From a day at the beach to dolphin tours, finding ways to enjoy a day on the water in the Lowcountry is not difficult. But if you’re looking for a day of family-friendly fishing, then make sure you find the best fishing charter for kids.
That’s why we chose Cast Away Fishing Charters of Beaufort SC. Founded by Captain Tim Deckard in 2005, Cast Away is the go-to inshore fishing charter. Their year-round fishing trips offer something for everyone — including novices and seasoned anglers. Cast Away is so in demand that you should plan your fishing excursion weeks in advance to book your favored time slot.
Here’s why we chose Cast Away Fishing Charter as the best fishing charter for kids in the Lowcountry:
Cast Away’s family-friendly fishing charter comes highly recommended
Cast Away was voted Lowcountry’s Best Fishing Charter by Island Packet readers. They have more than 100 five-star Google reviews and counting. And with nearly 300 five star reviews on Tripadvisor, Cast Away is a designated Travelers’ Choice, rated No. 1 of 23 “Boat Tours & Water Sports in Beaufort Tours, Boat Tours & Water Sports, Outdoor Activities, Fishing Charters & Tours” in Beaufort SC.
The reviews describe their sea island adventures with Cast Away as an experience of a lifetime. Based on the reviews alone, their professional anglers have experience with kids of all ages. Families book private fishing trips for family reunions, vacation outings with their kids or in this case a fun trip before they become an empty nester:
“My family did this as one last outing with our son before he left for college. What an amazing experience! Capt. Kevin Mears is outstanding! We were on fish nearly all day! We caught many Black Drum and even got a Tarpon! The Captain is supremely knowledgeable and just an all around great guy! I simply cannot express enough how much my family enjoyed this except to say, our trip wasn’t even done and my wife and I were already planning the next trip! See you guys and Capt. Mears again for Cobia!”
A Google reviewer had this to say about booking a trip for their teenage kids:
“Outstanding. Cast Away, Mrs. Capt. Tim and Capt. Kevin were all exceptional. We booked a trip for my 16-year old son and two of his friends. Customer service was five stars start to finish, and the trip was perfect. They took great care of these guys, and Capt. Kevin put them on lots of fish. We did the hook and cook at Fish Camp, and loved it. Definitely recommend Cast Away Fishing Charters!”
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Cast Away Captains are the REEL deal
Cast Away’s professional anglers follow Beaufort County’s laws on fishing licenses and are compliant with required insurance and licensure — including USCG Captain’s license and commercial marine insurance to protect you and your family while on the water.
At the helm is Captain Tim Deckerd, who has been professionally fishing for many years. According to his bio, Captain Deckerd holds a USCG 50-ton master license and often speaks for lectures and presentations on fishing techniques in the Lowcountry. Online reviews indicate that Captain Deckerd knows the best off-the-beaten spots for fishing.
“Captain Tim is one of the best fishing guides I have ever met. He goes above and beyond to make certain you have a wonderful trip,” wrote one Tripadvisor reviewer.
“Captain Tim and the guys at castaway fishing charters have an abundance of local knowledge and it shows. You’ll get to fish in spots that other companies won’t take you or just plain don’t know about. You’ll get a chance to learn about the area and environment that you’re fishing in and why are using the equipment in methods that they use,” wrote another Google reviewer.
Cast Away’s other fishing captains include:
- Captain Kevin Mears, who has been fishing in the creeks and rivers around Beaufort SC since he was a 4-year-old
- Captain Nations (Nat) Finley, another lifelong Lowcountry fisherman, whose father is a charter boat Captain. He obtained his captain’s license at the early age of 18
- Captain Hunter Griffith, who grew up in Murrells Inlet accustomed to fishing in the flats. He specializes in light tackle and fly fishing
Learn more about their background here.
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Cast Away offers a variety of family-fun fishing charter adventures
If you’re planning a vacation with several members of your family, consider booking a “Cast Away Fishin’ Tourney.” The captains take your family out on multiple boats for a fun family fishing tournament — perfect Instagram-worthy moments complete with a certificate and prize to the winning team.
“This was our second time booking with Cast Away Fishing Charters on our family vacation in March,” writes a Google reviewer. “Once again it was a fantastic experience that was the highlight of our vacation! We booked 2 boats for our group and did a tournament style competition between us. Great time! Thank you Captain Tim, Captain Kevin, and Mrs. Captain Tim! True professionals that know how to find fish and take care of their guests. We will definitely book again on our next trip to the area.”
Families with young shark-obsessed kids will love Cast Away’s “Jaw-some Shark Trips.” This 3-hour fishing adventure is offered during the afternoons, from spring through summer. The captains will even help your kids hunt for shark teeth.
Their nature odyssey program gives your family a memorable experience on the Intercoastal Waterway — where you can immerse yourselves in the serene coastal backdrop. These are perfect for families who want to experience wildlife in their habitat. You can expect to see dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans, egrets, herons and more!
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Fishing adventures for older kids and adults include:
Fly fishing:
Cast Away’s flood tide fly fishing offers a truly unique Lowcountry experience. According to their website, a flood tide is a large tide that pushes water into short spartina grass flats, which creates a habitat for an assortment of bait. This fishing trip includes two angers for four hours.
“You Hook It, We’ll Cook It”:
This is a perfect date night opportunity for busy parents looking for some quality alone time. Cast Away partnered with personal chefs to serve their fishing guests their very own catch. Example of menu items include: crispy fried flounder with savory waffle fries and blackened redfish topped with mango chutney.
Angler U:
Never been fishing before? No problem! Cast Away’s Angler U guide new anglers through fishing techniques and what you need to know about Lowcountry’s unique waterways. This includes a half day (or longer, if you prefer) of one-on-one fishing instruction — including best fishing locations, how to work with tides, what lures and bait you will need and cast net instructions. If you are planning on owning a boat, this program also includes outfitting your boat with everything you need to get started.
Learn more about Cast Away’s fishing trips here.
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