The second largest city in South Carolina, Charleston is rich in history and tourist attractions. Museums, aquariums, and parks beckon visitors, and world-class beaches offer rest and relaxation to complement the educational experiences and culture so abundant in Charleston. When you aren't immersing yourself in Revolutionary War history, dining in exceptional restaurants, or spending time on the tranquil shorelines of Folly Beach or Sullivan's Island, one of the other most popular things to do in Charleston is take to the high seas on a charter fishing expedition.
Fantastic Fishing
Whether you are interested in deep sea fishing, flats fishing, or just a leisurely sail, Charleston is the ideal destination for your next marine outing. The fishing in this area is some of the best on the east coast of the United States, and for that reason, there are at least 79 charter opportunities here.
To make things even better, there is an excellent mix of fish. Rather than heading to another location and catching the same thing over and over, Charleston's waters allow for a diverse fishing experience. No matter where you choose to fish, you will find a fantastic variety of fish near Charleston.
The deep sea waters of the Atlantic Ocean are home to some massive fish like marlins, and the inland waters, rivers, and estuaries are a haven for more of the most sought after catches. With fish ranging from easy-to-catch to elusive, you will surely find yourself having a great time with your family and friends on your Charleston, SC charter trip.
Offshore Fish
There's nothing quite like the feeling of reeling in a behemoth catch, pulling it up from the mysterious depths of the ocean, and battling until you are able to haul it on-board your charter boat. This is an experience that you likely can't have without the help of a professional charter, and once you feel the thrill for the first time, you'll be hooked yourself!
Marlin: Perhaps one of the most recognizable fish in the world, marlin are famous for their long dorsal fins and their fearsome-looking bills which extend off of their nose like a spear. The Atlantic Blue Marlin is abundant in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Charleston, and that's good news for those anglers planning to fish in the area. The marlin is a catch of a lifetime, as males weigh 350 pounds and females can weigh a whopping 1,200 pounds. And that's just the average! Female marlins have been known to reach 4,000 pounds. It's hard to imagine reeling in a fish that big, but it could happen on your Charleston charter.
Mahi-Mahi: If you are fishing between April and August, mahi-mahi will be abundant in the ocean waters off the coast of Charleston. Officially known as dorado or dolphinfish, mahi-mahi put up quite a fight because of their immense strength. Their average weight is only between 15 and 30 pounds, so they don't compare to the marlin in size, but their strength is truly unparalleled. Dolphinfish over 40 pounds have been caught on occasion, and they are also considered to be one of the most beautiful fish because of their sparkling blues, yellows, and greens.
Grouper: Groupers are big fish that stay near the ocean floor, and once you get one they are quite a catch. They love to hide in rocks and coral, so leave your line very low, and be patient as you wait to lure the grouper out. They are slow fish, so it might take some time. Try not to jerk your line if you feel a little nibble, because that's just other smaller fish teasing you. Once a grouper bites, you will know for sure because of its immense weight and strength. Grouper have weighed in at over 200 pounds! May through August is their spawning season, but they can be caught at any time of the year.
Bluefin Tuna: Reaching lengths of 15 feet and weighing over 1,000 pounds, Bluefin tuna are pursued by commercial and recreational fishermen alike. The Bluefin tuna you will catch will likely be in the 300 to 400 pound range, so you will need a heavy and high-quality rod and reel, but your charter boat will be able to provide you with all the tools you need. Bluefin tuna are fast swimmers, reaching speeds of 50 mph, making it an absolute thrill to chase and catch these giants.
Inshore Fish
Inshore fishing in Charleston is just as much fun as heading out on the Atlantic Ocean for deep sea fishing. Inshore, you will find a varied selection of fish each with their own quirks and habits, so fishing these backwaters can never get boring as you try to adapt to each fish and its tendencies.
Redfish: Redfish usually span a solid 20 inches and are one of the most plentiful species in the backwaters of Charleston. Because there are so many, you will likely catch a boatload of redfish, which have a beautiful red coloring to them. Redfish are a fun species to target, because they will keep you busy and they are easy to catch for beginners.
Bass: Bass are a common catch in South Carolina, but that doesn't mean they aren't fun to reel in. Bass are actually a type of grouper, and they usually spend their time deep at the bottom of estuaries, rivers, and inlets. They spawn from May to June and can be caught most of the year, with the best time being from May to November. A solid bass will weigh in the 10-pound range, so it's a nice feeling when you hook one and feel the weight on your line.
Trout: Trout are the easiest to catch at high-tide along the grassline of the inland waters, and you can find a number of varieties of trout in South Carolina. Brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout are all common catches near Charleston, and while trout aren't the most exotic fish, they feature a nice array of colors and are pretty tasty, too.
Flounder: Frequently hooked in the estuaries and inland waters of Charleston, flounder are a great catch for beginners and experts alike. They typically span from 5 to 15 inches, but don’t be surprised if you find some on your line in excess of 25 inches. One of the best fish to catch because of their popularity in the dining room, flounder is definitely a type of fish you will want to ask your charter captain about catching.
Sheepshead: Sheepshead love to snatch your bait right off of the line, but if you can snag them before they make off with a free meal, they are certainly a fun catch. They are usually between 10 and 20 inches long but have been known to eclipse 30 inches. Even if you are a beginner, you can still reel in some sheepshead, but try not to get frustrated if a few of them trick you before you finally hook one. Once you do get one to bite, you'll likely have a fish weighing in at around 4 pounds to reel in. You can find sheepshead near jetties, bridges, and docks.
Helpful Charter Captains
The charter captains in Charleston are some of the most experienced in the nation, and no matter where you choose to take your fishing expedition, they will be a valuable resource to you. These captains can help you navigate the tricky paths of the back waterways, leading you to some of the best fish in the area, or take you out on the open sea with all of the best tips and tricks to land as many fish as possible. Plus, children are welcome on board with you during the charter trips, and the captains in Charleston are known to be particularly family-friendly.
Book a Charleston Charter Today
No matter what time of the year it is, there are always charter fishing trips available in Charleston. With an abundant array of fish, a spectacular surrounding community, and plenty of other attractions to keep you busy, why not travel to South Carolina for a week of fishing and fun with friends and family?
There are currently 79 charters in the Charleston, SC area.