Fishing Charters In Charleston

Fishing around Charleston, South Carolina, offers some of the best inshore and offshore fishing opportunities on the East Coast. Visitors staying on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island have easy access to experienced Charleston fishing guides, private fishing trips, deep-sea fishing charters, shark fishing adventures, and family-friendly inshore charters departing from nearby marinas.
Whether you want to catch redfish in Charleston Harbor, troll offshore for mahi-mahi and tuna, or enjoy a relaxing inshore fishing trip through the Lowcountry marshes, Charleston fishing charters provide excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year.
Charleston SC Inshore Fishing Charters

Charleston, SC, inshore fishing charters are one of the most popular fishing activities along the South Carolina coast. Inshore trips typically fish the calm waters around Charleston Harbor, the Intracoastal Waterway, tidal creeks, docks, jetties, and nearby marshes surrounding Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.
Charleston Fishing Charters Near Isle of Palms
Inshore Fishing
Redfish, trout, flounder, and sharks in Charleston marshes.
Offshore Trips
Deep sea fishing for tuna, mahi, wahoo, snapper, and grouper.
Family Trips
Beginner-friendly Charleston fishing trips for families.
Shark Fishing
Seasonal shark fishing near Isle of Palms and Charleston Harbor.
Popular inshore species include:
- Redfish (Red Drum)
- Speckled Trout
- Flounder
- Sheepshead
- Black Drum
- Seasonal Sharks
Most inshore fishing charters last between 3 and 6 hours and are ideal for beginners, families, and casual anglers looking for a relaxing Lowcountry fishing experience.
Charleston SC Offshore Fishing Charters
Charleston, SC, offshore fishing charters travel farther into the Atlantic Ocean, targeting larger game fish and reef species. Offshore fishing trips often run 30 to 60 miles offshore, depending on the season and weather conditions.
Popular offshore species include:
- Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack
Many Charleston deep-sea fishing charters leave from marinas near the Isle of Palms, Shem Creek, and Charleston Harbor. Full-day offshore trips are especially popular during the warmer months when Gulf Stream fishing conditions are at their best.
Book A Stay For Your Fishing Trip
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Walk to the beach from every home
Inshore vs Offshore Fishing Charters
| Feature | Inshore Fishing | Offshore Fishing |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Harbor, marshes, creeks, jetties | Atlantic Ocean & Gulf Stream |
| Trip Length | 3–6 Hours | 6–12 Hours |
| Popular Fish | Redfish, Trout, Flounder | Tuna, Mahi, Wahoo, Snapper |
| Water Conditions | Generally calmer | Can be rough offshore |
| Best For | Families & beginners | Experienced anglers |
What Fish Are Biting in Charleston SC?
Fishing conditions around Charleston change throughout the year, with different species becoming more active depending on water temperatures and migration patterns.
Spring Fishing
Spring fishing near Charleston brings excellent opportunities for redfish, trout, flounder, and black sea bass.
Summer Fishing
Summer is peak season for Charleston fishing charters, with mahi-mahi, tuna, sharks, snapper, and tarpon becoming more active.
Fall Fishing
Fall is one of the best seasons for inshore fishing around the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island as large schools of redfish move into shallow waters.
Winter Fishing
Winter fishing remains productive for redfish and trout in Charleston’s protected creeks and flats.
Types Of Fish In Charleston, SC
| Fish Species | Best Season | Fishing Type |
|---|---|---|
| Redfish | Year-round | Inshore |
| Speckled Trout | Spring – Fall | Inshore |
| Flounder | Spring – Fall | Inshore |
| Mahi-Mahi | Spring – Summer | Offshore |
| Tuna | Summer – Fall | Offshore |
| Wahoo | Fall – Winter | Offshore |
Are Fishing Charters Worth It?
For many visitors to Charleston, booking a fishing charter is one of the easiest ways to experience the Lowcountry waterways and Atlantic Ocean without needing local knowledge or boating experience.
Most Charleston fishing charter boats provide:
- Fishing licenses
- Rods and reels
- Bait and tackle
- Experienced local captains
- Fish cleaning services
- Navigation and safety equipment
Private fishing charters are especially popular for families, small groups, and visitors staying on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.


