. Just be ready for a battle when you hook one of these silver-sided fighters.
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