FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Let's talk about how your service works. What's the concept?

We want everyone to experience the thrill of Kayak Fishing. We keep it simple, legal, and affordable, you provide the fishing license, and we supply everything else to catch and release local fish. You pick the time, park the car, meet your guide, get a safety and equipment briefing, and get out on the water.
What gear would I need to go fishing with you?

A South Carolina Saltwater Fishing License, that's it. However, there are a few items you might want to bring, such as bottled water, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera.
Can I bring my favorite fishing gear?

Guests are always welcome to bring their favorite rods and reels if they like. Guests are responsible for the items that they bring along.
How would I get a South Carolina Salt Water Fishing License?

You can use our webpage to link straight to the SCDNR webpage and register online. If you want to purchase one physically, there are several locations in the area, such as Haddrells in West Ashley and Mount Pleasant and any West Marine store.
When should I show up for my adventure?

You get to pick the day and time from our schedule by booking with us online. It is best to arrive a few minutes early to find parking and ensure you have all the desired items you want to bring along. We base our best fishing experience on tides and trends of the fish.
Can I just rent a Kayak and go out on my own?

We pride ourselves on being Charleston's primer Guided Kayak Fishing service. If you are looking for a traditional kayak experience, there are places around Charleston that do rentals. We are happy to help you book with Nature Adventures in the beautiful Shem Creek Area for your local Kayak and Paddle Board rentals. You can find their link on our page.
You are an American made company. How does that work?

The production and manufacturing of our Lighting Strike Kayaks are all done in the USA, specifically Minnesota. We try to find any affordable American made products that we use to help promote the American industry.
You say the company is Veteran Owned. Are you a Veteran?

Yes, my wife and I are both Veterans. I served in the US Army and Operation Desert Storm as an M1 Tanker, and my wife is a former Marine who served overseas in the communication field.
You state First Responders staff you. How do you do this?

I am the owner as well as the lead company guide. I was a Firefighter/EMT for several years with City, County, and private emergency services. We also have other guides that are contractors, and those guides currently serve or have prior 911 service.
How do you think experience as a Veteran and First Responder set you apart from other companies?

I believe coming from high-stress career environments creates a dedicated student. Being on the water always presents a risk. As in both the military and the First Responder service, you must improvise, adapt, and overcome to manage risks. Situational awareness, staying calm, safety training, and communication are essential in the evolution of an emergency. Our experience of planning and preparation for situations allows us to provide an additional level of safety.
What safety equipment does your company use?

We provide a widespread list of safety equipment, from high-quality USCG life vests, individual safety whistles, waterproof radios, rain ponchos, emergency throw ropes, bilge pumps, paddles, and a water safety trained first responder guide.
How long have you been fishing?

I have been fishing since my childhood. My father was a military man, and I have two brothers. Fishing is a childhood memory I share with all of them. My father still reminds me to bring my fishing rods when I go to visit him. Fishing is a skill I currently share with my three sons.
What is the biggest fish you have caught in a kayak?

The largest fish I have caught in a kayak is, unfortunately, one of my least favorites to capture. I wrestled a saltwater catfish, and once I got him into the kayak, his length was from my sternum to the heels of my feet. I would estimate his size was close to four feet, and he probably weighed close to fifty pounds. I was covered in its bio-slime all day, very unpleasant.
If I hire your company, am I guaranteed to catch fish?

Nothing would be better than to guarantee fish on every outing. However, fish move with tidal currents, temperatures, pressures, and move when their food source moves. There are many variables to fishing, so there is never a guarantee you will catch fish, but we use every advantage we can to make it happen for you.
What is the best fish to catch?

That is a tricky question. I enjoy the fight; sizeable Red Drum will put up, and I like the conflict and strategy of catching a large stingray. It all boils down to personal preference.
Mono or Braided?

Both. Braided is excellent for strength, but you have to be careful with braided. Things like barnacles, oyster beds, teeth, and even scales can cause your best catch to become your most significant loss.

Mono is great for abrasion resistance and offers some safety due to stretching in those initial hard strikes. In my opinion, combine them. Use a braided line for strength, and a mono leader, twice the braid strength and as long as the biggest fish you are hoping to land.
Frozen, Fresh, or Artificial?

I prefer fresh and frozen. Artificial baits seem to have so many variables, weight, length, soft or hard, treble or single, segmented or solid, quite or clicking, this color one week, a new color the next. Here in Charleston, we have fresh bait almost all year round, and for the few months it becomes hard to find, I always have a freezer of local frozen bait.
What happens if the weather calls for rain on the day I reserved a trip?

We will all get wet. We do our best to provide an essential barrier with a rain poncho, but rain can also be a tremendous topwater enticement and aerator for the fish making them more active for better fishing. Rain is not a dangerous factor. However, once thunder and lightning are involved, we are forced to head to shore for safety.
Where is your favorite place to fish?

I love exploration. I am out on the water, hunting and exploring new channels all through the low country weekly. Several marsh channels on the northern end away from the tourist sites offer great spots for local monsters.
What fishing gear do you use, and what's best?

I love the Ugly Sticks GX2. It's a tremendous basic rod, and we equip all our reels with them. There are so many angler debates about which rods are the best, which gear you should use. My advice is to get something durable you can afford that fits your fishing style and take care of it. If you purchase a saltwater reel, wash it out after every use! Being labeled as "Saltwater" does not mean "No cleaning or maintenance needed."
What areas are the most scenic?

Shem Creek, by far, is the best known for its scenery. Shem Creek is a 3-mile long alley of low country beauty. You experience everything from the local shrimp boats docked along the boardwalk to the overhanging trees along the inner marsh to the busy Charleston harbor.
When can I kayak fish in Charleston?

Charleston has excellent fishing year-round. One of the best things about the south is we have very short winter seasons. Some of the best fishing of the year is when the temperature drops, and by the time you blink, it's spring again.
Where can I get a kayak like yours?

You can purchase several kayak brands through our dealer Lowcountry Anglers linked on our webpage. Jeff runs a great company and always has special deals for clients that have fished with Carolina Kayak Fishing Adventures.
How many can you accommodate in an outing?

Our guides can take up to 5 clients out per trip, and we do our best to run two trips a day.
Are there age or weight limits for clients?

We want everyone to have a fishing license, so we recommend every client is 16 and above. Our Lightning Strike kayaks are weight rated for individuals up to 300 pounds.
Can I keep the fish I catch?

We pride ourselves on being a catch and release company. We want you to fish and leave the fish as injury-free as possible. We want to protect the local environment and biomes of the Low Country for future generations. If you are insistent on keeping legal fish, you will need to provide a cooler and ice to do so.
Do you have a local brick and mortar with restrooms?

No, we meet you at the designated boat landing and get out on the water as quickly as we can. It is best to use the restroom prior to arrival.
Are you able to transport your services to other areas upon request?

Yes. We can accommodate special requests as long as the area is boat trailer accessible and the fleet is reserved for a minimum of 4 clients for two outings that day with a travel fee included.
What is the long term goal for Carolina Kayak Fishing Adventures?

Our design is to franchise new fleets and guides into several areas along the South Carolina coast. We want our fleets accessible within 90 minutes of one another to allow anyone local or visiting our great state to experience the unforgettable memory of kayak fishing.

American Made

Veteran Owned

First Responder Staffed

Book online now Contact Us Call: 843-380-5444

OUR SATISFIED CUSTOMERS

Thank you for the great fishing, Dave. Most people weren't catching much in the usual good spots. So Dave took me to an out of the way spot and I got a good sized catfish after 15 minutes of being there.

Awesome time out fishing with Carolina Kayak Fishing Adventures, LLC! We all had a blast! Thank you David Skinner for being such a fantastic guide!

Awesome memories on this trip. Caught my first ever overslot redfish thanks to our professional guide, quality gear, great local knowledge about low country fisheries, all for a very affordable rate.

Awesome time out fishing with Carolina Kayak Fishing Adventures, LLC! We all had a blast! Thank you David Skinner for being such a fantastic guide!

Awesome memories on this trip. Caught my first ever overslot redfish thanks to our professional guide, quality gear, great local knowledge about low country fisheries, all for a very affordable rate.

LOOKING FOR CHARLESTON KAYAK RENTALS
TRY OUR FRIENDS AT NATURE ADVENTURES
ON SHEM CREEK IN MT PLEASANT

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Payment/Refund Policy

Parties/Individuals must be paid for in advance to reserve a date and time. Parties/Individuals may cancel with a full refund up to 1 week before the event date. Cancellations greater than 48 hours of the scheduled time and up to 1 week will only receive a 50% refund. Cancellations with less than 48 hours will not receive a refund but will earn a 50% credit toward a future date. Tours are not canceled due to rain unless unsafe conditions such as thunder or lightning are present. If a tour is canceled due to hazardous weather, we will work with you to reschedule or provide a refund.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

American Made Veteran Owned First Responder Staffed

OUR SATISFIED CUSTOMERS

Latest From Our Blog

Emergency Preparation

Top 10 Helpful Tips Before Buying A Kayak

The top 5 targeted fish for Kayak fishing in Charleston, and the places to get geared up.

American Made

Veteran Owned

First Responder Staffed