Chasing Reds.
The prized redfish never go away from Charleston waters, they just swim to different places, explains Captain Joel LeVine of RedFin Charters. He says that in summer, the fast, easily spooked fish have moved from the shallow marsh flats to the creeks and rivers. At marinas across the Lowcountry, local fishing guides offer private charter trips on boats of all sizes and supply all the fishing gear needed. LeVine’s boats dock at Bristol Marina downtown, and the red-headed RedFin captain says his full-day charters often end in a waterfront meal of the day’s catch, such as speckled sea trout and flounder. Charter: From $400, (843) 277-5255, www.redfincharters.com
Tie One On.
Learn how to fly-fish for reds and more from the pros during The Charleston Anglers’ summer fly classes. Casting, knots, flies, and all the how-to basics are covered, and equipment is included. Once you’ve got the skills down, you can charter a flats boat through the company, too! Classes: June 11-12 & July 9-10, $25-$75. Charters: From $400. (843) 571-3899, www.thecharlestonangler.com
No Boat, No Problem.
Saltwater fishing licenses start at $5 (dnr.sc.gov), and boats aren’t required for these public fishing spots that you can reach from dry land:
Charleston
◆ The Battery: The seawall spans about 1.5 miles along Charleston Harbor from White Point Garden down Murray Boulevard. Free.
◆ Brittlebank Park: Fishing pier on the Ashley River. W. Lockwood Blvd. next to Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park. Daily. Free.
◆ Colonial Lake: The renovated park and tidal pond reopens June 4 (see page 62). Rutledge Ave. & Broad St. Daily. Free.
◆ Waterfront Park: Overlooking Charleston Harbor. Concord St. & Vendue. Daily. Free.
James Island / Folly Beach:
◆ Folly Beach Fishing Pier: 1,045-foot pier on the Atlantic with handicapped access, restrooms, snack bar, restaurant, bait and tackle, gift shop, and tournaments. 101 E. Arctic Ave. Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. $8; $5 resident; $5 active military; $3 child 12 & under/senior. (843) 762-9516, www.ccprc.com
◆ James Island County Park Fishing Dock: Located on a tidal creek of the Stono River. 871 Riverland Dr. Daily, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
$2. (843) 406-6990, www.ccprc.com
Mount Pleasant & Isle of palms:
◆ Breach Inlet Bridge: Fish from catwalks on both sides of the bridge, but note the dangerous currents. No facilities. State Road 703, between Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. Daily. Free.
◆ Old Pitt Street Bridge: Tidal creeks and the Intracoastal Waterway. The end of Pitt Street in the Old Village. Daily. Free.
◆ Mount Pleasant Pier: On the Cooper River with handicapped access, restrooms, snack bar, bait and tackle, gift shop, and tournaments. Memorial Waterfront Park, 71 Harry Hallman Blvd. Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. $8; $5 resident & military; $3 child 12 & under/senior. (843) 762-9946, ccprc.com
◆ Palmetto Islands County Park Fishing Pier: Tidal creek fishing and crabbing dock. 444 Needle Rush Pkwy. Daily, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. $2. (843) 406-6950, www.ccprc.com
West Ashley:
◆ Northbridge Park: City of Charleston park with fishing pier and parking. Sam Rittenberg Blvd. at the North Bridge over the Ashley River. Daily. Free.
Get: Sunglasses
Whether you want to play at the beach or spot fish in the flats, be sure to have the right sporty shades—that means cool frames and polarized lenses
❶ Costa del Mar “ANAA” in “shiny retro tortoise/cream/mint,” $149 at Shades of Charleston
❷ Costa del Mar “JOSE” (named for legendary angler Jose Wejebe), $259 at Shades of Charleston
❸ Electric “Knoxville” with “David G gloss black” frame and “OHM Grey Fire Chrome” lens, $120 at Las Olas
❹ Vuarnet “002” vintage cateye in “blue,” $270 at Jackson Davenport
❺ Sunski “Dipseas” with matte black frame and gold lens, $55 at Marine Layer
❻ Vuarnet “1301” in grey, $320 at Jackson Davenport
❼ Sunski “Headlands Blue,” $48 at Marine Layer
