Full Day Offshore Charter in Charleston Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour deepsea charter targeting tuna, marlin, and mahimahiProfessional crew provides tackle, licenses, and fish cleaning servicesCustom 37foot vessel accommodates up to six anglers comfortably
When you're ready to get serious about big game fishing, this 12-hour deep-sea adventure puts you right where the action happens. We're talking about a run up to 65 miles offshore into the legendary Gulf Stream, where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the pelagic predators patrol their hunting grounds. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're heading to the prime fishing zones where trophy tuna, blue marlin, and bull mahi roam freely in the Atlantic's richest waters.
Your day starts early at the Charleston marina, where you'll meet Captain and crew aboard a custom 37-foot walkaround sportfishing vessel built specifically for these offshore runs. The boat's designed to handle the big water comfortably, with plenty of cockpit space for up to six anglers to work the spread without getting tangled up. We've got everything covered – your South Carolina commercial fishing licenses, top-shelf rods and reels, heavy tackle rated for the big boys, and fresh live bait rigged and ready. The crew handles all the technical stuff, so whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or this is your first time chasing billfish, you'll be set up for success. After 12 hours of fishing the blue water, we'll clean and fillet your catch dockside so you can take home dinner and bragging rights.
The Gulf Stream is where the magic happens, and we use every trick in the book to put you on fish. We'll be pulling a full spread of trolling lures – ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, and diving plugs that mimic the baitfish these predators can't resist. When the bite gets hot, we switch tactics fast. Jigging with vertical presentations works great when we mark schools of tuna on the bottom machine. Kite fishing is our secret weapon for finicky mahi and sailfish – we fly live baits from kites to keep them dancing on the surface, driving the fish absolutely crazy. The Gulf Stream's warm, nutrient-rich waters create the perfect storm of bait and predators, and our crew knows exactly where to find the temperature breaks, weed lines, and current edges where the big fish congregate.
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, and Charleston's waters hold some beautiful fish from late spring through early fall. These guys average 6-8 feet and put on an aerial show that'll have you scrambling for your phone. They're incredibly aggressive on live bait presented under kites, and when one lights up behind the spread with that massive dorsal fin cutting the surface, your heart rate goes through the roof. The fights are pure adrenaline – long runs, multiple jumps, and that classic sailfish stubbornness that makes every release feel like a victory.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and the Gulf Stream waters off Charleston produce some genuine giants. These apex predators can push 400-500 pounds or more, with the occasional true monster showing up to test your tackle and your resolve. Summer months bring the best blue marlin action, when the water temperatures hit that sweet spot and the bait concentrations draw these magnificent fish into our fishing grounds. When a blue marlin crashes a ballyhoo rig, there's no mistaking it – the rod doubles over, line screams off the reel, and you're connected to one of the ocean's most powerful predators.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the locals call them, are the most reliable and fun fish you'll encounter out there. These golden beauties travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks throughout the warmer months. Bulls can push 30-40 pounds and fight with incredible power for their size, while the smaller fish make excellent table fare. What makes mahi fishing so addictive is their aggressive nature – once you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish by keeping one hooked in the water to hold the school near the boat.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the bottom structure, and Charleston's offshore waters hold some true monsters. These fish live around wrecks and hard bottom areas, and when you hook into a 50-60 pound amberjack, you'll understand why they're called reef donkeys. They fight straight down with bulldogging power that'll test your back muscles and your drag settings. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're absolute suckers for live bait and heavy jigs worked near the bottom.
Cobia are one of the most exciting sight-fishing opportunities you'll find offshore. These brown sharks, as many anglers call them, cruise the surface around floating debris, buoys, and even following rays and sharks. They can grow massive – 40-50 pounders aren't uncommon in Charleston waters. What makes cobia fishing so exciting is that you often see them coming before you hook them, watching these curious fish approach your baits with that distinctive dark silhouette just under the surface.
This world-class offshore fishing charter represents serious value for groups looking to experience the best of Charleston's deep-sea fishing. With everything included – licenses, tackle, bait, and professional fish cleaning – you just need to bring your crew and get ready for 12 hours of top-rated fishing action. The Gulf Stream doesn't wait for anyone, and the best fishing days fill up fast during peak season. Whether you're targeting your first billfish or adding to your offshore trophy collection, this charter puts you in the right place with the right crew to make it happen.
Meet "Ma Sheila," your ticket to Charleston's best offshore fishing grounds. This custom 37-foot Billy Knowles walkaround has been completely refurbished and rigged for serious gamefish hunting. Twin 380hp Cummins engines push her at a steady 30 knots, getting you to the Gulf Stream's tuna and marlin waters fast. The fully air-conditioned cabin keeps you cool between fights, while the enclosed head and galley kitchen handle the basics. Up on the flybridge, you'll have perfect visibility for spotting fish signs and bird activity. The professional fighting chair is where the magic happens when you hook into a big yellowfin or blue marlin. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the action, while the icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With space for six anglers, Ma Sheila handles everything from trolling spreads to kite fishing setups. Whether you're pulling heavy tackle through the blue water or working live bait around current breaks, this boat delivers the platform you need for a productive day targeting Charleston's premier offshore species.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds up to 35 mph when they're on the hunt. These beautiful fish average around 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. We find them in the Gulf Stream waters, usually cruising 30-65 feet down but they'll chase bait right to the surface. They're incredible fighters - expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your endurance. The meat's decent eating, but most folks release these beauties for the sport. Best months here are late spring through early fall when water temps hit that sweet spot around 75-80°F. Pro tip: when one takes your bait, don't horse it - let them run first, then work them steady. They'll shake that hook if you get too aggressive early on.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the heavyweight champions of the billfish world. Females can reach over 1,000 pounds (we call those "granders"), while males top out around 350. These cobalt-blue giants cruise the Gulf Stream's warm waters, usually within 100 feet of the surface but they'll dive deep when hooked. Peak season runs May through September when water temps stay above 75°F. What makes them special? Pure power and those aerial shows - nothing compares to watching a 500-pound fish launch itself completely out of the water. The fight can last hours, so bring your patience. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since the meat can have high mercury levels. Here's the key: use circle hooks and don't strike when they hit - let the fish hook itself. These fish are smart and will test every piece of your gear.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants that often surprise first-timers - they look like sharks cruising just under the surface with that dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These fish average 30-50 pounds and 4-5 feet, but can reach 100 pounds. We spot them around buoys, floating debris, and structure in 30-100 feet, especially during their spring migration from April through June. They're mostly solitary, so it's usually one-and-done. What guests love is the combination of sight fishing excitement and excellent table fare - the meat rivals cobia's reputation as one of the best eating fish in the ocean. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Key tip: when you see one, cast past it and work your lure back slowly. They like to inspect their food before committing to the bite.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - pure muscle that'll test your arms and your drag system. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can push 100, reaching up to 6 feet long. They live around hard structure: wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. Peak action runs April through early summer during their spawn, but we catch them year-round here. What makes them worth targeting? They hit hard, fight dirty, and the meat's excellent - firm white fillets perfect for the grill. Fair warning though: big ones can carry ciguatera, so we usually keep the smaller 20-40 pounders. These fish will try every trick to break you off on structure, so heavy tackle's a must. Here's the secret: when they make their first dive for the bottom, put maximum pressure on them immediately. Let them reach that structure and you'll be re-rigging.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are hands down the most colorful fish you'll catch out here. They flash brilliant gold, green, and blue when hooked, putting on a real light show before fading after landing. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, though we've seen some pushing 50. They love floating debris and weed lines in the Gulf Stream, usually within the top 100 feet. Spring through fall are prime time when water temps climb above 70°F. What guests love most? They're aggressive biters, great fighters, and absolutely delicious on the table - firm white meat that grills perfectly. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep your lines ready for more. My go-to trick: when you see frigate birds working over floating sargassum, that's where the mahi are feeding. Get your spread out fast.
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