Bluewater Trolling & Bottom Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targets big game fishCaptain Mike provides extended range deep water accessMaximum 6 guests for personalized fishing experience
When you're serious about getting into some world-class offshore action, Captain Mike's 12-hour bluewater charter is where the real fishing happens. This isn't your typical half-day tourist trip – we're talking about a full commitment to chasing the monsters that live in Myrtle Beach's deep water. With 12 solid hours on the water and a captain who knows exactly where the big fish hang out, you'll get the kind of fishing experience that separates the weekend warriors from the serious anglers. We're heading way offshore where the water turns that deep blue color and the fish get bigger with every mile we travel.
This charter is built around two proven techniques that consistently put trophy fish in the boat. We start early – and I mean early – because the best fishing happens when most people are still in bed. Captain Mike runs a tight ship with room for up to 6 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowds. The morning usually kicks off with trolling spreads as we work our way to the offshore grounds, covering water and looking for temperature breaks, current edges, and bird activity that signals feeding fish. Once we hit the sweet spots, we'll drop anchor and get serious about bottom fishing over structure that holds the biggest grouper and snapper in these waters. The beauty of a 12-hour trip is we don't have to rush – if the trolling bite is hot, we can stay with it. If the bottom fishing is producing, we can really work those spots thoroughly.
Captain Mike runs professional-grade gear that can handle whatever we hook up with out there. For the trolling portion, we're pulling a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs at different depths to cover the water column. The boat's rigged with outriggers and downriggers to get those baits exactly where they need to be. When we switch to bottom fishing, we're talking heavy conventional reels spooled with enough line to reach the depths where the big grouper live. Circle hooks and heavy sinkers are the name of the game when you're fishing 80-120 feet of water over rocky bottom and ledges. The captain provides all the tackle, but if you've got your own heavy offshore setup, bring it along – there's nothing quite like landing a trophy fish on your own gear. We'll be fishing with live bait, cut bait, and artificials depending on what the fish are telling us they want that day.
The Goliath Grouper fishing off Myrtle Beach has been absolutely phenomenal, and these prehistoric giants are exactly why serious anglers book 12-hour charters. We're talking about fish that can easily hit 200-300 pounds, and they live in the deep structure 15-25 miles offshore. Goliaths are ambush predators that hang around wrecks and hard bottom, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it instantly. The fight is legendary – part tug-of-war, part endurance test. These fish are catch-and-release only, but getting one to the boat for photos is a lifetime achievement for any angler. The best action typically happens during the warmer months when they move into shallower water to spawn, but we see them year-round in the deeper areas.
Red Snapper season brings some of the most exciting bottom fishing you'll find anywhere on the East Coast. These fish are incredibly smart and incredibly delicious, which makes them a top target for offshore anglers. Reds typically run 5-15 pounds in our waters, but we regularly see fish pushing 20+ pounds on the deeper wrecks and ledges. They school up over structure, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. The key is getting your bait down quickly before they wise up to what's happening. Red Snapper have excellent eyesight and can be finicky about presentation, so Captain Mike uses a variety of baits and techniques to keep them interested throughout the day.
Mutton Snapper might not get the same press as their red cousins, but they're absolutely one of the best fighting fish in these waters. These fish are built like footballs with serious attitude, and they'll test your drag system and your arms. Muttons average 3-8 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're notorious for making powerful runs back toward the structure when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Unlike Red Snapper, Muttons don't have the same regulatory restrictions, so you can actually keep your catch and enjoy some of the best-tasting fish in the ocean.
A 12-hour offshore charter with Captain Mike represents serious value for serious anglers who want to experience what Myrtle Beach's deep water fishing is all about. This isn't a trip for everyone – it's a long day that requires commitment and a love for real fishing. But if you're ready to target trophy fish in their own backyard, there's no substitute for the time and range that a full-day charter provides. The offshore grounds are where the biggest fish live, and getting there takes time, patience, and a captain who knows the water like the back of his hand. Whether you're looking to check a Goliath Grouper off your bucket list or load the cooler with premium snapper for the table, this charter gives you the best shot at making it happen. Book your spot early, especially during peak season, because top-rated captains like Mike fill up fast when word gets around about the quality of fishing they're providing.
Captain Mike's 31-foot sportfisher is built for serious offshore action in the deep waters off Myrtle Beach. This well-equipped boat features a reliable GPS system and radar to navigate safely to the best fishing grounds, even when visibility gets sketchy. The onboard fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish where the big gamefish hang out. With a spacious ice box to keep your catch fresh during those long 12-hour runs, this vessel handles both trolling for pelagics and bottom fishing for reef species. The boat comfortably fishes up to 6 anglers, giving everyone room to work without crowding. Whether you're pulling lures through the blue water or dropping baits to the bottom, this sportfish has the range and stability to get you out to where the real trophy fish live.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese monsters are the giants of the grouper family - we're talking fish that can hit 8 feet and 800 pounds. They're strictly catch-and-release by law, but the fight is worth the trip alone. You'll find them around our deeper reefs and wrecks in 50-150 feet, usually solo except during spawning season. Summer months are best when they're most active. That first run will test every piece of your gear - they hit hard then try to get back to structure fast. My tip: use heavy circle hooks and keep steady pressure once hooked. Don't try to horse them up right away. These fish can live 100 years, so treat them with respect for the next angler.
Lutjanus AnalisMuttons are beautiful fish with that distinctive pinkish color and blue streaks around the face. Most are in the 15-20 inch range, but they can reach 30+ inches and over 30 pounds. We target them around reefs and structure in 80-250 feet, often in sandy areas near the edges. Spring and summer are best when they're more active. They're strong fighters for their size and make great eating. The trick with muttons is presentation - use the freshest bait you can get and light weight so it drifts naturally. A knocker rig with live shrimp or small fish works well. When you see that pink color coming up through the water, you know you've got one.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are one of our most sought-after bottom fish, and for good reason. Most run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but they can push 35+ pounds on a good day. We find them on structure in 100-300 feet - ledges, artificial reefs, and rocky bottom. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're feeding heavy. They fight harder than their size suggests and make excellent table fare with that sweet, mild flavor. Fresh squid or cigar minnows work best, but live pinfish will get the bigger ones. Here's the key: once you hook up, keep them coming. They'll head straight for cover and cut you off on the rocks if you give them slack.
Myrtle Beach, SC, United States