Aug 16 2019

10 Things to Know about Kayak Fishing in Charleston SC

Kayaking is our favorite family activity in Charleston

It’s been a while since my family and I have gone kayaking in Charleston, SC. We are overdue getting back out on the water. When we go again, I am certain we will have as much fun as we did the first time if not more. Either we’ll paddle out further or we’ll try something new like kayak fishing.

Kayaking in the Lowcountry has taken off

It’s no surprise that kayaking in Charleston has become even more popular. The city itself is increasingly popular. Every year Charleston is named to a “best travel destination” list in one publication or another. With that designation comes an increase in tourism as well as a demand for a variety of things to do in Charleston.

The city is known not only for its architecture but also its beautiful waters. And because 14.5% of Charleston’s 127.5 square miles is covered by water, people want to be on it.

What better way to get up close to the various waterways in Charleston than via kayak?

I sat down with a Charlestonian, my brother-in-law to learn more about the rise in kayak fishing. He is a former Marine, avid outdoorsman, and super knowledgeable local who grew up in Charleston and knows every creek, crook and bend in the area. I couldn’t ask for a better subject expert.

Kayak fishing in Charleston SC is popular

According to my brother-in-law, kayak fishing in Charleston has become particularly popular amongst people who love being out on the water and fishing. It provides accessibility to the waters because there are so many places in Charleston to go fish.

There’s also a high probability of wildlife encounters when you’re out fishing from a kayak. You can spot dolphins, a variety of bird species, turtles, and other wildlife.

Now that we know the why of kayak fishing in Charleston, here are the 10 things to know about it.

1. Benefits of kayak fishing vs traditional fishing from a boat?

Accessibility and cost are the biggest differences between traditional fishing and kayak fishing.

People fish from docks and piers and think to themselves “if I could just get over there to fish.” But if you don’t have a boat you can’t do that. With kayak fishing, you don’t have to worry about the expense of a boat, fuel or a trailer.

You can take a kayak, throw it on your car, and launch it in the water just about anywhere.

Kayak fishing comes with its own demands. It is an industry in and of itself. Remember, there are people who own boats but still have kayaks because they want to be closer to the water.

When you fish from a kayak, you can sneak up in little areas emitting less noise than you can when you fish from a boat.

2. What special equipment do you need?

Aside from the fishing gear, you need all the things you would take for kayaking:

paddle
personal floatation device
sunproof hat
sunglasses (and a sunglasses strap if you’re accident prone)
Lab reel
tackle

You have to get creative here where you have to have your things accessible and contained in your kayak. There are so many configurations for rigging your fishing kayak.

There are lots of tips and tricks for holding on to your stuff while you fish.

A lot of people tie their fishing rods to the kayak because if you get a bite, the fish could pull the rod out of your hand. Stakeout poles or power poles (a motorized fiberglass pole that you stick in the mud which holds you in place) could be advantageous.

Other accessories for your kayak fishing excursion could include:

electronic fish finder
batteries
lighting for nighttime fishing
electric motors

3. What tips do you have for beginners?

If you are brand new to kayaking, go with someone if you’re going to add fishing to it. You want to have somewhat of an idea of what you’re doing.

Don’t do anything or change your kayak until you fish in your new kayak. Then you will know if it will be nice to have something else on your kayak.

Here’s why.

If you add equipment to your kayak, most times you have to drill holes in it. Remember, the kayak is plastic so you only want to drill holes once.

When you’re out on the water, think about where you would want to have your accessories. Go to Meetup groups, clubs on Facebook and forums to ask questions.

There are different techniques for fishing. Some people will drift and put their lines out. Some people will anchor and use an anchor line, trolley where they can sit over where they want to fish in a specific spot.

You can not paddle and fish at the same time. Unless you are repositioning – this is really for those people are more advanced and are using pedal kayaks where you can kick with your legs, a steering knob — this is an entirely different can of worms.

Go out with a guide if you are new to kayak fishing in Charleston’s waters. You have to have knowledge of currents and tides. Or else if you don’t, you will find yourself in trouble very quickly.

4. Do you need to know how to fish?

Successful fishing requires a bit of technique, location, and luck. Someone who has never fished before can have a good day.

In short, you need to be at the right place at the right time – especially when you’re kayak fishing in Charleston. The good news is that you don’t have to know how to fish to enjoy the activity.

5. Best areas for catching fish?

This is subjective as far as fishing goes. You can fish almost anywhere around Charleston.

Oyster Bays in Charleston SC — One of many oyster bays we came across while kayaking in a quiet creek.

There are a number of tidal rivers in Charleston to explore, including:

Wando
Cooper
Stoney
Ashley

You need to know what to look for. Fish like to congregate around structures, docks, in deep holes, and by oyster beds.

Start asking questions if you don’t know the area and don’t know what to look for. Usually, you find the deep holes around bends in creeks. Fish around shipwrecked boats (some can be found in the Cooper River, Folly River, and Ashley River) or along the shoreline.

In order to isolate the best areas to catch fish, it’s important to have some kind of knowledge around where fish congregate.

6. What type of fish can I catch around Charleston?

What you will typically find in saltwater is redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead but there are many other species that have been caught.

Bass, bowfin, catfish, and panfish (which cover special species) are what you will typically find in freshwater in Charleston.

7. Is this a safe activity for kids? What’s the youngest recommended age?

Again this is subjective – it all depends on the sophistication and savviness of the child.

The child would need to have a lot of confidence and have been taught how to manage a kayak (and themselves in the kayak) well. The biggest challenge for a child would be if they fall out of their kayak and need to get back in. Typically an 11- year old and older would be a good age but again they could be younger. You know your child’s abilities best.

8. Best time of day to catch fish?

Typically going out early on the water is better but it depends a lot on the tide.

This is where the knowledge of the waters and the tide comes into play. It can get complicated.

Depending on the tide, you’re gonna find particular fish in particular places. You just need to know what you’re looking for. For example, in high tide, you’ll find red fishtailing (tails are out of the water, heads are down) in the marshes looking for food to catch. On low tide, you may find the same redfish in a deep hole. You’d just change up how and where you are trying to catch the fish.

9. Should I be worried about sharks? Where are sharks typically seen?

Very rarely do you hear about shark encounters. When they do come around they go about their business. You could see small ones but they are nothing to worry about.

10. How much does kayak fishing in Charleston, SC cost on average?

A kayak tour generally runs about $40. About 2 hours. So if you’re going to go fishing add on top of that, especially if they are providing the equipment and bait for you to fish.

Kayaks allow just about anyone to get out on the water when they want to. Add fishing to the mix and it becomes a great equalizer for people who may not have the resources to rent a boat for more diverse fishing experiences.

Kayak fishing looks like an incredibly fun activity if you’re visiting Charleston, SC and you’re looking for an outdoor activity to enjoy. Even if you don’t catch fish, you have plenty of Lowcountry scenery to explore via your kayak.

May 17 2017

6 Things To Know About Kayaking In Charleston SC

Kayaking In Charleston SC

It’s no surprise that kayaking in Charleston SC can be a lot of fun. I’m learning to appreciate lots of things about the low country that I didn’t appreciate (or know) before.

For several years now, Charleston has been topping the “Best Of” charts for US travel destinations. Luckily, I’m married to a native and get to enjoy visiting the family any time of the year, off the typical tourist path.

Whether you’re looking for good food in Charleston, black Geechie culture or a laid-back beach sprinkled with that Chucktown charm, you won’t be disappointed. But what’s really fun (and a family activity) that I don’t see many travel articles discuss about things to do in Charleston, is kayaking.

Good thing you found me!

Here’s something you may not have known about kayaking in Charleston

You can kayak in Charleston all year long. Jackpot!

And if you’re lucky enough to know someone who knows someone you can find quiet creeks that are perfect for beginners.

Kayaking Boats in Charleston SC — Hub and my brother-in-law off-loading the kayaks.

My brother-in-law is an avid kayaker. He graciously answered my barrage of questions about kayaking in Charleston. He does both regular kayaking as well as kayak fishing in Charleston. So when I say he’s a pro, believe me…he’s a pro!

1. The best public spots in Charleston to launch your kayak

Family Kayaking In Charleston SC — The anti-party – a nice quiet spot accessible only via private property.

Kayaking launch spot #1: The most popular place in town is Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. It’s about 15 minutes from the city right across the Cooper River bridge.

People love to kayak here because of the creek front’s proximity to bars, restaurants, and seafood shops. Here’s a map of some of the best restaurants in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Party Tip: When you paddle here mid-day on a summer Saturday, you are paddling thru a party. Fun! You’ll find music at Reds, tons of foot traffic, and people on the creek eating and drinking. It looks like a canal on either side. If you choose, you can also paddleboard.

Kayaking launch spot #2: Folly Landing on Folly Beach is also a hot spot for good kayaking. You’ll find the landing off of Folly Road right as you cross the James Island connector.

Depending on the conditions and the tide you can kayak in Folly River going towards the Folly Beach County Park or kayak towards the lighthouse. Your choice.

2. How much does it cost to kayak in Charleston?

We were lucky enough to have my brother-in-law go out with us in his mini fleet of 4 kayaks. My husband sat in a double with my youngest while my oldest and I sailed through the creek in single kayaks.

On average if you’re renting a kayak on your own, it will cost you:

Single kayak for a half-day $55; for a full-day $65
Double kayak for a half-day $55; for a full-day $65

The average price of Kayak tours in Charleston is reasonable

My first time kayaking was during a press trip to North Carolina. The waters were NOT mellow and we had two guides escorting us. It was a higher-priced experience but definitely not as fun as kayaking in Charleston.

On average in Charleston, guided tours start at $55 per person for 2 hours of kayaking. For 4 hours you’re going to pay around $85 per person. This price includes the kayak rental and the guide.

3. What are the best kayak tours in Charleston?

Whenever I travel, if I don’t have a local to give me a suggestion I use a trusted tour directory like Viator.

Check out Viator’s site for discounts on paddleboard or kayaking tours in Charleston. I use the site for a lot of tours I take in foreign cities or when I need to find something to do that’s a little closer to home.

4. Types of kayak tours in Charleston

Tours depend on your skill level. According to bro, not everyone can paddle in all conditions, nor in all waters.

There are different types of tours you can experience. Some tours go through swamps, some go through rivers.

Eco tours are most popular because they’re also educational where the tour guide will talk about the tidal creeks and the surrounding ecosystem. Oftentimes you’ll get to see oysters and crabs up close and personal.

5. Clothing and accessories for kayaking in Charleston

I was clearly not dressed appropriately when I went kayaking with the family. I wore flip flops that provided absolutely zero traction and caused me to lose my balance when trying to enter the water through a more rustic landing.

So I asked my brother what are some must-have items for a comfortable (and safe) experience. We’ll get to footwear in a moment.

When it comes down to clothing, you want to wear something that keeps you dry.

My husband had a good look. His legs and head were covered, his shirt wasn’t cotton and he wasn’t wearing flip flops. The vest was really cool. If you’re going to be on the water for hours and need hydration one of these really cool running hydration packs is a good idea. (Note the stylish 70’s style hand towel also covering his head to catch sweat).

Cotton is not necessarily your best friend. In the kayaking community, they say, “cotton kills.” Keep in mind that you exert yourself when you kayak, so you will sweat no matter if it’s cold or warm outside.

Summers in Charleston can be sweltering and after only 10 minutes under the sun you’ll be drenched. In the Winter, the trick is to also stay dry.

Cotton stays wet. Even when it’s warm outside it can be really uncomfortable so you want to wear something that has wicking properties in it like this long-sleeve shirt for instance.

Recommendations for winter: splash pants, breathable waterproof clothing, neoprene waterproof socks.

Recommendations for summer: lightweight wicking clothing in general. It’s best to wear long-sleeve shirts to avoid sunburn. If you do wear short sleeve shirts and/or pants you MUST apply sunscreen as needed.

Recommendations for footwear: any shoes you would use for water sports like these for instance is good but be aware that with lightweight shoes you’ll have to be mindful of the oyster or shell banks. If you walk on them they will cut through your lightweight shoes or sneakers. Ouch!

Combat mosquitos in the late Spring and through the Fall with mosquito spray. Gnats like good weather just like we do.

Although zika virus isn’t a concern in Charleston, you never know. Plus, nobody has time for itchy mosquito bites.

I hate mosquitos but they luvvvvv me and my blood type. If I could kayak with a net around the boat I would!

Lastly, a hat is a good look to keep your head covered, cool, and protected from the elements.

6. Buying a kayak vs. renting a kayak

Kayaking can easily become an addiction. Most people when they try it and love it, want to buy a kayak and all the accompanying gear.

Hold your horses!

Before you whip out that credit card, my bro recommends that after your first time, go out a few more times.

Kayak purchasing tips to help you save money and buyer’s remorse

1.Try a few different kayaks before you buy. Every kayak doesn’t fit everyone. You may need more space for equipment that you’d like to take with you such as fishing gear. In that case you may want to get a fishing kayak.

Tip: If you come across oyster bays don’t assume that it’s a free-for-all supply for your oyster roast. Many of these lands are protected and you may need a license before you go scavenging.

2. When you get a sea kayak, you are fitted to the boat. They’re made to your size, specific body-type and based by your leg length.

Sea kayaks take a bit more technical skill to operate but they’re not hard once you learn about them and get used to their feel.

The trick is to get used to them.

It’s easier to roll over in a sea kayak because they’re designed for that. You use your whole body to maneuver a sea kayak and move the boat around.

3. Go to a reputable shop and test drive the kayaks just like you would a car. You don’t want to buy a vessel only to get on the water to find out that it’s too big, too small or hard to maneuver.

FYI: Sea kayaks aren’t as wide as other kayaks and sit lower in the water.

Are you ready to go kayaking in Charleston, SC? Where are some of your favorite places to kayak? Leave your tips for newbie kayakers in the comments below.