What is the Primary Difference Between Inshore and Offshore Fishing – Charleston SC

People who are new to fishing in Charleston, SC may wonder, “What’s the difference between inshore and offshore fishing?” That’s a question that we can answer! Making sure our customers know the difference is important to us because we want to be certain that you have the best fishing experience.

 

The core difference between inshore and offshore fishing is the depth of the water where the fishing will take place. In seawaters or in the ocean, inshore fishing takes place within a few miles of the shore. Estuaries and bays are common inshore fishing locations too.

 

Offshore fishing usually takes place far away from the shore (approximately 40 to 60 miles out), and in waters that are hundreds and even thousands of feet deep. Besides the fishing location, there are six components that help define the differences between inshore and offshore fishing as well.

 

The Boat

 

Offshore: The boat for offshore fishing is usually a large sports fishing boat.

Inshore: The boat for inshore fishing is either a small motorboat, a canoe, or a kayak.

 

Weather

 

Offshore: Weather conditions with offshore fishing and the time of year usually dictates the type of fish you’ll be able to catch.

Inshore: Weather conditions with inshore fishing allow for fishing all year-round, and that includes seasonal changes.

 

Fuel & Supply Expenses

 

Offshore: Longer duration and distances (including overnight fishing trips), will require a larger boat and bigger fish which means more supplies.

Inshore: Going a shorter distance and duration means smaller fish and a small boat.

 

Fishing Tackle

 

Offshore: The equipment will be heavy-duty, and large bait will be used.

Inshore: You will only need light tackle with inshore fishing and some live and dead bait.

 

Fishing and Boat Equipment

 

Offshore: Electronic equipment with offshore fishing includes an open radar that helps with traveling and fishing throughout the night, an XM Satellite Radio, and Chirp Sonar, which is used for recreational fishing.

Inshore: Tracking devices are minimal compared to offshore fishing monitoring devices.

 

Fish Variety

 

Offshore: You’ll catch larger fish like amberjack, grouper, blackfin, mako sharks, wahoo, yellowfin, cobia, marlin, dorado, snapper, and king mackerel.

Inshore: You’ll catch smaller fish like flounder, speckled trout, and redfish.

 

 

If you’re looking to experience the fishing trip of your life in Charleston, SC, contact us to reserve a fishing charter today!