Full Day Sailfish and Marlin Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing targeting Atlantic Sailfish and Blue Marlin40ft Ocean Yacht accommodates up to 6 guests comfortablyExpert captain provides guidance with professional fishing equipment
Picture this: you're 30 miles offshore from Charleston's coast, the sun's barely cresting the horizon, and Captain Jason is rigging the spread for what could be the fish of a lifetime. That's exactly what you'll experience on this 12-hour blue water adventure aboard our 40-foot Ocean Yachts. We're talking serious offshore fishing here – the kind where you'll be targeting some of the Atlantic's most prized billfish in waters that have made Charleston famous among deep-sea anglers. With room for up to 6 anglers, this isn't your typical half-day trip. We're heading to the blue water where the big boys live, and trust me, when you hook into a sailfish or marlin, you'll understand why people travel from all over the country to fish these waters.
The day starts early – we're talking 5:30 AM departure from the marina because the best fishing happens when most folks are still hitting the snooze button. Captain Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have us running 25-30 miles offshore to reach the Gulf Stream edge where the magic happens. The 40-foot Ocean Yachts is built for comfort on these long hauls, with plenty of shaded seating when you need a break from the action and open deck space for fighting fish. The boat comes fully rigged with outriggers, a fighting chair, and all the heavy tackle you'll need. We've got live wells stocked with fresh bait, GPS to mark the productive spots, and all the safety gear required for offshore work. The panoramic views from the flybridge are something else – on clear days, you can see for miles in every direction, and there's nothing quite like watching the Charleston coastline disappear as we head into the deep blue.
Once we reach the fishing grounds, Captain Jason will set up a spread that's designed specifically for billfish. We're talking heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, rigged with circle hooks and either live bait or high-speed lures. The technique here is trolling – we'll be pulling a spread of 4-6 lines at speeds between 8-12 knots, covering water and looking for temperature breaks, weed lines, and bird activity that indicate baitfish. The outriggers keep our lines spread wide, and when a sailfish or marlin decides to eat, you'll know it immediately. These fish don't nibble – they crush the bait and take off like a freight train. The boat is equipped with a proper fighting chair for the bigger fish, but many anglers prefer to fight their fish standing up with a fighting belt. Captain Jason will coach you through the fight, helping you work the fish in without losing it. The GPS navigation system helps us return to productive spots, and we'll often work specific temperature breaks or structure that holds bait.
Atlantic Sailfish are the bread and butter of Charleston's offshore scene, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters typically run 40-70 pounds and are absolutely spectacular when hooked. Sailfish are most active from April through October, with peak action usually happening in late spring and early fall when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 76-82 degrees. What makes sailfish so special isn't just their size – it's their aerial displays. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps, long runs, and plenty of head shaking. They'll use that massive dorsal fin like a sail, trying to throw the hook with every leap. The fight typically lasts 15-30 minutes depending on the fish's size and your angling skills. Most sailfish we encounter are released, making for great photos and even better memories.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of Charleston offshore fishing, and hooking one is an experience you'll never forget. These apex predators can range from 100-pound juveniles to massive fish over 500 pounds, though most of what we see offshore Charleston fall in the 150-300 pound range. Blue marlin fishing peaks during summer months when water temperatures climb above 80 degrees and the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. Unlike sailfish, blue marlin are notorious for their deep, powerful runs rather than spectacular jumps, though they're certainly capable of clearing the water. The fight can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the fish's size and attitude. These fish are pure muscle and endurance – they'll test every piece of tackle and every ounce of your strength. The boat's fighting chair becomes essential for the bigger fish, and Captain Jason's coaching becomes invaluable as you work to turn the fish's head and gain line.
This 12-hour offshore adventure with BlackJack Fishing Charters represents some of the best blue water fishing you'll find along the Southeast coast. Captain Jason's experience in these waters, combined with a well-equipped 40-foot Ocean Yachts, gives you the best shot at tangling with Charleston's premier gamefish. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add a billfish to your list or a group wanting to experience world-class offshore fishing, this trip delivers. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families, corporate groups, or serious fishing buddies. Remember to bring sunscreen, snacks, and drinks for the long day, and prepare for what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime. These offshore slots book up quickly, especially during peak season, so don't wait to secure your date on the water.
Meet the BlackJack, a serious 40-foot Ocean Yachts sportfisher that's been working Charleston's offshore waters since 1998. Twin 420HP Caterpillars push this rig at 25 knots to get you on the sailfish and marlin grounds fast. The flybridge gives Captain Jason clear sight lines to spot feeding birds and color changes, while the fish finder marks bait schools and structure below. When you hook up, there's plenty of cockpit space for the fight. Between runs, stay cool with AC, grab cold drinks from the fridge, or kick back in the cabin. GPS and radar keep you fishing safely even when the weather gets sketchy offshore. The head and galley mean comfort during those long 12-hour days chasing big game fish in the blue water beyond the continental shelf.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of Charleston waters, hitting 30+ mph with that iconic sail dorsal fin raised. These blue-metallic beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, though we've seen monsters over 100. They cruise the warm surface waters 30-65 feet down, especially when water temps hit that sweet 75-80°F range. Spring through fall gives us the best action here off Charleston. What makes sailfish so popular? They put on an absolute show - jumping, tail-walking, and stripping line like crazy. The fight is pure adrenaline. My local trick: when you get one up, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. They'll tire themselves out with all that acrobatic nonsense if you stay patient.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the kings of offshore fishing - massive, powerful fish that can top 1,000 pounds for the females (males stay around 300). These cobalt-blue giants roam the deep blue water along the Gulf Stream, usually 20+ miles out from Charleston. Summer and early fall bring the best shots when the water's warmest. What draws anglers? It's the ultimate trophy fish - aggressive strikes, bulldogging runs, and jumps that'll make your heart stop. The meat's decent but most folks release these beauties. Here's my tip: when you hook up, clear the other lines fast and get ready for a long fight. Don't try to muscle them early - let them make their initial run, then work them steady with the boat.
Charleston