Gulf Stream Trolling and Bottom Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Gulf Stream offshore fishing with trolling and bottom techniquesCaptain Brad provides all necessary fishing gear and equipmentSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests maximum
Looking for a top-rated offshore fishing experience that'll have you talking about it for months? Captain Brad's Gulf Stream adventure combines the best of both worlds – high-speed trolling for pelagics and precision bottom fishing for those heavyweight reef dwellers. This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore. We're talking about heading out to where the real action happens, where the Gulf Stream's warm blue water holds some of the most sought-after species on the East Coast. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, because you'll be out there working the water from sunrise to sunset.
Captain Brad runs a tight ship, but the vibe is relaxed and focused on putting fish in the boat. You'll start the day with a run out to the Gulf Stream edge, where the temperature breaks and current lines create perfect hunting grounds for king mackerel and other pelagics. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. Once we've worked the trolling spread and had our fun with the speed demons, it's time to drop anchor over some proven bottom structure. That's where the goliath grouper and black sea bass live, and trust me, these fish don't mess around when they grab your bait. Captain Brad provides all the tackle you'll need, from the heavy trolling rigs down to the bottom rigs that can handle serious weight.
The trolling portion kicks off with a proven spread that's been refined over years of chasing kings and other Gulf Stream predators. We're talking ballyhoo rigged on wire leaders, diving plugs that run at different depths, and maybe some spoons or feathers in the outriggers. The key is covering the water column and presenting baits at various speeds until we find what they want. When it's time to switch gears for bottom fishing, we're dropping heavy sinkers and circle hooks loaded with cut bait or live bottom fish. The structure we fish holds some serious weight, so the tackle needs to be up for the challenge. Captain Brad knows exactly where to position the boat to give everyone a fair shot, and he's not shy about moving if the bite slows down. The Gulf Stream current can be tricky, but that's where experience pays off – knowing how to drift properly and keep baits in the strike zone.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of Gulf Stream bottom fishing, and these chunky fighters know how to use the current to their advantage. They typically run anywhere from 2 to 8 pounds in these waters, with the occasional doormat pushing double digits. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with summer being particularly productive. What makes black sea bass so appealing to anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer. They're structure-oriented fish, so once you find them, you can usually count on steady action if you keep your baits in the right zone.
Goliath grouper represent the true heavyweights of this fishery, and hooking into one is something you'll never forget. These monsters can easily exceed 200 pounds, and in the Gulf Stream's deep structure, they have the home field advantage. While they're catch-and-release only due to conservation regulations, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Summer months tend to be most productive for goliaths, when they're most active and feeding aggressively. The rush of feeling something the size of a small car grab your bait 150 feet down is what keeps anglers coming back year after year. Captain Brad has the heavy tackle needed to handle these giants, but don't expect an easy fight.
King mackerel are the speedsters of the Gulf Stream, and when they're running, the action can be absolutely electric. These fish are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Kings typically range from 10 to 40 pounds in these waters, with summer and early fall being prime time. What makes king fishing so addictive is the visual aspect – you'll often see the strikes happen right in the spread, with fish launching themselves out of the water in spectacular fashion. They're also fantastic on the dinner table when handled properly, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for blackening or grilling with some citrus and spices.
This Gulf Stream combination trip with Captain Brad offers something for every angler – the high-speed excitement of trolling and the muscle-testing challenge of bottom fishing. Whether you're after a cooler full of dinner or just want to experience what it feels like to battle a goliath grouper, this world-class fishery delivers. The Gulf Stream doesn't fish well every single day, but when conditions align, it's some of the best offshore action you'll find anywhere. Captain Brad's local knowledge and proven techniques give you the best shot at success, but remember to bring plenty of snacks and drinks for the long day ahead. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing months book up fast, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Your fishing platform for this Gulf Stream adventure is a well-equipped motorboat built for serious anglers targeting both pelagic species and bottom dwellers. The boat comes outfitted with a reliable fish finder to mark schools and structure, plus GPS navigation to keep you on the productive grounds where the fish are biting. An onboard ice box ensures your catch stays fresh from hook to dock, while the head provides comfort during those long days chasing tuna, mahi, and grouper. Captain Brad has this rig set up perfectly for switching between trolling the blue water and dropping down to the bottom structure. The boat handles Gulf Stream conditions with confidence, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting a screaming reel or working jigs in the current. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines. The captain provides all your tackle, so just bring your appetite for action and some refreshments to fuel the day.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky fighters that usually run 2-4 pounds, though we see some pushing 8+ pounds in deeper water. They hang around wrecks, rocky bottoms, and structure from 40-120 feet deep. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed on crabs, squid, and shellfish. What guests love most is their scrappy fight - they'll pull hard until they hit the surface, then give up quick. The meat's excellent eating too, nice and flaky. Here's a tip that works: when you feel that first bite, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a few seconds - their mouths are bony and hooks pull out easy if you're too quick on the trigger.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants can hit 400-800 pounds and grow up to 8 feet long - true monsters of the reef. You'll find them around shallow structures, coral reefs, and wrecks in 40-150 feet of water. They're loners that ambush prey, so they're not picky about when they'll bite. What makes them special is that first run - it'll test every piece of your tackle and probably your back too. The fight's usually short but intense. Remember, these are protected, so it's strictly catch and release. My advice: use the heaviest tackle you've got and anchor just far enough from structure so you can muscle them away from the rocks before they break you off. That first pull will surprise you every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that average 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ in the Gulf Stream. They cruise open water from 40-150 feet, feeding on blue runners, menhaden, and squid. Spring through fall is peak season when water temps hit 70-80 degrees. Guests love them because they're fast, make long runs, and put on aerial shows. The meat's rich and oily - great smoked or grilled. These fish hit hard and keep pulling, so bring your A-game. Pro tip: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Kings usually grab the tail first, so that back hook saves a lot of missed fish. Troll just fast enough to keep the bait swimming naturally - too fast and you'll pull it right out of their mouth.
North Charleston, SC