Full Day Offshore Fishing in Charleston Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour offshore fishing trip targeting pompano and sharksCaptain Adrian provides all gear and bait aboard equipped boatMaximum 3 guests for personalized deep-sea fishing experience
Captain Adrian Johnson knows these Charleston waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 8-hour deep-sea adventure takes you out into the Atlantic where the big boys live – we're talking Bull Sharks, African Pompano, and if you're lucky, maybe even a Blue Marlin. With just three spots available, you'll get plenty of personal attention and prime real estate at the rail. The boat's rigged with everything you need, from top-shelf tackle to fresh bait, so all you have to do is show up ready to fish.
You'll head out before sunrise to make the most of your 8 hours, running offshore to where the continental shelf drops off and the water turns that deep blue color every angler dreams about. Captain Adrian's boat is built for comfort and fishing – plenty of rod holders, a solid fighting chair, and enough deck space so you won't be bumping elbows. The Gulf Stream influence brings warm water species close to Charleston's doorstep, especially during the warmer months. Don't worry about experience level – whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler or this is your first time chasing pelagics, Captain Adrian will adjust the approach to match your crew. The small group size means everyone gets hands-on instruction and plenty of chances to get their line wet.
This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip – we're talking serious offshore techniques here. You'll be trolling with outriggers spread wide, pulling lures and baits at different depths to cover the water column. Captain Adrian runs a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs depending on what's been producing. When the bite heats up, you might switch to live bait or chunk baits to keep the fish interested. The tackle is heavy enough to handle whatever shows up – 50 and 80-pound class gear that can stop a charging shark or put the heat on a screaming sailfish. Circle hooks are the standard for conservation, and Captain Adrian knows how to coach you through the fight whether you're dealing with a stubborn grouper or a jumping marlin.
Bull Sharks are the heavyweight champions of Charleston's offshore waters, showing up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. These bruisers can push 200-300 pounds and they fight like freight trains – once you hook one, get ready for a serious arm workout. They're not picky eaters, but fresh mackerel or bonito chunks get their attention fast. The best part about bull shark fishing here is you never know when a monster is going to show up, and Captain Adrian knows the spots where the big females cruise.
African Pompano are the acrobats of the offshore scene, and Charleston's Gulf Stream waters hold some real slabs. These fish can reach 30-40 pounds and they jump like tarpon when hooked. Spring and summer are prime time, especially around temperature breaks where the blue water meets the green. They're suckers for small jigs and live baits, but they're also smart – you need to stay sharp or they'll throw the hook during one of their aerial displays.
Atlantic Sailfish are what dreams are made of – there's nothing like watching one of these beauties light up and start tail-walking across the surface. Charleston sees good sailfish action from April through October, with the best bite usually happening in the morning hours. They're typically in the 40-80 pound range here, perfect for light tackle if conditions allow. The key is getting the bait presentation right, and Captain Adrian has that dialed in.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of offshore fishing, and while they're never guaranteed, Charleston's deep waters hold some legitimate giants. Summer months offer the best shot, particularly around the 100-fathom line where the current edges form. Even a small blue marlin is a fish of a lifetime – they're incredibly powerful and absolutely spectacular when they come up hot on a bait. Captain Adrian knows how to rig for marlin and more importantly, how to coach you through what could be the fight of your life.
Atlantic Bonito might be the smallest fish on this list, but don't underestimate them. These little speedsters are fantastic on light tackle and they're often the first fish to show up when you reach the offshore grounds. They travel in schools and once you find them, the action can be non-stop. Plus, they make excellent bait for the bigger predators, so there's strategy involved in how many you keep versus how many you use for bait.
With only three anglers per trip, Captain Adrian's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak season. This top-rated charter has built a solid reputation among Charleston's fishing community, and word travels fast when the bite is on. An 8-hour offshore trip gives you the time to really get into fish and explore different techniques, something you just can't do on shorter trips. The combination of Captain Adrian's local knowledge, quality equipment, and prime fishing grounds makes this a customer favorite for serious anglers. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing days book weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss your shot at some world-class offshore action.
Hit the deep waters off Charleston aboard our Wellcraft Scarab Offshore Edition, built to handle the Atlantic's challenging conditions while you chase pompano, sharks, and whatever else is biting. This offshore-ready boat cuts through swells with confidence, giving you a stable platform whether you're battling a bull shark or working a school of mahi. The GPS keeps us on productive fishing grounds, while the fish finder shows what's swimming below. Stay connected with other boats and the Coast Guard via VHF radio, and keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox. With room for three anglers plus Captain Adrian, there's plenty of space to work the rods without getting tangled up. The Scarab's design handles rough seas so you can focus on fishing instead of fighting seasickness. Perfect for serious anglers ready to target the bigger species that cruise Charleston's offshore waters.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican pompano are part of the jack family and they're built for speed. These silvery, diamond-shaped fish typically run 10-30 pounds, though the world record hit over 50. We find them in 30-250 feet of water over structure and drop-offs. Juveniles stay closer to shore, but the bigger fish roam deeper waters. Best fishing is during warmer months when they're most active. What guests love is their raw power - pompano make blazing runs and fight way above their weight class. They're attracted to shiny, moving objects, so jigs work great alongside live bait. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't horse it - let them run and tire themselves out. Their mouths are soft, so steady pressure beats trying to muscle them in.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are like small tuna on steroids - they'll hit 40 mph and fight like fish twice their size. Most run 3-8 pounds and about 24 inches, with thick, muscular bodies built for speed. They travel in large schools that feed aggressively on the surface, chasing bait and often jumping clear out of the water. Look for diving birds - that's your best sign of feeding bonito. They prefer water temps in the 60s and show up best during spring and fall migrations. Guests love the non-stop action once you find a school - they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Fast trolling works great, but when they're feeding on top, just cast into the chaos. Here's the trick: use small, fast-moving lures and keep them moving - bonito rarely hit stationary baits.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 30+ mph with that iconic dorsal sail fully spread. Most run 6-8 feet and average around 50 pounds, though we've seen some push over 100. They cruise the surface down to about 65 feet in warm water, usually 70-80 degrees. Best action is late spring through early fall when bait schools are thick. What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and tailwalk across the surface in spectacular fashion. They change colors when excited, flashing blue and black stripes while hunting. The key is getting your bait in the 30-65 foot zone and running it slow. When one shows up, tease it a bit before letting it take the bait. Once hooked, hang on tight - they'll try to shake that hook immediately.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate offshore prize - females can reach 16 feet and over 1,000 pounds (we call those "granders"), while males rarely exceed 350. They roam deep blue water along temperature breaks and current edges, following baitfish like tuna and mackerel. Summer months bring the best chances when warm water pushes closer to shore. What draws anglers is the legendary fight - these fish combine raw power with aerial acrobatics that'll test your gear and stamina. They're migratory, so timing and location matter. Heavy tackle is non-negotiable; these fish will destroy light gear. Best approach is trolling large lures or live bait along drop-offs. When you hook one, settle in for a battle - they don't give up easily and that first jump will get your heart racing.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are aggressive predators that range 8-12 feet and can weigh 200-300 pounds. What makes them unique is their ability to hunt in both saltwater and freshwater - they'll cruise right up rivers and into brackish areas where most sharks can't survive. Around Charleston, we find them in shallow coastal waters during warmer months, especially late spring through early fall. These thick-bodied sharks put up a serious fight with powerful runs and sudden direction changes. They're not picky eaters, but fresh eel is hands-down the best bait due to its oil content and tough skin that stays on the hook. When targeting bulls, use a good chum line and be ready - once they show up, they're aggressive and will hit hard.
Mount Pleasant, SC