Charleston Nearshore Fishing for Big Game Species
Private Trip
Eighthour nearshore charter targeting cobia, sharks, and mackerelPrivate boat accommodates up to six anglers with gear includedBottom fishing and live baiting over artificial reefs and wrecks
There's something special about Charleston's nearshore waters that keeps anglers coming back season after season. This 8-hour fishing charter with Full Circle Fishing Charters puts you right in the action, targeting some of the most sought-after species along the South Carolina coast. You'll fish the productive artificial reefs and coastal waters just minutes from shore, where cobia cruise the surface, sharks patrol the depths, and Spanish mackerel school up in massive numbers. With a dedicated captain and experienced first mate guiding your every cast, this top-rated charter accommodates up to six anglers and includes everything you need for a world-class fishing adventure.
Your day starts early at the Charleston marina, where you'll meet Captain and crew who know these waters like the back of their hand. The boat heads out to the artificial reefs and coastal structure that hold the best concentrations of fish, typically 8-15 miles offshore depending on conditions and seasonal patterns. These aren't the deep blue water trips – you're fishing the nearshore zone where the Continental Shelf creates perfect habitat for ambush predators and baitfish alike. The water color changes from green to blue as you move offshore, and that's when you know you're in the fish zone. Your crew monitors fish finders and GPS to position you over productive bottom, whether that's a popular artificial reef, a natural ledge, or a shipwreck that's been producing fish. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – everyone's here to catch fish, and the crew works hard to put you on them.
This charter shines because of the variety of fishing methods you'll use throughout the day. Bottom fishing with heavy tackle targets the bigger predators lurking near structure – think cobia, sharks, and hefty amberjack. The crew rigs up with circle hooks and fresh cut bait, dropping lines to the bottom and working them just off the reef. Light tackle spinning comes into play when Spanish mackerel and smaller pelagics move through the area, using spoons and jigs that mimic fleeing baitfish. Live baiting is where things get really exciting – the crew catches fresh bait on-site using sabiki rigs, then deploys those lively offerings under floats or on downlines. When a big cobia sees that live bait swimming near the surface, the strike is explosive. All gear is top-tier and included, from Penn and Shimano reels to a full selection of tackle, weights, and terminal gear. The crew handles the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish.
Atlantic Sailfish patrol these nearshore waters from late spring through early fall, and catching one is a bucket list experience for most anglers. These acrobatic billfish average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. They feed heavily on Spanish mackerel and small tunas in the nearshore zone, making them a realistic target on live bait. The fights are legendary – sailfish leap repeatedly, tail-walking across the surface before making long runs that test your drag system. Charleston's sailfish fishery has been growing stronger each year, with more boats reporting multiple hookups during peak season.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate prize in these waters, though they're less common than their sailfish cousins. These apex predators can exceed 400 pounds and are absolute tackle-busters when hooked. They prefer the deeper nearshore waters around 100-200 feet, often following bait schools along temperature breaks. Blue marlin are most active during the warmer months when water temperatures climb above 75 degrees. Most anglers who hook one describe it as a life-changing experience – the raw power and size of these fish is something you never forget.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, are the crowd pleasers of nearshore fishing. These colorful fighters average 10-30 pounds and are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Mahi travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges, making them perfect targets for this type of fishing. They're most abundant from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures warm up and baitfish concentrate in the nearshore zone. The bright golden colors and aggressive nature make mahi a customer favorite, plus they're excellent table fare.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their massive heads and powerful bodies to dive straight for structure when hooked. These bruisers commonly reach 30-80 pounds in Charleston waters and provide some of the most arm-burning fights you'll experience. They're year-round residents around artificial reefs and wrecks, though they're most active during warmer months. Amberjack respond well to live bait and heavy jigs, and the key is stopping their initial run before they reach the bottom structure.
Cobia are perhaps the most exciting target species on this charter, known for their curious nature and powerful fights. These bronze-colored fish cruise near the surface around reefs and structure, often approaching the boat to investigate. They average 20-50 pounds, with larger specimens pushing 70+ pounds not uncommon. Cobia are most active from April through October, with peak fishing in late spring and early summer. They readily take live bait, cut fish, and large jigs, making explosive strikes that often catch anglers off guard.
At $2,200 for up to six anglers, this charter delivers serious value for a full day on the water. You're getting 8 hours of fishing time, a professional crew, all gear and bait, plus complimentary fish cleaning at the dock – everything you need for a memorable day of nearshore fishing. The boat books up quickly during peak season, especially weekends and holidays when Charleston's fishing is at its best. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, while summer brings the warmest weather and most diverse species mix. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to
Meet "Ma Sheila," your floating command center for chasing sharks, cobia, and mackerel in Charleston's productive nearshore waters. This custom 37-foot Billy Knowles walkaround packs twin 380hp Cummins engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a steady 30 knots, leaving more time with lines in the water. The fully air-conditioned cabin offers relief from the Carolina sun, while the enclosed head and onboard kitchen keep everyone comfortable during those long battles with hard-pulling fish. Whether you're working the artificial reefs or drifting natural wrecks, the professional fighting chair gives you the leverage needed to land serious fish. The flybridge provides excellent sight-fishing opportunities, and with radar, GPS, and fish finder on board, your captain can put you on productive structure regardless of conditions. An icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold as you test everything from bottom rigs to live bait presentations across 8 hours of serious fishing.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are hands down one of the most spectacular fish you'll encounter off Charleston. These sleek predators average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. They cruise the surface waters between 30-65 feet, often following baitfish like mackerel and sardines. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80°F. What makes them so popular with my guests is the pure athleticism - they'll jump, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Plus, they're lightning fast and can change colors during the fight. Pro tip: when you see one, get that bait out quickly and let it run naturally. They're curious but spook easily, so patience pays off out here.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and while they're more common in deeper waters, we occasionally see them during our longer nearshore trips. These are massive fish - females can hit 1,000+ pounds while males stay around 300. They prefer warm, open water along current breaks and temperature edges. Summer months give us the best shot when Gulf Stream waters push closer to shore. What draws anglers to blue marlin isn't just their size, but their legendary fighting ability and those spectacular jumps. They're apex predators that'll test every piece of your gear. The meat's firm and excellent eating, though many folks prefer the catch-and-release approach. My advice: if you hook one, be patient and let the fish tire itself out. These giants have incredible stamina, so don't try to muscle them in early.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of my favorite fish to target because they're sight fishing at its finest. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds and cruise shallow waters around buoys, wrecks, and structure from spring through fall. What makes them special is their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. The fight is strong and steady, and the meat is absolutely top-notch, firm and clean-tasting. We typically find them in 20-60 feet of water, especially around our local reefs and artificial structure. Spring migration in April and May is prime time when they're moving through in good numbers. Bucktail jigs work great, but live bait is hard to beat. Pro tip: when you spot one, don't get too excited and spook it. Present your bait naturally ahead of the fish and let it swim right into it. They're smart, so finesse beats aggression every time.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are serious bruisers that'll test your arms and your tackle. These fish average 30-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, with that distinctive amber stripe running down their blue-grey sides. You'll find them around our artificial reefs, wrecks, and structure in 60-150 feet of water year-round, though spring and fall fishing is typically best. What makes amberjack so popular is their raw power - they'll pull straight down to the bottom and fight you every inch of the way back up. The meat is excellent when prepared right, firm and white. They're not picky eaters, so both live bait and heavy jigs work well. Here's what I tell my guests: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump-and-wind technique. Don't try to horse them up too fast or they'll break you off on the structure. Patience wins with these fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are absolute favorites on our charters - beautiful, hard-fighting fish that put on quite a show. They typically run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, with those stunning gold and green colors that flash underwater. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the warmer months from late spring through early fall. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat with a mild, sweet flavor. They're surface dwellers, so we often spot them visually before casting. They school up, so where there's one, there's usually more. Here's a local trick: once you hook the first one, keep another line ready and drop it right back in the same spot. The school will often stick around, giving you multiple shots at these fantastic fish.
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