Offshore Fishing Charters in Charleston SC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore fishing adventure targeting premium speciesBottom fishing for barracuda, snapper, grouper up to 60 miles outSmall group charter accommodates maximum 6 guests
When you're looking for serious offshore action in Charleston waters, Ceviche Charters delivers the kind of deep-sea fishing adventure that keeps anglers coming back season after season. This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore – we're talking about a full 10-hour Carolina fishing voyage that takes you anywhere from 15 to 60 miles into the open Atlantic, where the big fish live and the real action happens. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows, and trust me, you'll want that room when the fish start biting.
This is bottom fishing at its finest, where we're targeting the structure and ledges that hold the quality fish Charleston waters are famous for. The day starts early – we're talking before sunrise early – because the best bite often happens at first light when these fish are most active. Once we reach our fishing grounds, it's all about reading the bottom, finding the right structure, and putting baits where the fish want them. The boat is equipped with top-notch fish finders and GPS, so we're not just dropping lines and hoping – we're fishing smart, hitting the productive spots that consistently produce. Keep in mind that fuel isn't included in the trip price, which is pretty standard for offshore charters since we're covering serious distance to reach the prime fishing grounds.
Bottom fishing in 60+ feet of water requires the right approach, and that means heavy tackle and fresh bait. We're using circle hooks to keep fish mortality low and improve your hookup ratio, paired with enough weight to get down through the current and stay on the bottom. The technique is straightforward but effective – drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and wait for that telltale thump that means game on. When you feel that bite, don't set the hook like you would with a bass – just start reeling steady and let that circle hook do its job. The current can be tricky out there, especially on the deeper drops, so we'll adjust our drift and positioning throughout the day to keep you in the strike zone. Fresh cut bait is king for most of our target species, though we'll also run some live bait when conditions are right.
Atlantic Bonito are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter on these offshore trips, and Charleston's waters hold good numbers from late spring through fall. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically run 3 to 8 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they'll test your drag and your endurance with runs that seem to go on forever. What makes bonito special is their aggressive feeding behavior and the way they'll hit a bait or lure with incredible force. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly, with meat that's similar to tuna.
Blacktip Sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the mix, especially when they show up in good numbers during their spring and fall migrations. These sharks average 20 to 40 pounds in our waters, though bigger ones certainly show up. They're known for their spectacular jumps when hooked, often clearing the water completely in their attempts to throw the hook. Blacktips are also one of the more aggressive shark species, often competing with each other when there's chum in the water, which makes for some fast-paced action when you find a school.
Cobia are the wildcards of Charleston offshore fishing – you never know when one might show up, but when they do, it's always memorable. These brown sharks (as some locals call them, though they're not sharks at all) can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds being common and 50-pounders always possible. Cobia are curious fish that will often come right up to the boat, giving you a chance to sight-cast to them. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Red Snapper remain one of the most sought-after bottom fish in our waters, and for good reason. These beautiful fish are both challenging to catch and exceptional on the dinner table. Charleston's red snapper typically run 2 to 10 pounds, with the occasional larger fish mixed in. They're structure-oriented fish that stick close to ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs, and they can be finicky biters that require finesse and patience. When the red snapper bite is on, though, it's hard to beat for consistent action.
Gag Grouper round out our primary target list, and these are the fish that really get serious bottom fishermen excited. Gags are ambush predators that hide in the structure and inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. They're strong fish that will try to get back to their holes when hooked, so you need to turn them quick and keep the pressure on. The grouper bite tends to be best during cooler months, and a good gag will provide several meals of some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Charleston's offshore fishing scene is world-class, but the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when conditions are most favorable. This 10-hour offshore adventure with Ceviche Charters gives you the time and range to reach the productive waters where trophy fish live, and with a maximum of 6 anglers, you're guaranteed plenty of fishing time and personal attention from the crew. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or looking to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of memories that last a lifetime. The combination of multiple target species, productive fishing grounds, and experienced guidance makes this one of the top-rated offshore experiences Charleston has to offer. Don't wait – secure your date now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
This 2009 Grady-White center console is your ticket to serious offshore fishing around Charleston. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines push this 6-person boat to 50 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and back home comfortable. We're talking 15-60 miles offshore where the big fish live - Great Barracuda, Amberjack, Red Snapper, and Gag Grouper are all on the menu. The boat's loaded with everything you need: fish finder to locate the schools, GPS to mark your hot spots, icebox for your catch and cold drinks, plus a multimedia system and onboard restroom for those long 10-hour trips. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure. This is bottom fishing at its finest in Carolina waters, where every drop could be the fish of a lifetime.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are silver speedsters that'll hit 40 mph when chasing bait. These mackerel relatives average 8-12 pounds and 24-30 inches, traveling in large schools that feed aggressively on the surface. You'll spot them by watching for diving birds - when bonito are feeding, seabirds follow the action. They cruise the mid-water column in our coastal waters, preferring temps in the 60s. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. While they're not great table fare here, guests love the fast-paced fishing when schools show up. Once you find feeding fish, they'll hit almost any lure you throw. Pro tip: when it's windy, switch to metal jigs since they cut through the chop better and stay in the strike zone longer than lighter plastics.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their spectacular jumps and those distinctive black fin tips. Most run 4-5 feet and fight hard despite being somewhat timid. They patrol our reefs and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water, feeding on mackerel, sardines, and croaker. Summer months bring the best action when they're most active in our warmer waters. Guests love the aerial show these sharks put on - they can launch 20+ feet out of the water when hooked. You'll need heavy braided line (20-50 lb test) and circle hooks to handle their runs. They're strong pullers but won't make the long fights like some bigger sharks. Here's the key: use oily bait like mackerel or sardines, and get a good chum slick going. Once they smell it, they'll come investigate.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown torpedo-shaped fish that often get mistaken for sharks when cruising near the surface. These loners typically run 20-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds in our waters. They love structure - wrecks, reefs, and buoys in 30-100 feet are prime spots. Spring migration (April-June) offers the hottest action when they're moving through our area to spawn. What makes them special is the combination of great fighting ability and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're sight-fishing targets, so we'll cruise looking for that distinctive brown shape just under the surface. Bucktail jigs work best, and color doesn't matter much. Here's the trick: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure where they'll wrap you up.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are mottled gray bottom-dwellers that average 15-25 pounds, with some bruisers pushing 40+ pounds. They hide around rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks in 40-120 feet of water. Fall and winter provide the best action when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. Guests love them because they're bulldogs that'll test your gear, plus they make outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat. The fight is straight down - no fancy runs, just raw power trying to get back to their hole. Live pinfish and mullet work best, though cut squid and crab produce too. Circle hooks are required for bottom fishing here. The secret is setting your drag tight and not giving them an inch once hooked. Keep your rod low and winch them straight up - if you let them get their head down, they'll dive into structure and cut you off every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snappers are the holy grail of bottom fishing - bright red beauties that average 3-8 pounds with occasional 15+ pounders showing up. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200+ feet, making our offshore structure perfect habitat. Season runs June through August when federal waters open. What makes them special is they're incredible table fare with sweet, flaky white meat, plus they fight harder than you'd expect for their size. They'll make strong runs toward cover when hooked, testing your drag. Fresh squid and cigar minnows work great, but live pinfish will get you the biggest fish. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom where they live. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and pump them up quickly - if you give them slack, they'll wrap your line around the structure and break you off.
Charleston