Many people are aware of the world class fishing in the Gulfstream offshore from Charleston. Going out on those massive and expensive deep sea fishing boats, sitting in the fitting chair, and trolling through open ocean can be a blast. But it’s usually an all day excursion, you’re waking up at the crack of dawn to make it out there at a reasonable time, there isn’t too much to see except just open rolling ocean, and filling the gas tank of those boats is mighty expensive.

Inshore fishing locally, I find, is a lot more enjoyable and flexible for everyone. There are a variety of fish you can catch around the scenic Charleston harbor, intra-coastal waterway, and the surrounding barrier islands. Depending on the season, you can expect to catch Redfish, Speckled Sea Trout, Southern Flounder, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and a variety of tough fighting sharks to name a few. And usually just a short boat ride away, you can always take a break or wind down your day at one of the many watering holes along Shem Creek, the intra-coastal, or wherever you might find yourself around Charleston. Of course, don’t forget to bring your valid saltwater fishing license.