August 2025 INSHORE & NEARSHORE FISHING REPORT FOR CHARLESTON, SC

August in the Lowcountry means hot days, warm water, and plenty of opportunity on the water if you know where to look. The dog days of summer don’t slow the fish down much—they just change the way we approach them.

Inshore

Redfish continue to be the stars of the show. During the heat of the day, they’ve been tucking tight into shaded structure and deeper pockets, but early mornings and evenings are producing great action on the flats. Topwater plugs and soft plastics fished along grass lines have been getting crushed at first light. As the tide rises, look for schools sliding up into the grass chasing fiddler crabs—perfect conditions for sight-fishing with a fly rod or weedless soft plastic.

Speckled trout are around, but they’re more of an early-morning bite right now. Small topwaters or live shrimp under a popping cork are your best bets before the sun gets too high.

Flounder are being caught around creek mouths and sandy points. Gulp shrimp on jigheads or live mud minnows fished on the bottom have been the ticket.

Nearshore & Offshore

The nearshore reefs are holding a mixed bag this month. Big spadefish, Spanish mackerel, and the occasional king mackerel have been keeping things exciting. Live bait slow-trolled just off the beach is producing kings when the water’s clean.

Closer in, the jetties continue to hold bull redfish and sheepshead. Dropping fiddler crabs around structure will almost guarantee some solid sheepshead action.

Final Thoughts

Yes, it’s hot—but August fishing around Charleston and Awendaw is worth every ounce of sweat. Early mornings and evenings are key, tides matter more than ever, and if you’re willing to be patient and observant, the fish will reward you.