Charleston, SC Fish Species

South Carolina Fishing Seasons – Best Times to Catch Inshore & Offshore Species

Fishing in South Carolina’s coastal waters changes with the seasons, offering anglers exciting opportunities year-round. Whether you're fishing the inshore creeks and marshes or heading offshore into the Atlantic, knowing the best time to target specific species can help you plan a successful trip. Spring and summer bring an abundance of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder inshore, while tarpon and sharks start showing up in the warmer months. Offshore, anglers can expect action-packed fishing for mahi-mahi, wahoo, and king mackerel, along with deep-sea bottom fishing for snapper and grouper.

Best Fishing Seasons for Inshore & Offshore Species in Charleston, SC

During fall and winter, inshore waters stay active with sheepshead, black drum, and speckled trout, making it a great time for light tackle fishing. Cooler temperatures bring larger schools of bull redfish into shallow waters, offering incredible sight-fishing opportunities. Offshore, black seabass, triggerfish, and amberjack become prime targets as bottom fishing remains productive throughout the colder months.

South Carolina’s deep-sea fishing season is at its peak from spring through early fall, with sailfish, tuna, and cobia making their way through offshore waters. Whether you're looking for an easygoing inshore trip or a challenging offshore adventure, each season provides unique fishing experiences along the South Carolina coast. Book your trip with Eye Deal Fishing Charters to take advantage of the best seasonal fishing opportunities in Charleston, SC!

What are the most popular inshore fish species in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s inshore waters are home to redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum. At Eye Deal Fishing Charters, we specialize in targeting these species using light tackle, live bait, and artificial lures. Each season brings different opportunities, with bull redfish being a top catch in the fall and sheepshead peaking in winter.

What offshore fish can I catch in Charleston, SC?

Offshore fishing in Charleston offers a wide variety of species, including mahi-mahi, wahoo, king mackerel, black seabass, amberjack, and grouper. Eye Deal Fishing Charters runs offshore trips year-round, adjusting techniques based on seasonal migrations and water temperatures to maximize success.

When is the best time to catch redfish in South Carolina?

Redfish are available year-round, but fall is the best season for catching trophy-sized bull redfish in the Charleston area. During this time, large schools move into the shallows, creating incredible sight-fishing opportunities. Eye Deal Fishing Charters helps anglers land these hard-fighting fish using expert techniques tailored to each season.

What’s the best season for deep-sea fishing in South Carolina?

The best deep-sea fishing season in South Carolina runs from spring through early fall, when species like sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and king mackerel are most active. However, bottom fishing for snapper, triggerfish, and grouper is productive year-round. Eye Deal Fishing Charters offers customized offshore trips to target these exciting species.

Can I keep the fish I catch with Eye Deal Fishing Charters?

Yes! Many of the species we catch are legal to keep, as long as they meet South Carolina’s size and bag limits. Eye Deal Fishing Charters follows all regulations to ensure sustainable fishing practices. If you’re looking to take home fresh fish, we’ll clean and prepare your catch so it’s ready for a delicious meal!