The Charleston Boat Show now in its 42nd year has evolved into an event that kicks-off the Lowcountry’s boating season. Taking place each January, this annual happening includes everything from powerboats to small jon boats, skiffs, cruisers, pontoons, yachts and ski boats. There is something for everyone’s taste and budget. It’s a fact that here you will find unbeatable show-only deals. The Charleston Boat Show is your one-stop shop for all things boating. A must-attend event for Charleston’s outdoor enthusiasts, there’s nothing more you could ask for to celebrate your life on the water.

Show Schedule:

Hook The Future Kids Fishing Clinics

FREE Rod & Reel Combo for Participants
Saturday: Noon & 2pm
Sunday: Noon & 2pm
Located in the Parking Garage

Captain Don Dingman, host of the TV Show “Hook the Future” and long-time Captain, leads educational and entertaining fishing clinics at major boat shows and events across the Southeast. Don has a passion for teaching thousands of families annually how to succeed in fishing, while spending quality time in the outdoors with people you love.

At the end of each clinic kids will have an opportunity for questions and answers followed by a kids-only free raffle with dozens of great prizes. Kids (clinic participants only) will go home with a free Hook the Future/ Carolina Skiff custom rod & reel combo.

Corey Bishop, “Current Angling”

Locating Lowcountry Redfish
Saturday: 11am
Sunday: Noon
Location: Main entrance upstairs Meeting Room 11

After leaving behind the arid landscapes of Arizona eight years ago, Capt. Corey Bishop found solace in the waterways of the Lowcountry. As a Marine, law enforcement veteran, and former big game hunting guide, Corey has had many experiences that shape his fast-paced, analytical approach to the tranquil yet challenging kayak fishing world. He finds joy in the simplicity of casting lines and sharing fishing tips with others on his YouTube channel, “Current Angling”.

Easy Seas: A Guide To Lowcountry Boating Basics, Etiquette & Safety

Presented by Captain Mike Little, Good People Marine

Saturday: 12:30pm
Sunday: 1:30pm
Location: Show entrance upstairs in Meeting Room 11

Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a newcomer to the nautical world, understanding the written and unwritten rules of the water can enhance your boating experience and contribute to the overall enjoyment of the Lowcountry’s landscapes.

Join Captain Mike Little of Good People Marine as he guides us through the essential principles of boating etiquette, emphasizing safety, courtesy, and environmental responsibility. From proper navigation techniques to respectful interactions with wildlife, this seminar will empower you to navigate the waterways with confidence and consideration for both fellow boaters and the delicate ecosystems that make the Lowcountry so special.

By the end of this seminar, you’ll understand the basics of navigating the waterways of the Lowcountry with confidence but also contribute to the preservation of this rich and delicate ecosystem. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of boating etiquette, where courtesy meets coastal charm!

Key Topics:
1. Safety First: Learn the fundamental safety practices and regulations to ensure a secure and enjoyable boating experience for yourself and others.
2. Right of Way: Unravel the mysteries of right-of-way rules and understand how to navigate busy water traffic with ease and courtesy.
3. Wildlife Respect: Gain insights into the diverse marine life inhabiting the Lowcountry, and discover how to observe and appreciate it responsibly.
4. Anchoring Etiquette: Master the art of anchoring in a way that respects the environment, preserves underwater habitats, and ensures a harmonious coexistence with other boaters.
5. Tidal Awareness: Understand the unique tidal patterns of the Lowcountry and how they can impact your boating experience, along with strategies for navigating tidal currents.
6. Environmental Stewardship: Explore ways to minimize your ecological footprint while boating, from proper waste disposal to avoiding sensitive areas.

Meet the man behind the wheel and reel, Captain Mike Little.

Hailing from Jacksonville Beach with first memories of holding a cane pole while fishing for bluegill with his grandpa, Mike spent his early days casting lines from the intracoastal waterway on up to creeks in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

Called to serve, the US Navy took Mike across the Pacific before bringing him back to the East Coast where he continued his service career with the Defense Department. Soon the tides took him to Charleston where he began a several-year tenure with SPAWAR training the US Navy, US Coast Guard, British Royal Navy, and Royal New Zealand Navy sailors.

Committed to being the good he wanted to see, Mike started a fishing charter offering free trips for veterans, first responders, law enforcement, teachers, doctors and their families. This ripple would become the wave behind Good People Fishing, which he and his wife Margaret founded in 2017. They expanded to Good People Marine in 2023, offering delivery captain and captain-for-hire services; and officially launched a generosity and conservation arm, Good People Give last year.

A full-time captain, Mike’s love affair with the water has taken him well beyond the reef to Hawaii, the Netherlands, French Polynesia, the Virgin Islands, Australia and more. Backed by a 25-ton master captain’s license, he’s dedicated thousands of hours on the water. Mike also serves as the Director of the Retreat at Church Creek, a 66-acre retreat located on Johns Island.

SCDNR Boating Virtual Trainer

Enjoy the high-quality graphics of a realistic experience navigating a boat. The simulator offers learning platforms where you can learn about docking, mooring, pivot turns, and more on a virtual waterway.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Located in Parking Lot

Face Painting

Susan Fedor, local artist and fact painter & children’s entertainer since 2000

Saturday Noon – 4pm
Sunday Noon – 4pm

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the great power and promise of youth. By purchasing a Big Boat Raffle Ticket, you will play an important role in helping us to fulfill our mission to create and support one-to one mentoring relationships.

Music At The Charleston Boat Show

Located in the Parking Lot

Chris Dodson

POP. ROCK. JAZZ. R&B. SONGWRITER. TEACHER – Chris began playing at age 13 and has been writing and recording original music since 2002. He can be seen playing most anywhere in the Charleston and surrounding areas.

Saturday 11:30am – 2:30pm
Sunday 11:30am – 2:30pm

Jack Triebold

Cutting his teeth on country music and classic rock, Jack Triebold began playing finger style guitar (think Chet Atkins) at the tender age of 8, and got his start playing lead guitar in contemporary church services by age 11. His influencers include Brad Paisley, Tommy Emmanuel, Jerry Reed, Brent Mason, Lincoln Brewster, Prince, Eddie Van Halen, Joe Robinson, and Keith Urban. Based in Charleston, SC, Jack plays all types of music as a solo artist, in multiple duos, and in full bands, as requested. He offers a wide variety of music, playing everything from country, rock and pop, to Christian, cocktail music, and background instrumentals. He has won several awards and honors over the years, and played many events/festivals, weddings, corporate events, and shows, including WoodSongs in 2019, nationally televised on PBS.

Friday 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Sunday 2:30pm – 5:00pm

Justin Hodge

Finger style instrumental guitar player who specializes in singing classic hits. Four-time nominated Charleston’s Best Musician by Charleston city paper. A nationwide musical act as a one man band.

Saturday 2:30pm – 6:00pm

Date: January 26-28, 2024

Time:

Friday, Noon to 6:00pm
Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, 11:00am to 5:00pm

Location: Charleston Area Convention Center - 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418

Tickets:

Adults: $14 at the gate; $12 online
Children 4 to 12: $6.00
Children 3 & Under: Free
Seniors (65+) and Military: $10.00
Two Day Pass: $20.00

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