Charleston Fishing Report For March, 2026

Things Are Starting To Heat Up In The Lowcountry

Hey y’all, Captain Johnston here with 4 Sons Charters. As we turn the corner into March 2026, there’s a real sense of excitement down here at the docks. March is what I like to call the “Great Awakening” of the Lowcountry. The winter chill is finally starting to fade away, and as those water temperatures start creeping up into the low 60s, the whole ecosystem starts to pop off.

Inshore, the redfish are beginning to transition from their tight, spooky winter schools into a more aggressive spring feeding pattern, while the harbor is starting to see the first real life of the season.

Offshore, the reefs are absolutely stacked with hungry bottom fish, and the Gulf Stream fishing is starting to pick up for those willing to make the run. It’s a month of transitions, but if you’ve got a little patience the right bait, and the right guide team, the rewards are plenty.

Charleston Tides & Lunar Forecast For March

Looking at our lunar and tidal patterns for March, we’ve got a busy month ahead. We’re starting the month off strong with a Full Worm Moon on March 3rd. Those big spring tides around the full moon can push a lot of water through our creeks, which is great for moving bait around but can make the water a little murky if the wind picks up. We’ll see the Third Quarter on March 11th, followed by the New Moon on March 18th.

I personally love fishing the days surrounding that New Moon; the darker nights often lead to an aggressive daytime bite as the fish haven’t been feeding as much under the moonlight. We’ll finish the month with the First Quarter on March 25th. Throughout the month, pay close attention to those low tide cycles in the afternoons—as the sun warms up the exposed mud flats, the incoming tide brings that warmer water back in, which can really turn the bite on.

March Weather In Charleston

Now, let’s talk weather, because in Charleston, March is famously a bit of a “wild card.” You might wake up to a crisp 45-degree morning and be peeling off layers by noon as it hits 75. The biggest factor we deal with this month is the wind. We get those blustery spring breezes that can make the harbor a bit choppy, but that’s why we’re lucky to have so many winding creeks to duck into.

A warm southerly wind is our best friend—it pushes that Gulf Stream air our way and wakes up the trout and reds. If we get a lingering cold front from the north, things might slow down for a day or two, but it doesn’t take much sun to get these fish active again. Just remember to dress in layers; I always tell my boys, it’s easier to take it off than it is to wish you had it.

Charleston Inshore Fishing Report

Inshore and in the creeks, our “Big Three”—Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Black Drum—are the stars of the show. The Redfish are still holding in schools, often found hugging the oyster rakes and shallow mud flats in the creeks—this is the best time to book a Charleston Inshore Fishing Charter. As the water warms, they’re starting to look for mud minnows and the very first of the spring shrimp.

For tactics, we’re finding a lot of success with a slow-and-low approach. A scent-heavy soft plastic like a Z-Man StreakZ or a Gulp! shrimp worked slowly along the bottom is hard to beat. If the water is clear, we’ll switch to live mud minnows under a popping cork near the grass edges. We’re also seeing some nice Black Drum and Sheepshead around the dock pilings and bridge abutments in the harbor; for them, nothing beats a fresh piece of shrimp or a fiddler crab dropped right on their nose.

Charleston Offshore Fishing Report

If you’re looking to head nearshore (within that 30-mile range), the reefs and wrecks are the place to be right now. The Sheepshead are in their prime spawning season on the nearshore rocks, and they are some of the biggest we see all year. We’re also seeing a massive amount of Black Sea Bass—you can almost catch them on every drop.

While we’re waiting for the King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel to make their full-blown spring arrival later in the season, you might see some early “scouts” if a warm eddy pushes in. On our Charleston OffshoreFishing Charters, we’re primarily bottom-fishing this month using vertical jigs or live bait rigs to target those hard-fighting Sheepshead and the occasional Bull Red that’s still hanging around the structures.

Charleston Deep Sea Fishing Report

For the real adventurers, the Gulf Stream (50–75 miles out) is where the “big game” lives. March is prime time for Wahoo—and I’m talking about the big “hoods” that can push 60 to 80 pounds. We’re high-speed trolling with heavy gear and colorful lures to cover water until we find that temperature break. We’re also starting to see some beautiful Blackfin Tuna and the occasional Yellowfin on our Charleston Deep Sea Fishing Charters.

While the Mahi-Mahi run is still a few weeks away, the Wahoo bite right now is about as exciting as it gets. Looking ahead, April and May will bring the “blue water explosion” with Mahi and Billfish, so now is the time to start planning those long-range trips if you want to be part of the first wave.

The Tools For The Job

To get you out to these spots, we’ve built a fleet that can handle anything the Atlantic throws at us. For our inshore and harbor trips, we use our 24′ Blazer Bays—versatile, comfortable, and powered by Yamaha 350s to get us to the fish fast. If you’re looking to go “skinny” and hunt reds on the fly, our 18′ Xplor Delta is the ultimate poling skiff for the backcountry.

For those big offshore runs, our 45′ SeaHunter is a beast, powered by quad Suzuki 350s and featuring a private bathroom for your comfort. And for the ultimate deep-sea experience in the Stream, our 52′ Viking Convertible offers tournament-level fishability with a full kitchen, bar, and air-conditioned cabin—perfect for the family to relax while we wait for the reels to scream.

Charleston Fishing Charters

At the end of the day, there’s nothing I love more than seeing a family out on the water, watching a kid catch their first fish, or seeing the look on an angler’s face when a big Wahoo hits the deck. March is a beautiful time to be in Charleston, and the fish are ready if you are. Whether you want to stay in the calm creeks or head out to the deep blue, we’ve got the boat and the local knowledge to make it a trip you’ll never forget. Our team and I would love to have you on board.

Let’s go fishing!

Captain Johnston
4 Sons Charters