Gear to bring to Charleston

I’ll be in Charleston for the summer and was wondering if I should leave the neoprene waders at home and bring the breathable or none at all.

Also I remember in the winter hearing about the man eating mud in the flats. Is that the case in the summer also or can one do a little wade fishing for reds?

How big of a problem are sharks, aligators, and stingrays while wading in South Carolina?

Lastly will a 8wt fly rod be sufficient for reds or should I buy a 9?

Look forward to seeing you all on the water.