Isle of Palms is known for some of the best fishing on the Charleston coast, where salt marshes, tidal creeks, inlets, and ocean surf blend together to create a teeming environment for fish of all sizes. Whether you prefer dock fishing, surf casting, or chartering a trip with a local pro, Isle of Palms has something for every type of angler.
Along the shoreline and within local inlets and waterways, anglers can find a variety of fish, including redfish, spotted trout, flounder, shark, tarpon, crevalle, sheepshead, jack, king and Spanish mackerel. Offshore fishing opens up an even greater range of opportunities, and the right local guide can point you toward the best-kept spots in the area.
But before your hook ever hits the water, you'll need a South Carolina fishing license, available online or at local bait and tackle shops. The law requires one for anyone holding a rod or any other fishing device. Once you've got that squared away and you're settled into your Isle of Palms vacation rental, the world is your oyster!
Dock Fishing
Isle of Palms County Park
Located in the heart of Isle of Palms, IOP County Park offers plenty of activities, including wide stretches of shoreline perfect for setting up camp by the waves. The area is also home to one of the best piers on the coast, extending far out into the water right by the Sea Cabin condos. Accessible to all who stay at the Sea Cabins, the pier offers stunning views and endless opportunities to reel in saltwater fish from the comfort of land.
IOP Public Dock
Newly built within the IOP Marina and just off the Intracoastal Waterway, this IOP Public Dock is perfect for lounging, catching a breeze, and fishing safely along a popular local waterway. It's just steps from The Outpost, where you can pick up supplies and gear for your next fishing adventure.
Breach Inlet
With a walkway spanning the inlet between Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island, Breach Inlet is known as one of the region's hottest fishing spots. Its deep, fast-moving channel isn't suited for swimmers and sees little boat traffic, making it a great place to reel in flounder, red drum, and sharks.
Surf Fishing
Isle of Palms County Park & Beach
As noted previously, Isle of Palms County Park and Beach is a great spot for the whole family to gather for a beach day and playground time, just steps from local shops and restaurants. For those looking to surf fish, it's an ideal spot for a relaxing day, with whiting, pompano, and redfish almost always in play, especially if you're out early in the morning.
Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes Beaches
The rest of the Isle of Palms shoreline, all the way up to the Ocean Point neighborhood within Wild Dunes, is ideal for surf fishing. The farther north you go, the quieter the beaches get, and the greater your chances of a successful day out. Heading out early in the morning means fewer crowds, a better shot at a fresh catch, and a welcome break from the peak heat of Southern days. The stretch between 45th and 50th Avenues is especially productive at high tide.
Fishing Charters
4 Sons Fishing Charters
4 Sons Fishing Charters is known as one of the best in the area for its fishing charter experiences. This locally family-owned and operated guide service offers authentic Lowcountry adventures, from the flats of the marsh to the Gulf Stream offshore, including inshore trips, shark fishing, fly fishing, offshore and deep sea excursions, red snapper fishing, flounder gigging, and frog snatching. Taking you deep into the waterways around the Charleston coast, this team knows exactly where to find the best fish the Lowcountry has to offer.
Enjoy $50 off inshore fishing experiences when staying with Sweetgrass Properties.
Captain Cole’s Charters
Charleston, South Carolina is a true angler's paradise, featuring expansive salt marshes, dolphins playing in the surf, and no shortage of opportunity when it comes to fishing in the area. Captain Cole’s Charters offers only the best charter experiences, whether you want to fish the tidal creeks, explore the open waters of Charleston Harbor, or head offshore into the Atlantic. The opportunities are endless.
Enjoy 10% off your charter experience when staying with Sweetgrass Properties.
Boat Rentals
Quarterdeck Boat Rentals and Charters
If you're looking to get out on the water on your own and fish among the inlets, creeks, waterways, and harbors around Isle of Palms and Charleston, booking a rental through Quarterdeck Boat Rentals is the way to go. With locations at IOP Marina and downtown at Seabreeze Marina, renting a boat is an easy way to get out on the water without the hassle of bringing your own on vacation. Explore the waterways and discover your own favorite fishing spots while you're staying on the island.
Enjoy 10% off your boat rental when staying with Sweetgrass Properties.
Book Your Fishing Getaway with Sweetgrass Properties
Level up your vacation by staying with locally-owned property management group Sweetgrass Properties when you travel to the Charleston Coast. Whether you’re looking for a spacious estate located beach-front with ocean views or a cozy coastal villa just steps from community clubhouses, we have a little bit of everything for every type of visitor, no matter the trip!
Interested in booking your next trip to Charleston? Check out properties across islands like Kiawah, Seabrook, Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes for your next vacation and experience the Sweetgrass difference.