Charleston SC Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore charter targeting Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, and TunaDeep water bottom fishing adventure accommodates up to 6 guestsCharleston-based Ceviche Charters provides full-day fishing experience
There's nothing quite like heading 30+ miles offshore in Charleston waters where the real action happens. Captain and crew at Ceviche Charters know exactly where to find the fish when they're biting, and this 12-hour deep sea adventure puts you right in the heart of some of the Atlantic's best fishing grounds. You'll be targeting pelagic species that most anglers dream about - Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Blackfin Tuna - while having the option to drop down for some serious bottom fishing if the mood strikes. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives your group plenty of space to spread out and work the water without feeling crowded.
Your day starts early - we're talking pre-dawn departure to make the most of prime fishing hours. The run offshore takes about an hour depending on where the fish are showing, but that transit time flies by as you watch Charleston's coastline fade behind you and the water turn from green to that deep blue that gets every angler's blood pumping. Once we hit the fishing grounds, it's game on. The crew will have lines in the water faster than you can say "fish on," and they'll keep you busy rotating through different techniques as conditions change throughout the day. Between the trolling spreads, live bait fishing, and optional bottom drops, there's never a dull moment. The boat's equipped with everything you need - tackle, bait, ice, and most importantly, a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand.
Most of your day will be spent trolling with a spread of ballyhoo, skirted lures, and diving plugs designed to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. The crew runs a professional setup with outriggers and downriggers to cover maximum water and different depths simultaneously. When the bite gets hot, they'll switch tactics - maybe pulling out the live bait bucket for finicky Mahi or rigging up some high-speed lures for Wahoo that are cruising the temperature breaks. The optional bottom fishing component is where things get really interesting. We're talking 200+ feet down where the Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack live. Heavy tackle, circle hooks, and fresh cut bait - it's a completely different game that requires patience and muscle when you hook into something substantial down there.
Mahi-Mahi are the bread and butter of Charleston's offshore scene, especially from late spring through early fall. These fish are absolute dynamite on the line - they'll jump, run, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat reaching for their cameras. Most of the Mahi we're seeing range from 10-30 pounds, though bulls pushing 40+ show up when you least expect them. They love structure, so we'll work weed lines, debris, and temperature breaks where they congregate. What makes Mahi special is their willingness to bite just about anything when they're fired up, and they often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of runs that'll smoke 200 yards of line before you know what hit you. These fish prefer the cooler months - fall through early spring - and they're absolutely unforgiving if your drag isn't set right or your hooks aren't sharp. Most Charleston Wahoo run 20-60 pounds, and their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are non-negotiable. They're ambush predators that love high-speed lures trolled along drop-offs and ledges. The fight is fast and furious, but the payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Blackfin Tuna are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. These smaller members of the tuna family - typically 5-15 pounds in our waters - make up for their size with pure determination. They school heavily around structure and bait pods, and when you find them, it's often non-stop action. They're perfect for lighter tackle and provide excellent table fare. The key with Blackfin is staying mobile and covering water until you locate the schools.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of any offshore trip, and Charleston's waters host them primarily during the cooler months. These magnificent fish can exceed 8 feet in length and put on aerial displays that'll leave you speechless. Most crews practice catch-and-release with Sailfish given their importance to the ecosystem and their fighting ability. They respond well to both live bait and artificials, and the sight of that massive dorsal fin cutting through the water behind your spread is something every angler needs to experience at least once.
This isn't your typical half-day harbor cruise - this is serious offshore fishing for serious anglers who want to get after the big boys that live in the deep water. Ceviche Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, and their knowledge of Charleston's offshore waters runs deep. With space limited to just 6 anglers, you're getting a more personalized experience than those cattle-boat operations that pack people in like sardines. The 12-hour format gives you maximum time on the water, which translates to maximum opportunity when the fish are cooperating. Whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran or someone looking to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action and variety that keeps people coming back season after season. Don't wait - the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Hit the deep waters off Charleston aboard our 2009 Grady-White center console, powered by twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 50 knots. This solid boat handles the offshore swells like a champ while you chase Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Blackfin Tuna in the blue water. The fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish, while the GPS keeps us on productive spots. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and stay comfortable with the onboard restroom during those long 12-hour runs. The wireless trolling motor lets us work baits quietly when conditions call for it, and the multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites. Perfect setup for bottom fishing the deep ledges or working the surface for pelagics. Accommodates up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate prize - those massive dorsal sails and sword-like bills make them unmistakable. Most run 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, with that iconic sail they flash when hunting or fighting. They cruise the blue water from 30-200 feet deep, often following temperature breaks and current edges. Winter months bring the best action when they move closer to shore chasing baitfish. Why do anglers obsess over them? The fight is legendary - multiple jumps, long runs, and that spectacular sail display. They're catch-and-release only, so it's all about the experience and photos. Local secret: when you see one "lit up" with those electric blue stripes, it's hunting mode - that's your shot. Keep your drag smooth and be ready for anything once that bill comes up.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy little fighters of the tuna family, but don't let their size fool you. These dark-backed beauties typically run 10-25 pounds and about 2-3 feet long, with that distinctive gold stripe along their sides. They school up in offshore waters from 100-600 feet deep, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Best fishing happens fall through spring when they move closer to shore in cooler water. What makes them a favorite? Pound-for-pound, they fight harder than most fish twice their size, diving deep and making long runs. The meat is outstanding too - dark red and rich, perfect for sashimi or searing. Here's the secret: scale down your tackle with lighter leaders and smaller hooks. These fish have sharp eyes, so finesse beats power every time.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are what dreams are made of - brilliant blues and greens that flash like neon underwater, then put on a real light show once boated. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, but we've seen some push 50+ pounds out there. They love floating debris and weed lines in the warm offshore waters, usually within 20-60 feet of the surface. Best action happens April through October when water temps hit 70°+ degrees. What makes them special? They fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing - firm white meat that's perfect grilled. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep your eyes open for others. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Keep a second rod ready!
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - sleek, silver torpedoes with blue zebra stripes that can hit 60 mph. Most average 3-4 feet and 20-40 pounds, though we've boated some pushing 80+ pounds. They cruise the deep blue water from 30-200 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. Peak season here runs May through September when they follow the warm water north. What gets anglers fired up? That initial screaming run will test your drag and your nerves - pure adrenaline. Plus, the meat is top-shelf eating, white and flaky like premium fish tacos. Pro tip: run your lures fast at 12-15 knots and use wire leaders - those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono like butter. High-speed trolling is the name of the game.
Charleston