Flood Tide Faithful: A Lowcountry Inshore Fishing Morning
For all ages! • 3 Hours • Up to 6 people
Dawn finds the spartina grass inhaling the tide. The marsh exhales gulls and a silver breeze. You step aboard under a wide T-top, the deck still cool, rod tips rattling as the boat noses from the dock into a maze of creeks that feel like secret hallways. It’s quiet but for the hum of the outboard and the oystercatchers scolding the day awake. Charleston’s skyline lingers behind you; ahead, a slick of current curls along a shell bank like a hint. The water is speaking if you listen long enough. Inshore fishing here isn’t about running far; it’s about reading what’s right in front of you.
Trail Wisdom
Fish the Tide, Not the Clock
Book early or late to bracket moving water; inshore species feed hardest around changing tides.
Polarized Lenses Are Non-Negotiable
They cut glare, reveal grass lines and drop-offs, and help you spot fish before they spot you.
Mind the Deck and the Rods
Keep lines organized and hooks pinned to avoid tangles—especially with kids on board.
Hydrate and Shade Up
Bring water, a hat, and non-aerosol sunscreen; there’s shade under the T-top but the sun reflects off the water.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Views of the Morris Island Lighthouse from the flats on clear mornings
- •Oyster mounds at low tide that hold surprising numbers of redfish on the flood
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Brown pelicans
Conservation Note
Salt marshes are essential nurseries for juvenile fish and shellfish. Handle catches with wet hands, follow size and bag limits, and avoid trampling living oyster reefs.
The Morris Island Lighthouse near Folly Beach was first lit in 1876 and now stands offshore due to coastal erosion, a reminder of the Lowcountry’s ever-shifting shoreline.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Active redfish on flood tides, Speckled trout on popping corks
Challenges: Windy fronts, Shifting temperatures
Mild days and lively baitfish make spring a versatile season with mixed-bag action around grass lines and creek mouths.
summer
Best for: Early topwater strikes, Family-friendly calm water
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Pop-up thunderstorms
Go early or late to beat the heat; watch the radar and seek leeward shorelines when sea breezes kick in.
fall
Best for: Bull red drum, Clearer water and bait runs
Challenges: Stronger winds after fronts, Variable morning chills
Peak time for big reds on edges and inlets; stable weather windows make for memorable sessions.
winter
Best for: Sight-fishing redfish schools, Quiet creeks with less traffic
Challenges: Cold, clear water, Shorter daylight
Bundle up and bring a wind layer; low, clear tides concentrate fish along sun-warmed flats.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Essential for spotting fish, reading current seams, and reducing eye fatigue in reflected light.
Non-Aerosol, Reef-Safe SunscreenEssential
Protects skin without damaging boat decks or sensitive marsh environments.
Light Windproof Layer
Morning runs can feel cool even on warm days; a packable shell blocks wind effectively.
Small Dry Bag
Keeps phones, wallets, and keys dry during spray or quick rain showers.
Common Questions
Do I need a fishing license?
Most inshore charters in South Carolina carry a blanket license that covers guests, but confirm with your captain before departure.
What fish might we catch?
Common targets include red drum (redfish), spotted seatrout, flounder, and seasonal species like black drum or sheepshead.
Is there a restroom onboard?
No—plan accordingly before your trip. The boat does have shaded seating under a T-top.
Can I keep my catch?
Regulations and captain preference apply. Some trips practice catch-and-release; others allow keeping legal fish. Ask in advance.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Safety first—your captain will make the call on postponements or cancellations due to storms, high wind, or lightning.
Is this trip suitable for kids or beginners?
Yes. Inshore waters are calm, the ride is short, and the captain provides instruction on casting and handling fish.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses for sighting fish; non-aerosol sunscreen to protect skin and the boat; light windbreaker for cool runs; water and quick snacks to stay sharp between spots.
Did You Know
The Morris Island Lighthouse near Folly Beach was completed in 1876; due to shoreline erosion, it now stands isolated offshore, surrounded by water.
Quick Travel Tips
Aim for early or late tides to beat heat and boat traffic; confirm whether the charter provides a license and gear; bring cash or card for gratuity; check the marine forecast for wind and thunderstorms before you go.
Local Flavor
Post-trip, grab a tray of roasted oysters at Bowens Island Restaurant overlooking the same marsh you just fished. In Folly Beach, Taco Boy serves coastal-friendly bites and cold drinks steps from the sand. If you’re headed back to town, Low Tide Brewing on Johns Island and Revelry Brewing in Charleston pour local favorites with plenty of outdoor space.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Charleston International (CHS). Departure: Marsh docks near Folly Beach/Bowens Island (about 25 minutes from downtown Charleston). Cell service: Generally good but spotty in deeper creeks. Permits: Most charters cover fishing licenses—confirm beforehand. Group size: Up to 6. No restroom onboard.
Sustainability Note
Salt marshes are living nurseries—avoid aerosol sunscreen on deck, pack out all trash, release over-slot fish quickly, and never step on live oyster reefs.