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Charleston's Best 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 22, 2025
- Fishing
- Charleton
- $250 - $1,000 price range
- Updated Date: November 29, 2025
Summary
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Charleston's Finest Catches
Charleston's Half-Day Fishing Adventure
Ready to wet a line in Charleston's legendary inshore waters? Hop aboard with Captain Derrick of Blue Light Charters for a half-day fishing trip that'll have you hooked. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 4-hour excursion serves up the perfect mix of action and relaxation. We'll be targeting some of the Lowcountry's most sought-after species, from hard-fighting redfish to tasty flounder, all while soaking in the stunning coastal scenery.
What to Expect on the Water
Your adventure kicks off as soon as you step on the boat. Capt. Derrick's got everything dialed in - from top-notch tackle to fresh bait and even your fishing license. No need to sweat the small stuff; just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a cold drink or two. We'll cruise through Charleston's winding waterways, from hidden creeks to wide-open flats, always on the hunt for that telltale signs of fish. Expect to try a variety of fishing techniques, adapting to what the fish are doing that day. And don't worry if you're new to this - the captain's always happy to show you the ropes.
Fishing Tactics & Hot Spots
In Charleston's inshore waters, versatility is key. We might start the day sight-casting to tailing redfish in the grass, then switch gears to drift fishing over oyster beds for trout and flounder. Capt. Derrick's got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using popping corks to mimic shrimp or working soft plastics along drop-offs. He knows all the local honey holes - from the bustling harbor to secluded backwaters where the big ones like to hide. And let's not forget about those hard-fighting sharks that'll test your drag and your biceps. Whether you're after non-stop action or that one trophy catch, we'll tailor the trip to your style.
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: These copper-colored beauties are the pride of Charleston's inshore scene. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot on the tail, redfish (also called red drum) can be found year-round in our waters. In the fall, big bull reds move into the harbor, offering the chance at a true trophy. They love to cruise the flats and hang around oyster bars, often revealing their location with a telltale tail sticking out of the water.
Speckled Trout: Don't let their delicate name fool you - these spotted speedsters put up a great fight on light tackle. Trout are ambush predators, often found around structure like docks or grass lines. They're especially active in the cooler months, and there's nothing quite like the subtle 'tick' of a trout strike. Plus, they make for some mighty fine eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are the ninjas of the inshore world. These flat fish bury themselves in the sand, waiting to ambush passing bait. While they might not win any beauty contests, flounder are prized for their tasty white meat. We typically target them around creek mouths and sandy bottoms, using a slow retrieve to tempt them into biting.
Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing their flashier cousins, black drum are like the gentle giants of Charleston's waters. They can grow to impressive sizes and put up a stubborn fight when hooked. You'll often find them hanging around bridge pilings or in deeper holes, where they use their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp from the bottom.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive set of chompers, sheepshead are one of the more unique fish you'll encounter. They're notorious bait stealers, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels. We often target them around structure like docks and jetties, where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just enjoy a peaceful morning on the water, this half-day trip with Blue Light Charters checks all the boxes. Capt. Derrick's local know-how and easygoing style make for a trip that's as fun as it is productive. With morning, afternoon, and evening slots available, it's easy to fit some fishing into even the busiest vacation schedule. So why wait? The fish are biting, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Give us a shout and let's get you out on the water for some of the best fishing Charleston has to offer!
Customer Reviews
Shark Dolphin 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 animals
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of our local waters. These cousins of the Redfish can tip the scales at 30-90 pounds, though the eating-size ones run 5-15 pounds. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds, pilings, and muddy bottoms in our estuaries. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love Black Drum for their powerful fights and deep, croaking sounds they make. They've got pharyngeal teeth built for crushing shellfish, so fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig is your best bet. Here's a local tip: if you're sight-fishing in the shallows, look for their tall dorsal fins sticking out of the water. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but man, can they put up a fight!
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of Charleston's inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive tail spots usually run 20-30 inches in the shallows, but can grow much larger offshore. You'll find them tailing in spartina grass flats, cruising oyster beds, and hanging around docks. Fall is prime time as they school up, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love Redfish for their powerful runs and their ability to thrive in super skinny water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They'll hit a variety of lures and baits, but here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their wakes or tails in the shallows and sight cast with a gold spoon or shrimp-tipped jig. There's nothing quite like watching a big Red crush your lure in six inches of water!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Charleston anglers. These silver beauties typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster beds, and in deeper channels during winter. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. They're visual predators, so look for them around bait schools or structure. Here's a local tip: try fishing with live shrimp under a popping cork at dawn or dusk. The commotion attracts trout, and when you see that cork disappear, hold on tight! These fish have soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Whether you're after a cooler full for dinner or just want some catch-and-release action, Sea Trout never disappoint.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convicts of our local waters, with their distinctive black and white stripes. These crafty fish typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structure - docks, bridges, and oyster beds are prime spots. They're notorious bait stealers with those human-like teeth, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. Spring and fall are great times to target them, but we catch 'em year-round in Charleston. Anglers love the challenge of outsmarting these clever fish, and their sweet, white meat makes for excellent table fare. Here's a local tip: use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crabs or barnacles. Get as close to the structure as you can without snagging, and when you feel that light nibble, set the hook hard. It's a game of patience, but landing a big sheepshead is always rewarding.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly with sandy or muddy bottoms. Typically 15-18 inches long, these flat fish pack a lot of fight for their size. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and even up into rivers. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn, but we catch them year-round in Charleston. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these bottom-dwellers. They're ambush predators, so look for them around structure like docks or oyster beds. My go-to trick is using a Carolina rig with live mullet or mud minnows - let it sit still, then give it a little twitch. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard and get ready for some fun. Just remember, these guys have a knack for throwing hooks at the last second!
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.