Premium 2-Hour Fishing Charters in Charleston

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

$250 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Capt. Derrick's 2-hour fishing charter is a perfect taste of Charleston's waterways. You'll head out to fish the rivers, lakes, or nearshore areas, targeting popular catches like Redfish, Sheepshead, and Speckled Trout. It's a great option if you're short on time but still want to experience the Lowcountry's rich fishing scene. Whether you're new to fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, Capt. Derrick provides all the gear and know-how you'll need. The trip is ideal for small groups, with room for two guests. You might even hook into some of the local shark species for an extra bit of excitement. It's a laid-back way to get out on the water, wet a line, and soak in Charleston's natural beauty without committing to a full day on the boat.

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Charleston's 2-Hour Fishing Frenzy

Ready to get your line wet without burning a whole day? Capt. Derrick's got you covered with this quick-hit charter that'll have you casting in Charleston's prime spots faster than you can say "fish on!" Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to dip your toes in the water, this 2-hour trip is the perfect taste of Lowcountry fishing. We'll zip through scenic waterways, targeting everything from hard-fighting redfish to tasty flounder. No need to fuss with gear or licenses - we've got all that sorted. So grab a buddy and let's make the most of your time in Charleston!

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step aboard, you're in for a treat. Capt. Derrick knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you on the fish in no time. We'll cruise through a mix of rivers, lakes, and nearshore spots, giving you a chance to experience the variety Charleston has to offer. Expect to get hands-on with the fishing - Capt. Derrick's all about teaching, whether you're setting the hook on your first redfish or fine-tuning your technique. The boat's comfortable, the scenery's stunning, and the fishing action? Well, that's what keeps folks coming back for more.

Rods, Reels, and Hotspots

We keep things simple but effective on this trip. You'll be using light to medium tackle, perfect for the inshore species we're after. Depending on what's biting, we might be tossing live bait, working soft plastics, or even fly fishing if that's your jam. Capt. Derrick's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's sight-casting to tailing reds in the grass or dropping baits around oyster beds for sheepshead. And don't worry if you're new to this - he'll walk you through every cast and retrieve until you're hooking up like a pro.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The crown jewel of Charleston's inshore scene, these copper-colored bruisers are a blast to catch. They love to hang around structure and can often be spotted "tailing" in shallow water. Redfish put up a great fight and are known for their powerful runs. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch them year-round.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are a favorite for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. We target them around grass edges and oyster bars, often using soft plastics or live shrimp. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but a skilled angler can find them any time of year.

Flounder: Masters of camouflage, Southern flounder lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing their prey. We'll target them around structure and drop-offs, using live bait or artificial lures. They're not the hardest fighters, but they're prized for their tasty fillets. Late summer and early fall are typically the best times to land a doormat.

Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish are known for their distinctive chin barbels and powerful fights. We often find them around pilings and bridge structures, where they feed on crustaceans. They can grow to impressive sizes, with some real monsters lurking in Charleston's waters. Spring and fall are prime seasons for black drum.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and sheep-like teeth, these fish are as fun to catch as they are to look at. They're notoriously tricky to hook, often stealing bait with surgical precision. We target them around structures like docks and reefs, using fiddler crabs or oysters as bait. Winter is actually a great time for sheepshead fishing in Charleston.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I know two hours might not seem like much, but trust me - it's plenty of time to get your fishing fix and maybe even dinner for the night. This trip is perfect if you're short on time, traveling with family, or just want to see what Charleston fishing is all about without committing to a full day. Capt. Derrick's knowledge, combined with the diverse fishery we have here, means you're in for a top-notch experience. So why wait? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's make some memories on the water. The fish are biting, and Charleston's calling - see you at the dock!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavy hitters of the drum family, with adults typically weighing in at 5 to 30 pounds. You'll find these bruisers hanging around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in our local estuaries. They're easy to spot with their distinctive black stripes and whisker-like barbels. Spring is prime time for Black Drum, as they school up to spawn. These fish are known for their powerful jaws, capable of crushing oysters and crabs – their favorite snacks. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature and the satisfying "thump" when they take the bait. Here's a local trick: use fresh cut blue crab on a fish-finder rig. Let it sit on the bottom and wait for that telltale tap-tap-tap. Just remember, the bigger ones can be tough and wormy, so we usually release those over 15 pounds. The smaller "puppy drums" make for excellent table fare with their sweet, firm meat.

Redfish

Redfish, also called Red Drum, are a staple of Charleston's inshore fishing scene. These bronze-backed beauties are easily identified by the black spot near their tail. Most "slot" reds run 18-27 inches, but they can grow much larger. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising along oyster bars and marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights, especially in shallow water. Anglers love sight-fishing for them, watching that copper-colored back appear as they rush to grab a well-placed lure. A local tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Approach quietly and make a gentle cast just beyond them. The explosion when they pounce on your lure is unforgettable.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Charleston anglers. These silvery, spotted beauties typically run 14 to 24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in our shallow grass flats, creek mouths, and around oyster bars. They're most active in the cooler months, especially fall and early spring. Sea Trout are ambush predators, so look for them around structure or tide lines where bait gets swept along. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild-flavored flesh. Here's a local tip: try using a popping cork rig with a live shrimp or soft plastic underneath. The "pop" mimics feeding fish and can trigger some explosive strikes. When the bite is on, it's not uncommon to catch a bunch in quick succession – making for some exciting light tackle action.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, often called the "convict fish" for their distinctive black and white stripes, are a favorite target around Charleston. These crafty biters usually run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structure – docks, bridges, and oyster beds are prime spots. They've got a mouthful of human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs, their main diet. Spring is the best time to catch 'em as they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers, and their sweet, white meat makes for great eating. A local tip: use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crab or oyster as bait. When you feel the lightest tap, set the hook hard – these guys are notorious for nibbling the bait right off your hook. Patience and timing are key with sheepshead, but the reward is well worth it.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly with the sandy or muddy bottoms they call home. These flat fish typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to a hefty 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, lying in wait to snatch up smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing, as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty, white flesh and the challenge they present. These "doormats" can be tricky to hook, often mouthing the bait before committing. A local tip: when you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel in steadily. Live bait like mullet or shrimp works wonders, but soft plastics can be effective too. Patience is key with these crafty bottom-dwellers.

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 fishing adventure in Charleston? Hop aboard with Captain Derrick for a 2-hour trip that's perfect for both newbies and seasoned anglers. You'll explore the beautiful waterways around the Lowcountry, casting lines in rivers, lakes, and just off the coast. There's a good chance you'll hook into some local favorites like redfish, sheepshead, flounder, speckled trout, black drum, or even a few shark species. Don't worry about bringing any gear - the captain's got you covered with all the equipment, bait, and fishing licenses you'll need. It's a great way to get a taste of Charleston's fishing scene without dedicating a whole day. Whether you're looking to polish your skills or just enjoy being out on the water, this compact charter delivers a satisfying dose of local angling action.

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