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Charleston's Best 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 22, 2025
- Fishing
- $250 - $1,000 price range
Summary
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Lowcountry Catches
Cast off for fun on Johns Island’s serene waters.
Fishing thrills await on Johns Island’s shores.
Enjoy peaceful fishing on Johns Island, SC.
Unwind with a fishing trip on Johns Island.
Reel in adventure on Johns Island’s coastal waters
Cast your line in scenic Johns Island, SC.
Hook big catches on Johns Island’s waters.
Explore the fishing paradise of Johns Island, SC.
Discover Johns Island’s top fishing adventures.
Reel in unforgettable moments on Johns Island.
Cast off for fun on Johns Island’s serene waters.
Fishing thrills await on Johns Island’s shores.
Enjoy peaceful fishing on Johns Island, SC.
Unwind with a fishing trip on Johns Island.
Reel in adventure on Johns Island’s coastal waters
Cast your line in scenic Johns Island, SC.
Hook big catches on Johns Island’s waters.
Explore the fishing paradise of Johns Island, SC.
Discover Johns Island’s top fishing adventures.
Reel in unforgettable moments on Johns Island.
Cast off for fun on Johns Island’s serene waters.
Fishing thrills await on Johns Island’s shores.
Enjoy peaceful fishing on Johns Island, SC.
Unwind with a fishing trip on Johns Island.
Charleston's Inshore Fishing: 4 Hours of Fun
Get ready to wet a line in Charleston's rich inshore waters with Capt. Derrick of Blue Light Charters. This 4-hour trip is perfect for anglers looking to squeeze in some quality fishing time without committing to a full day. Whether you're an early bird aiming for the morning bite, prefer an afternoon adventure, or want to catch the evening magic hour, Capt. Derrick's flexible scheduling has you covered. You'll be targeting some of the Lowcountry's most prized inshore species, from the hard-fighting redfish to the crafty sheepshead, all while soaking in the natural beauty of Charleston's waterways.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as you step aboard, you'll feel the excitement building. Capt. Derrick knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish. You'll cruise through a maze of tidal creeks, marshes, and inlets, each spot holding the promise of a bent rod. The beauty of inshore fishing is its versatility - one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, the next you could be dropping baits near oyster beds for sheepshead. And don't worry about gear - Capt. Derrick provides all the tackle, bait, and even your fishing license. Just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a lucky hat!
Techniques That Hook 'Em
On this trip, you'll get to try out a variety of fishing techniques tailored to the species we're after. For redfish, we might use light tackle and artificial lures, working the grass lines and oyster rakes where these copper-colored bruisers love to hang out. When targeting speckled trout, we could be drifting live shrimp under a popping cork, a technique that's as fun as it is effective. And if we're after sheepshead, get ready for some precision fishing - these "convict fish" require a delicate touch and perfect presentation to outsmart them around dock pilings and bridge structures. Capt. Derrick will coach you through each technique, ensuring even novice anglers have a shot at landing the big one.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Captain Derrick is awesome! He accommodated our specific requests. He was great with communication, friendly and kept us safe on our adventure. I highly recommend booking your charter with Blue Light Charters! We saw a ton of dolphins, many sharks and a gorgeous sunset." - Danielle
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored fighters are the rock stars of Charleston's inshore waters. They can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds topping 40 inches. Redfish love to cruise the flats and hang around structure, often giving themselves away with their signature tailing behavior. The fall "flood tide" season is legendary, when big reds push up into the spartina grass to feed on fiddler crabs.
Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are prized for both their fight and their taste. Specks, as locals call them, are ambush predators that love to hang around current breaks and grass lines. They're most active in the cooler months, with fall being prime time. A trout's soft mouth requires finesse, making them a favorite for light tackle enthusiasts.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are often called "convict fish." Don't let their goofy buck-toothed grin fool you - these fish are notoriously tricky to catch. They hang tight to structure like dock pilings and oyster beds, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and barnacles. Catching a big sheepshead is a badge of honor for many Charleston anglers.
Black Drum: The redfish's cousin, black drum can grow to enormous sizes. While the bigger ones can be tough eating, slot-sized black drum are excellent table fare. They're often found in the same areas as redfish, using their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp from the bottom.
Southern Flounder: These masters of camouflage lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing prey that passes by. Flounder fishing requires patience and a keen eye, as they often need to be sight-fished. The satisfaction of landing a big "doormat" flounder is hard to beat, and they're some of the best eating fish in the sea.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this 4-hour trip with Blue Light Charters is the perfect way to experience Charleston's legendary inshore fishing. Capt. Derrick's local knowledge, combined with the diversity of species and beautiful scenery, makes for an unforgettable day on the water. And remember, fishing is just part of the experience - you might spot dolphins playing in the wake or see ospreys diving for their dinner. So why wait? The fish are biting, and your next great catch story is waiting to be written. Book your trip with Blue Light Charters today and get ready to make some waves in Charleston!
Customer Reviews
Dolphin Shark Sunset
Danielle M
August 14, 2024
What a fun and amazing trip! Been putting off a trip for this and that and am completely happy with todays trip!
Brittany Hammett
April 28, 2022
Had a great time! Personable and knowledgeable.
Leah Plumblee
July 27, 2022
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90. Look for them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and near pier pilings. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and distinctive drumming sound. To land one, focus on shallow mudflats and use fresh crab or clams as bait. A local secret: crush some mussels in your chum to draw them in. Use heavy tackle and circle hooks - these fish have powerful jaws that can crush oysters. For the best eating, target ones under 15 pounds. The bigger ones can be tough and less tasty. Listen closely and you might hear their mating calls underwater, a cool experience unique to drum fishing. Just remember, they're wary fish, so approach quietly and you'll have a better shot at hooking into one of these hard-fighting bruisers.
Redfish
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are a staple in Charleston's inshore fishing scene. These copper-colored beauties typically range from 20 to 30 inches, with some bulls pushing 40+ inches. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love Redfish for their hard-fighting nature and that distinctive tail spot. To hook one, try sight-fishing the flats with light tackle and live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick: look for "nervous water" or mud boils - signs of Redfish feeding. They'll eat just about anything when hungry, so don't be afraid to throw artificial lures too. Topwater plugs can provide explosive strikes in shallow water. Just remember, approach quietly. These fish spook easily, but the thrill of watching a big Red crush your bait in clear water is hard to beat.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Charleston anglers. These silver beauties typically range from 14 to 24 inches and love hanging out in grass flats and shallow waters. They're most active at night, especially around lighted docks. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they school up in deeper channels. Anglers prize them for their delicate, flaky meat and the exciting topwater strikes they provide. To catch one, try using artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs early in the morning or at dusk. A local tip: on cold days, slow down your retrieve and fish deeper holes where they congregate. Sea Trout are light biters, so use a sensitive rod and be ready for a subtle take. When you hook one, be prepared for acrobatic jumps and head shakes. It's this combination of finesse fishing and sporty fight that makes Sea Trout such a blast to catch.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are a favorite target here in Charleston. These crafty fish typically run 1-8 pounds and hang around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster beds. They're known for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time when they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait-stealers and their excellent table fare. To hook one, use light tackle and small hooks baited with fiddler crabs or clams. Get your bait right up against pilings or structure - that's where they feed. Here's a local tip: when you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are notorious for stealing bait, so give them time to really take it. It's a game of patience, but landing one of these striped tricksters is always satisfying.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they move to spawn. Anglers love targeting these fish for their tasty white meat and the challenge of spotting them. To catch one, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Use a light touch - flounder are notorious bait stealers. A local trick is to use a slip lead rig with a 1/4 to 3/8 oz head to keep your bait where the flounder are hiding. When you feel a bite, give it a second before setting the hook. These ambush predators often grab bait and hold it before swallowing, so patience pays off.
About the Robalo
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Captain Derrick is awesome! He accommodated our specific requests. He was great with communication, friendly and kept us safe on our adventure. I highly recommend booking your charter with Blue Light Charters! We saw a ton of dolphins, many sharks and a gorgeous sunset.