5.0(1 Reviews)10-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour offshore charter targets amberjack, cobia, and mahi-mahiCaptain Louis McMichael provides expert guidance and top-tier equipmentFull-day deep sea adventure accommodates up to 6 guests
When you're ready to push past the nearshore zones and get into the real action, Captain Louis McMichael's 10-hour offshore charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious commitment to finding fish in Charleston's most productive deep waters. With a maximum of 6 anglers aboard, you'll have plenty of room to work and the personal attention that makes all the difference when you're battling a big fish. Captain Louis brings years of local knowledge and top-shelf equipment, so whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or this is your first time past the jetties, you're set up for success from the moment we leave the dock.
This full-day charter starts early and runs long, giving us the time we need to reach those offshore hotspots where the big fish live. We'll be targeting depths and structure that hold amberjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, black grouper, and other hard-fighting species that make Charleston's offshore scene so legendary. Captain Louis knows these waters like the back of his hand – from the productive wrecks to the seasonal migration routes that bring pelagics through our area. You'll spend your day learning the nuances of deep sea fishing, from reading the electronics to understanding how different species relate to structure and current. The boat is equipped with everything you need, from heavy tackle for the bruisers to lighter setups when the bite calls for finesse. Expect to cover some serious water as we follow the fish and adjust our strategy based on what's biting best.
Deep sea fishing off Charleston means adapting your approach based on what we're seeing out there. We'll be bottom fishing over wrecks and ledges using heavy sinkers and circle hooks to get down to where the grouper and snapper live. When we're targeting pelagics like mahi or cobia, we might switch to trolling with spreader bars and ballyhoo, or work live bait around floating debris and weed lines. Captain Louis carries a full arsenal of tackle – from conventional reels spooled with 50-pound test for the heavy hitters to spinning gear for when the fish are being picky. You'll learn to work jigs vertically over structure, how to fight a fish from the bow without getting tangled, and the art of reading water color and temperature breaks that concentrate baitfish. The electronics on board help us mark fish and structure, but there's still plenty of old-school knowledge that goes into finding and catching fish 20-40 miles offshore.
"What a enjoyable trip catching mahi dolphin. Captain Louie made the trip awesome and his boat mate. I was hesitate about going with my husband but so glad I got to experience it. Already booking for April-May next year. You will not regret it this trip." - Kayla
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Charleston's offshore scene, and hooking one is something you'll remember forever. These acrobatic fighters typically show up in our waters from late fall through early spring, when water temperatures drop and baitfish concentrate along temperature breaks. Sailfish average 6-8 feet and fight like nothing else – they'll jump, tail-walk, and strip line off your reel in long runs that test your drag system. We usually target them with live bait or trolled ballyhoo around current edges and color changes. The excitement of watching a sail come up behind the bait, lighting up with those electric blue stripes, never gets old.
Mahi Mahi are pure fun on the end of a line and one of the most reliable targets during the warmer months. These colorful fighters love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often traveling in small schools that can provide fast action once you locate them. Mahi typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters, with the occasional bull pushing 40-plus. They're incredible jumpers and their brilliant gold and green colors make them as beautiful as they are fun to catch. Plus, they're excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take fish home for dinner.
Lesser Amberjack are the perfect introduction to the amberjack family – smaller than their greater cousins but every bit as aggressive and hard-fighting. These fish love structure like wrecks and rock piles, where they patrol in schools looking for baitfish. They'll hit jigs, live bait, and cut bait with equal enthusiasm, and once hooked, they'll make powerful runs straight for the bottom. Amberjack are notorious for testing your tackle and your endurance, making them a favorite among anglers who like a good fight.
Mutton Snapper are one of the most prized catches in Charleston's offshore waters, known for their beautiful coloration and excellent eating quality. These fish are typically found around deeper structure and are notoriously finicky, often requiring light leaders and perfect bait presentation. They can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 15 pounds not uncommon around the right structure. Muttons are smart fish that have seen plenty of hooks, so catching one requires skill and patience – making them especially rewarding when you finally get one in the boat.
Yellowcheek Wrasse might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they're an interesting part of Charleston's offshore ecosystem and often show up as bonus fish when bottom fishing over rocky areas and wrecks. These colorful fish are curious by nature and will often investigate your baits, providing steady action between bites from larger species. While they're on the smaller side, they're still fun to catch and add variety to your day on the water.
Captain Louis's 10-hour offshore charter represents the best of Charleston deep sea fishing – serious time on the water with an experienced guide who knows how to put you on
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard this restored 2003 Contender center console! This 32-foot fishing machine packs twin 300HP Mercury engines that'll cruise you out to Charleston's prime offshore waters at 63 knots. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails while targeting amberjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, and black grouper. The boat comes loaded with everything serious fishermen need – GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the action, wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Captain Louis knows these waters inside and out, so you'll spend your 10 hours fishing the most productive spots where the big ones lurk. Whether you're after your personal best or just love the challenge of deep sea fishing, this setup gives you the speed to reach distant fishing grounds and the stability to battle whatever bites.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of our offshore waters - these guys can hit 30+ mph and put on a show with their massive dorsal fin and long bill. Most run 6-8 feet and weigh around 50 pounds, though we've seen bigger. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet down, especially around temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What makes them special? Pure acrobatics - they'll jump, dive, and change colors from blue to black during the fight. Plus, that distinctive sail makes for great photos. Here's the key: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface and don't set the hook too quick when they come up on the tease. Let them eat it first.
Seriola FasciataLesser amberjack are the smaller cousins of the greater amberjack, but don't let that fool you - they still pack a punch for their size. These guys top out around 26 inches and 10 pounds, with that classic amberjack build and olive-green coloring. You'll find them deeper than most jacks, typically 180-430 feet down around hard bottom and structure. They're available year-round, but cooler months often produce better fishing when they move up in the water column. What's neat about them is they're pretty rare compared to their bigger relatives, so landing one is always a treat. They'll eat cut bait, live mullet, or vertical jigs worked near the bottom. The fight is respectable for their size - classic jack power with some good runs. Pro tip: when you're targeting greater amberjack, drop your jigs all the way to the bottom and work them slow - that's where the lessers hang out.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands-down one of the most fun fish you'll tangle with out here. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds but can push 40+, and they're built for speed with that wild color show - blues, greens, and golds that light up like a neon sign when they're fired up. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the warmer months, typically May through September when water temps climb above 70. What makes them special? They fight hard, jump often, and taste amazing on the dinner table - firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. Look for birds working over floating stuff - that's where the mahi will be. When trolling, keep your baits skipping and be ready for multiple hookups since they usually travel in schools. Once you hook one, leave the others in the water - their buddies will stick around.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are one of the best fighting snappers we target, and they make excellent table fare too. These pinkish-olive beauties can reach 30+ pounds, though most we catch run 3-8 pounds. They love sandy areas near reefs and structure, typically 80-250 feet deep around rocky outcroppings and ledges. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the full moon when they're more active. What sets them apart is their wariness - they're smart fish that require finesse and fresh bait. That pink color flashing up from the depths is a beautiful sight, and they'll make several strong runs toward structure once hooked. Use a knocker rig with the freshest bait you can get - ballyhoo, squid, or live shrimp work well. Key trick: use minimal weight and let your bait drift naturally in the current. They're spooky, so patience pays off with these fish.
Halichoeres CyanocephalusYellowcheek wrasse might be small fish - topping out around 11 inches - but they're perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing or adding some color to your day. These bright blue and yellow beauties hang around rocky bottoms and reefs in 65-300 feet of water. You'll find them year-round off Charleston, though warmer months tend to be more productive. What's cool about them is how the juveniles actually clean parasites off bigger fish, then switch to hunting crabs and worms as adults. They're not much of a fight given their size, but they're pretty and curious fish that'll often investigate your bait. Use light tackle with size 4-6 hooks and fresh worms or small pieces of mussel. Here's a tip: they nibble more than bite, so don't use shrimp - they'll just pick at it forever without getting hooked.
5.0 out of 5.0What a enjoyable trip catching mahi dolphin. Captain Louie made the trip awesome and his boat mate. I was hesitate about going with my husband but so glad I got to experience it. Already booking for April-May next year. You will not regret it this trip.
Charleston