Charleston Charter Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore shark fishing targeting five different speciesCovers 1020 miles from Charleston with sixguest capacityProfessional charter experience with Hammerhead and Tiger Sharks
If you're looking to test your skills against some of the Atlantic's most powerful predators, this 6-hour shark fishing adventure with Ceviche Charters is exactly what you need. We'll take you 10-20 miles offshore from Charleston, where the real action happens in deeper waters. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're targeting apex predators that'll put your drag system to the test and give you stories worth telling for years. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows, and our experienced crew knows exactly where these sharks like to hunt.
Your day starts early as we head out from Charleston's harbor into the Atlantic's productive offshore waters. The ride out takes about an hour depending on conditions and where the fish have been biting lately. Once we reach our fishing grounds, it's all about patience and technique. We'll set up a solid chum slick to draw the sharks in – nothing gets their attention quite like a good blood trail in the water. The crew handles all the heavy prep work, from rigging the lines to keeping that chum flowing, so you can focus on what you came for. Keep in mind that fuel isn't included in your trip cost, but trust me, it's worth every penny when you're battling a bull shark in 60 feet of water. The open ocean here has this raw energy that you just can't find closer to shore, and when the bite is on, you'll understand why serious anglers make the run offshore.
Shark fishing is all about heavy tackle and smart rigging. We're talking 50-80 pound class rods with reels that can handle serious line capacity and drag pressure. The crew sets up circle hooks on wire leaders – these sharks have teeth that'll cut through mono like butter, so steel leader is non-negotiable. We use a mix of fresh and cut baits depending on what's working best that day. Bonito, king mackerel, and stingray chunks are shark candy, but sometimes a fresh Spanish mackerel or bluefish is exactly what triggers the bite. The key is getting your bait down in the water column where these predators cruise. We'll run multiple lines at different depths, from just under the surface down to 40 feet or more. When a shark takes the bait, you'll know it – that screaming drag sound is music to any angler's ears. The fight is where shark fishing really shines. These fish don't just pull hard, they're smart fighters that'll use their weight and the current against you.
Smooth Hammerhead sharks are the crown jewel of Charleston's offshore waters. These prehistoric-looking predators can reach 8-10 feet and fight like freight trains with an attitude problem. Spring through early fall is prime time for hammerheads, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot in the 70s. What makes them special is that distinctive head shape – it's not just for show, those sensory organs help them hunt in ways other sharks can't match. When you hook one, expect long, powerful runs and don't be surprised if they jump. Yes, hammerheads can get airborne, and it's a sight you'll never forget.
Bonnethead sharks might be the smaller cousins in the hammerhead family, but they're scrappy fighters that are perfect for getting everyone in the group involved. Usually running 2-4 feet, they're aggressive feeders and often the first to show up when the chum slick gets going. They're year-round residents here, though summer months see the biggest numbers. Don't let their size fool you – pound for pound, these little guys fight hard and they're great for kids or anyone new to shark fishing. Plus, they've got those same unique head sensors as their bigger relatives.
Blacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, and Charleston's waters hold some beautiful specimens. These fish average 4-6 feet but what they lack in size they make up for with pure energy. Blacktips love to jump when hooked, sometimes clearing the water completely in spectacular fashion. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily on the abundant baitfish. They're also one of the faster sharks you'll encounter, capable of hitting 25+ mph when they want to. The black-tipped fins that give them their name make them easy to identify, and they're consistently aggressive feeders.
Tiger sharks represent the ultimate prize in these waters – true apex predators that can exceed 12 feet and several hundred pounds. Summer into early fall brings the best tiger shark action, when larger specimens move through Charleston's offshore waters following bait schools and hunting opportunities. These are the sharks of legend, with those distinctive vertical stripes and a reputation for eating just about anything. Tiger sharks are known for their powerful jaws and diverse diet, making them one of the most respected predators in the ocean. Landing one is a badge of honor that serious shark anglers dream about.
Bull sharks are pure power wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package. These stocky predators are known for their aggressive nature and incredible bite force – some of the strongest jaws in the shark world. They can show up year-round but peak activity happens during warmer months when they move between offshore and inshore waters. Bulls average 6-8 feet in our waters and they're famous for their hard-hitting takes and bulldozer-style fights. Unlike some sharks that make long runs, bulls often fight closer to the boat, using their compact, muscular build to wage war right under your rod tip. They're also one of the few sharks that can handle fresh water, which makes them unique among the species we target.
This 6-hour offshore shark fishing trip with Ceviche Charters delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Charleston's waters offer some of the most consistent shark fishing on the East Coast,
Set sail aboard our 2009 Grady-White center console, powered by twin 300HP Yamaha outboards that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 50 knots. This battle-tested boat handles Charleston's offshore waters like a champ, taking you 10-20 miles out where the big sharks roam. Hunt for hammerheads, tigers, bulls, and blacktips with our fish finder technology guiding the way. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to fight these apex predators, while the onboard restroom, icebox, and sound system keep everyone comfortable during the 6-hour pursuit. GPS navigation ensures we hit the hottest shark zones, and the wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly when needed. Built tough for serious Carolina shark fishing – this Grady-White delivers the performance and reliability you need when tangling with monsters in deep water.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of our most exciting sharks to target, averaging 4-5 feet with some reaching up to 8 feet. They're famous for their acrobatic jumps - these sharks can launch 20 feet out of the water when hooked, making for some wild fights. You'll find them cruising in 30-100 feet of water around reefs and structure, especially during warmer months from May through October. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to chum, and once you get them fired up, they'll compete for your baits. Guests love the visual aspect - seeing them jump and spin makes for great photos and memories. Blacktips have smaller eyes so they rely heavily on scent. The trick is using oily baits like fresh sardines or mackerel chunks. Start your chum line early and keep it consistent - once they show up, the action can get fast and furious.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead sharks are the smallest hammerheads we target, typically running 3-4 feet and weighing up to 25 pounds. Their shovel-shaped heads make them easy to identify, and they're much more approachable than their bigger cousins. These sharks love shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters during summer months, often traveling in schools of 10-15 fish. They migrate south in fall, so May through September gives us the best action here in Charleston waters. What makes bonnetheads special is they're perfect for families - they fight hard for their size but aren't intimidating. They feed heavily on blue crabs, which is your golden ticket. My go-to technique is cutting a blue crab in half and threading the hook through a leg joint. The scent drives them crazy, and you'll often get multiple hookups when you find a school.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are our most aggressive and powerful targets, typically 8-10 feet long and built like tanks. These stocky predators are unique because they can handle both saltwater and brackish water, often pushing into rivers and estuaries. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they visit our area, cruising shallow coastal waters and inshore structure in 15-50 feet. What makes bulls special is their raw power - pound for pound, they're the strongest fighters we encounter. Their broad, jagged teeth and aggressive nature make every hookup memorable. They respond incredibly well to chum and aren't picky eaters. The secret bait that consistently produces is fresh eel - the high oil content creates a scent trail they can't resist, plus the tough skin stays on the hook through multiple hits. Set your drag tight and be ready for a serious battle.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe smooth hammerhead is the second-largest of the hammerhead family, averaging around 10 feet but capable of reaching nearly 12 feet. What sets them apart is their curved, wide head without the center notch you see on other hammerheads. These sharks prefer our warmer summer months when water temps hit 70-80°F, typically cruising in 20-60 feet of water near structure and drop-offs. They're active hunters that form massive schools during migration, making summer our prime season for targeting them. Guests love the power these sharks bring - they're strong fighters that'll test your tackle. The key to hooking one is using fresh cut bait like mackerel or bonito and being patient. Pro tip: when you see birds diving offshore, there's often baitfish below, and that's where smooth hammerheads like to hunt.
Galeocerdo CuvierTiger sharks are the apex predators we target, reaching 12-16 feet and weighing up to 1,400 pounds. Those distinctive dark stripes fade as they age, but the power never does. These solitary hunters cruise deeper waters around 100-300 feet near reefs and drop-offs, using their excellent camouflage to ambush prey. Summer and fall provide our best opportunities when they follow warm currents closer to shore. What draws anglers to tigers is the sheer size and strength - landing one is a true accomplishment that tests both angler and equipment. They're slow cruisers but explode with speed when attacking. Heavy tackle is mandatory - we're talking 100-pound test and serious drag systems. The secret weapon for tigers is fresh tuna or mackerel chunks. These sharks have incredible senses and will track a scent trail from miles away. Patience is key - when a tiger shows up, it's worth the wait.
Charleston