Some of the best fishing in the Lowcountry can be found right off the shores of our very own Charleston. Just ask Marvie Benford, a local fisherman who knows the coastal waters like the back of his hand. When not working you will find him cruising the big blue looking for the next big strike. But with today's technology finding it can be easy, the challenge is catching it. No problem for Marvie. If it lives in the ocean and has gills and scales he will find it and catch it.
When I first came to Charleston I spent three hundred dollars for a fishing charter that took us around the inner coastal waters of the Isle of Palms. It turned out to be a huge disappointment because we didn't get a single strike, not even a nibble the whole three hours. The guide even tried for some shark and we still came up empty handed. "We are going to catch something?", was the constant inquiry. Probably could have caught something right off the pier for the price of a dozen shrimp or a bucket of menhaden where the boat was moored. The disappointment was not due to the fact there wasn't any fish, there was plenty of fish. It unfortunately was our guide whom we came to find out was from Boston and new to the area.
Three years later I was invited to go on another charter. This time it was free because my friend payed for it, so if I didn't catch anything, at least I wouldn't feel like I just got my pockets picked. As we headed down to the pier the boat came into view and it looked eerily familiar. Lo and behold, it was the same guide. I didn't say a word about our previous encounter, but the look of concern on my face was evident to my friend. At least this time he looked more like a fishing guide than a salesman from Boston and we did catch alot of shark that day trailing behind the shrimp trollers combing the waters in the bay. So, the lesson learned is make sure you get a good charter with an experienced guide like Marvie, and you will not be disappointed.
Spot-tail Bass are probably one of South Carolina's most sought after fish and are plentiful in Charleston waters. Spanish Mackerel arrive in the spring and stay until fall. From spring through fall, the Flounder is a highly prized catch. King Mackerel are excellent fighters on light tackle and are caught trolling the offshore structure and wrecks. The Jack Crevalle show up in Charleston around the beginning of June. Other species are Bluefish, Bonito, Spotted Seatrout, and Sheepshead. Set the hook and keep your rod tip up. For detailed information on fishing in Charleston and a list of charters visit
Charleston Fishing.-
Vacation Rick Travel
Just ask Captain Marvie Benford of Benford Fishing Charters and he will tell you the time is right. The spottails are going on a frenzie because they too are making preparations for the winter soon to come. Marvie is new to the charter business, but not new to Charleston saltwater fishing. Although a young captain, having fished the Charleston waters for years, he is very familiar and well educated on the hot spots and techniques of Charleston coastal fishing. To top it off, you cannot beat the enthusiasm he brings to the fishing sport business.
Benford Charters first excursion, a group from Wisconsin, was a major success. The group caught 25 spottails. Four reds ranged from 26 inches to 30 inches. As an added bonus, they caught six sheepshead navigating around docks and a few trout. They fished the outgoing tide, in the morning, and all the reds were caught on cut mullet or live shrimp on the bottom and under a cajun thunder popping cork. Personally speaking, I have fished other charters in the Charleston area and have been disappointed. Catching 25 spottails in one morning, I would have been ecstatic. 
