Charleston, SC Marine & Fishing Forecast

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tides in Charleston, SC today?

Charleston, SC has a semidiurnal tide with two highs and two lows each day. The South Carolina coast typically sees tidal ranges of 5 to 7 feet, creating powerful current flow that strongly influences fish feeding patterns.

What is the best time to fish in Charleston, SC?

In Charleston, SC, the strong tidal exchange along the South Carolina coast makes the last two hours of an incoming tide and the first hour of the outgoing especially productive. Fish the creeks and marsh edges on the rising tide, then shift to deeper structure as water falls.

Is it safe to boat in Charleston, SC today?

Review the wind forecast above before heading out from Charleston, SC. The South Carolina coast can see rough inlet conditions when outgoing tides meet onshore winds. Winds under 15 mph are generally comfortable for inshore boats, but check bar conditions at inlets separately.

What is the water temperature near Charleston, SC?

Water temperatures near Charleston, SC range from the low 50s in winter to the mid-80s in summer. The Gulf Stream offshore keeps ocean temperatures warmer than inshore waters during winter, creating excellent nearshore fishing opportunities when bay temps drop.

What wind conditions are expected in Charleston, SC today?

See the live wind chart above for hourly conditions near Charleston, SC. Along the South Carolina coast, northeast winds following cold fronts often produce the best fishing once conditions stabilize. Southwest winds ahead of fronts can trigger pre-frontal feeding activity.

Fishing in Charleston, SC

Charleston is one of the Southeast's premier coastal fishing cities, surrounded by the salt marshes, tidal creeks, and sounds of the ACE Basin — one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast. Charleston Harbor and the surrounding water bodies produce outstanding fishing for red drum, flounder, spotted seatrout, and sheepshead throughout the year.

Planning Your Trip

The Charleston area's red drum fishery is legendary, with both inshore puppy drum on the flats and large bull reds in the sounds and inlets. The ACE Basin to the south is considered one of the best redfish destinations on the entire East Coast, with pristine marsh habitat supporting healthy populations. The Charleston jetties at the harbor mouth produce exceptional fishing for tarpon during their summer migrations.

Offshore from Charleston, anglers target king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and amberjack at the nearshore reefs and wrecks. The Gulf Stream's proximity brings sailfish and mahi-mahi within reach during warmer months. The live tide forecast above is important for Charleston, where the tidal range exceeds 5 feet and timing your fishing to moving water is essential for success.

Nearby Marine Forecasts