Offshore Cobia & Shark Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target cobia, sharks, grouper and snapper in deep offshore watersSmall group charter accommodates maximum two guests for personalized experienceProfessional Charlestonbased crew ensures productive fishing adventure with guaranteed catch
Charleston's offshore waters hold some serious surprises, and this charter puts you right where the big fish roam. We're talking about heading 20+ miles out where the continental shelf drops off and the real action begins. This isn't your typical inshore redfish trip – you'll be targeting apex predators and hard-fighting pelagics that'll test your tackle and your stamina. With just 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to battle these beasts without bumping into other lines.
Your day starts early – we're talking first light departure to maximize your time in the productive zones. The ride out takes about an hour, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch Charleston's skyline fade into the horizon. Once we hit the offshore structure, you'll see why this area is legendary among serious anglers. We're fishing ledges, artificial reefs, and natural bottom that holds everything from aggressive cobia to monster sharks. The water clarity offshore is dramatically different from the tannin-stained inshore creeks – you'll actually see fish swimming around the boat. Expect to use heavy tackle, circle hooks, and fresh bait that we'll catch on the way out or have ready in the live wells.
We run conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test because you never know what might grab your bait out here. Bottom fishing with heavy sinkers gets down to the grouper and snapper, while sight fishing for cobia means having spinning gear ready with jigs and live bait. Shark fishing requires wire leaders and serious drag systems – these fish can strip line faster than you think. We use a mix of live and cut bait depending on what's working. Blue runners, menhaden, and squid are staples, but sometimes a perfectly presented pinfish or grunt is what triggers the bite. The key offshore is being ready to switch techniques quickly – one minute you're bottom fishing, the next you're sight casting to a cruising cobia.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of Charleston offshore fishing. These chunky fighters hang around structure in 60-120 feet of water and hit baits aggressively. They're most active during cooler months when they stack up on the reefs. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. You'll often catch multiple species on the same drop.
Sheepshead might surprise you this far offshore, but the larger specimens cruise the deeper reefs and wrecks. These are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth. Offshore sheepshead grow bigger than their inshore cousins and provide a different kind of challenge. They're year-round residents but peak in spring when they move to spawn.
Redfish offshore are a different animal than the slot fish in the creeks. We're talking about the "bull" reds – fish over 27 inches that have moved to deeper water to spawn. These copper-colored giants can exceed 40 pounds and will give you a workout on appropriate tackle. Fall and early winter see the biggest concentrations offshore, and their powerful runs are legendary.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef. These yellow-tailed speedsters inhabit the deepest structure and fight harder pound-for-pound than almost anything in these waters. They're most active in warmer months and require heavy tackle to turn them before they reach the rocks. A big AJ will test your endurance and your equipment – they're the fish that separate casual anglers from serious offshore enthusiasts.
Cobia are the holy grail of Charleston offshore fishing. These brown sharks (that aren't actually sharks) cruise the surface and can be sight-fished when conditions are right. They're curious fish that will follow rays and sharks, making them exciting targets for skilled anglers. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest fish through Charleston waters, with specimens over 50 pounds possible. Their white meat rivals any fish in the ocean, making them prized both for the fight and the table.
This charter fills up fast because serious anglers know the value of a 2-person maximum trip. You're getting quality over quantity – personalized instruction, prime fishing spots, and the kind of attention that leads to fish in the box. Charleston's offshore bite is seasonal, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action for the target species. Don't wait until the last minute to book – the best fishing days get claimed weeks in advance by anglers who understand what offshore Charleston has to offer.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are solid fighters that typically run 2-4 pounds, though we see some pushing 8+ pounds in deeper water. These chunky members of the grouper family love structure - wrecks, rocky bottoms, and old jetties in 40-120 feet are prime spots. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes them special? They actually change from female to male as they grow, and the big males develop a bright blue color during spawning. They put up a decent scrap until they break the surface, then it's game over. The meat is excellent - firm white fillets that cook up beautifully. Pro tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips and drop it right on the structure. They're not shy about hitting bait that's practically touching the wreck.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - that single dorsal fin throws everyone off at first glance. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can push 60+ pounds of pure muscle. We target them around buoys, channel markers, and offshore structure in 20-80 feet during their spring migration through summer. What makes them special is the sight-fishing aspect - you'll actually see them cruising just under the surface, following rays or hanging around structure. The fight is all power and endurance, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between shark and mahi. They're usually loners, so when you find one, work the area thoroughly. My favorite technique is casting a bucktail jig ahead of a cruising fish and working it back slow. Size and color don't matter much - these aggressive feeders will crush anything that moves right.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the offshore bruisers that'll test every piece of tackle you've got. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, and they fight like freight trains from the moment you hook up. We find them around deep structure - wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time, especially April and May during their spawning runs. What draws anglers back is that incredible fight - long, powerful runs that can take 200 yards of line in seconds. The meat is excellent too, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, heavy jigs, and trolled lures. Here's what works: drop a live blue runner or cigar minnow down to mid-water column around structure. When they hit, tighten your drag and hang on - these fish will take you to school if your tackle isn't up to the task.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are sight-fishing gold around Charleston's flats and marshes. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches, but bull reds offshore can hit 40+ inches and really test your drag. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They're here year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that distinctive black spot near the tail and their willingness to eat just about anything - topwater plugs, jigs, live shrimp, you name it. The fight is pure power with long runs that'll make your reel sing. Plus, slot-size fish make fantastic table fare with firm, mild meat. My go-to trick is working topwater baits over shallow grass beds early morning. When you see that wake behind your lure, get ready for some serious fun.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Charleston waters - those black and white stripes make them unmistakable. Most run 2-6 pounds, but we've pulled 15+ pounders off the right structure. They live around anything with barnacles: dock pilings, bridge supports, jetties, and offshore rigs. Spring spawning season, February through April, brings the best action when they gather in huge numbers. Guests love the challenge - these fish are notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can crush crabs and oysters. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in these waters, sweet white meat that's worth the effort to clean. Here's the key: get your bait tight against the structure and watch your rod tip like a hawk. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately or they'll strip your bait clean.
North Charleston, SC