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Elite 8-Hour Inshore Charter - Folly Beach
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Folly Beach
- Updated Date: November 29, 2025
Summary
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Big Catches of the Day
Full Day Folly Beach Fishing: Redfish to Mackerel
Get ready to put your angling skills to the test on this 8-hour inshore fishing adventure off Folly Beach. We're talking serious fishing here – the kind that'll have you grinning from ear to ear as you battle some of South Carolina's hardest-fighting gamefish. Captain Will Adams knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the hottest bite. From Redfish tailing in the shallows to Spanish Mackerel blitzing bait schools, this full-day trip covers all the bases for experienced anglers looking to bend a rod.
What to Expect on the Water
This ain't no lazy day of bobber watching, folks. We're hitting prime fishing grounds from sun-up to sundown, targeting everything from bruiser Cobia to tasty Gag Grouper. The beauty of Folly Beach fishing is the variety – one minute you might be sight-casting to Redfish in skinny water, the next you're jigging deep holes for Black Drum. Captain Will's got all the top-notch gear you need, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got a lucky streak going. Just come prepared for non-stop action and bring plenty of sunscreen – we'll be chasing bites all day long.
Techniques That'll Fill the Box
Alright, let's talk strategy. Depending on the tide and what's biting, we'll mix it up throughout the day. For those Redfish, we might be slinging soft plastics or live bait along oyster beds and grass lines. When the Spanish Mackerel are running, get ready for some fast-paced trolling or casting spoons into feeding frenzies. Cobia fishing is a whole different ballgame – we'll be looking for these bruisers around structure or even free-swimming near the surface. And don't forget about those Gag Grouper – dropping live bait or jigs near rocky bottoms can produce some real shoulder-busters. The name of the game is versatility, so be ready to switch it up as we follow the bite.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the pride of Folly Beach inshore fishing. Bulls can top 40 inches, putting up a fight that'll test your drag and your biceps. They love hanging around oyster beds and grass flats, often giving themselves away with their trademark tailing behavior. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch slot-sized reds year-round.
Cobia: Talk about a bucket list fish – Cobia are like the linebackers of the ocean. These curious creatures can hit 100 pounds and will test every bit of your tackle and technique. They show up in late spring and stick around through summer, often hanging near buoys or following rays. Sight-casting to a big Cobia is an adrenaline rush like no other.
Spanish Mackerel: When these speedsters are in town, it's non-stop action. They hunt in schools, slashing through bait balls with reckless abandon. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the ticket here. Spring and fall are your best bets, but summer can produce some epic blitzes too. They're not just fun to catch – they make for some mighty fine eating as well.
Gag Grouper: These bottom-dwelling brutes are structure-loving ambush predators. They might not have the flash of some other species, but don't let that fool you – Gags will put your arms through the wringer. We target them around rocky bottoms and artificial reefs, usually in the cooler months. Landing a big Gag is a true test of an angler's skill.
Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousins of Redfish, Black Drum can grow to monster proportions. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp, often hanging out near bridge pilings and deeper holes. While the smaller ones are great eating, the big boys (we're talking 50+ pounds) are catch-and-release trophies that'll give you a story to tell for years.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I still get excited every time we leave the dock. There's something special about Folly Beach fishing that keeps both locals and visitors hooked. Maybe it's the variety – where else can you target inshore slam species and offshore bruisers in the same day? Or perhaps it's the stunning scenery, with dolphins playing in our wake and pelicans dive-bombing just yards from the boat. But I reckon it's the quality of the fishing itself. When you're hooked up to a bull Red or battling a Cobia, there's no place else you'd rather be. And the best part? Every trip is different. The tides, the weather, the fish – it all comes together to create a unique adventure each time we hit the water.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're an experienced angler looking for a day of serious fishing, this is your ticket to Folly Beach's finest. We're talking 8 solid hours of targeting the cream of the crop – Redfish, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Gag Grouper, and more. Captain Will's got the local knowledge to put you on fish, and the skills to help you land 'em. But fair warning: once you experience this level of inshore action, your fishing addiction might reach new heights. So grab your lucky hat, round up your fishing buddies (we can take up to 4), and let's hit the water. The fish are waiting, and the bite is on – all that's missing is you. Book now and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action you won't soon forget.
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore scene. These chunky fighters average 5-30 pounds, but the big ones can top 80. You'll find them in shallow, muddy areas around oyster beds and pier pilings. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Drum put up a dogged fight and the smaller ones make good eating. They got their name from the grunting sound they make. To catch 'em, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. I like a simple fish-finder rig with 20-30 pound line. Here's a local tip: look for their trademark tail waving above the water as they root for food in the shallows. Just keep in mind, the bigger ones over 15 pounds tend to be wormy and not as good eating. Stick to the "puppy drum" for the dinner table.
Cobia
Cobia are one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll tangle with around here. These sleek, powerful fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them near structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are best as they migrate through. Cobia are prized for both their tenacious fights and excellent table fare. They'll test your gear and your arms with long, strong runs. To land one, try sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live eels. A local trick is to chum them up to the boat, then pitch a bait right in front of their nose. Just be careful when you bring them in - they're known for going berserk in the boat. The meat is firm and white, great for grilling or sushi.
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are the bruisers of the reef, averaging 10-30 pounds with some topping 50. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and artificial reefs in 60-250 feet of water. They're most active in cooler months when they move closer to shore. Gags put up a stubborn fight, using their bulk to dive for cover. They're prized eating fish too, with firm white flesh. To catch one, drop large live baits like pinfish or mullet near the bottom. Use heavy tackle - 50-80 pound braid with a sturdy rod. My local tip: once hooked, crank hard and fast to pull them away from their rocky homes. Otherwise, they'll wrap you up and break off. Just check regulations before you go, as seasons and limits change to protect the population.
Redfish
Redfish are a favorite target here in Folly Beach. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches, with some real bruisers pushing 40+. You'll find them in shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two. Look for them around oyster beds, grass flats, and creek mouths. Fall and spring are prime seasons when they school up. Redfish put up a great fight and taste delicious, so they're popular with both sport and table anglers. To catch 'em, I like using scented soft plastics on a jighead, worked slowly along the bottom. Watch for that distinctive spot near their tail - it's actually a false eye to confuse predators. When you hook one, be ready for some drag-screaming runs. Just remember to check regulations, as there are size and bag limits to protect the population.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are speed demons that'll make your reel sing. These sleek, silvery fish usually run 2-4 pounds but can hit 8. You'll find them in open water near the surface, often in big schools chasing bait. Look for diving birds to spot them. They're most active here from late spring through fall. Macks are fun to catch on light tackle and make tasty eating too. They'll hit just about anything shiny moving fast - spoons, jigs, or small lures all work well. My go-to setup is a 7-foot medium rod with 15-pound braid. Troll or cast into the schools, retrieve quickly, and hang on. A local trick is to use a long fluorocarbon leader to avoid bite-offs from their razor sharp teeth. Just be careful handling them and get them on ice quick to keep that meat fresh.
About the Skeeter (Bay boat)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
