Meet Your 'Carolina Fishing Guides
Meet our network of experienced fishing guides, each of whom are Coast Guard Licensed and insured. As full time fishing guides, we average 200+ days a year on the water and while we take our profession very seriously, our primary goal is to provide a fun experience while creating memories for our clients that will last a lifetime.
Captain Jordan Pate
Capt. Jordan founded Carolina Guide Service in 2010 with the intent of offering a first class guide service to serve Coastal South Carolina, in particular Winyah Bay, Cape Romain, and the Santee Delta. With a versatile skill set that covers the breadth of saltwater gamefish in Coastal South Carolina, Capt Pate offers a unique opportunity to chase a wide variety of species. From the pursuit of tarpon in the warm months to the intricate art of shallow-water fly fishing for redfish when the waters cool. Always learning and adapting, Capt Pate’s commitment to his craft involves continuous exploration, experimentation, and meticulous logging of his findings to stay at the forefront of the fishing scene.
Captain Thomas Chapman
Capt. Thomas has quickly earned a reputation as an elite fishing guide in the Winyah Bay area and works hard to make sure his clients enjoy their time on the water. Thomas’ passion for fishing, fly fishing in particular, escalated when he moved to Boone, NC in 2009 and attended Appalachian State University. Thomas pursued a career as a full-time fly fishing guide for Trophy Water Guide Service where he led float trips on the scenic and prolific South Holston and Watauga Rivers. After moving from Boone to Murrells Inlet in 2014, Capt. Thomas began guiding fly fishing trips in the Georgetown area while working in the corporate world to pay the bills and start a family. The intensity of saltwater fly fishing drove Thomas to return to guiding full time. Capt. Thomas lives in Georgetown, SC with his wife,
Lauren, and two young children Miller and Eric. Capt. Thomas is not a one trick pony and specializes in fly fishing, light tackle, nearshore reef, and tarpon charters.
Captain Johnny Mainero
Captain Johnny Mainero’s life has always been centered around the water. The vivid memories of exiting Manasquan Inlet in the early morning haze on his fathers 27’ Celebrity chasing fluke and stripers as a young boy paved the way for the passion Johnny has for the water today. Growing up in the North East, Johnny wet his feet climbing jetties up and down the Jersey Coast, or on his classic 13’ Boston Whaler on the Barnegat Bay. Johnny is a former fishing manager at Orvis, and worked in various tackle shops in his earlier years. At 18, Johnny made his move to South Carolina and since has moved a few times within the state. No matter where he lands, he finds the residents with gills whether it be striped bass in the lakes, or carp in a college town pond. These days Johnny calls Georgetown, South Carolina home with his wife, Amanda and daughters Mia, and Amelia. On his off days, you can find Johnny poling his skiff with friends in the backwaters of Winyah Bay chasing redfish. His true passion for teaching, and customer service is second to none. Johnny’s goal is to make his clients lifelong friends, and help get them to the next level.
Captain Kevin "stump" Grant
Captain Kevin “Stump” Grant is a lifelong outdoorsman and seasoned fishing and hunting guide with over 20 years of professional experience. A native South Carolinian, Stump has built his career around his deep appreciation for nature and everything the great outdoors has to offer. Whether it’s exploring the coastal backwaters or pursuing game birds across the country, he loves sharing the beauty of nature with others.
Specializing in light tackle, inshore fishing, Stump also takes clients on memorable eco tours, where they get to immerse themselves in the natural world while learning about the area’s rich history. His easy-going yet professional approach ensures a rewarding experience for every guest. When he’s not on the water, he operates Hokumpoke Gun Dogs and is chasing game birds with his trusted kennel of French Brittany Spaniels, working with clients to enjoy a rewarding hunt across the country.
Known for his down-to-earth personality and wealth of knowledge, Stump is passionate about connecting people to nature and helping them create lasting memories in the great outdoors.
