5.0(1 Reviews)8-Hour Offshore Kingfish & Snapper Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour offshore charter targeting kingfish and snapper speciesProfessional guide provides all rods, tackle, and bait includedCharleston Harbor departure accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
If you're looking for a serious day of fishing in Charleston's legendary waters, this 8-hour charter with Last Cast Charleston delivers exactly what hardcore anglers want. We're talking about targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters - kingfish that'll test your drag, snappers that know how to fight, and grouper that'll make you work for every inch. This isn't some touristy boat ride; it's a legitimate fishing trip designed for folks who want to fill the cooler and feel the burn in their shoulders by day's end. You'll head out from Charleston Harbor with everything you need - quality rods, fresh bait, and tackle that's actually up to the job.
This charter runs a full 8 hours because that's what it takes to get to the good spots and actually fish them properly. We're not rushing around trying to check boxes - we're spending time where the fish are. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the nearshore structure that holds kingfish to the deeper ledges where the big snappers hang out. The boat comes fully rigged with downriggers, outriggers, and all the electronics you need to find fish and stay on them. You can bring up to 6 people, which makes for a great group dynamic without overcrowding the cockpit when multiple fish hit at once. Pack your own drinks and snacks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too busy fighting fish to think much about food. The standard tip for the mate is 20% - these guys work hard to keep you in fish all day.
We run a mix of techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. For kings, we'll troll with live bait on wire leader - usually blue runners or threadfins that we'll catch fresh on the way out. The setup includes planer boards and downriggers to cover different depths and keep baits away from the boat's wake. When we hit the snapper spots, it's all about the bottom - we'll anchor up on structure and drop down with knocker rigs loaded with cut bait. Circle hooks are mandatory for snappers to keep everything legal and ensure good releases. The rods are medium-heavy conventional setups that can handle the weight needed to get down 60-80 feet while still having enough backbone to winch up a nice gag grouper. If we find birds working or see surface action, we'll switch to lighter tackle and throw artificials - nothing beats a king that eats a spoon on the surface.
"Outstanding trip I will be back, Captain Chase and his mate were on it and on the fish we had multiple hookups all day we caught a sailfish and lots of black fin tuna we all went home with meat for days. I went yesterday 1/26/2025 and my arms and shoulders are killing me today which is what you want from an outstanding trip off shore. Thank you foe a memorable Experian's yesterday Chase!" - Matthew
"Seemed like a bait and switch of captains. Chase was the original captain and person communicating with me all along the way and then I show up and it's a group of young kids taking us out. Very misleading. Also took 5 hours to catch the first fish." - Brent
African Pompano are the wildcards of this fishery - you never know when one's going to show up, but when they do, you'll know it immediately. These fish are built for speed with their tall, compressed bodies and can reach 30-40 pounds in these waters. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick, and they'll absolutely destroy a live blue runner trolled near the surface. What makes them special is their unpredictability - they might show up around structure, in open water, or even following other species like cobia. The fight is electric with long runs and aerial displays that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for cameras.
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter bottom fish that every angler wants in the cooler. These guys live around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 40-100 feet of water. They're ambush predators that'll inhale a properly presented bait and immediately try to get back to their hole. The trick is stopping that first run - once they get into the structure, you're done. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're feeding heavily before spawning season closures. A good gag will go 15-25 pounds and provides some of the best table fare in the ocean. The fight is all about power and determination rather than speed.
King Mackerel are what put Charleston on the fishing map - these silver bullets can reach 40+ pounds and will test every piece of equipment on the boat. They're most active from spring through fall when water temperatures climb above 68 degrees. Kings are structure-oriented, hanging around ledges, artificial reefs, and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. The key to consistent success is fresh, lively bait presented at the right depth - usually 20-50 feet down. When a big king eats, it's game on immediately with screaming runs that can peel off 200 yards of line in seconds. They're also notorious for their jumping ability, often throwing the hook if you don't keep steady pressure.
Grey Triggerfish might not be the prettiest fish in the ocean, but they're absolute fighters pound-for-pound and excellent table fare. These guys have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish and won't hesitate to bite through leaders if you're not careful. They school up around structure in 60-120 feet of water, especially during late summer and fall. The challenge with triggers is getting past their bait-stealing abilities - they'll pick apart a piece of squid or cut bait faster than you can set the hook. Once hooked, they fight with a side-to-
Hit the waters aboard The Viking, a serious 47-foot fishing machine built for Charleston's offshore action. Twin 800-horsepower MAN engines push this beast through Carolina swells while you chase kingfish and snapper in the deep blue. The fully enclosed cabin keeps you cool between fights with AC and plenty of room to spread out - perfect when those afternoon storms roll in. Everything's onboard for the long haul: kitchen for prepping lunch, fridge and icebox for cold drinks, even a bed and shower for those marathon days. The flybridge gives you prime spotting position while the captain works the fish finder and GPS to put you on the bite. With radar and VHF keeping you connected, this boat handles whatever Charleston's waters throw at you. Six anglers max means plenty of elbow room at the rail when the action heats up. The Viking's built for anglers who want comfort without sacrificing fishing time - tackle kingfish runs in the morning, then kick back with the AC while running to afternoon snapper spots.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican Pompano are part of the jack family and one of our most exciting offshore targets. These silvery, fast-swimming fish typically run 10-30 pounds, though they can get much larger. You'll find them in 30-250 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. They're aggressive feeders that love live bait, especially blue runners and cigar minnows, but they'll also hit jigs and spoons worked fast. What makes them special is their incredible speed and stamina - when hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent, white and firm. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps are warm. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook if you get too aggressive with the drag.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that hang around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 40-120 feet of water. These gray, marbled fish average 15-25 pounds but can push 40-50 pounds. They're ambush predators that love live pinfish, grunts, and cut bait like squid or octopus. What guests love about gags is the initial fight - they'll try to run straight back to their hole, so you need to turn them quick. The meat is outstanding, firm white fillets that are perfect for grilling. Fall and winter are prime time when they're more aggressive and closer to shore. Here's the key: once you hook up, lock that drag down and keep your rod low. Don't give them any slack or they'll wrap you around the structure and break you off. Heavy tackle is a must - 50-pound class gear minimum.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy bottom dwellers that live around reefs, wrecks, and hard structure in 50-180 feet. These tough, leather-skinned fish average 12-17 inches and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're opportunistic feeders that love squid, crabs, and cut bait. What makes them fun is their personality - they're curious and aggressive, often stealing bait from other fish. The meat is excellent, firm white flesh that's great fried or grilled. Summer and early fall are best when they're most active. They can be tricky since they'll nibble and pick at bait before committing. My advice: use small chunks of squid on a small circle hook, drop it to the bottom, then reel up fast when you feel that first tap. Don't hesitate or they'll steal your bait and disappear.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "kings," are the speed demons of our offshore trips. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 15-40 pounds and are found trolling the 60-150 foot range along temperature breaks and structure. They're voracious feeders that'll hit live bait, spoons, and diving plugs. What makes them special is their blazing speed - when one hits, it's game on with screaming runs and aerial jumps. The meat is rich and oily, perfect smoked or blackened. Peak season is April through October when they're thick along our coast. Best technique is slow-trolling live menhaden or blue runners behind a planer. Pro tip: always use a wire leader - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. When fighting one, keep steady pressure but let them run. They'll tire themselves out with those long sprints.
Lutjanus VivanusSilk Snappers are deep-water fish that live in 400-500 feet during the day, moving shallower at night. These beautiful pink-red fish average 15-20 inches and can reach 30+ inches. They're prized for their incredible eating quality - the deeper you catch them, the better they taste. What guests love is the challenge of deep dropping and the reward of some of the best table fare in the ocean. The meat is firm, white, and sweet. Best fishing is early morning or evening when they move up in the water column. You'll need heavy tackle and electric reels for this deep work. Fresh squid, cut mackerel, or whole small fish work best. Key tip: use non-stainless hooks and keep your bait moving naturally. The bite is often subtle in deep water, so watch your electronics closely and be ready to set when you see that tick on the rod tip.
5.0 out of 5.0Outstanding trip I will be back, Captain Chase and his mate were on it and on the fish we had multiple hookups all day we caught a...
Seemed like a bait and switch of captains. Chase was the original captain and person communicating with me all along the way and t...
Charleston