December Inshore Fishing Report – Folly Beach Fishing Charters

December brings some of the most consistent inshore action of the year around Folly Beach, especially for anglers willing to time the weather and tides. Cooler water pushes fish into predictable patterns, and Captain John has been finding solid bites throughout the creeks, rivers, and harbor edges.

Redfish
Redfish are the stars of the December fishery. Large schools are holding in shallow mud flats, oyster-lined creeks, and along drop-offs near deeper holes. On sunny afternoons, these fish slide up to warm, dark-bottom areas and can be sight-fished in calm conditions. Soft plastics on light jigheads, gold spoons, and mud minnows under popping corks have all been producing steady action.

Speckled Trout
Speckled trout are showing up best during warming trends and around moving water. Look for them staged near creek mouths, deeper bends, and shell bottom where they can ambush bait. Slow presentations are key this time of year—suspending twitch baits and soft plastics worked low and slow have been the top producers, especially on the outgoing tide.

Sheepshead & Black Drum
Structure fishing has been excellent in December. Dock pilings, rock piles, and bridge structure are holding quality sheepshead and black drum. Fiddler crabs and shrimp fished tight to structure are the go-to baits. These fish provide great action and make for a fun change of pace when the tide is right.

Conditions & Tips

• Best bites often occur mid-day once the sun has warmed the water

• Lighter winds make a big difference for shallow-water fishing

• Dress warm—December mornings can be chilly, but the fishing heats up fast

If you’re looking for a productive, crowd-free time to fish the Lowcountry, December is hard to beat. Captain John of Folly Beach Fishing Charters is dialed in on the seasonal patterns and ready to put you on fish all winter long. Whether you’re chasing redfish in skinny water or probing structure for sheepshead, December offers some of the best inshore opportunities of the year.