5.0(2 Reviews)12-Hour Offshore Fishing Charleston SC
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore charter targets mahi, tuna, wahoo, and marlinWinter and spring availability through May 31st onlySix-person capacity with professional mate service included
When you're ready to leave the inshore game behind and test your skills against the real monsters of the deep, Last Cast Charleston's 12-hour offshore charter is where legends are made. We're talking about heading way out past the continental shelf, where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and anything can happen. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're committed to staying out there until we find the fish, giving you the best shot at hooking into something that'll have you talking for years.
Your day starts early – and I mean early. We'll be at the dock before sunrise because the best fishing happens when most folks are still hitting the snooze button. After a quick safety briefing and introductions, we'll fire up the engines and start the 2-3 hour run to the offshore grounds. Don't worry about bringing tackle – we've got top-shelf rods, reels, and terminal gear that can handle whatever we hook into. The boat holds up to 6 anglers comfortably, so you'll have plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up with your buddies. Just remember, the mate works hard to keep you on fish all day, so plan on taking care of them with a 20% tip – it's standard practice and these guys earn every penny of it.
Once we reach the fishing grounds, we'll start pulling a spread of trolling lures behind the boat. We're talking about covering serious water here, running anywhere from 6 to 12 knots depending on conditions and what we're targeting. The captain will set up a pattern of different lures – ballyhoo, cedar plugs, skirted trolling lures, and maybe some diving plugs to cover different depths in the water column. When something hits, you'll know it immediately. The reel will start screaming, and that's when the real fun begins. These offshore species don't give up easy, so be ready for a fight that could last anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour for the bigger fish.
Don't just take my word for it – here's what recent anglers are saying about their trips. "Great Crew and a Great day on the water. Would highly recommend and would absolutely book again." - Andrew. Another happy customer, Dustin, shared: "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, and Captain Chase has been putting anglers on fish in these waters for years.
Blackfin Tuna are some of the most reliable fighters you'll encounter out there. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically run 10-25 pounds and they'll test your drag system from the moment they feel the hook. They're most active during the cooler months, which is perfect since this trip runs through May 31st. When you hook a blackfin, expect multiple blistering runs and don't be surprised if they sound deep trying to break you off. What makes them so popular with anglers is their consistency – when you find a school, you can usually boat several fish before they wise up and move on.
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, and watching one come up behind your bait is pure adrenaline. These fish average 30-50 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. The moment they feel the hook, they'll launch themselves clear out of the water in a spectacular display that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for cameras. Spring is prime sailfish season off Charleston, and while they're primarily a catch-and-release species, the fight alone makes them worth the trip. They're smart, fast, and will use every trick in the book to shake that hook.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of offshore fishing. These apex predators can push well over 300 pounds, and hooking into one is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most anglers. They're not as common as the other species we target, but when one shows up, everything else stops. The initial run of a big blue marlin is something you'll feel in your bones – they'll peel off 200-300 yards of line before you can even think about fighting back. Most blues are released, but the bragging rights last forever.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as they're properly called, are the golden beauties of the offshore world. These fish are pure eye candy with their brilliant yellows and greens, but don't let their looks fool you – they're strong fighters that love to jump. School-size mahi run 5-15 pounds, but the big bulls can push 40 pounds or more. They're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks. What anglers love about mahi is that they're excellent table fare, so you can enjoy the fight and then enjoy the dinner.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they strike your bait. These lean, mean fighting machines have razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude. They typically run 20-50 pounds in our waters and they'll smoke your reel on that initial run. Wahoo are somewhat unpredictable – you might go several trips without seeing one, then have a day where you boat three or four. When they're around, they're usually found along temperature breaks or current edges where baitfish congregate.
This 12-hour offshore adventure isn't for everyone, but if you're serious about fishing and want a real shot at the fish of a lifetime, this is your trip. Remember, this charter only runs during winter and spring months until May 31st, when the weather and fish migration patterns line up perfectly. With only 6
The Viking is a serious offshore fishing machine built for Charleston's deepest waters. This 47-foot sportfisher runs on twin 800 HP MAN engines that'll get you to the productive fishing grounds fast and keep you there all day. With room for six anglers, she's perfect for targeting the big stuff - Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and Marlin that cruise these Atlantic waters. What sets this boat apart is the comfort factor during those long 12-hour runs. The fully enclosed cabin keeps you cool with AC when the Charleston sun gets brutal, plus there's a fridge and icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you that elevated view to spot diving birds and color changes in the water. Down below, you've got a real bed, shower, and full galley - basically everything you need for serious offshore fishing. The electronics package is dialed in with GPS, radar for those foggy mornings, fish finder to mark the structure, and VHF radio to stay connected. Captain's got the latest fishing gear rigged and ready. Remember to tip your mate - 20% is standard for good service on these Charleston charters.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing - built for speed and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. These beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin and color-changing ability. They cruise warm surface waters from 30-65 feet, hunting schools of baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Winter and spring are prime time for us here in Charleston when they follow warmer waters north. What guests love most is the fight - these fish will jump, dive, and put on a show like no other. The meat's decent, but most folks release these for the sport. Pro tip: when you see that sail light up and the fish gets excited, resist pulling too hard early in the fight. Let them run first, then work them steady.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the smallest tuna you'll find offshore, but don't let that fool you - they're scrappy fighters that'll give you a good workout. These guys average around 20-30 pounds and love warm waters over 68°F, making our Charleston waters perfect during winter and spring. They school up near continental shelves and weed lines, often mixed in with skipjacks. What makes them special is their golden lateral stripe and the way they fight - pure tuna attitude in a smaller package. The meat is fantastic, especially if you bleed them right away. Here's a local tip: scale down to lighter leaders and smaller hooks since blackfins have sharp eyes. Use #30 fluoro and 5/0 circles, and don't be afraid to chum with pilchards to bring them close.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing - massive, powerful fish that can weigh anywhere from 300 to over 1,000 pounds. The females get much bigger than males, and when you hook one over 1,000 pounds, that's what we call a "grander." These apex predators roam deep blue water along current edges and temperature breaks, following baitfish like tuna and mackerel. Our best shots come during warmer months when they move through on migration routes. What makes them special is the combination of size, strength, and those amazing jumps - it's a battle you'll never forget. Most anglers release these giants for conservation. Here's the key: make sure your drag is set right before you start trolling, because when a big blue hits, there's no time to adjust. Heavy tackle is a must.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of our most popular targets - beautiful golden fish with amazing colors that change like a light show when you bring them boatside. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds, and they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges where baitfish gather. Spring is prime time here in Charleston as they move north with warming waters. What guests love is the combination of great fighting, stunning looks, and fantastic table fare - firm, white, sweet meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They're fast growers and mature quickly, so the population stays strong. Local tip: when you find floating sargassum or debris, work it thoroughly. Where there's one mahi, there's usually more schooled up underneath.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed demons - one of the fastest fish in the ocean hitting 60 mph when they want to. These torpedo-shaped predators average 3-5 feet and can top 100 pounds, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They patrol open water and drop-offs, often found around structure or current breaks. Winter and early spring are our prime time here in Charleston when they move through following baitfish. What makes them special is the blistering runs and that white, flaky meat that's absolutely delicious - the Hawaiians call them "ono" meaning good to eat for a reason. Here's the trick: you need wire leaders because their teeth will slice through anything else, and troll fast - 12-15 knots. Most fish are caught on high-speed trolling with diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo.
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