Gulf Stream Trolling and Bottom Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Gulf Stream offshore fishing with trolling and bottom techniquesCaptain Brad provides all necessary fishing gear and equipmentAccommodates up to 6 guests with Chasing Tail Charters
Picture this: you're cruising offshore with Captain Brad, watching the water change from coastal green to that deep Gulf Stream blue. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about a full day of serious fishing where the action can switch from screaming reels on the surface to heavy bottom rigs in seconds. With room for up to 6 anglers, this charter gives you the best of both worlds: high-speed trolling for pelagics and dropping down to structure for some serious bottom dwellers.
Captain Brad runs a tight ship, and he's got this Gulf Stream fishing dialed in. You'll start the day with all your gear ready to go – no need to worry about tackle selection or rigging because he's got you covered. The plan changes with conditions, but expect to spend time covering water with the outriggers out, watching for bird activity and temperature breaks. When the trolling bite slows down, that's when things get interesting on the bottom. We're talking about serious structure fishing where you'll feel every bump and tap transmitted through quality rods. The Gulf Stream's current can be tricky, so having an experienced captain who knows how to position the boat and adjust for drift is everything. Pack your own food and drinks because you'll work up an appetite out there, and there's nothing like cracking open a cold one after landing a personal best.
This trip is all about versatility. On the trolling side, Captain Brad sets up a spread that covers the water column – ballyhoo on the outriggers, maybe some cedar plugs or spoons in the wash, and always a few lines at different depths. The key is staying mobile and reading the water. When you see birds working or find a temperature break, that's where the magic happens. Bottom fishing in the Gulf Stream is a different beast entirely. We're talking about heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and baits that can handle the current. Depending on the depth, you might be fishing 60 feet or dropping down to 200 feet of water. The technique changes with the target – grouper fishing means getting your bait right to the bottom and holding it there, while sea bass might suspend a bit higher in the water column. Captain Brad knows which spots produce and how to work them effectively.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky fighters love structure and they're aggressive feeders year-round, though they really turn on during the cooler months from October through April. They might not be huge – most run 2-4 pounds – but they make up for size with attitude. They hit hard, dive straight for the bottom, and they're excellent table fare. What makes them special out here is the numbers game. When you find a good school over structure, you can load the cooler fast. King Mackerel bring the speed and the fight that gets your heart pumping. These silvery rockets can hit 40+ mph and they're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they'll smash a trolled bait without warning. Most kings in this area run 15-30 pounds, but 40-pounders aren't uncommon. The Goliath Grouper is the heavyweight champion of this trip. These massive fish can weigh several hundred pounds and they're protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release. But the experience of hooking into a fish that weighs more than you do is something you'll never forget. They're ambush predators that hang around wrecks and hard bottom, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately.
This Gulf Stream fishing trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – variety, action, and the chance at some trophy-class fish. Captain Brad's experience shows in everything from his tackle selection to his spot knowledge, and having all gear included means you can focus on what matters: fishing. Whether you're hoping to fill the cooler with sea bass, battle a screaming king mackerel, or experience the raw power of a goliath grouper, this charter puts you in position to succeed. The Gulf Stream is always changing, which keeps things interesting and productive. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Your fishing platform for this Gulf Stream adventure is a well-equipped motorboat that comfortably handles up to 6 anglers. Captain Brad's vessel comes loaded with everything you need to locate and land fish in these productive offshore waters. The onboard fish finder will help pinpoint schools and structure, while the GPS keeps you on the productive spots. An ice box ensures your catch stays fresh, and the onboard toilet means more time with lines in the water instead of heading back to shore. Whether you're trolling for pelagics or dropping bottom rigs for grouper and snapper, this boat is set up to handle both techniques effectively. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Just bring your appetite for action, some snacks, and drinks – Captain Brad has the tackle and local knowledge covered.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid fighters that typically run 1-4 pounds, though we've seen some push 8+ pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, rocky bottoms, and any hard structure in 20-120 feet of water from late spring through summer. They're plump, stocky fish with distinctive white-spotted dorsal fins - the big males even turn bright blue during spawning and develop a prominent head hump. What makes them special is their scrappy attitude - they'll fight hard all the way to the boat. The meat is excellent eating too, sweet and firm. Here's a tip that works well: when you're bottom fishing, use a two-hook rig with squid strips and bounce it off the bottom every few seconds. That movement triggers strikes from bass that might otherwise ignore stationary bait.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are absolute giants - we're talking fish that can hit 800 pounds and 8 feet long. These monsters live around shallow reefs, wrecks, and structures in 20-150 feet of water. The big ones are loners and incredibly curious - they'll actually come check you out while you're fishing. That first run when you hook one will test every piece of gear you've got, so we use 50-80 wide reels with 400-600 pound mono. The fight is intense but usually short-lived. Remember, these fish are protected so it's strictly catch and release. They're slow to reproduce and have been overfished, which is why harvesting is illegal. My advice: anchor close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough to pull them away before they break you off on the reef.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed demons that'll give you some of the fastest runs you've ever experienced. Most average around 30 pounds, but we regularly see fish over 50 pounds in the Gulf Stream. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, following bait schools and temperature breaks. These fish are built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so always use a wire leader. The action peaks when water temps hit 68-84°F and bait is thick. Guests love them because they make blistering runs and jump like crazy. The meat is good eating too, though it's got some oil content. Best trolling tip: use a stinger rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings often hit the tail end of live bait, and that back hook will save you from a lot of missed fish.
North Charleston, SC