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Top-Rated Inshore Fishing in South Carolina
- Published Date: July 22, 2025
- Fishing
- Mount Pleasant, SC
- $400 - $1,700 price range
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
Deep sea thrills meet coastal charm in Mount Pleasant!
Reel in the Big Ones: SC Inshore Fishing
Ready to hit the water and land some trophy fish? Captain Adrian of Eye Deal Fishing Charters has got you covered for an awesome day of inshore fishing in South Carolina. With years of experience under his belt, Adrian knows exactly where the fish are biting and how to put you on them. Whether you're looking to wrestle with some hard-fighting redfish or outsmart a crafty sheepshead, this 3 to 6-hour private charter is your ticket to some of the best fishing action the Palmetto State has to offer.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as you step aboard Adrian's well-equipped fishing vessel, you'll know you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out to some of South Carolina's most productive inshore spots, where the fish are always hungry and the action is non-stop. Adrian provides all the top-notch gear and bait you'll need, so all you have to do is show up ready to fish. Don't worry if you're new to this – Adrian's got patience in spades and loves teaching newcomers the ropes. And for you seasoned anglers out there, get ready to swap some fish tales and maybe learn a new trick or two from the captain himself.
Fishing Techniques & Hot Spots
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of light tackle techniques to target the inshore species. Expect to do some casting around structure for redfish, jigging for black sea bass, or using live bait to entice those wary sheepshead. Adrian's always got his finger on the pulse of what's biting, so he'll adjust tactics as needed to make sure your rods stay bent. We might hit some local reefs, cruise along the grass flats, or tuck into hidden coves – wherever the fish are, that's where we'll be. And hey, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, ospreys, and other coastal critters while we're at it!
What Anglers Are Saying
"Adrian is a wonderful guide. He's very knowledgeable of the prime fishing spots." - Tirea "Great guy." - Troy
Species You'll Want to Hook
Sheepshead: These striped convicts of the sea are notorious bait stealers and put up one heck of a fight. With their human-like teeth, they're masters at picking baits clean off hooks. But when you do hook one, hold on tight! Best targeted around structure like pilings and reefs, sheepshead fishing is a true test of an angler's finesse and patience.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures, and when they take off, you'd better have your drag set right. Look for them tailing in shallow waters or schooling up in deeper channels. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but you can catch them year-round in South Carolina.
Cobia: These powerful fish are like the freight trains of the inshore world. They migrate through South Carolina waters typically from May to July, and when they show up, it's game on. Cobia love structure and will often hang around buoys or even follow large rays. Bring your A-game, because these fish can top 100 pounds and will test your stamina.
Red Snapper: While we can't target these beauties year-round due to regulations, when the season's open, it's like striking gold. Red snapper are known for their firm, white flesh and hard fighting abilities. They typically hang around reefs and other structure in slightly deeper waters. When you hook one, be ready for a battle – they'll try to dive back to their rocky homes.
Black Sea Bass: These tasty little fighters are a blast on light tackle. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and other structure. They might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and flavor. Plus, they're available year-round, making them a reliable target when other species might be scarce.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, folks, if you're itching to feel the tug of a big fish on your line and create some lasting memories on the water, this is the trip for you. Captain Adrian's got the know-how, the spots, and the passion to make sure you have an absolute blast out there. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets or just enjoy a day on South Carolina's beautiful waters, Eye Deal Fishing Charters has got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around. Grab your sunscreen, your favorite fishing hat, and give Adrian a call to lock in your date. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that trophy catch. Let's go fishing!
Customer Reviews
Adrians Fishing Pro
Tirea Scott
June 25, 2023
Captain Johnson was a great guide, who went above and beyond to make the best of our day and put us on some fish
Mike Ross
July 17, 2022
Mr Awesome
Great guy.
Troy Treangen
April 6, 2024
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are a fun, tasty target in South Carolina waters. Most run 1-4 pounds, but they can reach up to 8 pounds. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time, when they move closer to shore. Anglers enjoy sea bass for their aggressive bite and excellent eating quality. They put up a decent fight for their size, especially on light tackle. To catch them, use a two-hook bottom rig with squid or cut bait. Here's a local trick: if you're catching small ones, move to slightly deeper water for bigger fish. Males turn bright blue during spawning season, which is a cool sight. Remember, these fish are hermaphrodites - they start as females and can change to males as they grow. It's just one more interesting fact about this popular species.
Cobia
Cobia are hard-fighting fish that show up in South Carolina waters from spring through fall. These solitary swimmers can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most are in the 30-50 pound range. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structures in 30-70 feet of water. May and June are peak months as they migrate along the coast. Anglers prize cobia for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They're often mistaken for sharks when first spotted. To catch one, try sight fishing with live eels or large jigs. Here's a pro tip: when you hook a cobia, be ready for it to make a beeline for the boat - they often try to tangle your line around the motor. Keep your drag set right and be patient. The fight and the feast make cobia a top target for many charter guests.
Red Snapper
Red snapper are a prized catch in deeper South Carolina waters. These fish typically run 1-2 feet long and under 10 pounds, but can grow to over 30 pounds. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. Summer and fall are prime seasons when regulations allow harvest. Anglers love red snapper for their hard-fighting spirit and delicious, flaky white meat. They're known to make strong initial runs, so be ready when you hook one. For the best chance at landing a big one, use heavy tackle and drop your bait all the way to the bottom. Live bait like cigar minnows or squid works well. Here's a local tip: once you find a good spot, stay put. Red snapper often hang out in schools, so where there's one, there's likely more. Just remember, seasons are strictly regulated, so always check current rules before targeting them.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are a favorite target in South Carolina's inshore waters. They average 28-33 inches but can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and in estuaries - often in just 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their powerful runs and the challenge of sight fishing in clear shallows. They put up a great fight on light tackle. For best results, try using live or cut mullet, or cast artificial lures like gold spoons or soft plastics. Here's a local secret: on hot days, look for their tails breaking the surface as they feed in ultra-shallow water. It's an exciting way to spot and target these bronze beauties. Remember, slot limits apply, so check regulations before your trip.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are a unique catch in South Carolina waters. These fish typically range from 1-8 pounds, but can reach up to 20 pounds. Look for them around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster beds - they love hanging out where there's barnacles to munch on. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temperatures are just right. Anglers enjoy targeting sheepshead for their strong fight and tasty meat. They're notorious bait stealers, so here's a local tip: use a small, sharp hook and set it quickly when you feel that telltale nibble. Fiddler crabs make great bait. Be patient and precise - sheepshead require some skill to catch, but it's worth the effort. Their firm, white flesh is delicious grilled or baked, making them a prized dinner fish.
About the Wellcraft
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Adrian is a wonderful guide. He's very knowledgeable of the prime fishing spots.