5.0(2 Reviews)12-Hour Offshore Charter Fishing Charleston SC
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targets mahi, tuna, wahoo, and marlinMaximum 6 guests with Last Cast Charleston experienced crewWinter and spring availability through May 31st only
When you're ready to leave the inshore waters behind and chase the real monsters of the deep, this 12-hour offshore charter with Last Cast Charleston is your ticket to some of the best big-game fishing on the East Coast. We're talking about heading 20-40 miles out into the Gulf Stream where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the fish get serious. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're spending a full day out there, giving you maximum time to tangle with marlin, mahi, wahoo, and whatever else decides to crash your spread. Captain Chase and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while making sure you have a blast doing it. Fair warning though – once you experience offshore fishing in Charleston's legendary waters, inshore trips might never feel the same.
Your day starts early – we're talking 5:30 AM departure to make the most of those prime fishing hours. Don't worry, the coffee will be strong and the anticipation will wake you up fast. We'll make the run out to the fishing grounds, usually hitting the 60-80 foot depths where the continental shelf drops off and the real action begins. The boat is rigged and ready with outriggers, downriggers, and all the heavy tackle you'll need to handle whatever comes up from the depths. This is serious fishing – we're running multiple lines, watching the fish finder, and constantly adjusting based on water temperature, current, and what the fish are telling us. The crew will handle all the rigging, bait prep, and deck work while you focus on what you came here for – fighting fish. Bring your A-game because these offshore species don't mess around, and neither do we. The Gulf Stream current keeps things interesting all day long, and you never know when that reel is going to start screaming.
Out here in the blue water, trolling is king. We're pulling a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and lures at speeds between 6-8 knots, covering serious ground to locate active fish. The outriggers let us run a wide pattern while the downriggers get baits down to where the big tuna like to cruise. When we find floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks, that's when things get interesting – these are fish magnets in the offshore world. The tackle is built for battle: heavy spinning reels loaded with 50-80 pound test, sturdy rods with serious backbone, and circle hooks that'll stick and stay stuck. When a fish hits, the crew will coach you through the fight, but make no mistake – you're doing the work. These fish will test your endurance, especially on those long runs when a wahoo decides to peel off 200 yards of line in seconds. We'll also break out the live bait when conditions are right, dropping back frisky blue runners or goggle eyes for the really picky eaters lurking in the depths.
Don't just take our word for how good this charter really is – here's what anglers are saying after their trips. "Great Crew and a Great day on the water. Would highly recommend and would absolutely book again." - Andrew. "Had an amazing trip with Capt. Chase. He put us on the fish and we had a blast. Would highly recommend Last Cast Charter's anytime you visit Charleston!" - Dustin. These guys know what they're talking about – Captain Chase has built a reputation for putting clients on fish and making sure everyone has a great time doing it.
The Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of Charleston's offshore scene. These scrappy fighters typically run 10-25 pounds and they're absolute rockets once hooked. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, and when you find them, you'll often find them in numbers. Blackfins are most active during the cooler months from November through April, making them perfect targets for these winter and spring charters. What makes them special is their tenacity – pound for pound, few fish fight harder, and they're fantastic on the dinner table.
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, and Charleston's waters see good numbers during the winter months. These fish average 40-60 pounds and when one grabs your bait, get ready for a show. They'll jump, tail-walk, and put on an aerial display that'll have your camera working overtime. Sailfish are mostly catch-and-release, but the fight alone is worth the trip. They're attracted to live bait and trolled ballyhoo, often appearing when you least expect them.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate prize in Charleston's offshore waters. These apex predators can exceed 400 pounds and represent the pinnacle of big-game fishing. While they're not as common as other species, when one shows up, everything else stops mattering. Blue marlin are nomadic, following baitfish and favorable water conditions. The winter and spring months can produce some fantastic marlin fishing when everything aligns. Most are released, but the photos and memories last forever.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are the crowd-pleasers of offshore fishing. These colorful fighters typically weigh 10-30 pounds, though bulls can push 50-60 pounds. Mahi are fast-growing, aggressive feeders that love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. They're spectacular jumpers with brilliant gold, green, and blue coloration. What really gets anglers excited is that they often travel in schools – catch one, and there are usually more around. They're also incredible table fare.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph and making blistering runs that'll test your drag settings. These toothy predators average 20-40 pounds around Charleston and they're ambush hunters that strike with lightning speed.
The Viking stands ready to take you beyond Charleston's horizon on serious offshore fishing adventures. This 47-foot powerhouse runs on twin 800hp MAN engines, built to chase mahi, tuna, wahoo, and marlin in deep waters where the big fish roam. With room for six anglers, she's loaded with professional-grade fishing gear and all the creature comforts you need for a full day on the water. Stay cool in the fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabin between battles with gamefish. The galley kitchen and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the icebox handles overflow. When you need a break from the action, relax with the onboard entertainment system or grab some rest in the comfortable sleeping quarters. The head includes a shower and toilet for convenience during long offshore runs. Captain relies on GPS navigation, radar, and fish finder technology to put you on the fish, while VHF radio keeps you connected. The flybridge offers commanding views of the surrounding waters as you hunt for feeding birds and breaking fish. Winter and spring seasons bring some of Charleston's best offshore action, with cooler weather making long days more comfortable and fish more active in the deep blue water.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese are the speedsters of the offshore world, hitting 30+ mph with that signature sail fully extended. Most sailfish we see run 6-8 feet and 40-80 pounds, cruising the warm blue water from 30-200 feet deep. Our winter and spring seasons are perfect timing - they're moving through following the Gulf Stream. What gets people hooked is watching them light up in electric blues and purples during the fight, plus those aerial displays that'll get your heart racing. The meat's good eating too, firm and mild. Here's the key: when teasing one up, don't rush the bait switch. Let that fish get worked up and committed before presenting your hook bait. Patience pays off big time with sails.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tuna family, blackfins typically run 15-25 pounds around Charleston but can hit 40+ pounds. These scrappy fighters love warm water above 68°F and cruise the continental shelf edge in schools. Winter and spring are prime time here - exactly when our charters run. What makes them special is their incredible fight-to-size ratio and that beautiful golden stripe that fades once they're boated. The meat is outstanding, perfect for sashimi or searing. They've got sharp eyes, so I always scale down to lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. When you find one blackfin, there's usually more nearby, so we'll work the area hard with live pilchards or small jigs.
Makaira NigricansThe ultimate offshore trophy - blue marlin are the giants everyone dreams about catching. Around Charleston, most blues run 200-400 pounds, but the big females can push 800+ pounds. They cruise the deep blue water along current edges and temperature breaks, typically 20+ miles offshore. Our spring season offers the best shot at these apex predators as they follow the warm water north. What makes them legendary is that powerful fight and those acrobatic jumps - pure adrenaline. The meat's decent but most folks prefer the photos and release. Here's what I've learned: when a blue takes your bait, don't get excited and crank down that drag. Let her run first, then gradually apply pressure. Heavy tackle is a must - 80-130 pound class gear minimum.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the most colorful fish you'll encounter offshore - electric greens, blues, and yellows that put on a light show when they come to the boat. Most run 15-30 pounds, but bulls can hit 50+ pounds. They love floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in blue water. Spring is prime time around Charleston as they move north with warming water. What makes them favorites is their aggressive strikes, strong fights, and that sweet, firm white meat - some of the best eating in the ocean. Males have that distinctive square forehead while females are more rounded. My go-to technique is trolling ballyhoo or small lures around any floating structure. Once you hook one, keep the others around by leaving hooked fish in the water while rigging more rods.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the ocean, capable of 60 mph runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. These sleek predators typically run 20-50 pounds around Charleston, with occasional fish pushing 80+ pounds. They patrol the deep blue water along drop-offs and current edges, usually 20+ miles offshore. Winter and spring are our best seasons when they're moving through following baitfish. What makes them special is that blistering speed and the premium table fare - firm, white meat that's absolutely delicious. The key to wahoo is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - those razor teeth will slice through anything else. I like running a spread of small lures and keeping the boat moving fast. When one hits, hang on tight!
5.0 out of 5.0Great Crew and a Great day on the water. Would highly recommend and would absolutely book again.
Had an amazing trip with Capt. Chase. He put us on the fish and we had a blast. Would highly recommend Last Cast Charter’s anytime...
Charleston