Charleston County, SC · Atlantic Ocean
Charleston Harbor
The Lowcountry estuary around Charleston — a year-round inshore fishery for redfish, spotted seatrout, and sheepshead over the oyster banks and grass flats, with bull reds at the jetties in fall. Fished from skiffs, the surf, and the harbor jetties. Live tide and water temperature from the Charleston station.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Red Drum & Spotted Seatrout — tied at the top (84/100)
2 species tied for best of 3 tracked at Charleston Harbor.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 11:51 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 5:47 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
Species at Charleston Harbor
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Red Drum Great day to fish for Red Drum. In season 84/100
What's helping
- 80°F water — inside red drum's active range
- incoming tide — red drum prefers incoming tide
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Sciaenops ocellatus — Also called channel bass, redfish, or (as juveniles) puppy drum. Summer and fall target around the lower Bay shoals and the Eastern Shore coastal bays. Big "bull reds" cruise the surf in fall.
Prefers. Water 65–85°F (ideal 75°F) · incoming tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Min size
- 15"
- Max size
- 23"
- Daily creel
- 2
15–23" slot, 2/person/day (max 6 per boat).
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Spotted Seatrout Great day to fish for Spotted Seatrout. In season 84/100
What's helping
- 80°F water — inside spotted seatrout's active range
- incoming tide — spotted seatrout prefers incoming tide
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Cynoscion nebulosus — Popularly called "speckled trout" or "specks." Summer-fall target in the lower Bay grass beds and the Eastern Shore coastal bays. Topwater walkers at dawn and soft plastics on jigheads are standard.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 72°F) · incoming tide · depth 3–15 ft.
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 10
14" minimum, 10/person/day.
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#3 Sheepshead Workable day for Sheepshead. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 80°F water — inside sheepshead's active range
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- incoming tide — sheepshead prefers slack tide
About. Archosargus probatocephalus — Structure-oriented crustacean eater with famously human-like teeth. VA piers, jetties, and the rocks and pilings of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel are the classic targets. Fiddler crabs, sand fleas, or small pieces of shrimp on a knocker rig right against the structure. Expect to lose tackle.
Prefers. Water 60–82°F (ideal 72°F) · slack tide · depth 5–40 ft.
- Min size
- 14"
- Daily creel
- 10
14" minimum, 10/person/day (max 30 per boat).
Source: South Carolina regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
South Carolina
Coordinates
Notes
SC: redfish 15–23" slot, 2/day; seatrout 14" minimum, 10/day. Sight-fishing the flooded grass on big tides is a Lowcountry signature.
Local reports & rules for Charleston Harbor: South Carolina DNR fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Charleston Harbor?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Charleston Harbor you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Charleston Harbor?
Charleston Harbor is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Sheepshead. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Charleston Harbor?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Charleston Harbor against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Charleston Harbor have?
Charleston Harbor has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. SC: redfish 15–23" slot, 2/day; seatrout 14" minimum, 10/day. Sight-fishing the flooded grass on big tides is a Lowcountry signature.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Charleston Harbor?
state agency regulations apply at Charleston Harbor. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Charleston Harbor tidal water?
Yes. Charleston Harbor sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.