Charleston 3/4 Day Nearshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
8-hour nearshore charter targets sharks, cobia, and mackerelPrivate trip accommodates up to six passengers with captainIncludes gear, bait, licenses, and complimentary catch processing
When you're ready to get serious about nearshore fishing in Charleston, this 8-hour charter with Full Circle Fishing Charters puts you right where the action happens. We're talking about those productive coastal waters and artificial reefs that sit just off our local beaches – the spots where cobia cruise the surface, sharks patrol the bottom, and Spanish mackerel light up your drag. This isn't some quick trip around the harbor; it's a legitimate fishing day designed for up to six anglers who want to experience what Charleston's nearshore waters are really about. Your crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using methods that actually work out here.
This 8-hour trip gives you the time you need to really fish these waters properly. We're heading to those structural wrecks and artificial reefs where the big boys hang out – places where cobia come up to check out the boat, sharks cruise the bottom structure, and Spanish mackerel school up in massive numbers. Your captain and first mate have been working these spots for years, so they know exactly where to position the boat and what techniques work best for each species. The boat's rigged with top-tier gear, but if you've got your own favorite rods, bring them along. We'll have fresh bait on board, plus all the tackle you'll need to target everything from aggressive surface feeders to deep-dwelling bottom fish. The trip's fully inclusive – your state commercial fishing licenses are covered, and we'll process your catch right there at the dock when we get back.
The beauty of nearshore fishing in Charleston is the variety of methods that work. We'll be running bottom rigs over those artificial reefs and natural wrecks where black sea bass stack up thick. Light tackle spinning gear gets the call when Spanish mackerel are busting bait on the surface – few things beat the fight of a mack on light gear. Live baiting is where things get really exciting, especially when we're targeting cobia and sharks. We'll drift live pinfish and blue runners near structure, and when a big cobia comes up to investigate the boat, we'll pitch a live bait right in front of it. The structural wrecks out here hold incredible variety – one drop might produce sea bass and triggerfish, while the next could bring up a monster cobia or bull shark. Your crew knows how to read the water, the electronics, and the conditions to put you on the right species with the right technique.
Atlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of Charleston's nearshore waters, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it instantly. These fish hit live baits and lures with incredible aggression, then put on an aerial show that'll get everyone on the boat fired up. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at sails, particularly when baitfish are thick along the temperature breaks. They're built for speed with that massive dorsal fin, and watching one tailwalk across the surface is something you won't forget. Most of our sails run 6-8 feet long, and they'll test every bit of your tackle and technique.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate nearshore prize – these fish are pure power wrapped in blue and silver. Charleston's waters see blue marlin action primarily during summer months when water temperatures climb and baitfish concentrate along the shelf. A blue marlin can weigh anywhere from 200 to over 500 pounds, and they'll take you into your backing faster than you can blink. They're known for their incredible jumps and long runs, and landing one is considered a career fish for most anglers. We'll troll large baits and lures when conditions are right for marlin, always ready for that screaming reel that announces something big just ate.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and the fight that makes nearshore fishing so addictive. These brilliant green and gold fish love floating structure, weed lines, and temperature breaks – all things we find regularly in Charleston's nearshore waters. Spring through fall offers the best mahi action, and they're known for traveling in schools, so one fish often means several more nearby. Mahi hit both live baits and lures aggressively, and their aerial displays rival any game fish. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to eat their catch.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef – thick, powerful fish that will test your arms and your tackle. These amber-colored fighters live around structure and wrecks, exactly the type of bottom we'll be fishing. AJs are notorious for their ability to pull drag and head straight back to the rocks when hooked. They're most active during warmer months and will hit both live baits and jigs. A big amberjack can weigh 40-80 pounds, and they'll give you a workout from the hookup to the boat. They're also fantastic on the table when prepared properly.
Cobia are the fish that make nearshore fishing in Charleston legendary. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious fish that will actually swim up to the boat to investigate. They love structure, wrecks, and often cruise just under the surface where you can sight-cast to them. Spring through fall offers the best cobia fishing, with fish ranging from 20 to 60+ pounds being common. They hit live baits, jigs, and even topwater lures when they're fired up. Cobia are also considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
At $2,200 for your private group of up to six anglers, this 8-hour nearshore adventure represents serious value for serious fishing. You're getting a dedicated captain and first mate, premium gear, fresh bait, all your licenses, and professional catch processing – everything you need for a legitimate fishing day on Charleston's
Step aboard "Ma Sheila," a beautifully restored 37-foot Billy Knowles walkaround that's built for serious fishing off Charleston's coast. This custom sportfisher packs twin 380hp Cummins diesels that'll cruise you to the fishing grounds at a smooth 30 knots, getting you to where the cobia, sharks, and mackerel are biting without burning your whole day traveling. The fully air-conditioned cabin gives you a break from the Carolina sun, while the enclosed head and onboard kitchen keep everyone comfortable during those long 8-hour battles with whatever's pulling on the other end. Up on the flybridge, you'll get perfect visibility for spotting feeding birds and surface action, while the professional fighting chair below gives you the leverage you need when a big shark decides to test your drag. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finders help locate structure and schools, while the spacious deck layout gives your whole crew room to work without tangling lines.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds up to 68 mph when jumping. These beautiful fish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin they're famous for. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet deep, often hunting in groups to corral baitfish like mackerel and sardines. Best fishing is typically spring through fall when water temps hit 70-80°F. Guests love targeting them because they put on an amazing aerial show - jumping repeatedly when hooked. The fight can last 20-30 minutes with proper technique. Here's a local tip: when you see one, there's usually more nearby. Keep your baits in the water and work the school methodically. They're curious fish, so teasing them with a hookless bait often gets them fired up before presenting your hook.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of the billfish world. Females can reach 16 feet and over 1,000 pounds (called "granders"), while males stay smaller around 300 pounds. These apex predators cruise deep blue water along current edges and temperature breaks, typically 100+ feet deep. They follow warm water north in summer and head south in winter. Anglers dream of hooking one because it's the ultimate big game challenge - powerful runs, spectacular jumps, and fights that can last hours. The meat's decent eating but most folks release these magnificent fish. They feed heavily on tuna, mackerel, and squid. Local tip: watch for frigate birds working bait schools offshore. Blue marlin often hunt underneath the action. Troll large baits or lures at 8-12 knots and be ready for a battle of a lifetime when one shows up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized nearshore targets - brown sharks that aren't sharks. These unique fish average 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. They're usually solo hunters cruising reefs, wrecks, and channel edges in 20-100 feet of water. Spring migration (April-June) offers the best sight fishing when they cruise just under the surface. Guests love them because they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat and they put up a solid fight without crazy runs. They're curious fish that'll often approach the boat. They feed on crabs, small fish, and squid around structure. Local tip: polarized sunglasses are essential for spotting them. When you see one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where it's swimming. They spook easily, so keep the boat at distance and make accurate casts.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are powerful reef fish that'll test your tackle and endurance. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can exceed 100 pounds and 5 feet long. They're bluish-gray with that distinctive amber stripe and live around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active. Guests target them for the incredible fight - long, powerful runs that'll burn your arms out. The meat's excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They feed aggressively on smaller fish, squid, and crabs. You'll find them schooled up around structure during cooler months. Local tip: use heavy tackle - 50+ pound line minimum. These fish will straighten hooks and break light gear. Vertical jig or drop live bait right to the bottom, then work it up slowly through the water column.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi (also called dorado) are among the most colorful fish you'll catch, flashing gold, green, and blue before fading after landing. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach 60+ pounds. These fast-growing fish live only 4-5 years but mature quickly. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-300 feet of water. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when they move inshore. Guests love them for the strong fight and excellent table fare - firm, white meat with a mild, sweet flavor. They often travel in schools, so catching one usually means more nearby. Local tip: look for frigate birds diving on flying fish - mahi are usually underneath feeding. Troll colorful lures or pitch live bait to visible fish. They're aggressive feeders and will hit various baits.
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