A 4 hour inshore trip: What to expect.

 4-hour inshore fishing charter with Folly Beach Fishing Charters (www.follybeachfishingcharters.com) out of Folly Beach, South Carolina, promises a fun and engaging experience in the coastal waters of the Charleston Lowcountry. Here’s what you can expect based on the details they provide:

Before You Go

• Booking: You’ll need to reserve your spot in advance via their website or by contacting them directly. They offer 2, 4, 6, and 8-hour packages, with the 4-hour trip being a popular choice for a solid half-day adventure.


• What to Bring: They encourage you to bring anything to enhance your experience—think sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, light clothing, non-slip shoes, snacks, and drinks. They provide top-of-the-line fishing gear, state fishing licenses, ice, sunscreen, insect repellent, and bottled water, so the essentials are covered.


• Meeting Point: Trips typically depart from the Folly Beach boat landing, conveniently located just minutes from anywhere on the island. Exact details will be confirmed when you book.

On the Day

1. Getting Started: You’ll meet your captain—Captain John, who gets rave reviews for being knowledgeable and great with families. Expect a quick briefing on safety and the plan for the day. They aim to put you “in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing with the right bait.”
   
   • The trip starts early, often around sunrise (e.g., 7-8 AM), to catch the best tidal conditions.
   
   


2. The Boat: You’ll likely be on a vessel suited for inshore waters a bay boat, stable and equipped for shallow creeks, rivers, and marshes. It’s comfortable for small groups, typically up to 6 passengers, though pricing starts for 2 with an additional $75 per extra person.


3. Fishing Time: After a short ride (15-30 minutes) to the first spot, you’ll spend most of the 4 hours fishing—roughly 3 hours of actual casting. The captain will take you through the scenic Lowcountry waterways, like the Folly River or nearby creeks and marshes, targeting:
   
   • Species: Year-round inshore favorites like redfish, spotted seatrout (speckled trout), sheepshead, flounder, and black sea bass. Seasonal catches might include bull redfish, Spanish mackerel, or even sharks (late spring to fall).
   
   
   • Techniques: They specialize in light tackle and emphasize teaching proper methods to “hook up, fight the fish, and land it.” Live bait (e.g., shrimp or mullet) and artificial lures are used, tailored to what’s biting.
   
   


4. Experience Level: Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned angler, the crew adjusts to your skill level. They’re known for patience with kids and novices, making it a family-friendly outing.


5. Vibe: Expect a mix of relaxation and excitement—casting in calm, picturesque waters with chances for wildlife sightings (dolphins, birds) and the thrill of a bite. Captains often share local fishing tips and stories, adding to the fun.

What You Might Catch

• Common Hauls: Redfish and trout are staples, with flounder and sheepshead also frequent. Sharks or stingrays might surprise you for a bigger fight.


• Keep or Release: They adhere to South Carolina catch limits, and all fish are cleaned at no extra charge if you want to keep them. Local restaurants can cook your catch if you’d rather not take it home.

Wrapping Up

• Return: You’ll head back to the dock around the 4-hour mark (e.g., 11 AM-noon if starting at 7-8 AM). The captain cleans any keepers, and you’ll leave with fish, photos, or just good memories.


• Cost: Pricing is based on 2 passengers (check the site for exact rates, typically for $500 for 4 hours), with $50 per additional person up to 6. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted.

Highlights from Reviews

• Past guests praise Captain John for being “fantastic” with kids, helping everyone catch fish like seabass, pigfish, flounder, and sharks. One family called it “the trip of a lifetime,” while others loved the variety (trout, flounder, stingrays) and the captain’s expertise.

Tips

• Dress for the weather—February can be cool (50-60°F), so layers are smart.


• Tip the crew (15-20%) if they go above and beyond.


• Weather cancellations are at the captain’s discretion, so flexibility helps.