10 Hour Trolling Fishing Trip in Charleston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour offshore trolling trip targeting tuna, mahi, and wahoo40ft Ocean Yacht accommodates up to 6 guests comfortablyProfessional captain provides fully equipped vessel with safety gear
When you're ready to leave the inshore waters behind and chase the big pelagic species that roam Charleston's offshore waters, Captain Jason's 10-hour trolling adventure puts you right in the action. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious offshore fishing experience aboard a 40ft Ocean Yacht that's built for the long haul. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a productive day: GPS navigation to find the hot spots, live wells to keep bait fresh, and all the safety gear required for offshore fishing. Charleston's waters are famous for holding some of the Atlantic's most sought-after game fish, and this 10-hour window gives you the best shot at connecting with multiple species in a single outing.
Your day starts early – that's just how offshore fishing works if you want to maximize your time in the productive waters. Captain Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll get you to the fishing grounds efficiently while you rig up and get your game face on. The 40ft Ocean Yacht handles the Atlantic swells with ease, so even if you're not the most seasoned offshore angler, you'll feel comfortable and secure. The spacious deck layout means everyone gets their turn at the rods without stepping on each other's toes. You'll find shaded areas when the Carolina sun gets intense, and the comfortable seating gives you a place to relax between fish. This setup works great for mixed groups – whether you've got seasoned anglers who want to chase their personal best or first-timers who just want to experience what offshore fishing is all about. The 10-hour timeframe isn't just about staying out longer; it's about having the flexibility to move around and find the fish when they're biting.
Trolling is the name of the game out here, and there's a science to it that Captain Jason has dialed in perfectly. You're not just dragging lures behind the boat and hoping for the best – this is precision fishing that targets specific species at different depths and speeds. The boat runs a spread of outriggers and downriggers, allowing you to cover multiple zones of the water column simultaneously. Ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, cedar plugs, and diving lures all have their place in the trolling spread, depending on what's biting and where we're fishing. The GPS navigation isn't just for finding your way around – it's for marking productive water temperatures, current breaks, and structure that holds baitfish. When you hook up trolling, the fight is immediate and intense. There's no time to think about it – the drag starts screaming and you better be ready to hang on. Captain Jason will coach you through the fight, clearing other lines and maneuvering the boat to give you the best advantage. The live wells come into play when we find schools of bait or want to switch tactics to live bait fishing around structure.
Mahi Mahi are the crowd-pleasers of Charleston's offshore scene, and for good reason. These electric-colored fish are pure adrenaline from the moment they grab your lure until they're in the fish box. Mahi travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through fall, and they love to hang around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. What makes them so exciting isn't just their acrobatic fights – they're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean. A good mahi will range from 10 to 30 pounds out here, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40-plus pounds.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the trolling game, capable of stripping line faster than almost any other fish in the Atlantic. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph when they want to, and their initial runs are absolutely blistering. Wahoo fishing peaks in the cooler months around Charleston, typically from late fall through early spring. They're structure-oriented fish that like to ambush prey around ledges and drop-offs. When a wahoo hits your trolling lure, you'll know it immediately – the reel starts screaming and doesn't stop. They're also exceptional table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or sashimi.
Skipjack Tuna might not be the biggest tuna species, but they make up for size with pure attitude and numbers. These scrappy fighters are available year-round in Charleston's offshore waters, and they're often the first species to show up when you're trolling. Skipjack typically run 5 to 15 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in tenacity. They fight way above their weight class and often travel in large schools. Finding skipjack is usually a good sign – where there are small tunas, there are often bigger predators nearby.
Blackfin Tuna are the perfect middle ground between skipjack and their larger yellowfin cousins. These beautiful fish typically range from 10 to 25 pounds in Charleston waters and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find offshore. Blackfins are active year-round but peak during the spring and fall months when baitfish are abundant. They're incredibly strong for their size and make long, sustained runs that will test your drag settings. Like all tunas, blackfins are also premium table fare with deep red meat that's perfect for searing or eating raw.
Charleston's offshore fishing scene is world-class for a reason, and this 10-hour trolling trip with Captain Jason puts you right in the heart of it. The combination of a well-equipped 40ft yacht, an experienced captain who knows these waters, and the time neede
The BlackJack is a solid 40ft Ocean Yachts sportfisher that's been working Charleston waters since 1998. Twin 420HP Caterpillar engines push this boat to 25 knots, getting you to the offshore grounds efficiently for your 10-hour trolling adventure. Built for serious fishing, she's got everything you need - fish finder to mark schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus live wells to keep your catch fresh. The flybridge gives Captain Jason a commanding view while you work the lines below. Comfort matters on long offshore trips, so you'll appreciate the air conditioning, full galley, and head onboard. The spacious cockpit has plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to spread out and fight fish without getting tangled up. An icebox and refrigerator keep drinks cold and lunch fresh during those hot Charleston summer days. Whether you're targeting blackfin tuna, mahi, or wahoo in the blue water, this well-maintained sportfisher has the range and equipment to put you on fish and bring you back safely.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the scrappy little brothers of the tuna world, but don't let their size fool you - they pack a serious punch. Most run up to 39 inches and 45 pounds with that classic tuna build and distinctive golden stripe that fades after they're caught. We find them near the continental shelf in warm water over 68 degrees, especially around structure and current breaks. Fall through spring is prime time when they move closer to shore. These fish are pure fighters - they'll burn your arms out with deep runs and strong pulls. The meat is top-notch too, perfect for sashimi or searing. Here's what works: scale down your tackle because they're sharp-eyed. Use 30lb fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 circle hooks and don't be afraid to chum with live pilchards. Vertical jigging works great when you find them deep.
Coryphaena HippurusThese beautiful fish put on a real color show when you hook one - brilliant blues and greens that flash like neon underwater, then shift through a rainbow of colors once they hit the boat. Most run 15-29 pounds and about 39 inches, though the big bulls can push 40+ with those distinctive square heads. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time here off Charleston when the water warms up. What makes them special is that aggressive strike, acrobatic fight with plenty of jumps, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, and sweet. Here's a local trick: when you see frigate birds working floating stuff, get your ballyhoo skipping right on the surface nearby. Mahi can't resist that flying fish action.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjack are the workhorses of the tuna family - smaller but scrappy fighters that average 20 pounds and 2-3 feet. You'll spot them by those dark vertical stripes on silver sides and their habit of schooling in big numbers. They cruise the upper water column during the day, often mixing with other tunas near temperature breaks and current edges. We see them best during warmer months when bait is thick offshore. What's fun about skipjack is they're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight above their weight class. They're also great table fare, especially for sashimi when bled properly. The secret with these guys is to stay quiet when you find a school - they spook easy. Circle around wide and let your trolled baits drift right through the feeding fish. Pink feathers and small swimming plugs at 4-6 knots work best.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and will test your drag like nothing else. Most average 3-5 feet and pack serious muscle in that sleek frame with distinctive blue stripes. We target them in the blue water beyond the shelf, usually 20-66 feet down around structure or temperature breaks. Fall and winter months are best when they move closer to shore following bait. The initial run is pure adrenaline - they'll scream line off your reel before you know what hit. Plus, the meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for the dinner table. My go-to trick for wahoo is running wire leaders with high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots. Those razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat, so don't cheap out on your terminal tackle if you want to land one.
Charleston