Expert-Guided 6-Hour Fishing Charters in Charleston

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

$250 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Join Capt. Derrick for a 6-hour fishing adventure in Charleston's diverse waters. You'll have your pick of morning or afternoon trips, giving you plenty of time to find the hot spots. We'll hit up rivers, lakes, and nearshore areas, targeting popular catches like Redfish, Sheepshead, Flounder, and even some local shark species. With all gear and licenses provided, you can focus on reeling in the big ones. Charleston's calm waters and rich marine life make for great fishing, whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started. Capt. Derrick knows these waters inside and out, so you're in for a real local experience. It's a laid-back way to spend a day on the water, soaking up Charleston's fishing culture at your own speed. Perfect for pairs looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy some quality time casting lines.

Expert-Guided 6-Hour Fishing Charters in Charleston

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Charleston's 6-Hour Fishing Bonanza

Ready to hit the water and reel in some of Charleston's finest? Capt. Derrick's 6-hour private charter is your ticket to a full-on fishing adventure. Whether you're an early bird or prefer an afternoon on the water, this trip's got you covered. We'll cruise through Charleston's network of rivers, lakes, and nearshore hotspots, giving you plenty of time to find where the fish are biting. From battling redfish to outsmarting sheepshead, this extended trip lets you really dig into the local fishing scene. And the best part? Everything's taken care of - gear, bait, even your fishing license. All you need to bring is your game face and maybe a cold drink or two.

What to Expect on the Water

Stepping aboard Capt. Derrick's boat, you're in for a treat. We're talking calm waters, rich fishing grounds, and enough time to really get a feel for Charleston's aquatic playground. This isn't your quick in-and-out trip - we've got six solid hours to work with. That means more casts, more catches, and more chances to land that fish story you'll be telling for years. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Capt. Derrick's got the know-how to put you on the fish. And with a max of two guests, you're getting a personalized experience that big charter boats just can't match.

Techniques & Hotspots

On this trip, we're pulling out all the stops. We might start off bottom fishing for black drum and sheepshead around structure, then switch it up to some light tackle action for speckled trout. If the redfish are running, we'll hit the flats and sight cast to tailing reds - it's like hunting, but on the water. Capt. Derrick's always got his finger on the pulse of what's biting where, so we'll adjust our game plan to maximize your chances. And don't be surprised if we end up tangling with some of the local shark population - nothing gets the heart pumping like feeling that first run!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Charleston's waters are teeming with gamefish, and on a 6-hour trip, we've got a good shot at a mixed bag. Let's break down some of the stars of the show:

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a Charleston staple. They love to hang around oyster beds and grass flats, often giving themselves away with their distinctive tail out of the water. Redfish put up a hell of a fight and can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds topping 40 inches. Fall is prime time for big schools, but we catch 'em year-round.

Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy grin fool you - these striped bandits are master bait stealers. They hang around pilings and bridges, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Sheepshead fishing is an art form, requiring finesse and patience. But when you hook one, you're in for some of the best eating fish in the sea.

Southern Flounder: These masters of camouflage lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing their prey. We target them around drop-offs and creek mouths, often using live bait or soft plastics. Flounder fishing heats up in the fall as they start their migration, but we can find them most of the year. And trust me, there's nothing like the satisfaction of landing a doormat flounder.

Black Drum: Cousins to the redfish, black drum are the gentle giants of inshore waters. They use their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shellfish from the bottom. While they can grow to over 100 pounds, we usually target the smaller "puppy drum" in the 5-20 pound range. These fish are great for beginners as they're not as spooky as some other species.

Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): These spotted beauties are a light tackle favorite. We often find them around grass edges and oyster rakes, especially on moving tides. Trout fishing can be fast and furious when they're schooled up, and their soft mouths make for an exciting fight on light gear. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we can catch them year-round in Charleston.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Charleston's waters that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the marsh gold as we're sneaking up on tailing reds. Or it could be the heart-stopping moment when a big trout slams your topwater lure. For some, it's the pure relaxation of drifting along, rod in hand, waiting for that telltale thump. Whatever it is that hooks you, one thing's for sure - a day on the water with Capt. Derrick is more than just fishing. It's a chance to slow down, tune into nature, and maybe learn a thing or two about Charleston's rich fishing heritage.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the fish we'll catch and the good times we'll have, but at some point, you've just gotta get out there and experience it for yourself. This 6-hour trip with Capt. Derrick is the real deal - enough time to really dig into what Charleston fishing is all about, without taking up your whole day. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to bend a rod and make some memories, we've got you covered. The fish are out there waiting, and Capt. Derrick's ready to put you on 'em. So what do you say? Let's get those lines wet and see what Charleston's got in store for us today. Book your trip now and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget.

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Southern Flounder are a prized catch here in Charleston. These flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. Most run 15 to 18 inches, but trophies can reach 33 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find flounder in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, so look for them around structure like docks, pilings, and drop-offs. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn, but we catch 'em spring through fall. Flounder fishing takes patience, but it's worth it. They're known for their light, delicate meat - some of the best eating fish out there. Plus, hooking one is always a surprise since they blend in so well. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to turn the bait in its mouth. Count to three, then set it hard. Gets 'em every time!

Redfish

Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Charleston anglers. These sleek, spotted fish typically run 14 to 24 inches and 1 to 5 pounds, though some giants can hit 40 pounds. You'll find Sea Trout in our estuaries and grass flats, often in water 3 to 6 feet deep. They love to hang around structures like oyster bars and creek mouths. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but we catch 'em year-round. Trout are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, delicate flavor that's hard to beat. Anglers love targeting them for both the action and the table fare. Here's a local trick: try fishing with live shrimp under a popping cork. The noise attracts the trout, and they can't resist a lively shrimp. Work it with short, sharp pops and hang on - the bite can be explosive!

Sea Trout

Sheepshead are a favorite target for many Charleston anglers. These striped fish, nicknamed "convict fish," typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush shellfish. You'll find Sheepshead around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, and pilings are prime spots. They're here year-round, but winter and early spring are peak seasons when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, making them a fun challenge to catch. They're also excellent table fare, with sweet, white meat. Locals love 'em for their taste and the satisfaction of outsmarting these crafty fish. Here's a tip: use a small, sharp hook and keep your line tight. When you feel the lightest tap, that's often a Sheepshead testing your bait. Set the hook quick and firm - they've got tough mouths!

Sheepshead

Black Drum are the unsung heroes of Charleston fishing. These big, powerful fish can range from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. Look for their distinctive whisker-like barbels under the chin. You'll find Black Drum in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds and other structures. They're bottom feeders, so we'll target them in deeper channels and holes, especially during spring and fall. Drum put up a stubborn fight, using their size to their advantage. It's a real workout bringing in a big one. While the smaller fish (under 15 pounds) are great eating, we often release the larger ones. These fish make a unique croaking or drumming sound, which is pretty cool to hear. For bait, fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom is hard to beat. Just remember to be patient - when you feel that thump, give it a second before setting the hook.

Southern Flounder

Redfish are a blast to catch and a staple in Charleston waters. You'll find 'em in the shallows - we're talking 1 to 4 feet deep - around oyster beds, grass flats, and mud bottoms. They typically run 28 to 33 inches, but the big boys can hit 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for that signature black spot near the tail, which helps 'em trick predators. These fish love structure, so we'll target docks, pilings, and oyster reefs. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Redfish put up a great fight and are delicious on the plate - mild and sweet. For bait, live shrimp is hard to beat, but they'll hit artificial lures too. My go-to trick is working a topwater plug slowly across the flats at dawn or dusk. When you see that big swirl behind your lure, hold on tight - it's gonna be a fun ride!

About the Robalo

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for a laid-back day on the water? Join Captain Derrick for a 6-hour fishing trip in Charleston's scenic waterways. Whether you prefer a morning or afternoon outing, you'll have plenty of time to cast your line and soak in the local fishing scene. Cruise through rivers, lakes, and nearshore spots as you target popular catches like redfish, sheepshead, flounder, and more. With all gear and licenses provided, you can focus on reeling in the big one while Capt. Derrick shares his local knowledge. It's a relaxed way to experience Charleston's rich marine life and fishing culture, perfect for anglers looking to spend a full morning or afternoon on the water. Bring a friend and enjoy a personalized fishing adventure in one of South Carolina's most beautiful coastal settings.

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