July 2025 inshore & nearshore fishing report for Charleston, SC
🎣 Inshore (Creeks, Flats, Harbor & Jetties)
Red Drum (Redfish): Excellent from dawn into the early morning. Look for tailing redfish on grass flats during flood tides or cruising around oyster beds and structure later in the day.
Speckled Trout: Strong bite zone early morning using live shrimp or mud minnows under a cork around grass lines and creek mouths . Larger “gator trout” reported in recent charters (July 24).
Flounder & Sheepshead: Flounder remain catchable on mud minnows or finger mullet in deeper creek holes; sheepshead bite headstrong around docks, jetties, and rock structure on fiddler crabs.
Sharks: Harbors are buzzing—shark fishing best early mornings or nights.
âš“ Nearshore (Reefs, Jetties, Reefs beyond the jetties)
Spadefish & Cobia: Reports out of Folly Beach and just beyond reefs show spadefish in high numbers and cobia on the prowl. Pound‑for‑pound spadefish especially tough fighters.
Spanish & King Mackerel: Spanish and king mackerel are active both nearshore and on the pier early to mid-day , especially on 40–60 ft reefs.
Bottom Fish & Sharks: Grouper, snapper, black sea bass, and barracuda are plentiful around artificial reefs and structure. Offshore grouper have been excellent and expected to remain strong through fall.
🧠Seasonal & Tactical Notes
Best Timing: Mornings offer calm water, lower winds, and more fish activity; evenings flush of redfish and possible tarpon as tides change.
Bait Choices: Bait abundance is high—use finger mullet, menhaden, live shrimp, or cut menhaden depending on target. For cobia, a chum bag with live bottom scent is very effective.
Water Temperatures: Mid‑80s °F; while hot, the fish remain active, particularly early in the day.
âś… Quick Tips for Anglers
Start early—pre-sunrise to mid-morning is prime.
Flexibility is key—wind and afternoon showers may shift bite windows; having options helps.
Prepare gear for variety—use popping cork setups, jig heads, light to medium spinning rods, and live or cut bait assortments.
Consider evening trips—especially if targeting redfish tailing on flood tides.