Bottom Fishing with Chasing Tail Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Brad guides bottom fishing for dinner catchesAll equipment provided plus free fish cleaning serviceInshore trip accommodates up to six guests comfortably
Looking to fill your cooler with fresh dinner straight from the deep? Captain Brad's bottom fishing trips are exactly what you need. This isn't just about dropping lines and hoping for the best – you're targeting prime bottom-dwellers that'll make your mouth water. With all gear provided and Brad's expert hands-on coaching, you'll be hauling up keeper after keeper. Best part? He cleans and fillets everything for free, so you walk away with restaurant-quality fish ready for the pan. Just bring your appetite for action and some snacks for the ride.
Captain Brad runs a tight ship with room for up to six anglers, making this perfect for family trips or a day out with your fishing buddies. You'll head to his proven bottom spots where the fish are stacked up and hungry. The vibe is relaxed but focused – Brad knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's not shy about sharing what works. Expect to learn proper bottom technique, bait presentation, and how to feel the difference between a bite and bottom structure. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait. All you need to bring is drinks, snacks, and maybe a camera to document your haul.
Bottom fishing is all about patience and feel, but don't worry if you're new to it – Brad breaks it down simple. You'll be using medium to heavy action rods with circle hooks and enough weight to keep your bait pinned to the bottom in current. The key is learning to distinguish between a fish pick-up and your sinker bouncing on structure. Brad sets everyone up with the right rig for conditions – sometimes that's a simple Carolina rig, other times it's a multi-hook bottom rig to increase your odds. He'll show you how to work the bait just off bottom, when to set the hook, and how to fight fish without losing them in the rocks. The boat's fish finder helps locate productive structure, but Brad's local knowledge is what puts you on the bite.
The bottom around here holds some serious quality fish, and Brad targets three species that'll make your trip memorable. Wahoo are the speed demons of the bunch – these torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and put up fights that'll test your arms. They're typically found around deeper structure and drop-offs, especially during cooler months. When you hook into a wahoo, expect screaming runs and aerial displays. The meat is firm, white, and absolutely delicious grilled or blackened.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of bottom fishing here. These ruby-colored beauties live around reefs, ledges, and rocky bottom in 60-200 feet of water. They're curious fish that'll often inspect your bait before committing, so patience pays off. Snapper are year-round residents but bite best during warmer months when they're more active. They fight hard for their size, diving straight back to structure when hooked. The flaky white meat is a local favorite – perfect for fish tacos or fried whole.
Mahi mahi might seem like an odd bottom target, but these colorful fighters often cruise structure looking for baitfish. Also called dolphinfish, they're absolutely stunning with golden sides and electric blue-green backs. Mahi are fast growers that can reach 30+ pounds, though most catches run 10-20 pounds. They're acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly when hooked. The firm, mild meat has a slightly sweet flavor that works great grilled, baked, or in ceviche. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temperatures are warmest.
Bottom fishing with Captain Brad isn't just about catching fish – it's about learning techniques that'll make you a better angler while filling your freezer with premium table fare. The combination of quality equipment, proven spots, expert instruction, and free cleaning service makes this a top-rated choice for serious fishermen and families alike. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in bottom techniques or a newcomer wanting to experience real fishing, Brad delivers results. Don't just take our word for it – the repeat customers and full coolers speak for themselves. Book your bottom fishing adventure with Chasing Tail Charters and discover why locals keep coming back for more.
Captain Brad's fishing boat is set up perfectly for a productive day of bottom fishing with your crew of up to 6 anglers. This well-equipped motorboat comes with everything you need to locate and land those dinner-worthy fish hiding near the bottom. The fish finder will help pinpoint schools of fish, while the GPS keeps you on the most productive spots. An ice box onboard keeps your catch fresh until you head back to shore. When nature calls during those longer fishing sessions, there's a toilet for your convenience. Captain Brad provides all the fishing gear and will even clean and fillet your catch at no extra cost, so you just need to bring your appetite for reeling in fish and whatever snacks and drinks you want for the trip. This boat is built for serious bottom fishing action where filling your coolers is the main goal.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the rainbows of the sea - golden sides with electric blue and green that flash like a light show when they're brought up. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in warm surface waters. They're most abundant during warmer months and spawn year-round in tropical areas. What guests love is their acrobatic fight and that beautiful color display, plus they're fantastic table fare with firm, sweet white meat. They mature quickly and travel in schools, so where you find one, there's usually more. My trick: look for frigate birds working debris piles - they'll lead you right to the fish. Skip your bait on the surface like a flying fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are the gold standard for bottom fishing - these bright red beauties average 1-2 feet but can grow to 35 pounds or more. You'll find them hugging structure in 30-620 feet of water, especially around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning. What makes them favorites is that hard fighting spirit - they'll bolt straight for cover when hooked, testing your drag and patience. The meat is sweet and nutty, perfect for the dinner table. They're true warriors that give you a real scrap. Here's the key: get heavy weights down fast and use fresh squid or live pinfish. Once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. You'll find them in open water around floating debris or structure, usually within 66 feet of the surface. They're most active during cooler months and can be caught year-round in warmer waters. What makes them special is that lightning-fast strike and the incredible fight they put up. Plus, wahoo meat is some of the best eating you'll find - firm, white, and mild-flavored. The locals call it "ono" in Hawaii, which means delicious, and they're not wrong. Pro tip: use wire leaders because those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono like butter. High-speed trolling with bright lures works best.
North Charleston, SC