Beyond Redfish: Fly Fishing Opportunities in Charleston, South Carolina

When most anglers think of fly fishing in Charleston, South Carolina, the first species that comes to mind is the redfish. These tailing, hard-fighting fish are the backbone of the Lowcountry’s inshore fishery and rightfully earn the spotlight. But Charleston’s estuaries, tidal creeks, and nearshore waters hold far more than just redfish. For those looking to expand their fly fishing horizons, here are some other exciting targets that make this fishery so diverse.

Speckled Trout

Speckled sea trout (or “specks”) are aggressive feeders that love shrimp and baitfish patterns. They’re often found along grass edges, oyster bars, and creek mouths, especially in cooler months when redfish schools tighten up. Trout readily eat a well-presented fly and offer steady action throughout the year.

Flounder

A bit of a challenge on fly, flounder are ambush predators that lie in wait along sandy bottoms, creek mouths, and drop-offs. They’re not the easiest species to fool, but hooking one on fly tackle is a rewarding accomplishment. Weighted shrimp or baitfish patterns fished near the bottom can draw strikes.

Sheepshead

Sometimes called “the permit of the Lowcountry,” sheepshead are notoriously tricky on the fly. These crab- and shrimp-eating fish hang around dock pilings, oyster reefs, and rocks. Sight fishing for them in shallow water is a true test of patience and skill — but if you fool one, you’ve earned bragging rights.

Ladyfish

Often overlooked, ladyfish are a blast on the fly rod. Known for their acrobatic jumps and aggressive strikes, they’re sometimes called “poor man’s tarpon.” Summer is prime time for finding schools of ladyfish in creeks and rivers.

Amberjack

The “reef donkeys” of the Lowcountry, amberjack are powerhouse fish found around nearshore wrecks and offshore reefs. On fly, they demand stout tackle and strong knots — once hooked, they dive hard and test every bit of your gear. While not a common target for fly anglers, chasing amberjack around Charleston’s structures is an adrenaline-filled experience.

Spanish Mackerel

In summer and early fall, Spanish mackerel slash through schools of glass minnows just off the beaches and jetties. They’ll crush fast-moving baitfish patterns stripped quickly through the water column. These fish demand speed, so be ready to strip as fast as you can.

False Albacore (Little Tunny)

Charleston sees runs of false albacore (or “albies”) in the fall, usually just outside the jetties and along nearshore rips. On the fly rod, these small tunas are in a league of their own — lightning-fast, relentless, and perfect for anglers who love sight fishing for blitzing schools.

Spadefish

Spadefish are often found hovering over wrecks and reefs in large schools. Though known for feeding on jellyfish, they’ll eat small crustacean or flashy baitfish patterns when presented properly. They fight well for their size and provide excellent light-tackle sport.

Cobia

Cobia are a prized catch in Charleston waters, especially in late spring and summer when they migrate through. Sight fishing for cruising cobia on the surface is one of the most thrilling fly fishing experiences you can have here. They’ll eat large streamers, crab patterns, and baitfish imitations, and once hooked, deliver blistering runs and sheer brute strength.

Tarpon

Yes, Charleston does have tarpon. While not as consistent as Florida, Lowcountry tarpon migrate through in the late summer months. They can be found rolling in bays, inlets, and nearshore waters. Hooking one of these giants on fly is a bucket-list challenge in South Carolina.

Sharks

For pure pulling power, don’t overlook Charleston’s sharks. Blacktips, bonnetheads, and spinners cruise the flats, drop-offs, and beaches. Bonnetheads in particular are a great sight-fishing target on fly, often tailing on the flats much like redfish.

The Big Picture

Redfish may be the poster child of Charleston fly fishing, but the inshore and nearshore waters here are full of opportunity for adventurous anglers. From acrobatic ladyfish to stubborn sheepshead, screaming amberjack to cruising cobia, the Lowcountry has a wide range of species ready to test your skills and bend a fly rod.

If you’re ready to experience the full range of Charleston fly fishing, book a trip with us today. Our fleet includes the brand-new Delta Boatworks D245 and D18, two boats designed specifically to handle everything from shallow-water redfish tailing shots to nearshore wrecks and big-game fly fishing.

As a Charleston fly fishing guide, we tailor every charter to your goals — whether that’s stalking sheepshead in skinny water, chasing schools of false albacore, or sight casting to a cobia on the surface.

📅 Book your Charleston fly fishing charter today and discover why the Lowcountry is one of the most exciting fly fishing destinations on the East Coast.

Written by: Austin Young