Charleston Offshore Fishing: 10-Hour Deep Sea Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Ten-hour offshore expedition targeting Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and TunaState-of-the-art equipment and spacious vessels ensure comfort and safetyProfessional captains guide both novice and experienced anglers
Looking to get serious about offshore fishing? This 10-hour Charleston deep sea charter takes you way out where the big fish live. We're talking about heading 20-40 miles offshore into the Gulf Stream where the water's blue and the fish are hungry. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll make your arms burn and your drag scream. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows when the action heats up.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're going all out for a full 10 hours of serious fishing time. We'll leave the dock early, usually around 6 AM, and make the run out to the productive offshore grounds. Expect about an hour to hour-and-a-half boat ride each way, but that's when you know you're getting to the good stuff. Our boats are rigged with top-notch electronics, outriggers, and all the heavy tackle you need to handle whatever we hook up. The captains will have you trolling for pelagics, bottom fishing the ledges, and working whatever techniques are producing that day. Fair warning though – bring snacks and drinks because we don't provide meals on this trip, and you're going to work up an appetite fighting fish all day.
We run a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. For the pelagic species, we'll have multiple lines out on the outriggers with ballyhoo, cigar minnows, and various lures that imitate baitfish. The trolling spread typically includes a mix of natural baits and artificials – think skirted ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and spoons. When we find structure or good bottom, we'll anchor up or drift with heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test. Bottom rigs get loaded with cut bait, live bait when available, and whatever the fish are keying on. All gear is provided, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, feel free to bring them along. Just make sure they can handle big fish – we're not messing around with light tackle when there are monster fish to be caught.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Charleston offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver rockets can stretch up to 40+ pounds and will absolutely smoke your drag when they make their first run. Kings are most active during the warmer months from April through October, and they love to hang around structure and temperature breaks. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive strikes – they'll absolutely demolish a trolled bait and then go ballistic on the surface with jumps and long runs.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the deep, and catching one is like arm wrestling a truck. These fish can easily push 50-60 pounds and they fight dirty – straight down into the rocks where they try to cut you off. They're year-round residents around the offshore structure, but spring and fall tend to produce the biggest fish. Amberjack don't give up, and they'll test your endurance and your tackle to the limit. Landing a big AJ is a badge of honor that'll have you talking for months.
Cobia are the wildcards that can show up anywhere, anytime, and they're absolute blast to catch. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) can grow massive – 40-50 pounders aren't uncommon – and they're curious enough to come right up to the boat. Peak season runs from April through June when they're moving through on their migration, but we see them throughout the warmer months. What's cool about Cobia is they'll eat just about anything, and watching one cruise up to inspect your bait before crushing it never gets old.
Red Snapper are the prize of the bottom fishing game, and there's nothing like pulling up a thick red fish from 100+ feet of water. These guys are smart, structure-oriented, and absolutely delicious. Snapper season has specific regulations and dates, typically running during summer months, but when it's open, it's game on. They average 5-15 pounds but can get much larger, and they know every trick in the book to wrap you around the reef. The fight might not be as flashy as the pelagics, but landing a cooler full of red snapper makes for some world-class table fare.
This 10-hour offshore charter is the real deal for serious anglers who want to experience Charleston's best deep sea fishing. You'll cover serious ground, target multiple species, and have the time to really work the water properly. Our experienced captains, top-notch equipment, and prime fishing grounds combine to give you the best shot at trophy fish and coolers full of dinner. Remember to bring your own food and drinks, sunscreen, and get ready for a long but rewarding day on the water. These offshore trips fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around if you want to get in on the action.
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard our reliable 26-foot Scout 262 center console! This 2008 vessel cuts through Charleston's offshore waters with twin 150HP Yamaha engines, hitting speeds up to 55 knots to get you to the hot spots fast. Built for serious fishing, she comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of deck space to work the rods. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of Mahi, Tuna, and Sailfish, while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full 10-hour adventure. With a private head onboard, you can focus on what matters most - landing that fish of a lifetime in the deep blue waters off the Carolina coast.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the sharks that aren't sharks - those brown, torpedo-shaped fish that cruise near the surface and get your heart racing. They average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, mostly traveling solo except during spawning. We sight-fish for them in 30-70 feet around buoys, wrecks, and structure from spring through summer. What makes cobia special is the visual game - spotting them cruising just under the surface, then making the perfect cast. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat. The fight's aggressive and sustained too. Local secret: if you see one cobia, slow down and look around. They often follow rays and sharks, so check underneath any large shadows you spot. A 6-ounce bucktail jig works magic.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep - pure muscle wrapped in bluish-grey skin with that signature amber stripe. These bruisers average 39 pounds but can hit 6 feet and really test your back. We target them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in deeper water where they ambush squid and smaller fish. Spring spawning season from April to May brings the best action. What guests love is the immediate, powerful fight - no finesse here, just raw strength heading straight for cover. The meat's excellent eating too. Pro tip: when you hook one, tighten that drag and pump hard right away. Give them an inch and they'll wrap you around the nearest structure. Heavy tackle and live bait work best.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are serious speed demons that'll test your drag system. These olive-backed beauties average around 30 pounds but can push 90+. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on blue runners and menhaden. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they're nearly as fast as wahoo. The meat's rich and flavorful, though high in oil. Here's a local trick: use a dual-hook rig on wire leader with live bait. Put one hook in the nose, let the second dangle near the tail. Kings love to bite the back half of baitfish, so that trailing hook saves a lot of missed strikes.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the ultimate bottom bouncer - those bright red beauties that turn any trip into a fish fry. Most run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but the big ones can push 35+ and really bend a rod. We find them on hard bottom, wrecks, and structure in 30-200+ feet. May through October offers prime fishing when they're spawning and feeding actively. What guests love is the solid fight and knowing they're taking home some of the best eating fish in the ocean - mild, nutty, and perfect for any recipe. Here's the key: get your bait to the bottom fast with enough weight. Fresh squid or live pinfish work best. When you hook one, pump steady and keep them away from structure or they'll cut you off every time.
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