12-Hour Offshore Tuna & Sailfish Charter
Ready to hit the deep blue waters off Charleston for some serious offshore action? Last Cast Charleston's 12-hour summer charter runs from June through August, targeting the Atlantic's heavyweight champions including tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and sailfish. We're talking about a full day of fishing in some of the most productive waters along the Southeast coast, where the Gulf Stream brings in the kind of pelagic species that make anglers' hearts race. With up to 6 spots available and everything from rods to bait included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned offshore veteran.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day kicks off early from Charleston Harbor as we head out to the offshore grounds where the real action happens. This isn't your typical nearshore trip – we're running 20-40 miles offshore to find the temperature breaks, weed lines, and structure that hold the big pelagics. The 12-hour format gives us plenty of time to cover water, work multiple spots, and adapt to what the fish are doing that day. You'll be fishing from a fully equipped offshore boat with outriggers, downriggers, and all the heavy tackle needed to handle these powerful species. The summer months are prime time for this fishery, with water temperatures in the sweet spot and baitfish schools drawing in the predators we're after. Pack your sunscreen and plenty of water – you're going to be out there when the sun's blazing, but that's exactly when these fish are most active.
Trolling Tactics & Heavy Gear
We'll be primarily trolling with a spread of lures and rigged baits designed to catch the attention of fast-moving pelagics. Think ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and spreader bars that mimic the baitfish these predators can't resist. The captain will set up a trolling pattern based on current conditions, water color, and where we're marking bait on the fish finder. You'll be using heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test line – these fish make long, powerful runs that'll test both your gear and your arms. When a fish hits, it's all hands on deck to clear the other lines and get you fighting that fish one-on-one. Don't worry if you've never battled a big offshore fish before – our crew will coach you through the fight and make sure you're positioned correctly in the fighting chair. We'll also mix in some chunking and live bait fishing when conditions call for it, especially around structure or when we find fish holding in specific areas.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Tuna are the bread and butter of Charleston's summer offshore scene, with yellowfin being the most common species you'll encounter. These fish typically range from 20-60 pounds in our waters, though larger specimens push into the 80+ pound range during peak season. What makes tuna so special is their raw power – they'll make multiple long runs and fight all the way to the boat. July and August are prime months when schools of yellowfin move through our area following bait schools. The meat is world-class, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing your first offshore tuna.
Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, known for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. These billfish average 6-8 feet long and put on an aerial display that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing for cameras. Peak sailfish action typically happens from June through August when water temperatures hit the mid-70s to low 80s. They're catch-and-release fish, so you'll get that hero shot before sending them back to fight another day. The strike is explosive, and watching a sailfish greyhound across the surface is something every angler needs to experience.
Mahi-mahi bring both beauty and excellent table fare to your cooler. These colorful fish love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where they ambush small fish and squid. They typically run 10-25 pounds in our waters, with bulls occasionally pushing 40+ pounds. What's great about mahi is they often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Their golden flanks and electric blue-green colors make them one of the prettiest fish in the ocean, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60+ mph and armed with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through light leader in a heartbeat. These torpedo-shaped predators typically range from 20-50 pounds and are known for their initial blistering run that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They're often caught while trolling high-speed lures along drop-offs and current edges. Wahoo have some of the best-eating white meat you'll find, with a texture similar to kingfish but milder in flavor.
Time to Book Your Spot
Charleston's offshore fishing doesn't get much better than this 12-hour summer charter targeting the Atlantic's top gamefish. With professional guide services, premium tackle, and captains who know where to find fish when others are coming back empty-handed, this trip delivers the kind of offshore experience that creates lifelong fishing memories. The summer season books up fast, especially weekends, so don't wait until the last minute to secure your spot. Whether you're looking to check tuna off your bucket list, experience the aerial acrobatics of a hooked sailfish, or just spend a day surrounded by deep blue water and great fishing, Last Cast Charleston has you covered. Grab your crew, pack the cooler, and get ready for a day of world-class offshore fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.