Hey there, fishing newbies! Ready to dip your toes into the world of inshore angling? Our 4-hour trip in beautiful Beaufort, SC is the perfect way to get your feet wet (literally and figuratively). We've designed this experience with first-timers in mind, so you can leave your worries on the dock and focus on having a blast out on the water. Whether you're 8 or 80, if you've ever wanted to try fishing but didn't know where to start, this is your chance to learn from a local pro in some of the most beginner-friendly waters around.
Picture this: You're cruising through Beaufort's calm inshore waters, rod in hand, surrounded by stunning coastal scenery. Our seasoned guide's got your back, showing you the ropes and sharing all the local fishing secrets. We provide everything you need – rods, reels, bait, and even your fishing license for the day. All you've gotta do is show up with some snacks, your favorite drinks, and a good attitude. We'll head to the sweet spots where Redfish, Flounder, and Sea Trout like to hang out. These waters are perfect for learning – no crazy waves or deep-sea monsters here, just chill vibes and eager fish waiting to give you that first-catch thrill.
Alright, let's talk shop. Inshore fishing is all about finesse and reading the water. We'll start by showing you how to cast like a pro (or at least not tangle your line). You'll learn to work soft plastics along grass lines, bounce jigs off the bottom for Flounder, or use live bait under a popping cork for Trout. We might even try sight-casting to tailing Redfish if conditions are right – it's like fish hunting, and it's a rush when you spot those copper backs in the shallows. Don't worry if these terms sound like Greek to you now; by the end of the trip, you'll be tossing around fishing lingo like you've been doing it for years.
Our inshore waters are teeming with some real crowd-pleasers. Let's break down the heavy hitters you might encounter:
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored beauties are the rockstars of inshore fishing. They put up a great fight and can grow to over 40 inches long! Redfish love to cruise in shallow water, often giving themselves away with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, but they're around all year. Hooking into a big "bull" Red is an experience you won't forget.
Sea Trout (Spotted Seatrout): Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your average trout. Sea Trout are sleek, silver fish with spots and some seriously impressive teeth. They're known for their subtle bite and explosive runs once hooked. We often find them around oyster beds and grass flats. The best part? They're active year-round, with fall being the peak season when the big ones come out to play.
Southern Flounder: These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Catching a Flounder is all about patience and technique. They might not look like much, but they can grow up to 20+ inches and put up a surprisingly good fight. Late summer and early fall are prime Flounder seasons when they start moving towards the inlets. Landing one of these "doormats" is always a highlight of any trip.
Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and there's a reason folks can't get enough of Beaufort's inshore scene. It's not just about the fish (though they're pretty awesome). It's about that moment when a first-timer feels their rod bend and their eyes light up. It's about swapping stories and laughs between casts. It's about seeing ospreys dive for their lunch or dolphins playing in the distance. Every trip is different, but they all leave you with that "can't wait to do it again" feeling. Plus, our calm waters and variety of fish make it perfect for anglers of all levels – from total greenhorns to seasoned pros looking for a laid-back day.
So, what do you say? Ready to trade the hustle and bustle for some quality time on the water? This 4-hour trip is the perfect way to test the waters (pun intended) and see if fishing might be your new favorite hobby. We've got room for up to three people, so grab a couple friends or make it a family outing. Remember, everything's included – gear, bait, license, and all the know-how you need to start your fishing journey off right. All that's missing is you! Don't let another season slip by without giving it a shot. Book your spot now, and let's make some waves (but not too many, 'cause we're inshore, after all). See you on the water!
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. You'll find them in shallow flats and creeks, often tailing in water so skinny their backs are exposed. Most reds we catch run 3-8 pounds, but trophy "bull reds" over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them around oyster bars, grass edges, and sandy potholes. They'll eat just about anything, from live bait to artificial lures. Fall and spring are peak seasons as water temperatures are ideal. Anglers love redfish for their hard-fighting spirit - they'll test your drag and make blistering runs. Plus, they're excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. To up your odds, watch for "nervous water" or swirls on calm days. Reds often hunt in packs, so if you catch one, there are likely more nearby. Try a gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a light jighead for consistent action.
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly into sandy or muddy bottoms in our shallow coastal waters. Most average 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, though trophy fish over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them year-round in bays, estuaries, and near-shore waters, often tucked up against structure. They're ambush predators, so look for them around oyster beds, grass flats, and dock pilings. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper channels to spawn. Flounder are popular for their delicate, sweet meat and the challenge of hooking them. When you feel that telltale thump, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Give them a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel tight and lift. I like using live mud minnows or finger mullet on a Carolina rig, dragged slowly along the bottom. It takes some finesse, but landing a doormat flounder is always satisfying.
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishery. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 1-3 pounds, though gator trout over 5 pounds will really get your heart racing. You'll find them in grass flats, creek mouths, and around oyster bars, often in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Spring and fall offer the best fishing as water temperatures are ideal. Anglers prize sea trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. They're not the strongest fighters, but their acrobatic leaps make for exciting catches. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a local favorite, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs work great too. Here's a tip: on calm mornings, listen for their distinctive "trout pops" as they feed on the surface. That's your cue to cast nearby for some fast action.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 46
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90