Little River Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour deep sea charter targeting grouper, snapper, and pelagic speciesBottom fishing in 100130 foot depths up to 60 miles offshoreSmall group experience accommodating maximum 6 guests aboard
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, this 12-hour deep sea charter out of Little River is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about a real blue water adventure here – the kind where you'll spend three hours just getting to the fishing grounds, 60 miles offshore in 100 to 130 feet of crystal clear water. This isn't some quick inshore trip; it's a full day commitment that separates the weekend warriors from the dedicated anglers who understand what it takes to get into the good stuff.
Your day starts early with Long Line Charters, and trust me, the 3-hour run to the fishing grounds builds the anticipation perfectly. We're heading way out there – 60 miles offshore where the water changes from that coastal green to that deep blue that gets every angler's heart pumping. Once we hit our spots, we're setting up for serious bottom fishing targeting Grouper, Snapper, Triggerfish, and Jacks using heavy tackle and fresh bait. But here's where it gets interesting – we always keep drift lines running off the stern for the pelagic species like Mahi Mahi, Kings, and Wahoo that might cruise by. With only 6 anglers max on this trip, you're getting plenty of elbow room and personal attention from the crew. Fair warning though – no meals are included, so pack a solid lunch and plenty of water because 12 hours on the water works up a serious appetite.
We run a two-pronged approach that maximizes your chances at multiple species. The bottom fishing setup uses heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, paired with circle hooks and enough weight to hold bottom in that 100-130 foot zone. We're talking about serious structure fishing here – natural ledges and artificial reefs that hold big Grouper and Snapper year-round. While you're working the bottom, we keep those drift lines active off the back of the boat. These are lighter spinning setups with live bait or trolling lures that target the fast-moving pelagic species cruising the blue water. The beauty of this setup is you never know what's going to hit next – could be a 20-pound Gag Grouper on the bottom or a screaming Wahoo on the drift line. The crew handles all the rigging and knows exactly how to position the boat to work both the structure and the open water effectively.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and these chunky bottom dwellers love the rocky structure we fish. They typically run 15-25 pounds out here, with the occasional monster pushing 30-plus. What makes Red Grouper so sought after is their incredible table fare – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, but we catch them year-round in these deeper waters. The fight isn't flashy, but it's a powerful, bulldogging battle that tests your tackle and technique.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish as they're properly called, are the speed demons that get everyone excited when they show up. These gorgeous fish with their electric blues and greens typically range from 10-30 pounds, though bull dolphins can push 40-plus. They're most abundant from April through September when the water warms up, and they travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. The acrobatic fight they put up – jumping, tail-walking, and making long runs – makes them a favorite among sport anglers. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild flesh that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling.
Wahoo Fish are the rockets of the reef, capable of speeds up to 60 mph and known for their devastating initial runs that can strip 200 yards of line in seconds. These silver bullets typically run 20-50 pounds in our waters, with their razor-sharp teeth and torpedo-shaped bodies built for speed. Fall and winter months produce the best Wahoo fishing, and they're absolute dynamite on the dinner table – firm, white meat with a mild flavor that's perfect for searing or grilling. The key to Wahoo is having your drag set properly because that first run will test every knot and connection on your rig.
Cobia are the curious bruisers that often cruise near the boat, giving you a shot at sight-fishing these powerful gamefish. They average 20-40 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're known for their stamina and ability to dive deep into structure when hooked. Spring and fall migrations bring the best Cobia action, and they're excellent table fare with firm, crab-like meat that's fantastic grilled or blackened. What makes Cobia special is their intelligence – they'll often follow other hooked fish to the boat, giving alert anglers a chance at multiple hookups.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweights of the Grouper family, often reaching 30-50 pounds in these offshore waters. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky bottom and artificial reefs, and they're known for their powerful runs back to cover when hooked. Gag season runs from January through April and then reopens in July, making timing important for targeting these prized gamefish. Their meat is considered some of the finest eating in the ocean – firm, white fillets with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for any preparation. The fight is classic Grouper style – initial shock, followed by a determined battle to get back to the rocks.
This 12-hour offshore charter represents serious fishing for serious anglers. You're getting access to pristine fishing grounds 60 miles offshore, experienced crew who know these waters inside and out, and the chance to tangle with some of the best game
Meet The Torres, your ticket to serious offshore fishing in Little River waters. This 1984 sport fishing vessel packs a punch with its 660HP Caterpillar engine, cruising smoothly at 20 knots to get you to those prime fishing spots 60 miles out. Built for the long haul, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing grouper, snapper, and triggerfish in 100-130 foot depths. The onboard fish finder will help locate schools while GPS and radar keep you on course. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 12-hour adventure. With room for 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the bottom rigs and manage drift lines for mahi, kings, and wahoo. The 3-hour run to the fishing grounds gives you time to rig up and get ready for some serious action in deep water where the big fish live.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the big brown bruisers that can easily hit 40-60 pounds - they look like sharks at first glance with that single dorsal fin. We often spot them cruising near the surface around structure or following rays. They're solitary hunters that feed heavy on crabs and smaller fish, making them perfect for our bottom fishing spots. These fish are bulldogs - once hooked, they'll make powerful runs and try to wrap you around anything they can find. The meat is top-shelf - firm texture with amazing flavor that's prized in restaurants. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through our waters. My advice: when sight-fishing for them, cast ahead of where they're swimming and let your jig sink - they're curious and will usually come investigate.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the smart cousins of the grouper family - they average 3-8 pounds but can push 20+ when we get into the bigger ones. These grayish fish with marbled patterns love rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks where they can ambush prey. They're found in the same depths we fish for other grouper, but they're pickier about their meals. The fight is classic grouper - straight down to the rocks with bulldogging power. What makes them special is the meat quality - sweet, firm, and some say the best-tasting grouper species. They're around year-round but bite best in cooler months. Key tip: use live pinfish or small grunts when targeting gags specifically - they prefer live bait over cut bait more than other grouper species.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the colorful speedsters we target on our drift lines - brilliant gold and blue fish that average 15-30 pounds. They love floating debris and weedlines in open water, which is why we run those long lines behind the boat. These fish are pure excitement - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show when hooked. The meat is outstanding too - firm, white, and mild-flavored. Best fishing is late spring through fall when they're moving through our waters. We'll often find them in small groups, so when you hook one, be ready for more action. Pro tip: when we spot floating sargassum or debris, get ready - that's where they'll be hanging, and they'll hit almost anything that moves.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of our most reliable bottom dwellers, averaging 5-10 pounds with that distinctive rusty red color and white spots. They hang around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-130 feet of water - perfect for our offshore runs. These fish are tough fighters that'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks once hooked. What guests love most is the meat quality - firm, flaky, and some of the best eating you'll find offshore. They're aggressive biters that'll hit live pinfish, cut squid, or fresh shrimp. My tip: once you hook one, keep that drag tight and pump hard right away. Don't give them a chance to get back to structure or they'll cut you off every time.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the deep - sleek, striped fish that can hit 60 mph and average 20-40 pounds out here. We pick them up on the drift lines while targeting the blue water species, usually in that 100+ foot range where we fish. These fish are built for speed with that torpedo shape and razor-sharp teeth, so we always run wire leaders. The fight is fast and furious - they'll make long runs that'll test your drag. The meat is premium quality - white, flaky, and mild like a cross between tuna and mahi. Best action is fall through early winter when they're moving through. Here's the key: when trolling for them, keep your speed up around 12-15 knots - slow baits won't trigger these speed demons.
Myrtle Beach