What Fish Can I Catch In Charleston?

Welcome to Charleston, South Carolina, a place where historic charm meets some of the best fishing on the East Coast!

Whether you’re a beginner who’s never picked up a rod or a seasoned angler looking for a new challenge, Charleston has something to offer everyone. From the winding tidal creeks and expansive salt marshes to the powerful current of the Gulf Stream, our waters are teeming with a diverse range of species that are just waiting to be caught.

At 4 Sons Charters, we pride ourselves on being more than just a fishing charter. We’re a family-owned and operated business, and we treat every client who steps aboard our boats like one of our own. Our team of guides are born and raised in the Charleston area, and they’ve spent their entire lives fishing these waters. They know every nook and cranny, every secret spot, and every tactic.

We’re passionate about fishing, and we’re even more passionate about sharing that passion with others. Our guides are patient teachers for beginners, instilling a love for the sport that will last a lifetime. And for seasoned anglers, their knowledge and experience will give you the confidence you need to tackle even the trickiest fish.

Charleston’s Inshore Species

Redfish & Bull Reds

These bronze-backed beauties are perhaps the most popular inshore species in Charleston. Redfish, also known as red drum, can be found year-round, but the best time to target them is during the fall and spring. In the fall, they school up in the shallow creeks and marshes, feeding on shrimp and fiddler crabs. During the spring, they migrate to the deeper waters of the harbor and inlets. To catch redfish, we use a variety of tactics, including live bait (shrimp, mud minnows) and artificial lures (soft plastics, topwater plugs). You can find them in creeks, around docks, on oyster bars, and near the jetties.

Speckled Trout

Known for their beautiful spots and powerful fight, speckled trout are another beloved inshore species in Charleston. They are most active during the cooler months, particularly in the fall and winter. Speckled trout can be found in a variety of habitats, including creeks, inlets, and grassy flats. To catch them, we use live bait (shrimp, mud minnows) and artificial lures (mirrolures, soft plastics).

Flounder

Flounder are known for their camouflage and their delicious white meat. They are flat fish that ambush their prey from the bottom of the ocean. Flounder can be caught year-round in Charleston, but the best time to target them is during the summer months. To catch flounder, we use live bait (mud minnows, finger mullet) and drag it along the bottom. You can find them in a variety of habitats, including creeks, inlets, and sandy bottoms. We also offer Charleston Flounder Gigging trips—a unique Lowcountry experience you can only do at night.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, are known for their challenging bites. They primarily feed on crustaceans, so we use fiddler crabs or shrimp as bait. Sheepshead can be caught year-round, but the best time to target them is during the cooler months. You can find them around structure, such as docks, bridges, and jetties.

Black Drum

Black drum, a cousin of the redfish, are known for their size and power. They can grow up to 100 pounds, but most of the drum we catch inshore are between 10 and 20 pounds. Black drum can be caught year-round in Charleston, but the best time to target them is during the spring and fall. To catch black drum, we use fresh cut bait or blue crabs. You can find them around structure, such as bridges and jetties.

Charleston Reef Fish

Grouper

Grouper are known for their size and their strength. They live around structure, such as natural reefs and artificial wrecks. There are several species of grouper that can be caught in Charleston, including gag grouper, scamp grouper, and snowy grouper. Grouper can be caught year-round, but the best time to target them is during the spring and fall. To catch grouper, we use large cut bait or live pinfish.

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are perhaps the most popular reef species in Charleston. They are know for their delicious white meat and their aggressive nature. Black sea bass can be caught year-round, but the best time to target them is during the winter months. To catch black sea bass, we use squid or shrimp as bait. They can be found around natural reefs and artificial wrecks.

African Pompano

African pompano are known for their distinctive appearance and their powerful fight. They are open water fish that migrate along the coast. African pompano can be caught during the spring and fall months. To catch them, we use live bait or vertical jigs. You can find them around structure, such as offshore wrecks and towers.

Amberjack

Amberjack, also known as “reef donkeys,” are known for their sheer power and stamina. They are strong fighters that live around offshore structures. Amberjack can be caught year-round, but the best time to target them is during the summer months. To catch amberjack, we use large live bait or vertical jigs.

Cobia

Cobia are known for their curious nature and their powerful fight. They migrate along the coast and can be found inshore and offshore. Cobia can be caught during the spring and summer months. To catch cobia, we use a variety of tactics, including live bait (pinfish, eel) and artificial lures (bucktails, sight-casting lures).

Snapper

Snapper, including vermilion snapper and red snapper, are known for their delicious taste and their vibrant colors. They live around offshore structures and can be caught year-round. However, the best time to target them is during the summer months. To catch snapper, we use small live bait or cut squid.

Charleston Offshore Species

Wahoo

Wahoo are known for their incredible speed and their razor-sharp teeth. They are open water fish that migrate along the Gulf Stream. Wahoo can be caught during the spring and fall months. To catch wahoo, we use high-speed trolling lures.

Mahi

Mahi, also known as dolphinfish, are known for their beautiful colors and their powerful acrobatics. They are open water fish that migrate along the Gulf Stream. Mahi can be caught during the spring and summer months. To catch mahi, we use trolling lures or live bait.

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are known for their delicious red meat and their powerful fight. They are open water fish that migrate along the Gulf Stream. Blackfin tuna can be caught year-round, but the best time to target them is during the spring and fall months. To catch blackfin tuna, we use trolling lures or chunking.

Marlin

Marlin, including blue marlin and white marlin, are known as the ultimate game fish. They are powerful and majestic creatures that can grow to over 1,000 pounds. Marlin can be caught during the spring and summer months in the deep waters off the coast. To catch marlin, we use large trolling lures.

Sailfish

Sailfish are known for their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and their impressive aerial displays. They are open water fish that migrate along the Gulf Stream. Sailfish can be caught during the summer months. To catch sailfish, we use live bait or trolling lures.

Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel

Kingfish, also known as king mackerel, are known for their incredible speed and their valuable meat. They are open water fish that migrate along the coast. Kingfish can be caught year-round, but the best time to target them is during the summer months. To catch kingfish, we use trolling lures or live bait.

Spanish mackerel are smaller than king mackerel, but they are still known for their speed and agility. They are open water fish that migrate along the coast. Spanish mackerel can be caught during the spring and summer months. To catch Spanish mackerel, we use trolling lures or spoons.

Charleston Shark Fishing

Charleston Shark fishing is a popular trip for vacationers looking to experience Charleston from the water. The waters around Charleston are home to a variety of shark species, including tiger sharks, bull sharks, nurse sharks, blacktip sharks, and scalloped hammerhead sharks.

Shark fishing is a year-round activity, but the best time to target them is during the summer months when the water is warmer. To catch sharks, we use large pieces of oily cut bait, such as mackerel or bonito. Shark fishing is a unique experience that offers a chance to get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most formidable predators.

We Invite You To The Lowcountry

Charleston offers a unique and diverse fishing experience that caters to everyone. Whether you’re looking to reel in some redfish in the shallow creeks, target powerful grouper around offshore reefs, or challenge the mighty marlin in the deep waters, we have it all.

While you can catch fish year-round, the spring and fall months offer the most action and variety. So, come down to Charleston and experience the magic of fishing in the Lowcountry. Book your trip with 4 Sons Charters today and let our experienced and trusted guide team show you the best fishing Charleston has to offer!