Deep Sea Fishing Little River
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore fishing charter accommodates up to 6 guestsEquipment, licenses, and fish cleaning services included with bookingDeep sea fishing adventure in Little River's productive waters
Picture this: you're eight hours deep into some of the most productive offshore waters along the South Carolina coast, and your drag is screaming as something big takes off with your bait. That's exactly what you're signing up for with Big O's Fishing Charters out of Little River. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushing back to the dock just when the bite gets hot. We're talking a full day of serious fishing in waters that consistently produce trophy-class fish. Little River sits perfectly positioned between the Gulf Stream influence and the productive nearshore ledges, giving you access to both pelagic species and bottom dwellers that call these reefs home. Captain Big O knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the track record to prove it. You'll be fishing from a well-maintained charter boat that's built for comfort during those long runs to the fishing grounds. The best part? Everything's included except your lunch – licenses, tackle, bait, and they'll even clean your catch so you can head home with fillets ready for the grill.
Your day starts early – and I mean early. Most offshore trips leave the dock before sunrise to maximize your time on the productive fishing grounds. The ride out can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour depending on where the fish are biting, but that's part of the game when you're chasing quality fish. Big O runs a comfortable boat that handles the Atlantic swells well, so even if you're not the strongest sea legs, you'll be fine once you get your bearings. The captain keeps tabs on water temps, bait movements, and recent reports to put you on the most active spots. Some days that means hitting the nearshore reefs in 60-80 feet of water, other days you might find yourself in 120+ feet working the deeper ledges where the big grouper hang out. The crew knows how to read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly. Weather plays a huge role in offshore fishing, so flexibility is key. If the seas are lumpy, they might focus more on bottom fishing in protected areas. When it's slick calm, that's prime time for trolling and covering water to find the pelagics.
Big O's crew runs a mixed bag approach that gives you the best shot at multiple species throughout the day. You'll spend time bottom fishing with heavy conventional tackle, dropping live or cut bait down to structure where grouper, snapper, and other reef fish congregate. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy braided line – usually 50-80 pound test depending on what you're targeting. For bottom fishing, you're looking at circle hooks ranging from 5/0 to 8/0, with enough weight to hold bottom in the current. When conditions are right, they'll break out the trolling spread using a combination of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs to cover different parts of the water column. Trolling speed typically runs between 6-8 knots, with lines set at various distances behind the boat to avoid tangles. The captain adjusts the spread based on what's been producing – sometimes that means pulling deep diving plugs for kings, other times it's surface baits for mahi. Live bait fishing is another weapon in the arsenal, especially when they mark bait schools on the fish finder. Fresh caught cigar minnows, blue runners, or pogies can be absolute dynamite when fished around structure or in open water where predators are hunting.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of Little River offshore fishing, and these waters consistently produce fish in the 15-40 pound range with occasional monsters pushing 50+ pounds. Kings are most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they respond well to both trolled baits and live bait fishing. These fish are pure speed and power – when a big king takes off on its initial run, it's game on. They're notorious for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that can peel off 100+ yards of line in seconds. The key to landing kings is keeping steady pressure without horsing them, as their mouths are relatively soft and hooks can pull free if you get too aggressive.
Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish as they're known locally, are absolute favorites among anglers for good reason. These gorgeous fish typically range from 10-25 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bull pushing 30+. Mahi are most abundant during the summer months when water temperatures climb into the upper 70s and 80s. They're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. What makes mahi special is their incredible colors – brilliant greens, blues, and golds that light up when they're fighting. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Mutton snapper are considered one of the premier eating fish in these waters, and they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Most muttons run between 3-8 pounds, but the occasional slab can push 10+ pounds and really test your drag system. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs in 40-100 feet of water. They're most active during the warmer months and can be finicky feeders, often requiring lighter leaders and smaller hooks than you'd expect. The reward is worth the effort – mutton snapper have some of the best-tasting meat you'll find in saltwater.
Gag grouper are the heavyweight champions of the bottom fishing game in these waters. Most gags run between 5-15 pounds, but mature fish can easily exceed 20 pounds and provide an arm-burning fight from the depths. These fish are ambush predators that lurk around structure, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. When you hook into a quality gag, they'll immediately head for the rocks or structure, using their powerful bodies and broad tails to try an
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bread and butter of bottom fishing, typically running 15-25 pounds with some real bruisers reaching 40+ pounds. They hang around rocky bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Fall through spring offers the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes gags popular is their solid fight and outstanding table fare - firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're ambush predators that love live bait like pinfish and mullet, but cut bait works too. The challenge is keeping them out of the rocks once hooked. My advice: lock that drag down tight and don't give them an inch. Keep your rod tip low and horse them up quickly before they can dive back into structure. Look for stone crab traps - gags love hanging around them for an easy meal.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter out here, averaging 15-30 pounds with occasional giants hitting 50+ pounds. These silver torpedoes cruise the 40-150 foot depths, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84°F. What makes Kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost anything in these waters. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The key to landing them is using a wire leader with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of live bait, so that stinger hook will save you plenty of missed fish. Look for birds working baitfish or trolling spoons along the edges.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the showstoppers of offshore fishing - their golden sides and electric blues make them stunning to see. Most run 15-29 pounds, though we've seen some push 40+ pounds. They're surface dwellers that love hanging under floating debris, weedlines, or anything that provides shade in the open blue water. Summer months bring the best action when they move through our area. What guests love most is watching their colors change from brilliant golds to silvers right in the boat - it's like nature's own light show. They fight hard too, jumping and making strong runs. The meat is top-notch eating with a mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your other lines out. Mahi often travel in schools, and you'll frequently get doubles or triples once you find them.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snappers are one of the prettier snappers with their pinkish hues and distinctive blue streaks around the eyes. Most run 15-20 inches, though the big ones can push 30+ inches and weigh over 20 pounds. You'll find them around rocky structure and reefs in 80-200 feet, often in sandy areas just outside the hard bottom. They're great fighters relative to other snappers and excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. Spring and summer offer the best chances when they're more active. The trick with muttons is using the freshest bait possible - they're picky eaters. A knocker rig with live or fresh cut bait works best. Let it drift naturally in the current without too much weight. When you see that pink color coming up through the water, you know you've got one hooked.
Little River, SC