12-Hour Gulf Stream Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour Gulf Stream fishing adventure targeting premium speciesExpert guides navigate deep waters for mahimahi, tuna, wahooSmall group capacity ensures personalized offshore experience
Looking for some serious offshore action? This 12-hour Gulf Stream trip out of Little River puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking about heading way out into the deep blue where the water changes color and the fish get bigger. Captain and crew from High Roller Fishing Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll make your arms sore and your camera full. With space for just 4 anglers, you get that personal touch without the crowded boat feel. Pack your lunch, bring plenty of water, and get ready for a day that starts before sunrise and ends with some serious fish stories.
We're leaving the dock early – and I mean early. Gulf Stream trips aren't for folks who like to sleep in. You'll be meeting at the marina while it's still dark, but trust me, watching the sunrise from 20+ miles offshore is worth the early wake-up call. The ride out takes about an hour and a half, depending on conditions and where the fish are biting. Once we hit that Gulf Stream water, you'll see the color change from green to that deep cobalt blue that offshore anglers dream about. The boat's equipped with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and all the gear to land whatever decides to eat your hook. Just bring yourself, snacks, drinks, and a cooler with ice if you want to take fish home. The crew handles the rest, from rigging baits to gaffing fish.
This is trolling country, plain and simple. We'll be pulling a spread of lures and baits behind the boat, covering water and looking for that telltale bend in the rod tip. The captain runs anywhere from 4 to 6 lines, mixing up ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and some flashy lures that drive pelagics crazy. When something hits, you'll know it – these fish don't nibble. The boat comes with fighting belts and everything you need to battle fish that can peel line off your reel faster than you thought possible. Don't worry if you've never fought a big fish before; the crew talks you through every step. They'll tell you when to pump, when to wind, and when to just hang on. We also drop on some structure when the trolling bite slows down, working jigs and live bait for grouper and other bottom dwellers.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter out here, especially around structure and ledges. These guys are scrappy fighters that'll give you a good account on medium tackle. They're not huge – most run 2 to 4 pounds – but they're fun to catch and excellent eating. Best part? They're usually pretty cooperative, so even when the bigger stuff isn't biting, you can count on some bass action to keep things interesting. Look for them around rocky bottom and drop-offs, where they hang out waiting for baitfish and crustaceans to drift by.
Scamp Grouper are the prize of the bottom fishing game. These guys can push 10 pounds or more and fight like they're twice that size. They live in deeper water around rocky structure, and when you hook one, it's going to try to get back to the rocks and cut you off. That's what makes them so fun – it's a tug of war between you and a fish that knows every hiding spot on the bottom. Scamps are prime table fare too, with firm white meat that tastes as good as it fights.
Blackfin Tuna are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These fish are built for one thing – going fast. When a school shows up, it's game on. They hit trolled baits hard and make screaming runs that'll have you wondering if your reel's going to survive. Most blackfins out here run 10 to 20 pounds, which is perfect for having fun without breaking your back. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Spring through fall is prime time, when they're chasing bait in the Gulf Stream.
Grey Triggerfish might not win beauty contests, but they're tough fighters with attitude to spare. These fish have teeth that can cut through your line if you're not careful, and they'll use every trick in the book to get away. They're curious fish that'll come up to investigate baits, but getting them to actually eat can be tricky. When they do bite, hang on – triggers fight hard and don't give up easy. They're also great eating, with sweet white meat that's worth the effort.
Mahi Mahi are what offshore dreams are made of. These fish are beautiful, fast, and acrobatic – they'll jump, run, and put on a show that's worth the price of admission alone. Mahi travel in schools and love floating debris, so we're always looking for weed lines, logs, or anything floating that might hold fish. When we find a school, it can be non-stop action with multiple hookups. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with mild white meat that's perfect for the grill. Peak season is late spring through summer, when they're moving through in good numbers.
Gulf Stream fishing doesn't happen every day – it takes the right weather, the right conditions, and a crew that knows where to find fish. High Roller Fishing Charters has been putting anglers on fish in these waters for years, and they know what it takes to make your day successful. With only 4 spots available, trips fill up fast, especially during prime season. Whether you're looking to check some species off your bucket list or just want to get out there and bend some rods, this 12-hour adventure delivers the goods. Book now and get ready for a day on the water that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Captain Rashad's 30-foot Cuddy cabin boat is your ticket to the productive Gulf Stream waters off Little River. This sturdy motorboat comfortably handles up to six anglers and comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle for targeting mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo in the deep blue. The vessel features essential fishing tech including GPS navigation, radar for safety, and fish finder to locate the action. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the long day, while the multimedia system provides entertainment between bites. The boat includes a toilet for convenience on these extended 12-hour trips. Families are welcome aboard this well-equipped fishing platform that's designed to get you to where the big fish are biting in the Gulf Stream.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are solid fighters that typically run 2-4 pounds, though we've seen some push 8+ pounds on deeper wrecks. These chunky members of the grouper family love structure - you'll find them around jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottoms, especially in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. Males turn bright blue during spawning season and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. They put up a decent scrap until they break the surface, then usually give up. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and sweet. My tip: use a 2-hook rig with squid strips and keep your line tight on the drop. They're notorious bait stealers, so stay alert for those subtle taps.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tunas but pack serious speed and fight. Most average 15-20 pounds, though they can hit 40+ pounds on a good day. These fish travel in schools with skipjack tuna and prefer warm water over 68°F along the continental shelf. Fall, winter, and spring are peak seasons here in our waters. What makes them special is that incredible speed and the way their colors change when you boat them - that gold stripe fades fast once they're out of the water. The meat is outstanding - rivals any tuna for sashimi or grilling. They've got sharp eyesight, so scale down your tackle. I always recommend 30lb fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. Pro tip: use live pilchards for chum - gets them fired up and coming to the boat.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are tough customers that'll test your patience and your tackle. Most run 12-17 inches, but the big ones can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds around deeper reefs and wrecks in 60-180 feet. They've got leather-tough skin and teeth sharp enough to cut through sea urchins, so they're not picky eaters. What's frustrating is they love to nip at bait before committing - it's like they're playing with you. But that's also what makes them fun to target. The meat is excellent, firm and sweet. Summer months are best when they're most active around structure. My trick: use 1-inch squid chunks on small hooks and fish near other species like snapper. When triggerfish see competition for food, they get aggressive and grab the bait faster.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are pure excitement - fast growing fish that average 15-29 pounds with incredible colors that put on a light show when you boat them. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in warm offshore waters. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when we find frigate birds working floating structure. What guests love most is the acrobatic fight and those golden, blue, and green colors that flash underwater. The meat is fantastic - firm, mild, and perfect on the grill. These fish mature fast and don't live long, but they spawn year-round so populations stay strong. Best tip: make your ballyhoo skip across the surface when trolling - they think it's a flying fish and go crazy for it. Keep your drag tight once hooked.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp Grouper are hands down the best eating fish in the grouper family - some captains call them "the captain's meat" for good reason. Most run 4-6 pounds and about 3 feet, but they're slow, strong swimmers that'll give you a real workout getting them up from 75-300 feet deep. Look for them around rocky ledges, wrecks, and reefs where they ambush prey. Spring spawning season brings them to shallower water, making them easier targets. That chocolate brown color with darker blotches makes them easy to identify, plus they've got those long tail fin rays. They're born female and change to male as they grow - pretty wild. My advice: use heavy braided line and live pinfish or sardines. Once hooked, reel fast and steady to keep them away from structure.
Little River, SC, United States