Offshore Reef Fishing in Charleston SC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour offshore fishing trip targeting Mahi Mahi and King MackerelStateoftheart boat accommodates up to 6 guests comfortablyExpert crew guides anglers of all skill levels
Looking for some serious action offshore? This 6-hour deep-water fishing trip puts you right in the thick of Charleston's best reef fishing grounds. We'll head out past the harbor and into the blue water where the big boys hang out – Greater Amberjack, Cobia, Gag Grouper, and Black Sea Bass are all on the menu. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we've got the gear and know-how to put you on fish. Whether you're a weekend warrior or this is your first time dropping a line in deep water, we'll make sure you have a blast and maybe even fill the cooler.
We'll meet you bright and early at the marina, get everyone situated, and head out to our productive reef spots about 15-20 miles offshore. The ride out takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on conditions, but it's worth every minute once you see that water turn from green to deep blue. Our boat is set up specifically for reef fishing with plenty of rod holders, a big cooler for your catch, and all the tackle you'll need. The captain will position us over structure using GPS and fish finder technology, then it's game on. We typically hit 2-3 different spots throughout the day to maximize your chances. You'll be fishing in 60-120 feet of water over natural and artificial reefs where these bottom dwellers like to hang out. The atmosphere is laid-back but focused – we're here to catch fish and have a good time doing it.
Reef fishing is all about getting your bait down to where the fish live and keeping it there. We'll be using medium to heavy conventional tackle with 30-50 pound test line depending on what we're targeting. Most of the time we're dropping live bait or cut bait on heavy jigs and sinkers to get down fast and stay put in the current. Circle hooks are the name of the game for conservation and better hookups. We'll also run some light tackle spinning gear for the smaller grouper and sea bass when they're biting good. The crew will show you how to work the bottom, feel for bites, and set the hook properly. Don't worry if you've never done this style of fishing before – we'll get you dialed in quick. When a big amberjack or cobia decides to eat, you'll know it. These fish pull hard and don't give up easy, so be ready for a workout.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef and probably the most fun fish we'll target on this trip. These guys can push 40-60 pounds and will test your arms and back when they decide to head for the bottom. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, and they love structure. When you hook into a big AJ, it's going to make several hard runs toward the reef trying to cut you off. The fight is what makes these fish so popular with our regular customers – they just don't quit.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing around Charleston. These brown sharks (that's what some folks call them) show up when they want to and can range from 20 pounds up to 50-plus. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're moving through on their migration. Cobia are curious fish and will often come right up to the boat to check things out. They're excellent table fare and fight like a freight train once hooked. Many anglers consider them one of the best eating fish in our waters.
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of reef fishing, and for good reason. These guys are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious. We're targeting fish in the 15-25 pound range mostly, though bigger ones are always a possibility. Gags are ambush predators that sit in holes and under ledges waiting for an easy meal. The trick is getting your bait right in front of their face and being ready for that thump. Once hooked, they'll try to get back to their hole, so you've got to muscle them up and away from structure quick.
Black Sea Bass might be the smallest fish we're after, but they're scrappy little fighters and fantastic eating. These guys are year-round residents on our reefs and are usually pretty cooperative. They school up in good numbers, so when you find them, you can often catch several. Kids especially love catching sea bass because they bite aggressively and are just the right size to handle on lighter tackle. Don't let their size fool you – a good sea bass will give you a respectable fight.
This 6-hour offshore reef fishing trip gives you the best shot at experiencing what Charleston's deep-water fishing is all about. Our boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to fish and won't feel crowded. The crew provides all the tackle, bait, and expertise you need – just bring your fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and get ready to put some quality fish in the box. Weather permitting, we fish year-round, though spring through fall typically offers the most consistent action. Don't wait too long to book, especially during peak season. These reef fish aren't going anywhere, and neither should you. Give us a call and let's set up your next fishing adventure in the beautiful waters off Charleston.
Our 26-foot Scout 262 center console is your ticket to Charleston's productive offshore waters. Built in 2008 and powered by reliable twin 150HP Yamaha engines, this fishing machine cruises at 55 knots to get you to the best fishing grounds fast. The spacious center console design gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Stay comfortable during your 6-hour adventure with an onboard toilet and icebox to keep your drinks cold and catch fresh. Advanced fish finder technology helps locate schools of Mahi, King Mackerel, and Sailfish, while GPS and radar ensure safe navigation in changing conditions. This Scout handles Charleston's offshore swells with confidence, letting you focus on what matters most - putting fish in the cooler. Whether you're casting live bait or trolling the blue water, this proven platform delivers the stability and performance serious anglers demand.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are plentiful around Charleston's reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 40-120 feet of water. These chunky fish typically run 1-4 pounds, with occasional bigger males pushing 6+ pounds during spawning when they turn bright blue. Late spring through summer offers peak fishing when they gather near structure. They're scrappy fighters for their size and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that's perfect for any recipe. What's interesting is they start life as females and change to males as they grow larger. The beauty of targeting sea bass is their willingness to bite - they'll hit cut bait, squid strips, and small jigs readily. Best tip I can share is using a two-hook bottom rig with squid or fish strips. Keep your bait just off the bottom and be ready for quick bites - these fish don't mess around once they grab your offering.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that cruise near the surface around reefs, buoys, and wrecks, often mistaken for sharks due to their brown coloration and single dorsal fin. These fish average 20-50 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds, making them a serious target for any angler. Spring migration brings the best fishing as they move through Charleston waters in 30-70 feet. They're curious fish that respond well to sight fishing - you'll often see them just under the surface. What guests love is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. The key to landing cobia is using heavy jigs around structure. When you spot one, drop a 6-8 oz bucktail jig right in front of them and work it slowly - color doesn't matter much, but that presentation does.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are bottom dwellers that love rocky reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Most fish we catch run 5-15 pounds, though bigger ones up to 30+ pounds are out there. These fish are ambush predators that hide in structure waiting for baitfish, crabs, and squid to swim by. Fall and winter tend to be our best months when they're feeding heavily before spawning season. Guests appreciate their solid fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The challenge is getting them away from structure once hooked. They'll immediately try to dive back into rocks or wreck. My go-to technique is live pinfish or cut squid on circle hooks with 40-50 pound line. The secret is keeping your rod tip low and lifting hard the moment you feel the bite - no free-wheeling or they'll bury themselves in a hole.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruiser fish average around 40 pounds but can push 100+ pounds, making them one of our most challenging offshore targets. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. The distinctive amber stripe along their body makes them easy to identify. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes amberjack special is their raw power - they'll test your arms and drag with long, punishing runs toward the bottom. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatoxin. Here's a key tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They'll try to wrap you around anything they can find, so be ready for that initial dive and keep your drag locked down tight.
Charleston