What Fish Can You Catch in Charleston?

When people choose Charleston SC, they can look forward to all sorts of possibilities for inshore fishing. People come here to search for a number of top species including Red Drum, Trout, Flounder, Black Drum and Sheepshead, as well as the chance to engage in some exciting battles against big Bull Reds, or even Hammerhead Sharks!

Learn about some of the different types of fish you may catch while fishing in Charleston:

Red Drum

Red Drum are also known as Redfish or Channel Bass. Average size ranges from 12” – 24” and 2 – 5 lbs. The big bull redfish can get to a whopping 94 lbs. They are abundant in shallow coastal water and inshore year-round. They can tolerate saltwater as well as freshwater and prefer sand and mud bottoms.

Flounder

Flounder are typically bottom feeders. Average size is 16 – 20” and 2 – 3 lbs. Maximum size is up to 20 lbs. Spring, Summer and Fall, they are plenty inshore. In the winter months, they swim to deep estuaries. They prefer sandy and live bottom areas around pilings, jetties, oyster bars, and in high current areas.

Trout

Trout are also referred as Spotted Seatrout. Average size is 14” and 1.5 lbs. They can be caught year-round. They are an inshore, bottom-dwelling species inhabiting shallow bays, estuaries and rivers. They are most abundant in September through July.

Black Drum

Spring, Summer and Fall months, you can expect to find Black Drum in high marsh areas nearshore and inshore estuaries. In the winter months, you’ll find them offshore and deep estuaries. Average size is 14” and 2.2 lbs. Black drum are inshore bottom fish and favor sandy bottoms near jetties and bridges.

Sheepshead

Average size is 14” and 3 lbs. Spring, Summer and Fall months, they hang around hard structures inshore. Then, in the winter months, they migrate to nearshore and offshore.

Sharks

For some added adrenaline, Sharks are abundant in the Spring, Summer and Fall. There are several species – Atlantic Sharpnose, Bull Sharks, Hammerhead, Black Tip, Spinner and Bonnethead. They are lurking around inshore estuaries and nearshore habitats. Average size ranges from 5 – 20+ lbs.

You can also fish for baitfish, crab and shrimp in the shallow waters around Charleston.

Don’t forget, while you are making your way through the bays and shallows surrounding Charleston, take in the city’s historic waterfront in all its glory, and you can pass all the top sights too.

Step on board with All In One Charters; Charleston’s top inshore fishing charter company. We specialize in customized inshore fishing charters; as well as nearshore, and offshore fishing. Join Capt. Ronnie for an action-packed day of saltwater fishing, exploring Charleston’s endless inshore waterways in search of top species like Red Drum, Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, and Sheepshead, as well as the chance of some exciting battles against big Bull Reds, or Hammerhead Sharks for some added adrenaline. Book your fishing charter today or call at 843-330-3272.