Tide Down Sport Fishing | Top Boat Rental in Charleston, SC Skip to content

Tide Down Sport Fishing

56 Ashley Point Dr, Charleston, SC 29407

About

In Charleston, South Carolina, Tide Down Sport Fishing runs offshore fishing charters aboard a custom 50-foot Alex Willis Carolina sportfishing boat. Captain Charlie Nickell and First Mate Robert Willis lead trolling trips from 30 to 80 miles offshore, with 3/4-day and full-day options. Target species listed for these trips include king mackerel, dolphin, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and marlin. Rather than self-operated boat rentals or a pontoon rental, the business provides crewed Charleston fishing experiences.

Each charter includes licenses, tackle, bait, and fish cleaning, while guests bring food, drinks, and sunscreen. The vessel has an air-conditioned cabin with bunks, a full bathroom, refrigerator, microwave, spacious deck, and bridge views for a comfortable day on the water. Online booking is available for anglers planning an offshore outing. Contact Tide Down Sport Fishing to reserve a Charleston fishing charter.

Features

  • Offshore trolling charters
  • Full-day fishing trips
  • Crewed fishing experiences
  • Included fishing licenses and bait

Amenities

  • Cabins & Climate
  • Restrooms & Showers
  • Galley & Refreshments
  • Fishing
  • Fleet & Boat Types
  • Navigation & Electronics

Why book with us

  • Fish with a captain and mate
  • Choose trips reaching 30 to 80 miles offshore
  • Bring food and drinks while essentials are handled
  • Book online for a fishing adventure

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included with a rental at Tide Down Sport Fishing?

Rentals from Tide Down Sport Fishing include safety equipment, cooler storage, fishing gear, a sunshade and GPS navigation. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

How old do you have to be to rent a boat in South Carolina?

South Carolina law does not set a numeric minimum age to operate a rented motorboat or personal watercraft. Under S.C. Code Section 50-21-95, a person born after July 1, 2007, must meet one of the law's qualifications before operating a vessel powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. For a rental, a valid boat rental safety certificate issued in the operator's name qualifies. SCDNR says the rental certificate is valid for 30 days. The rental operator sets its own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

Do you need a boating license in South Carolina?

Yes, some recreational operators need a South Carolina boating safety certificate rather than a traditional boating license. Anyone born after July 1, 2007 must have one before operating a vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. The rule states no separate minimum operator age; an uncertified person may operate when accompanied by a qualified adult at least 18.

Exemptions include people born on or before the cutoff, nonresidents with another state's equivalent certificate, and holders of qualifying Coast Guard credentials. Renters may use an SCDNR approved rental safety certificate, valid for 30 days and only on rented craft. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources administers the program.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

Where can you go boating from Charleston, South Carolina?

From Charleston, you can boat Charleston Harbor, the Ashley and Cooper rivers, Shem Creek, or the Intracoastal route through Wappoo Creek and Elliott Cut to the Stono River. The harbor offers sheltered water but also carries oceangoing traffic through its jettied entrance. The Ashley has a marked slow, no-wake zone near the municipal marina. Shem Creek is narrower and entered through a marked dredged channel. Wappoo Creek and Elliott Cut are current-sensitive connectors.

Public put-ins include Remley’s Point on the Wando River, Shem Creek, Wappoo Cut, Riverland Terrace on Wappoo Creek, and Folly River.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

What are the most popular boating destinations near Charleston, South Carolina?

From Charleston, boaters go to Morris Island, Capers Island Heritage Preserve and Shem Creek. Morris Island is reachable only by boat and pairs a beach stop with views of its historic lighthouse. Capers Island is an undeveloped barrier island with beach and salt marsh, making it the nature-focused choice. Shem Creek offers a different outing: a working harbor for recreational and shrimp boats, with public docks plus waterfront restaurants and bars.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (jamesislandsc.us)

Location

56 Ashley Point Dr, Charleston, SC 29407

Disclaimer

This listing was created using artificial intelligence and publicly available data. The information presented may be inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or incorrect. Slipstream does not verify, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of any listing content, including but not limited to contact information, pricing, services offered, hours of operation, or business status.

All content is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Slipstream expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or reliance arising from the use of this information. Users are solely responsible for independently verifying all details directly with the business.

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