Spring Special - 3/4 Day Offshore Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Captain Danny Juel leads offshore fishing adventures in South Carolina watersTarget species include Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Shark, King Mackerel, and BarracudaSmall group charter accommodates maximum six guests per trip
Captain Danny Juel knows these South Carolina waters like the back of his hand, and spring is when the magic happens offshore. This 3/4 day charter with Fish Screamer Charters puts you right in the thick of the action, targeting some of the most sought-after species along our coast. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows. Danny's been running these waters for years, and he's got a reputation for putting his guests on fish when others come back empty-handed.
Your day starts early at the marina, where Captain Danny will brief you on the game plan and get everyone rigged up properly. The boat heads out to productive offshore waters where spring brings an explosion of baitfish – and where there's bait, there's gamefish. You'll be fishing in 60 to 120 feet of water most of the day, working structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks that hold fish. The 3/4 day format gives you roughly 6-7 hours on the water, which is the sweet spot for covering serious ground without wearing yourself out. Danny runs a clean operation with quality tackle, and he's not the type to sit in one spot hoping for luck – this crew moves around until they find the bite.
You'll be using a mix of trolling and bottom fishing techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. For the pelagic species like Spanish and King Mackerel, Danny typically runs a spread of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait behind the boat. When the Cobia show up, it's often sight fishing with live eels or crabs – one of the most exciting ways to target these bronze bruisers. Bottom fishing comes into play for the Seabass and when sharks move in on the bite. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one. Danny stocks circle hooks for shark fishing and keeps plenty of wire leader on hand for the toothy critters like Barracuda and Kings.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of spring fishing here, and these silver rockets put up a fight that'll surprise first-timers. They typically run 1-3 pounds and school up in massive numbers from March through May. You'll find them around structure and bait schools, and they hit spoons and small plugs with authority. They're also fantastic table fare when handled properly – just bleed them quick and keep them cold.
Barracuda are the wild cards of the trip, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. These prehistoric-looking predators can stretch over 4 feet and have teeth that'll cut through regular leader like butter. They're ambush hunters that lurk around structure, and they'll absolutely destroy a trolled spoon or plug. The smaller ones fight harder pound-for-pound than just about anything in the ocean, making multiple screaming runs that'll test your drag settings.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of spring trolling, and South Carolina's spring run produces some real monsters. These fish can top 40 pounds and make blistering runs that'll empty half your spool in seconds. April and May are prime time when the water temperature hits that magic 68-72 degree range. They're structure-oriented fish that love drop-offs, ledges, and artificial reefs. Live bait fishing with blue runners or menhaden is deadly, but they'll also crush a well-presented spoon or plug.
Blacktip Shark fishing adds serious excitement to any offshore trip, and spring brings good numbers within range of a 3/4 day charter. These athletic sharks typically run 20-60 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked – expect multiple jumps and long runs. They're found around bait schools and structure, and fresh-cut bait on the bottom is the go-to technique. Captain Danny practices responsible shark fishing with circle hooks and proper release techniques.
Cobia are the holy grail of spring fishing, and when conditions are right, they show up in fishable numbers around structure and free-floating debris. These bronze-colored bruisers can exceed 50 pounds and fight like a cross between a shark and a grouper. Spring migration brings them up the coast from March through May, and sight fishing for them is about as exciting as offshore fishing gets. They're curious fish that'll often come right up to the boat, giving you shots with live bait or jigs.
Spring fishing in South Carolina is world-class, but the window doesn't stay open forever. Water temperatures, bait movements, and fish migrations all align for a relatively short period, making timing crucial for the best action. Captain Danny's spring special gives you access to some of the year's best fishing at a great value, but spots fill up fast once word gets out about the bite. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add new species to your list or a newcomer wanting to experience what offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers the goods. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and drinks for the day – everything else is provided. Book now and get ready to see why Fish Screamer Charters has earned their reputation as one of the top fishing operations along the South Carolina coast.
Captain Danny Juel's motorboat is built for serious offshore fishing in South Carolina waters. This well-equipped vessel features GPS navigation to get you to the hotspots and a quality fish finder to locate schools of Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, King Mackerel, and other target species. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of deck space for fighting fish. You'll appreciate the onboard toilet and sleeping area during this 3/4 day spring adventure - perfect for when you need a break between battling Sharks and Barracuda. The captain knows these waters inside and out, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching. Whether you're after hard-fighting Cobia or fast-running Kings, this boat has everything needed for a productive day on the water chasing South Carolina's best game fish.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are exciting fighters known for their aerial acrobatics - they'll jump clean out of the water when hooked. These guys typically run 4-5 feet and pack plenty of muscle for hard runs and dramatic leaps. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around reefs, wrecks, and muddy bays where they hunt for mackerel, sardines, and other baitfish. Spring and summer bring the best action as they move into our warmer coastal waters. What makes them special is their personality - they're excitable and put on a real show. They're catch and release only, but that fight is worth the trip. My advice: use heavy braid with circle hooks and get your chum game right - oily fish like mackerel ground up and spread in the water will bring them in close.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, scrappy fighters that run in schools along our coast during spring and summer. These silvery speedsters average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, with distinctive yellow spots along their sides. You'll find them near the surface around structures, jetties, and in open water where baitfish gather. They hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is fantastic - mild flavor that grills, bakes, or smokes beautifully. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when water temps hit the 70s. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your rod tip up and be ready - they love to jump and will throw the hook if you give them slack. Light tackle with shiny spoons or live bait works best.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the pickup trucks of the fish world - big, strong, and built for work. These dark brown bruisers average 6 feet and can hit 100 pounds, giving you a serious tussle on medium-heavy tackle. They're loners, not schooling fish, so each one's a prize. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, buoys, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are your best bet when they're prowling shallow for crabs and baitfish. What guests love is the combination of size, fight, and fantastic eating - firm white meat that's restaurant quality. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat. Pro tip: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig past it and work it back slowly - they'll usually investigate and often commit to the bite.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the big brothers of the mackerel family and serious gamefish. These speedsters average 30 pounds but can push 90+, making long, powerful runs that'll burn line off your reel. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks where baitfish stack up. Spring through fall is prime time here in South Carolina waters. What guests love is the combination of size and speed - they're fast like Spanish mackerel but have the weight to really bend a rod. The meat's good eating despite being a bit oily. Here's my go-to setup: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait - one through the nose, one free-swinging near the tail, because kings love to bite the back half of their prey first.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are pure aggression with teeth to match. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 35 mph and fight like they mean it. Most run 2-4 feet around here, but the big ones can push 6 feet and really test your gear. They hang around shallow structures, grass flats, and reef edges where they ambush baitfish. Spring and summer are prime time when they move into warmer nearshore waters. What makes them special is that explosive strike - they'll hammer a lure so hard it'll nearly rip the rod from your hands. The meat's decent eating if you know how to prepare it. My trick: use a wire leader and cast shiny spoons or tube lures near structure, then retrieve fast with erratic jerks to trigger their predatory instincts.
Little River