Folly Beach Backcountry Fishing | Atlantic Breeze

Reel in the Lowcountry: Half-Day Folly Beach Fishing

Get ready to wet a line in some of South Carolina's most productive inshore waters. This 4-hour afternoon trip takes you and up to three buddies right into the heart of Folly Beach's backwater fishing paradise. We'll cruise the scenic rivers around Folly and Morris Island, targeting everything from hefty red drum to speedy sharks. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to see why Folly Beach is a fisherman's playground.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel that salty breeze and know you're in for a treat. We'll motor out through the winding creeks, keeping an eye out for dolphins playing in our wake. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you might be casting to structure for flounder, the next we could be sight-fishing for tailing reds in the grass. Our captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll hit all the local hotspots. Expect to use light tackle and a mix of live and artificial bait, depending on what's biting. And don't worry if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

On this trip, we'll use a mix of tried-and-true inshore techniques. We might start off drifting live shrimp under a popping cork – a local favorite for trout and redfish. If the tide's right, we'll pole along the grass edges, looking for those telltale signs of feeding reds. For flounder, we'll work jigs slowly along drop-offs and oyster bars. And if we're after some drag-screaming action, we'll set out some fresh cut bait for sharks. We provide all the gear, from light spinning rods to heavier conventional setups. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat – the fish supply the rest of the excitement.

Top Catches This Season

While we can't guarantee what'll be on the end of your line, Folly Beach's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish year-round. In the warmer months, redfish are the stars of the show – nothing beats the thrill of a big red turning the water to foam as it crashes your topwater lure. Speckled trout are another local favorite, especially in the fall when they school up and feed aggressively. Flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're delicious and put up a surprisingly good fight. And for pure power, it's hard to beat the sharks that patrol these waters – from feisty bonnetheads to hard-charging blacktips.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Drum (Redfish): The crowned jewels of Lowcountry inshore fishing, redfish are a blast to catch and can reach impressive sizes. In the shallows, you might spot their copper-colored backs and signature tail as they hunt for crabs and baitfish. They're known for their powerful runs and tend to hang around structure like docks and oyster beds. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch reds year-round here.

Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are prized for both their fight and their flavor. They're ambush predators, often found around current breaks and grass lines. Trout have soft mouths, so a gentle touch is key when fighting them. The cooler months, especially fall, are when the bigger "gator" trout come out to play.

Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait on the bottom for unsuspecting prey. They might not look like much, but hooking one is always a pleasant surprise. These flatfish put up a determined fight and are arguably the tastiest catch in these waters. Look for them around sandy bottoms and drop-offs, especially as the water warms up in spring.

Sharks: From small bonnetheads to arm-straining blacktips, sharks add an element of excitement to any trip. They're here year-round but are most active in the warmer months. Fighting a shark on light tackle is an experience you won't soon forget – just be ready for some serious pulls!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the waters around Folly Beach. Maybe it's the way the marsh grass glows golden in the late afternoon sun, or how a pod of dolphins might surface right next to the boat. Perhaps it's the diversity of the fishing – one cast might land you a tasty flounder, the next could have you locked in battle with a bruiser redfish. Our guests often tell us it's the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. You're close enough to see the Charleston skyline, but out here, it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle. And let's be honest – there's no better way to cap off a day than watching the sunset over the water, maybe with a cooler full of fish to show for your efforts.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and see what Folly Beach fishing is all about, don't wait. These half-day trips are perfect for fitting some quality angling into your vacation schedule or for locals looking to squeeze in some after-work fishing therapy. Remember, we've got room for up to four anglers, so grab your fishing buddies or bring the family for an afternoon they won't forget. All the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is some snacks, drinks, and a good attitude. The fish are out there waiting – let's go find 'em!