Offshore Cobia & Shark Fishing in Charleston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target cobia, sharks, grouper, and snapper offshore CharlestonSmall group charter accommodates just two guests maximumDeep water fishing adventure with multiple species opportunities
Charleston's offshore waters hold some serious fish, and this charter puts you right in the thick of it. We're talking about heading out to the deeper blue where the big boys hang out – cobia cruising the surface, sharks patrolling the depths, and plenty of other hard-fighting species ready to test your skills. This isn't your typical inshore trip; we're going where the water gets deep and the action gets real. With just two spots available, you'll get personalized attention and prime positioning at the best fishing spots without the crowd.
Your day starts with a ride out to Charleston's prime offshore grounds, where the continental shelf drops off and creates the perfect habitat for pelagic species. The water here runs 60 to 120 feet deep, giving us access to structure and current breaks that attract everything from bottom dwellers to surface cruisers. You'll be fishing live bait, cut bait, and lures depending on what we're targeting. The smaller group size means you're not fighting for rod time – when fish are biting, you're fishing. Expect to spend 6-8 hours on the water, moving between spots as conditions and fish activity dictate. The captain reads the water, watches for bird activity, and uses electronics to locate structure and baitfish that draw in our target species.
We run medium to heavy tackle setups depending on what we're chasing. For cobia, we'll have sight fishing rods ready with live eels or crabs when we spot them cruising. Shark fishing means bigger baits on circle hooks with wire leaders – we're talking chunks of bonito, mackerel, or whatever fresh bait we can find. Bottom fishing for grouper and snapper requires different tactics entirely: heavy sinkers to get down fast and strong drags to pull fish up before they can duck into structure. The boat carries all the gear you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. We'll rig everything for you and teach you the techniques as we go. Live bait wells keep our offerings fresh, and we'll often catch bait on the way out to ensure we've got the good stuff.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of Charleston offshore fishing. These chunky bottom dwellers live around hard structure in 60-120 feet of water and fight way harder than their size suggests. Peak season runs May through August, but they bite year-round. What makes them special is their aggressive nature – they'll slam a bait hard and dive straight for the rocks. Most run 1-3 pounds, but the big ones can push 5-6 pounds and make your arms burn on the way up.
Sheepshead might seem like an odd offshore target, but the big ones live on deep water structure and wrecks. These convict-striped fighters have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, making them one of the craftiest fish you'll encounter. Spring months bring the biggest specimens offshore, with fish pushing 8-10 pounds not uncommon around deep wrecks. They're notorious bait stealers, so catching one feels like a real accomplishment.
Redfish in offshore waters are a different animal than their inshore cousins. Bull reds cruise the deeper reefs and can exceed 40 inches and 30 pounds. Fall months bring massive schools within range of Charleston's offshore fleet. When you hook into a big red offshore, you're in for a long, powerful fight with multiple runs that'll test your drag system and your patience.
Greater Amberjack are the muscle cars of the reef. These yellow-tailed bruisers live around deep structure and fight like they're twice their size. Charleston's amberjack season typically runs from May through July, and fish over 50 pounds are caught regularly. They make long, powerful runs toward the bottom, and landing one requires technique and endurance. The fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Cobia are what many consider the holy grail of Charleston offshore fishing. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) cruise the surface and can be sight-fished when conditions are right. They're curious fish that will follow the boat and investigate baits, sometimes for several minutes before deciding to eat. Peak season runs from April through June, with fish ranging from 20 to 60 pounds. Their strong, steady fight and excellent table fare make them the target everyone hopes to find.
Charleston's offshore fishing delivers consistent action for anglers who want to step up from inshore trips. With only two spots available, you're guaranteed quality fishing time without the circus atmosphere of larger boats. The variety of species means something's always biting, whether it's bottom fish, cruising cobia, or hard-fighting sharks. Book early, especially during peak seasons from April through October. This charter fills up fast because word gets around when the fishing's this good. Come ready to fish, bring your appetite for a fight, and prepare to head home with some serious bragging rights and hopefully a cooler full of fillets.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid fighters that hang around structure in 30-120 feet of water. Most run 2-4 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 6-8 pounds on our offshore trips. They love wrecks, rocky bottom, and old pilings where they feed on crabs and squid. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes them special is the fight - they'll pull hard until they break the surface, then give up quick. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips, and don't be surprised if the bigger males change color to bright blue when you hook them. That's normal spawning behavior, and those are usually the best fish of the day.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our premier offshore targets, running 40-80 pounds on average and built like brown torpedoes. They're usually solo hunters cruising wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is when we see the most action as they move through our area. What makes cobia special is they're sight fishing - you'll actually see these fish swimming near the surface, which gets everyone fired up. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish out there with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. They fight hard but fair, making long runs without going crazy deep. Here's my local trick: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live eel ahead of where it's swimming, not right at it. Let it sink a few feet, then work it steady. Patience pays off with these fish.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of our deeper waters, averaging 30-40 pounds but capable of hitting 60+ on our offshore trips. These bluish-grey bruisers cruise wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet, and they'll test every bit of your tackle with their raw power. Spring through early summer is prime time, especially April and May during their spawning runs. What guests love is the initial run - these fish will peel line like nothing else and fight you all the way to the boat. They're also excellent eating when prepared right, with firm white meat. Fair warning though - larger fish can carry ciguatera, so we typically keep the smaller ones. My go-to technique is live bait on heavy tackle, but here's a local secret: vertical jig the wrecks with 6-8 oz bucktails in white or chartreuse. Work it fast and aggressive - that's what triggers their predator instinct.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular inshore targets, running 20-35 inches on average with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster beds, and grass lines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing here in Charleston, but spring and fall are peak times when they school up heavy. What makes them special is the explosive topwater strikes and that copper-bronze color that lights up in the sun. They're also great table fare with firm, mild meat. These fish aren't picky eaters, but here's what works best for us: throw a gold spoon or topwater plug right into the shallow grass beds early morning or late evening. Watch for wakes and tailing fish - when you see that, get ready for some serious action that'll test your drag.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Charleston waters with those distinctive black and white stripes. They run 1-8 pounds typically, though we've pulled 15+ pounders off the right structure. These guys live around anything with barnacles - bridge pilings, docks, jetties, and offshore rigs. Spring spawning season from February through April is when they're most active and feeding heavy. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth, so timing your hookset is everything. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet white meat that's worth the effort. Pro tip from years of guiding: use fiddler crab or shrimp, get your bait tight to the structure, and set that hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick.
North Charleston, SC