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Full-Day Charleston Fishing: Blue Light Charters
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Charleton
- $250 - $1,000 price range
- Updated Date: November 29, 2025
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
Full Day Charleston Fishing: Reds, Trout & More
Ready to spend a whole day chasing some of Charleston's most prized inshore species? Hop aboard with Capt. Derrick of Blue Light Charters for an 8-hour fishing adventure that'll have you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're an early bird or prefer to sleep in, we've got morning and afternoon trips to fit your schedule. Get ready to target redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and more in the rich waters surrounding Charleston. With all the gear and know-how provided, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a cold drink or two.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as you step on the boat, you'll feel the excitement building. Capt. Derrick knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's eager to share his local knowledge. We'll cruise through scenic marshes, tidal creeks, and nearshore spots, always on the hunt for the next big bite. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - the captain's got plenty of patience and tips to share. And for you seasoned anglers, get ready to swap some fish tales and maybe learn a new trick or two. With a full day ahead, we've got time to try different spots and techniques, maximizing your chances of a cooler full of fish.
Fishing Techniques & Hotspots
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of light tackle and live bait fishing. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might start off sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, or drifting live shrimp for trout along oyster beds. As the day heats up, we might switch to jigging for flounder around dock pilings or even head out to nearshore reefs for some shark action. The beauty of a full day trip is the flexibility it gives us to adapt to the fish and tides. Some of our favorite spots include the flats around Morris Island, the deep holes of the Ashley River, and the productive waters near Folly Beach. But remember, a good captain never reveals all his secrets!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the crown jewel of Charleston inshore fishing. Known for their distinctive spot on the tail, redfish put up a great fight and are delicious on the dinner table. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools of bull reds come inshore to spawn. They love hanging around oyster bars and grass flats, often giving themselves away with their tails sticking out of the water as they feed.
Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They're known for their delicate bite and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Spring and fall are the best seasons for specks, with many anglers chasing them under dock lights at night. Their speckled pattern makes them a beautiful catch, and they're mighty tasty too.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. We catch them year-round, but the biggest ones show up in fall as they prepare to migrate offshore. Flounder fishing requires patience and a delicate touch, but landing a big doormat is always worth the wait. They're arguably the best-tasting fish in these waters.
Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing their flashier cousins, black drum are hard-fighting fish that can grow to impressive sizes. They love hanging around structure and will readily take a crab or shrimp bait. The smaller ones, called puppy drum, are excellent eating, while the big ones provide a great catch-and-release challenge.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are a unique target species. They're notorious bait stealers, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels. We find them around pilings, jetties, and oyster beds, usually using fiddler crabs or barnacles as bait. The colder months are prime time for sheepshead fishing in Charleston.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing in Charleston that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the harbor, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. Or perhaps it's the thrill of battling a big red as it tries to wrap you around an oyster bed. For many, it's the chance to spend quality time with family and friends, making memories that'll last a lifetime. Whatever your reason, a full day on the water gives you the best shot at experiencing all that Charleston fishing has to offer. From the peaceful morning hours to the excitement of the afternoon bite, you'll get to see these waters come alive throughout the day.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Charleston has to offer, now's the time to lock in your date. With Capt. Derrick and Blue Light Charters, you're not just booking a fishing trip - you're signing up for a day of adventure, learning, and hopefully, some serious fish-catching action. Whether you're a local looking to improve your skills or a visitor wanting to sample the best of Lowcountry fishing, this full-day trip is the way to go. So grab your hat, slather on some sunscreen, and let's hit the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this!
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black Drum are the big cousins of redfish, known for their size and powerful jaws. These bottom-feeders can reach 90 pounds, but the sweet spot for eating is 5-15 pounds. You'll find them year-round in Charleston's estuaries and nearshore waters, often hanging around oyster beds and pier pilings. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, use fresh crab or shrimp on a fish-finder rig. Drop your bait near structure and be ready for a thumping bite. Here's a local tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound – it's a dead giveaway they're nearby. Once hooked, these bruisers will test your gear, so make sure you're rigged up right. Nothing beats the satisfaction of landing a big Black Drum after a good tussle.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Charleston's inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties, known for the black spot near their tail, typically run 3-10 pounds inshore, but can grow much larger. You'll find them year-round in shallow flats, creeks, and around oyster bars. Fall is prime time when big schools of "bull reds" show up nearshore. Anglers love Redfish for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, try live or cut mullet on a Carolina rig, or artificial lures like gold spoons and soft plastics. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in the grass flats is a local favorite. Here's a tip: look for "nervous water" or swirls – often a sign of feeding Redfish. When you hook one, be ready for a strong, bulldogging fight. There's nothing quite like the pull of a big red on light tackle in skinny water.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a staple in Charleston's inshore waters. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats, creek mouths, and around oyster bars, especially during fall and spring. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. To catch 'em, try live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Early mornings and late evenings are prime times, especially on moving tides. Here's a local tip: look for "slicks" on the water's surface – these oily patches often indicate feeding trout. When you hook one, be ready for acrobatic jumps and quick runs. Remember, Sea Trout have soft mouths, so use steady pressure instead of setting the hook hard. It's light tackle fishing at its finest.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, or "convict fish," are a favorite target around Charleston's docks and bridges. These striped beauties usually run 1-8 pounds but can reach up to 20. They're infamous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn near structures. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers and their delicious, white meat. To catch 'em, use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small, sharp hook. Fish tight to pilings or oyster beds where they feed. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are notorious for nibbling bait off hooks, so give 'em time to get it in their mouth. It takes patience and practice, but landing a big sheepshead is always rewarding.
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 migrate to spawn offshore. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these ambush predators. They're not strong fighters, but landing one takes finesse. To catch 'em, use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Work it slowly along the bottom near structure. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to swallow the bait, then reel steadily to drive the hook home. It's a game of patience, but the reward is worth it.
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
