12 Hour Gulf Stream Fishing in Charleston
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
12hour Gulf Stream charter targets premium offshore speciesProfessional captain accommodates trolling and bottom fishing preferencesSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests aboard
When you're ready to leave the nearshore crowds behind and chase some serious gamefish, this 12-hour Gulf Stream adventure with BoSs Fishing Company is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about heading way offshore where the water turns that deep blue and the fish get bigger and more aggressive. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're making the long run to where the real action happens, and you'll have the whole day to make the most of it. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish whether you want to troll for pelagics or drop down on structure for bottom species.
Your day starts early – and I mean early – because we've got some serious running to do to reach the Gulf Stream. The ride out gives you time to rig up, talk strategy with the captain, and watch Charleston fade into the distance as we head for blue water. Once we hit the Stream, you'll see why anglers travel from all over to fish these waters. The temperature breaks, color changes, and current lines create perfect conditions for holding baitfish, and where there's bait, there's gamefish. You've got options out here – we can spend time trolling the edges looking for mahi and wahoo, or anchor up on productive bottom spots for grouper and snapper. The beauty of a 12-hour charter is flexibility. If the bite's hot in one area, we can stay put. If things slow down, we've got time to move and try different techniques. The captain takes your preferences seriously – this is your trip, and the game plan revolves around what gets you most excited about being out there.
Gulf Stream trolling is an art form, and these captains have it dialed in. We're talking about covering water with a spread of baits and lures designed to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. The boat carries top-notch trolling gear – think heavy conventional reels spooled with plenty of line, because when a wahoo decides to make a run, it's going to be a long one. The crew sets up a pattern with different baits at various distances and depths. Ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, cedar plugs, and high-speed lures all have their place in the spread. When we find productive water – marked by temperature breaks, debris lines, or bird activity – that's where we slow down and work the area thoroughly. Bottom fishing means dropping down to structure in 80 to 200 feet of water, targeting the resident species that call these reefs home. Heavy tackle and strong drags are essential when you're pulling grouper and snapper up from the depths, especially when they try to dive back into the rocks.
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of Gulf Stream fishing around Charleston, and for good reason. These fish are pure excitement from the moment they grab your bait. Mahi are ambush predators that cruise the current lines and debris fields looking for an easy meal. They're incredibly aggressive and will often travel in schools, which means when you find one, there's usually more around. What makes mahi so special is their aerial display once hooked – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for cameras. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action typically happening when water temperatures hit that sweet spot in the mid-70s. Most Charleston mahi run between 10 and 30 pounds, with the occasional bull pushing 40-plus pounds.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf Stream, capable of hitting 60 mph when they decide to make a run. These fish are built for one thing – going fast – and they'll test your drag system and your reflexes. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and a tendency to hit trolled baits at full speed, often hooking themselves before you even know what happened. They're structure-oriented fish, often found around temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish concentrate. Fall and winter months tend to produce the best wahoo fishing, when these fish move through Charleston waters in decent numbers. A typical wahoo runs 20 to 40 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't uncommon, and the occasional fish will push 60 pounds or better.
Red snapper represent some of the best bottom fishing the Gulf Stream has to offer. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious on the table. Snapper live around hard bottom structure, artificial reefs, and ledges where they can ambush prey and find shelter. They're notorious bait stealers, so you need sharp hooks and quick reflexes to connect consistently. What makes red snapper fishing so rewarding is the combination of skill required and the quality of fish you're targeting. These aren't throwaway fish – a good red snapper is a prize worth the effort. Season and size regulations change, but when they're open, targeting snapper in 60 to 150 feet of water around Charleston produces fish in the 5 to 15-pound range, with some real giants pushing 20 pounds or more.
Black sea bass might not get the headlines, but they're one of the most consistent and fun fish to target on Charleston bottom structure. These fish are aggressive, great fighters for their size, and excellent table fare. Sea bass are curious by nature and will often investigate anything new in their territory, which makes them relatively easy to target with the right techniques. They respond well to both live and cut bait, and they're not as leader-shy as some other bottom species. Most black sea bass run between 1 and 3 pounds, but the bigger breeding fish can push 5 pounds or more. They're open year-round with generous bag limits, making them a reliable option when other species might be closed or harder to find.
Blackfin tuna bring a different dimension to Gulf Stream fishing – these are schooling fish that can provide fast action when you locate them. Blackf
This classic 1988 Post convertible is your ticket to the Gulf Stream's productive waters off Charleston. Twin 550HP Detroit Diesel engines push this proven offshore platform through the swells with authority, getting you to the fishing grounds efficiently. The spacious cockpit handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while you work the trolling spread for mahi, wahoo, and tuna. Below deck you'll find air conditioning to escape the Carolina sun, a galley for meal prep, and a head for convenience during those long days chasing pelagics. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish in the blue water. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the 12-hour adventure. Whether you're pulling ballyhoo for billfish, dropping baits on the bottom for grouper and snapper, or working the current breaks, this boat delivers the range and fishability needed for serious Gulf Stream action.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, aggressive fish that love structure and will hit just about anything you put in front of them. Most run 1-3 pounds, but the big males can push 6-8 pounds and have this cool hump on their head during spawning season. They hang around wrecks, hard bottom, and artificial reefs in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What's fun about them is they're willing biters and put up a solid scrap for their size. The meat is excellent too - sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Interesting fact: they all start as females then change to males as they get bigger. Best tip is to use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips - they'll usually double up and you can fill the box quick.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are smaller cousins of the yellowfin but they pack serious punch for their size. Most run 10-25 pounds with that classic tuna build - dark back, silver sides, and those distinctive black fins. They school up in the Gulf Stream, usually in 100-300+ feet of water around temperature breaks and current edges. Fall through spring is our best window when they're thick off Charleston. What makes them special is that classic tuna fight - long powerful runs and serious endurance. The meat is outstanding too, perfect for sushi or searing. They've got sharp eyes, so you need to scale down your tackle. Here's the trick: once you find them, vertical jig with small metals or chunk with live pilchards. Use light fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks - they'll spot heavy tackle from a mile away.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out there - brilliant blues and greens that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we've seen them push 50+ pounds in good years. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in the Gulf Stream, usually in that top 50 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time here off Charleston, especially when the water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them special is that explosive surface strike - they'll come up hot on a trolled ballyhoo or skipping lure. The fight is pure acrobatics with multiple jumps. Plus, the meat is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet. Pro tip: when you hook one, there's usually more around, so get another bait back out quick while the school's still fired up.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard bottom fish - those bright red beauties that can really bend a rod. Most of what we catch runs 3-8 pounds, but the big breeders can push 15-20 pounds and really make you work. They live on hard bottom structure, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200+ feet of water. Summer months are best when they're up shallow and feeding heavy. What people love is that they're scrappy fighters that'll run for cover and test your drag, plus they're absolutely delicious - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat on the table. The key is getting your bait down to them with enough weight to stay put in the current. Fresh cut bait works great, but here's a tip: if you want the big ones, fish live pinfish or small grunts on the bottom near structure.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf Stream - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and they'll test your drag system for sure. Most of ours run 20-40 pounds, but 60+ pounders aren't uncommon in the deeper water. They cruise the blue water out past the shelf break, usually in that 60-200 foot range where the current is strong. Best action is typically late summer through fall when they're moving through. What gets people hooked is that blistering initial run - they'll strip line like nothing else and make multiple screaming runs. The meat is premium too - white, flaky, and mild. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because their razor teeth will slice through mono instantly. Dark lures work best - black/purple combos are money.
Charleston