Extended Full Day Offshore Kingfish Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour extended offshore charter targeting kingfish and seasonal speciesMaximum 4 guests with experienced Captain Mike guidanceFull day fishing without time constraints in productive waters
When you want serious fishing time without constantly checking your watch, this 10-hour extended offshore charter with Captain Mike is exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about a proper day on the water where you can settle into a rhythm, work multiple spots, and really dial in on what the kingfish are doing. This isn't a rushed trip - it's built for anglers who understand that the best fishing often happens when you have the patience to let the day unfold naturally. With just four anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and Captain Mike can focus on putting everyone on fish.
Captain Mike runs these extended trips because he knows the offshore bite often takes time to develop. We'll head out from Myrtle Beach and cover serious ground, hitting multiple structures and temperature breaks where kingfish love to set up. The extra hours mean we can work different depths as conditions change throughout the day - maybe start shallow on the nearshore reefs if bait is thick, then push out to the deeper ledges as the sun gets higher. You'll see how productive offshore areas change character as the day progresses, and that's when the real learning happens. The boat stays comfortable even on these longer runs, and there's plenty of space to stretch out between fishing spots. Captain Mike's been working these waters long enough to read the subtle signs that most anglers miss, and he'll share that knowledge as we move around.
Kingfish fishing is all about covering water and presenting baits at the right speed and depth. We'll run a spread of trolled baits - usually a mix of live bait on downriggers and artificial lures on planer boards to cover different parts of the water column. When we mark fish on the sounder or see bait getting worked on the surface, we'll often switch to live bait fishing with blue runners or pogies. The key is reading what the fish want that particular day and being flexible enough to adjust. Captain Mike keeps quality tackle on board that's specifically rigged for these offshore species - heavy enough to handle a big king but sensitive enough to feel the subtle takes. You'll learn how to work a live bait properly, how to set the drag for long runs, and why trolling speed matters so much when targeting these fast-moving predators.
King mackerel are the main target here, and Myrtle Beach's offshore waters hold some serious fish. These speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds, but don't be surprised if something in the 40-pound range shows up - especially during fall migration when the big breeding females are moving south. Kings are ambush predators that love structure and temperature breaks, and they'll absolutely smoke a properly presented live bait or trolled spoon. What makes them so addictive is that explosive first run - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else in these waters.
Red snapper are the prize of the deeper offshore spots, usually found in 60-120 feet of water around hard bottom and artificial reefs. These chunky fighters average 5-15 pounds and are absolutely delicious table fare. They're structure-oriented fish that require precise bottom fishing techniques, and they'll test your ability to keep them out of the rocks once hooked. Summer months are prime time, and there's nothing quite like feeling that distinctive snapper thump on the other end of your line.
Gag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, and they'll give you a completely different fight than the other species. These guys average 8-20 pounds and immediately head for the bottom when hooked, using every rock and crevice to their advantage. They're ambush feeders that love live bait, and timing your hookset is crucial - wait too long and they'll bury you in the structure. Fall and winter months typically produce the best gag fishing, and they're outstanding on the dinner plate.
Albacore tuna show up when conditions are right, usually in the cleaner blue water further offshore. These are legitimate game fish that will test your endurance - they're built for speed and stamina, and a good albacore will make multiple long runs before you get it to the boat. They're typically smaller than other tuna species at 10-25 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure athletic ability. When the albies are around, you'll know it - they'll crash bait on the surface and create some of the most exciting fishing you'll find off the South Carolina coast.
Queen triggerfish are an underrated species that more anglers are starting to appreciate. These colorful fighters have serious attitude and will grab a bait with authority, then use their flat profile to maximum advantage during the fight. They're typically found around structure in deeper water and average 2-8 pounds. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and the challenge they present on lighter tackle - they're much stronger than their size suggests and they're excellent table fare when prepared properly.
This extended charter format gives you the best chance at experiencing what offshore fishing is really about - reading water, adapting to conditions, and putting in the time it takes to find active fish. Captain Mike's local knowledge combined with 10 hours on the water means you'll see parts of the offshore fishery that shorter trips just can't cover. Whether you're chasing a personal best kingfish or just want to experience the satisfaction of a full day spent fishing productive waters, this trip delivers the kind of authentic offshore experience that keeps serious anglers coming back. The four-angler limit ensures everyone gets individual attention and plenty of fishing time, making this a top choice for groups who want quality over quantity.
Your fishing machine for this extended offshore adventure is a well-equipped 31-foot sportfish designed to handle Myrtle Beach's coastal waters with confidence. Built for serious anglers who want to chase kingfish without cutting the day short, this boat gives you and up to 3 fellow anglers plenty of room to work the lines and fight fish. The GPS keeps you on course to the productive offshore spots where kings patrol, while the radar ensures safe navigation when visibility drops. The fish finder becomes your underwater eyes, helping locate bait schools and structure that hold the target species. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh during the long 10-hour haul, so those hard-earned kingfish stay in prime condition. Captain Mike knows these waters and will put you on fish while you focus on what matters - dropping lines and bringing in the action. This setup gives you the range to reach those deeper offshore areas where the big kings cruise.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are bullet-shaped speedsters that average 20-45 pounds and travel in massive schools up to 19 miles wide. When you find them, the action can be fast and furious. These fish never stop moving since they need constant water flow over their gills, making them strong fighters that will test your drag. They're found in deeper offshore waters, usually in subtropical zones where water temps are right. The meat is premium - it's the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat tuna" with firm texture and mild flavor. Spring through fall offers the best fishing when they move through our area. They respond well to trolling with cedar plugs, tuna feathers, or swimming plugs pulled 50-90 feet behind the boat. Pro tip: when you hook the first one, work fast because that's usually the lead fish, and if it gets away, the whole school often follows.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are ambush predators that love hanging around rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks in 40-120 feet of water. They average 20 inches but can grow much larger, with some reaching 50+ pounds. These fish are known for their marbled gray pattern and powerful fighting ability - once hooked, they'll immediately dive for the nearest hole or structure to try breaking your line. The meat is excellent, firm and white, making them a favorite for the table. They're most active during cooler months when they move into shallower water to feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Live pinfish or cut crab work great, but circle hooks are required. Here's the key to landing them: the moment you set the hook, keep your reel locked tight and don't give them any slack. Pull straight up and muscle them away from structure before they can reach cover.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kingfish" as we call them, are fast-moving predators that typically run 20-40 pounds but can exceed 60 pounds. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, following baitfish and temperature breaks. These olive-green speedsters with silver sides are pure adrenaline on the line, capable of blistering runs that'll strip line off your reel in seconds. The meat is oily and flavorful, great smoked or grilled fresh. Spring through fall brings the best action when they migrate through our waters chasing menhaden, blue runners, and anchovies. Trolling with live bait, spoons, or diving plugs produces most fish. Essential tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks - one through the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings typically attack from behind, and without that second hook, you'll miss half your strikes. When one hits, hold on tight because the first run is usually the longest and fastest.
Balistes VetulaQueen triggerfish are colorful, oval-shaped fish that average 12 inches but can reach up to 2 feet long. They're beautiful with neon blue stripes and bright yellow patches, often changing colors when stressed or camouflaging. You'll find them around reefs, ledges, and rocky bottoms in 10-100 feet of water, usually in small groups. They're interesting fighters that will wedge themselves into crevices using their dorsal spines - that's actually how triggerfish got their name. The meat is good eating with a firm texture. They can be aggressive, especially during spawning season, and will even bite divers who get too close. Small crabs and shrimp work best for bait on a Carolina or dropper rig. Here's something I've learned - when you hook one, they'll try to dive straight into the nearest hole. Keep steady pressure and work them up quickly, because once they wedge into a crevice, they're nearly impossible to pull out.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are true bottom dwellers that love structure - wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges in 30-200 feet of water. Most fish we catch run 1-2 feet long and weigh under 10 pounds, but bigger ones lurk around deeper structures. These pink-red beauties are absolutely delicious with sweet, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They'll give you a solid fight too, often making powerful runs straight back to the bottom trying to wrap your line around structure. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they move up from deeper water to feed. Here's a tip that works well for me - use fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish on a heavy rig, and the moment you feel that bite, crank hard and fast to pull them away from the rocks before they can dive into cover and break you off.
Myrtle Beach, SC, United States