Annual Charter Vessel License | Blue Light Charters

What This License Covers

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources issued an Annual Charter Vessel License to Bray Contracts LLC, valid from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. This license authorizes operating a chartered fishing vessel for up to six passengers at a time. The license was specific to the vessel and the operator, making it the legal foundation for guided fishing trips in South Carolina waters.

Captain Derrick Bray runs Blue Light Charters out of Johns Island. The boat is a 20-foot Robalo equipped with a 150 HP Yamaha engine, modern GPS, a fishfinder, and a wireless trolling motor, plus a livewell for live bait and an icebox for your catch and drinks. That setup lets guests fish productively across rivers, lakes, and nearshore waters.

Your Fishing Options with Captain Derrick

Captain Derrick offers several trip lengths to match your schedule and fishing goals. The shortest option gives you genuine fishing action without the full-day commitment, hitting productive waters where Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Flounder, Black Drum, and local shark species may be on the bite. If you want more time to settle in and explore different areas, a longer trip lets him adjust the plan as conditions shift and cover rivers, lakes, or nearshore waters.

For guests who have the whole day available, a full-day outing gives Captain Derrick the freedom to follow changing conditions instead of relying on a single location. You'll pursue the same mix of species across scenic waterways and productive coastal grounds. He also offers a wildlife and golden-hour cruise for those looking to see the quieter side of the Lowcountry, where dolphins, birds of prey, wild hogs, and other local wildlife appear along protected waterways.

Your target species include Largemouth Bass, Black Drum, Flounder, Redfish, Blacktip Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Sheepshead, Sea Trout, and Tripletail. Fishing techniques range from light tackle trolling, heavy tackle trolling, and bottomfishing to spinning, jigging, and popping. You choose whether to keep or release your catch.

What to Bring and Know Before You Go

All fishing equipment is provided on your trip, and your fishing license is included. South Carolina does require anglers to hold a valid fishing license, but Captain Derrick has you covered there. Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and comfortable clothes that can handle wind and spray off the water. Johns Island waters can range from calm to choppy depending on conditions, so shoes with good grip are a smart idea too.

Kids are welcome aboard, so feel free to bring them along. The boat accommodates up to four guests comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to fish and move around. Tell Captain Derrick beforehand if anyone in your group has experience fishing or if this will be your first time; he adjusts the pace and technique to match the group.

Planning Your Day on the Water

Johns Island sits in the Charleston area and offers a variety of water types within a short run of the dock. Rivers hold freshwater species and provide quieter mornings for sight fishing. Lakes support strong populations of bass and other species. Nearshore waters can hold sharks, tarpon, and coastal fish depending on season and conditions. Captain Derrick knows which water to target based on the time of year and what's active.

Visit Www.BlueLightCharters.com to check availability and book your trip. Let Captain Derrick know your skill level, target species, and preferred trip length so he can plan accordingly. The Charleston area has restaurants and lodging nearby, making it easy to combine a fishing trip with other activities if you're in town for a few days.