Offshore Fishing Charter at Edisto Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing charter accommodates up to 4 guestsProfessional guidance provided for all experience levelsFlexible nearshore and deepsea fishing options available
When you're ready to get serious about fishing, Edisto Beach's offshore waters are calling your name. This 4-hour private charter with Line Life Fishing Company puts you and up to three buddies on some of South Carolina's most productive fishing grounds. We're talking about the kind of action that gets your heart pumping – king mackerel screaming drag, mahi mahi putting on aerial shows, and grouper testing your arm strength from the depths. These aren't crowded party boat trips where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. This is your boat, your crew, your fish.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got one job – putting fish in your cooler. We'll head out from Edisto's marina and make our way to the productive zones where the Gulf Stream influence creates the perfect conditions for pelagic species and bottom dwellers alike. The beauty of a 4-hour trip is that you get the prime fishing window without burning a whole day. Mornings are typically money time, when the fish are active and feeding aggressively. You'll spend your time working different depths and structures, from nearshore reefs holding snapper and grouper to blue water edges where mahi and kings patrol. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, tackle, and all the gear you need. Just bring your cooler, snacks, drinks, and your fishing license – we'll handle the rest.
This isn't a one-trick pony operation. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we'll employ different techniques to maximize your success. For the pelagic species like king mackerel and mahi, we'll run trolling spreads with live bait, dead bait, and lures. Nothing beats the excitement of watching a king mackerel crash a slow-trolled live menhaden or seeing a mahi light up and charge a skirted ballyhoo. When we're targeting bottom species like grouper and snapper, we'll anchor up or drift over productive structure and drop heavy tackle with circle hooks. These fish live in rocky bottom and ledges, so you need stout gear and the know-how to turn their heads before they cut you off. The captain will match the tackle to the target species and conditions – lighter spinning gear for mahi when they're cooperative, heavy conventional reels when we're pulling big grouper out of their holes. You don't need to be a pro angler to have success, but be ready to learn and follow instructions when the action heats up.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and Edisto's waters hold some bruiser fish. These toothy critters typically range from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional smoker pushing 50-plus. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action happening when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 68-78 degrees. Kings are aggressive predators that hunt in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They'll test your drag system and make blistering runs that'll have you wondering if you hooked a small tuna. The fight is pure adrenaline, and king mackerel make excellent table fare when prepared right.
Mahi mahi bring the acrobatics to your fishing day. These gorgeous fish light up in electric blues, greens, and yellows when hooked, putting on aerial displays that make for great photos and better memories. Most mahi we encounter run 10-30 pounds, though bull dolphins over 40 pounds show up when conditions align. They're structure-oriented fish, often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks. Mahi are also schooling fish, so it's not uncommon to boat several once you locate them. They're curious by nature and will often follow hooked fish to the boat, giving you shots at multiple fish. Plus, mahi are widely considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Snowy grouper are the deep-water bulldogs that'll give your arms a serious workout. These fish live in 200-plus feet of water around rocky bottom and ledges. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they make up for it with pure pulling power and excellent eating quality. Snowies typically run 8-20 pounds, with larger specimens pushing 30-plus. They're year-round residents, though they can be finicky feeders depending on conditions. When you hook a snowy, expect a straight-down fight with lots of head shaking. They're masters at finding the sharpest piece of structure to cut your line, so heavy tackle and quick work are essential.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing when they're in season. These beautiful fish are smart, spooky, and absolutely delicious. Most reds we catch run 3-8 pounds, though keeper-sized fish (16+ inches) are the goal. They're structure-oriented and often found in large schools around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom. Red snapper have excellent eyesight and can be line-shy, so finesse fishing with lighter leaders often produces better results. Their season is regulated and limited, making each red snapper trip extra special.
Gag grouper are the workhorses of the grouper family. These fish are typically more aggressive than their snowy cousins and fight with incredible power. Most gags we encounter run 5-15 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 20-plus pounds. They're ambush predators that hang around structure and won't hesitate to inhale a well-presented bait. Gags are also excellent table fare and a favorite target for many anglers. Like all grouper, they'll try to get back to their hole once hooked, so you need to apply pressure immediately and keep them coming up.
This top-rated charter experience delivers exactly what serious
Ready to chase fish in the waters off Edisto Beach? This 21-foot Sea Hunt center console is your ticket to offshore action. Built in 2002 and powered by a reliable Yamaha 115HP engine, she's been taking anglers out for productive fishing trips for years. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 people, making it perfect for small groups who want to focus on the fishing without feeling crowded. You'll have everything you need onboard – an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a wireless trolling motor that lets you sneak up on fish without spooking them. The GPS keeps you on course to the best fishing spots, while the fish finder helps locate where the action is happening below. Whether you're targeting inshore species or heading further out for bigger game, this Sea Hunt gives you the stability and features to make the most of your time on the water. The center console design means easy movement around the boat when fighting fish or changing spots.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are ambush predators that live around rocky structure and ledges, typically weighing 10-25 pounds. They're homebodies that stick close to caves, wrecks, and hard bottom from 60-300 feet deep. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavy. What makes gags special is their bulldogging fight - once hooked, they dive straight for cover using pure power. The meat's excellent, firm and mild, making them a prized catch. They love live pinfish and mullet, but cut bait works too. Use heavy tackle with circle hooks. Pro tip: lock your drag tight from the start and horse them up immediately - give them an inch and they'll find a hole to break you off in.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds, though bigger ones push 50+ pounds. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet along ledges, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Best action happens May through September when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line faster than almost any fish out here. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Use wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Pro tip: when trolling, keep baits skipping on the surface - kings love chasing flying fish and ballyhoo that dance across the waves.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure gold when they light up - literally changing colors as they fight. Most run 15-29 pounds, but bulls can push 40+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps climb. What guests love most is their aerial show - these fish jump, tail-walk, and put on a real spectacle. The meat's fantastic too - firm, white, and sweet. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more. Key trick: once you hook up, leave one fish in the water while others circle. Keep live or dead ballyhoo skipping on the surface to keep the school fired up.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - that bright red color and excellent table fare make them a favorite. Most run 5-15 pounds, though 20-pounders aren't uncommon around structure in 60-200 feet. They hug hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges where small baitfish gather. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're most active. What guests love is the combination of steady action and top-quality meat - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect for any recipe. They fight smart, trying to cut your line on structure, so you need to muscle them up quick. Use circle hooks with cut squid or cigar minnows. Pro tip: drop straight down and keep steady pressure - let them run to cover and you'll lose them every time.
Epinephelus Snowy Grouper are the deep-water bruisers that live 300-600 feet down on rocky bottom. These copper-brown beauties average 30 pounds but can reach 70. Season runs May through August with a one-fish-per-boat limit, making each one special. What makes them worth the deep drop is their fight - they're pure muscle trying to drag you back to the rocks. The meat's top-shelf too, firm and sweet. Expect a serious arm workout cranking from that depth, which is why most folks use electric reels. Best bait is fresh squid or bonito strips on heavy tackle. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them run back to structure - they know every cave down there.
Edisto Beach