Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Beaufort, SC

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

$400 price range
Updated Date: October 4, 2025

Summary

Looking to try your hand at inshore fishing in Beaufort, SC? Captain Jeremiah Simons offers a 4-hour charter that's perfect for beginners. You'll head out to calm, shallow waters where redfish, flounder, and sea trout are plentiful. Don't worry about bringing any gear – everything you need is provided, including rods, reels, and bait. The captain keeps things simple, focusing on teaching you the basics and helping you land your first catch. It's a laid-back trip, great for all ages and skill levels. You might find yourself casting near oyster beds or drifting along grass flats, learning how to read the water and spot fish. With room for up to three people, it's a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon on the water. Best of all, you don't need a fishing license – just show up ready to learn and have a good time on Beaufort's rich fishing grounds.

Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Beaufort, SC

Reeling Them In

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Reel in Beaufort's Best: Beginner Inshore Fishing

Ready to wet a line in Beaufort's backwaters? Captain Jeremiah Simons has you covered with this laid-back 4-hour charter perfect for newbies and families. You'll be targeting some of South Carolina's most popular inshore species - redfish, sea trout, and flounder - in the calm, shallow waters that make Beaufort a top-notch fishing spot. No need to fuss with gear or licenses; the captain provides everything you need to start catching fish right away. Whether you're looking to learn the ropes or just want a chill day on the water, this trip hits the sweet spot.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture yourself cruising through Beaufort's maze of tidal creeks and grass flats, rod in hand, as Captain Jeremiah points out prime fishing spots. The shallow, protected waters here are ideal for beginners - no seasickness worries! You'll learn the basics of inshore fishing techniques like live bait fishing and artificial lure casting. The captain's got years of local knowledge, so he knows just where the fish are biting. With a max of three guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction to hone your skills. Kids are welcome too, making this a perfect family outing. And the best part? When you hook into a hard-fighting redfish or speckled trout, you'll be hooked on Beaufort fishing for life!

Fishing 101: Gear and Tactics

Don't sweat it if you've never held a fishing rod before - Captain Jeremiah's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need. You'll be using light to medium spinning tackle, perfect for battling inshore species without wearing yourself out. The captain will show you how to rig up with live bait like shrimp or mullet, or how to work soft plastic lures that mimic local baitfish. You might try drift fishing over oyster beds for flounder, or sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows. As you get the hang of it, the captain will share tips on reading the water, spotting fish activity, and perfecting your cast. By the end of the trip, you'll have a solid foundation in inshore fishing techniques that you can use anywhere.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the rock stars of Beaufort's inshore waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties put up a fantastic fight, often tailing in super shallow water where you can sight-cast to them. They range from "puppy drum" size up to over 40 inches, with the sweet spot being 18-27 inches for keeper reds. Fall and winter are prime time for big schools of reds, but you can catch them year-round in Beaufort.

Speckled trout (or sea trout) are another local favorite. These spotted predators have soft mouths and love to shake hooks, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all levels. They're most active in cooler months, especially around oyster bars and creek mouths. Nothing beats the excitement of a topwater trout bite at dawn!

Southern flounder round out the inshore slam. These masters of camouflage lie flat on the bottom, ambushing prey in deeper holes and along channel edges. While they're not the hardest fighters, they're delicious on the dinner table (if you're lucky enough to keep a few). Late summer and fall are peak flounder fishing seasons in Beaufort.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Beaufort's inshore waters are a fish-filled playground that keeps anglers coming back for more. The diverse ecosystem of salt marshes, oyster beds, and tidal creeks creates the perfect habitat for a variety of gamefish. You might start the day catching redfish in skinny water, then move to deeper holes for trout and flounder as the tide changes. The scenery is stunning too - you'll likely spot dolphins, ospreys, and maybe even a bald eagle while you're out there. And let's not forget the laid-back Lowcountry vibe that makes Beaufort such a special place to fish. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, Captain Jeremiah's local expertise ensures you'll have a great day on the water and learn something new.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to try your hand at inshore fishing in one of South Carolina's most beautiful coastal towns, this Beaufort beginner's charter is calling your name. With all gear provided, expert guidance from Captain Jeremiah, and some of the best inshore fishing grounds right at your fingertips, you're set up for a day of fun and learning on the water. Whether you're a local looking for a new hobby or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Lowcountry angling, this trip offers the perfect introduction to Beaufort's world-class inshore fishing. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your adventure. Get ready to make some memories and maybe even catch your new personal best!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are one of Beaufort's most popular inshore targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can grow much larger. You'll spot them by their distinctive tail spot, which looks like an eye to confuse predators. We find redfish in super shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish put up a great fight and are excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to soft plastics. One local tip: On calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. Cast just ahead of them for explosive strikes. Beginners love targeting redfish because they're aggressive feeders in skinny water. You might even see them tailing with their backs out of the water - it's an exciting sight that gets everyone fired up.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a prized catch in Beaufort's waters. These fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a good fight for their size. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. During winter, they school up in deeper channels. Sea trout have a mild, delicate flavor that's hard to beat. The best time to target them is spring through fall when water temps are warmer. They're opportunistic feeders, so live shrimp or artificial lures like jerk baits work well. One local trick: try slow-trolling along grass edges with a popping cork rig. The noise attracts trout and suspends your bait at the right depth. Folks love catching sea trout because they're abundant, fun to reel in, and make for some tasty eating. Just remember not to overcook them - the meat can get mushy fast. Whether you're new to fishing or an old pro, sea trout are a great species to target in our inshore waters.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom, blending in with sand or mud. They're oddly shaped fish with both eyes on one side of their head. Most run 15-18 inches, but they can get up to 20 pounds or more. You'll find flounder in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They prefer structure like drop-offs, creek mouths, and docks. Fall is prime time as they move offshore to spawn, concentrating in deeper channels. Flounder fishing takes some patience, but it's rewarding. They're not big fighters, but they're considered one of the best-tasting fish in the sea. We usually drift or still-fish for them using live bait or artificial lures. Here's a local trick: When you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Flounder often grab prey sideways, so give them a few seconds to turn the bait before reeling. It's a fun technique to master, and nothing beats the satisfaction of landing these tasty flatfish.

About the Tracker

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 46

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

Hop aboard Captain Jeremiah Simons' cozy fishing boat for a laid-back day on Beaufort's inshore waters. This 4-hour trip is perfect if you're new to fishing or just want a chill outing with friends and family. You'll cruise through calm, shallow areas where redfish, flounder, and sea trout like to hang out. Don't worry about bringing any gear - the captain's got you covered with rods, reels, and bait. He'll show you the ropes and give you tips to improve your technique. With room for up to three people, it's a great way to bond and make some catches together. The best part? You don't need a fishing license, so you can just relax and enjoy being out on the water. Whether you're 8 or 80, a total beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, this easygoing charter lets you experience the fun of Beaufort fishing without any fuss.

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