12-Hour Offshore Tuna & Sailfish Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targets tuna, mahimahi, wahoo, and sailfishSummer season runs June through August from Charleston HarborProfessional guides provide premium tackle and fully equipped boat
When you're ready to test your skills against some of Charleston's most prized offshore gamefish, this 12-hour charter with Last Cast Charleston is exactly what you've been looking for. Running from June through August during peak summer season, we'll take you and up to five other anglers out to the deep blue water where the big fish live. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious offshore adventure that puts you in prime position to hook into tuna, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. The early morning departure from Charleston Harbor gets you out to productive water while the bite is hot, and staying out there all day means more shots at trophy fish when other boats have already headed back to the dock.
Your day starts before sunrise at Charleston Harbor, where you'll meet your experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. We're not messing around with cheap gear – you'll be fishing with top-shelf rods and reels that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait. The boat comes fully rigged and ready, so all you need to worry about is bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and whatever snacks and drinks you want for the long haul. Since we're not providing meals, pack a solid lunch and plenty of water to keep your energy up throughout the day. The summer heat can be brutal out there, but the payoff is worth every drop of sweat when you're fighting a 40-pound tuna or watching a sailfish dance across the surface. Our captains have been working these offshore grounds for years, so they know exactly where to find the fish based on water temperature, current breaks, and bait schools.
Once we clear the harbor and hit the Gulf Stream waters, it's all about covering ground and reading the signs. We'll be running a spread of trolling lures and rigged ballyhoo at different depths to target the various species that cruise these waters. The technique here is methodical – we're looking for temperature breaks, weed lines, and bird activity that signal feeding fish below. You'll learn to spot the telltale signs of a wahoo strike versus the steady pull of a tuna, and nothing beats the adrenaline rush when that outrigger line pops and the reel starts screaming. We run circle hooks on most of our rigs to ensure good hooksets and better fish survival, plus it makes the fight more predictable for anglers who might not have tons of offshore experience. When we mark fish on the sounder or spot feeding activity, we might switch tactics and try some vertical jigging or live bait fishing to really dial in on what they're eating.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of Charleston's summer offshore scene, and these fish are absolute powerhouses that will test your endurance and technique. Most of the yellowfins we're seeing range from 20 to 60 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 80 pounds or more. They typically feed early in the morning and again in the late afternoon, which is why that 12-hour window gives you multiple shots at prime time. These fish love structure and temperature breaks, so we'll be working areas where cooler inshore water meets the warm Gulf Stream current. What makes yellowfin so special is their incredible speed and stamina – they'll make blistering runs that strip line off your reel like you wouldn't believe, then dig deep and try to sound you out on structure.
Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, and Charleston's summer waters host some fantastic sail fishing when conditions line up right. These fish average 6 to 8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll have you scrambling for your camera between fighting the fish. Sailfish are ambush predators that love to work bait schools, and when you find them feeding, you might hook two or three in quick succession. The key with sails is keeping steady pressure without pulling too hard – their mouths are surprisingly soft, and you can pull the hook if you horse them. We practice catch and release with sailfish since they're such magnificent fish and important to the ecosystem. The summer months bring them closer to shore following the bait, making them a realistic target on these longer trips.
Mahi-mahi, or dolphin fish as locals call them, are probably the most cooperative fish you'll encounter offshore, and their brilliant gold and green colors make them absolutely gorgeous in the boat. During summer, we're seeing mahi ranging from small schoolies around 5 pounds up to bull dolphins pushing 30 pounds or better. They love floating structure like sargassum weed lines and debris, and once you hook one, there's often more in the same area. Mahi are aggressive feeders that will hit both lures and live bait, and they fight with incredible determination for their size. Plus, they're fantastic table fare, so you'll definitely want to keep a few for dinner. The bigger bulls often travel with a small school of cows, so if you hook a nice one, we'll keep working the area to see what else is hanging around.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 50 miles per hour and armed with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire leaders like butter. These fish are built for speed, with a torpedo-shaped body and powerful tail that makes their initial run absolutely explosive. Charleston's summer wahoo typically range from 15 to 40 pounds, though the occasional monster can top 60 pounds. They're notorious for hitting trolled lures at high speed, often when you least expect it, and their strike is so violent it can snap leaders or straighten hooks if your drag isn't set properly. Wahoo are excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling, so they're always a welcome addition to the cooler.
This 12-hour offshore charter represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on productive
The Viking is a serious 47-foot offshore fishing machine built for Charleston's deep waters. Twin 800-horsepower MAN engines get you to the tuna and sailfish grounds fast, while the fully enclosed cabin keeps your crew of six comfortable during those long summer runs. Air conditioning beats the heat between fights, and the refrigerator keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting bird activity and bait schools, while the fish finder helps locate structure and schools below. GPS and radar keep you on productive spots and safely navigate back to harbor. After battling Atlantic gamefish all day, you'll appreciate the onboard shower, toilet, and kitchen facilities. The icebox handles your day's provisions, and there's even a bed for anyone needing a break from the action. TV and multimedia system provide downtime entertainment during travel to distant fishing grounds. VHF radio keeps you connected with other boats and harbor updates. This is a complete offshore fishing platform designed for serious anglers targeting Charleston's premier summer species.
Charleston