Beaufort SC Inshore Fishing Jodys Guide Service

Full Day Inshore Fishing in Beaufort, SC

Captain Jody Powell knows these Beaufort waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish. This isn't just another charter - it's eight solid hours of targeting the species that make South Carolina's Lowcountry famous among anglers. From first light at 7:00 AM until mid-afternoon, you'll be working the flats, creek mouths, and oyster beds where redfish cruise and sheepshead stack up. The Triton Bay Boat handles these shallow waters perfectly, getting you into spots where the big boats can't reach. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your inshore game, Captain Jody tailors every trip to match your crew's experience level.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early at Sam's Point Boat Landing, where you'll meet Captain Jody and get the lowdown on conditions and game plan. The beauty of this full-day trip is the flexibility - if the redfish aren't cooperating in the morning spots, you've got plenty of time to adjust and find where they're feeding. The boat comes loaded with everything you need: rods matched to the species you're targeting, reels that can handle these hard-fighting inshore fish, and tackle boxes full of the baits and lures that consistently produce in these waters. Captain Jody reads the tides, wind, and water temperature to put you in the right place at the right time. Some days that means starting on the flats for tailing reds, other days it's working structure for sheepshead or drifting creek bends for trout. With up to three guests, everyone gets plenty of individual attention and coaching on technique.

Techniques and Tackle

Inshore fishing around Beaufort is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish are doing. You'll be using everything from live shrimp under popping corks for trout to cut bait on the bottom for black drum. When the redfish are tailing on the flats, Captain Jody will have you casting artificial lures or live bait to fish you can actually see - that's when things get really exciting. The sheepshead fishing often involves precise presentations around dock pilings and oyster bars using small hooks and fresh bait. Flounder require a completely different approach, bouncing jigs or live mud minnows along the bottom near drop-offs and channel edges. The gear is matched perfectly to each technique, from light spinning tackle for finesse presentations to medium-heavy setups when you need to muscle fish away from structure. Captain Jody will show you how to feel the difference between a fish pickup and bottom contact, when to set the hook, and how to fight these species without losing them in the structure.

Top Catches This Season

Redfish are the crown jewel of Beaufort's inshore waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-25 inches around here, with plenty of slot fish that fight like they're twice their size. Spring through fall is prime time, when they move onto the flats to feed on crabs and shrimp. What makes redfish so special is their attitude - they'll crush a topwater lure one minute and sip a live shrimp the next. The fight is pure power, with long runs that'll test your drag system. Sheepshead might look funny with their human-like teeth, but don't let that fool you - they're some of the craftiest fish in these waters. Peak season runs from late winter through spring when they stack up around structure to spawn. These fish require surgical precision with your bait presentation, but once you dial in the technique, you can catch them consistently. They're excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.

Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon in Beaufort's deeper holes and channels. They're most active during the cooler months, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush oysters and crabs. The fight is all about endurance - they don't jump like a redfish, but they'll pull steady and hard until your arms burn. Summer flounder, or fluke as some call them, are masters of camouflage that ambush prey from the sandy bottom. They're most active during the warmer months, typically running 16-20 inches with occasional doormat-sized fish over 24 inches. What makes flounder fishing addictive is the subtle bite - you need to develop a feel for their pickup, which often feels like your sinker just got stuck. Spotted sea trout round out the slam opportunities, schooling up in grass beds and creek mouths throughout the warmer months. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action.

Time to Book Your Spot

Eight hours with Captain Jody gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Beaufort's inshore waters have to offer. You'll learn techniques that work here, see water that most visitors never access, and hopefully head home with a cooler full of fresh fillets. The $50 fish cleaning service means you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about the mess later. Just remember to grab your Georgia fishing license before you head out - you can usually get one online or at local tackle shops. This trip consistently delivers for families looking to create lasting memories, groups of friends wanting to test their skills against some serious fish, and solo anglers who want to learn from one of the area's top-rated captains. The calendar fills up fast during peak season, so don't wait too long to secure your dates.