Fishing Charters in South Carolina

Browse fishing charters in South Carolina that can help you catch shortnose sturgeon.

Mama Bass Fishing - Mama Bass Fishing
Mama Bass Fishing

Mama Bass Fishing

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

freshwater
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
A Live One - A Live One
A Live One

A Live One

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Logo Merchandise for A Live One charter boat in Hilton Head Island SC

inshore
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Down Low Outfitters Fly Fishing Charters - Down Low Outfitters Fly Fishing Charters
Down Low Outfitters Fly Fishing Charters

Down Low Outfitters Fly Fishing Charters

Charleston, South Carolina

Inshore saltwater guided fishing charters specializing in targeting redfish on the fly and with light conventional tackle. Charleston, SC native Capt. Danny Lynch will show you the best of the Lowcountry and the fish it has to offer.

inshorefly fishingRedfish
Charleston, South Carolina
Doc Dog Charters - Doc Dog Charters
Doc Dog Charters

Doc Dog Charters

Awendaw, South Carolina

inshore
Awendaw, South Carolina
The Charleston Fishing Guide - The Charleston Fishing Guide
The Charleston Fishing Guide

The Charleston Fishing Guide

Mt Pleasant, South Carolina

inshore
Mt Pleasant, South Carolina
Toes In The Water Fishing - Toes In The Water Fishing
Toes In The Water Fishing

Toes In The Water Fishing

Summerville, South Carolina

inshore
Summerville, South Carolina
Rogue Marine Adventures - Rogue Marine Adventures
Rogue Marine Adventures

Rogue Marine Adventures

Beaufort, South Carolina

Celebrate in Style on the Waters of Beaufort Looking for a unique and thrilling way to celebrate your bachelor or bachelorette party? Look no further than Rogue Marine Adventures! We offer unforgettable boat parties that combine fun, relaxation, and excitement against the stunning backdrop of Beaufort’s waterways.  Her

inshore
Beaufort, South Carolina
Redfish Charters - Redfish Charters
Redfish Charters

Redfish Charters

Ridgeland, South Carolina

inshore
Ridgeland, South Carolina
Fishers Of Men National Tournament Trail - John Snincak
John Snincak

Fishers Of Men National Tournament Trail

Chapin, South Carolina

Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail

inshore
Chapin, South Carolina
Bottom Time Charters - Bottom Time Charters
Bottom Time Charters

Bottom Time Charters

Lexington, South Carolina

inshore
Lexington, South Carolina
Carolina Hook N Reel - Carolina Hook N Reel
Carolina Hook N Reel

Carolina Hook N Reel

Fort Mill, South Carolina

Experience the ultimate in Charleston fishing charters with Carolina Hook N Reel. We provide top-notch service to help you catch the big one! Book today!

inshore
Fort Mill, South Carolina
Offshore Fishing Charters - Offshore Fishing Charters
Offshore Fishing Charters

Offshore Fishing Charters

Charleston, South Carolina

RedFin Charters is a premier Offshore Fishing Charter Outfit in Charleston, SC that specializes in trolling, big game, and bottom fishing.

offshore
Charleston, South Carolina

Best Time to Catch Shortnose Sturgeon

Best months: May, June, July, August. Right now in February, activity is poor.

Book a Shortnose Sturgeon Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Shortnose Sturgeon

Shortnose Sturgeon

Various

The Charleston area, with its network of rivers and estuaries, offers habitat for the federally endangered Shortnose Sturgeon. Encounters are rare, and extreme care must be taken to ensure their survival. The Cooper and Ashley Rivers are known habitats. Targeting them specifically is discouraged due to their protected status, but knowing how to identify them is important if you accidentally hook one while fishing for other species. If you do catch a Shortnose Sturgeon, immediately release it unharmed. Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to potentially encounter them, as they may be moving between freshwater and saltwater habitats. If fishing in areas where sturgeon are known to occur, use heavy tackle and circle hooks to minimize the risk of injury. Be aware of current regulations regarding sturgeon fishing and handling in South Carolina. Prioritize conservation and responsible angling practices.

How to Catch Shortnose Sturgeon

Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Shortnose Sturgeon in Charleston.

Shortnose Sturgeon Fishing Regulations in South Carolina

Open Season

Closed

Daily Bag Limit

Zero

Size Limit

No harvest allowed

License Required

N/A

All sturgeon species are federally endangered and protected. Catch and immediate release only.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the South Carolina state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in South Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a Shortnose Sturgeon that I catch in Charleston?

No, the harvest of Shortnose Sturgeon is prohibited in South Carolina. The season is closed, and there is a zero bag limit.

What happens if I accidentally catch a Shortnose Sturgeon near Charleston?

If you accidentally catch a Shortnose Sturgeon, you must immediately release it back into the water unharmed, as they are a protected species.

Is there a specific time of year when Shortnose Sturgeon fishing is allowed in Charleston?

No, Shortnose Sturgeon fishing is not allowed at any time of the year in South Carolina. The season is permanently closed.

Do I need a fishing license to catch and release Shortnose Sturgeon in South Carolina?

While a fishing license may generally be required for fishing in South Carolina waters, it is irrelevant in the case of Shortnose Sturgeon as all fishing for them is prohibited.

Other Species to Fish in Charleston

Ready to Catch Shortnose Sturgeon in Charleston?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.