Charleston SC Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targeting Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, and TunaDeep water bottom fishing with accommodations for 6 guestsCharleston waters expedition operated by Ceviche Charters
When you're talking serious offshore fishing in Charleston, you're looking at some of the best blue water action on the East Coast. This 12-hour deep sea charter with Ceviche Charters puts you right in the heart of where the big fish live – 30+ miles out where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and anything can happen. We're talking about a full day on the water targeting some of the most sought-after pelagic species in these waters: mahi-mahi, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and sailfish. With space for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives you the perfect balance of elbow room and camaraderie that makes for legendary fishing stories.
This isn't your typical half-day inshore trip – we're heading way out to where the Gulf Stream meets the continental shelf, and that's where the magic happens. You'll be up early for this adventure, usually departing around 5:30 AM to maximize your time in the productive waters. The run out takes about 90 minutes, but trust me, it's worth every minute when you see that water change color and the depth finder starts showing those dramatic drop-offs. The boat comes equipped with all the heavy tackle you need, from 30 to 80-pound class rods rigged and ready. We'll have a spread of lines out most of the day – typically running four to six rods with a mix of ballyhoo, artificial lures, and live bait when we can find it. The optional bottom fishing component means if the bite slows up top, we can drop down to some productive ledges and wrecks for grouper, snapper, and other bottom dwellers.
Out here in Charleston's offshore waters, we're primarily trolling to cover ground and find active fish. The spread usually includes a mix of skirted ballyhoo on the long riggers, maybe some cedar plugs or jets on the flat lines, and often a big lure way back on the shotgun rod. When we mark bait or see birds working, that's when things get interesting – we might switch to live bait or start chunking to get the fish fired up. The tackle is all conventional reels – think Penn Internationals and Shimano Tiagra series – spooled with braided line and heavy fluorocarbon leaders. If you've never fought a fish on this kind of gear, don't worry – the crew will talk you through it, but be ready for a workout when something big eats. The bottom fishing setup is completely different – we're talking heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and cut bait to get down to where the big grouper and snappers hang out along the structure.
Mahi-mahi are hands down the crowd favorite out here, and for good reason. These fish are absolute beauties with their electric green and gold colors, and they fight like they're twice their size. Most of the mahi we see range from 10 to 30 pounds, though we do get into some bigger bulls during peak season from May through September. What makes mahi so special is they're rarely alone – find one and you've likely found a school. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, which is why we spend so much time reading the water and looking for those subtle signs.
Wahoo fishing here is something else entirely. These are the speed demons of the deep – capable of hitting 60 mph and known for absolutely crushing lures on the troll. Charleston's wahoo typically run 20 to 50 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 60 or 70. Fall and winter are prime time for wahoo, when they move through in good numbers following the bait schools. Fair warning: when a wahoo hits, it's usually violent and sudden – they'll peel off 200 yards of line before you know what happened.
Blackfin tuna might not get the same press as their bigger yellowfin cousins, but pound-for-pound they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. Most blackfins we catch are in the 5 to 20 pound range, and they're absolutely delicious table fare. They're also year-round residents here, which means consistent action even when other species are being finicky. You'll find them around structure, in temperature breaks, and often mixed in with dolphin schools.
Atlantic sailfish represent the pinnacle of offshore fishing for many anglers. These are true billfish – fast, acrobatic, and absolutely stunning when they light up during a fight. Charleston's sailfish are typically smaller than their Florida cousins, usually running 6 to 8 feet, but what they lack in size they make up for in aerial displays. Winter months from December through March offer the best sailfish action, when they migrate through our waters following bait schools.
Look, 12 hours on the water chasing world-class gamefish doesn't come around every day. This is the kind of fishing trip that separates the casual weekend warriors from the serious anglers – and the memories you'll make are the kind that last a lifetime. Whether you're looking to check a sailfish off your bucket list, load up on mahi for the dinner table, or just experience what Charleston's offshore waters have to offer, this charter delivers. Ceviche Charters has built their reputation on putting anglers on fish, and with only 6 spots available, these trips fill up fast during peak season. Don't be the one telling stories about the trip you almost took – secure your spot and get ready to experience some of the best offshore fishing the Southeast has to offer.
Hit the deep waters off Charleston aboard our reliable 2009 Grady-White center console, powered by twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 50 knots. This sturdy boat handles offshore swells like a champ and comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate the action below, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The onboard restroom means no cutting trips short, while the multimedia system keeps spirits up during longer runs. With space for 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines whether you're trolling for mahi-mahi and wahoo or dropping down for bottom fish. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over structure without spooking fish. Perfect setup for targeting sailfish, blackfin tuna, and whatever else is biting in Charleston's productive offshore waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing - these magnificent fish with their massive dorsal sails can reach 7-8 feet and put on aerial displays that'll leave you speechless. They cruise near the surface in 30-65 feet of warm water, hunting schools of baitfish along temperature breaks. Winter months bring the best action when they migrate through our waters. What makes them legendary is the way they fight - long runs, multiple jumps, and enough endurance to wear you out. Most anglers practice catch and release with these beauties. The trick is to tease them up with baits, then when they light up and take the bait, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but don't let that fool you - they're fierce fighters that'll test your tackle. These dark-bodied fish with their distinctive gold stripe typically run 15-30 pounds and love warm offshore waters near continental shelves. They're most active during cooler months when water temps drop into the 70s. What makes them popular is their incredible stamina and the fact they make excellent sashimi or grilled steaks. They school up with skipjack and other tunas, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: scale down your tackle - use lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks since these fish have sharp eyesight and can be leader-shy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a light show when they come out of the water. They average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in warm offshore waters. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're most active. What makes them special is the combination of strong fights, acrobatic jumps, and some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. One tip that works well: when you hook one, leave your lines in because mahi travel in schools and you'll often get multiple fish from the same spot.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these sleek fish can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. You'll find them in open water around 60 feet deep, often near floating objects or structure. They show up best during cooler months here, with their distinctive blue backs and zebra stripes. What draws anglers is the scorching runs they make when hooked, plus they're fantastic eating - white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet. The key to landing wahoo is trolling fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Their speed and teeth make them a real challenge, but that's exactly why people love targeting them.
Charleston