5.0(5 Reviews)6-Hour Charleston Offshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Sixhour offshore charter with experienced Captain Louis McMichaelTarget amberjack, cobia, mahimahi, and black grouper speciesPremium gear and expert guidance provided for all skill levels
When you're looking for serious offshore action in Charleston waters, Captain Louis McMichael delivers exactly what you're after. This 6-hour charter puts you right in the heart of some of South Carolina's most productive fishing grounds, where the Gulf Stream currents bring in big pelagics and structure holds resident bottom fish. You'll head out with a captain who's been working these waters for years and knows exactly where to find the bite when conditions line up right.
Your day starts early at the marina, where you'll meet Captain Louis and get the rundown on tackle, safety, and the game plan. The boat's rigged with top-shelf gear, but if you've got lucky rods or favorite reels, bring them along. Once you clear the harbor, it's a run out to the fishing grounds where the real fun begins. Captain Louis reads the water, watches his electronics, and positions the boat where fish are most likely to be feeding. This isn't about dropping lines and hoping for the best – it's strategic fishing with a guide who understands current breaks, temperature changes, and how different species behave throughout the day. You'll spend your time actively fishing, moving between spots when needed, and learning techniques that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends.
The offshore game here runs on two main approaches: trolling for pelagics and bottom fishing structure. When you're pulling baits, you'll typically run a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and maybe some artificial lures depending on what's been producing. Captain Louis sets the lines at different depths and distances to cover more water and give you multiple shot opportunities. The boat's outfitted with quality Penn and Shimano reels that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. For bottom fishing, you'll drop heavy jigs, live baits, or chunk baits down to reefs and ledges where grouper, amberjack, and other structure fish hang out. The key is staying tight to the bottom while dealing with current, and Captain Louis will coach you through the technique so you're not just hanging sinkers on the reef.
"If you are looking for a trip that you will always remember Capitan Louie is your man. I've booked a few full day trips with him and his crew and they have always been able to put us on the fish. If nothing was biting in one spot the captain didn't waste any time and went to find them. The boat and the gear are top of the line which makes riding out and reeling in the big one just a little easier. If you want to go deep and bend big rods with the opportunity of catching the fish of a lifetime call Louie." - Kevin
"This isn't my first time chartering with Captain Louie and it certainly won't be my last. Every venture is run smooth and efficiently and the fish are always biting. It's also evident that Louie knows the waters like the back of his hand. He brings a lot of entertainment to the charter and it leaves everyone laughing and enjoying themselves. Highly recommended if you need someone to charter your next fishing adventure!" - Samantha
"Captain Loui is a great fisherman, guide, host, and a southern awesome fellow. I have been out fishing with him 3-4 times now and currently have 3 trips booked for 2023. He absolutely tore the mahi-mahi up in 2022 and put my father and brother on some quality fish. Captain Loui's choice of mates has been great also, we never missed a boated fish. I'm looking forward to his retirement so I can go more often. Obviously there is other "guides" that can fish, but you will enjoy this fishing trip I guarantee. Get some rest, your forearms and back will need it…….." - William Jason
Mahi-mahi are the crown jewel of Charleston's offshore scene, and for good reason. These fish are pure adrenaline – they hit trolled baits hard, jump like crazy, and put up a fight that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temperatures push into the 70s and you start seeing weed lines and floating debris. Mahi travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. They're also fantastic table fare, which makes the fight even more rewarding when you're planning dinner.
Cobia are another local favorite that really gets anglers fired up. These fish are sight-fishing opportunities when they're cruising near the surface, and they'll absolutely destroy a live bait or jig. Spring migration brings big numbers through Charleston waters, with fish in the 30 to 60-pound range not uncommon. They fight dirty – long, powerful runs that'll make your arms burn – and they're excellent eating if you decide to keep one for the cooler.
Lesser amberjack might not get the same press as their greater amberjack cousins, but they're scrappy fighters that'll give you a workout on medium tackle. These fish hang around structure and will hammer vertical jigs or live baits. They're year-round residents, which makes them reliable targets when other species are being finicky. The smaller size makes them perfect for getting kids or inexperienced anglers hooked on the sport.
Gag grouper are the bottom-fishing prize everyone's after. These fish live around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs, where they ambush anything that looks like an easy meal. They're not the flashiest fighters, but they're powerful and will try to wrap you up in structure the second they feel the hook. The regulations on grouper change seasonally, so Captain Louis stays current on what's legal and helps you make smart decisions about what to keep.
Atlantic sailfish are the bonus fish that can turn a good day into a legendary one. These billfish show up when conditions align
Captain Louis will get you out to the good fishing spots aboard his restored 32-foot Contender center console. This 2003 boat runs on twin 300HP Mercury engines that'll have you cruising at up to 63 knots to reach those offshore honey holes where the amberjack, cobia, and mahi are biting. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails when the action heats up. The wireless trolling motor comes in handy for those finicky fish that spook easily. Captain Louis knows these Charleston waters inside and out, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching for fish.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate trophy fish - they average 6-8 feet long and 40-60 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. We find them in 30-200 feet of water, usually following bait schools along temperature breaks and current edges. Winter months bring the best action as they migrate through our waters. What keeps anglers coming back is the spectacular fight - they'll jump repeatedly, make screaming runs, and show off those amazing colors. While catch-and-release is standard, the photos and memories last forever. My advice: when you see that sail light up behind the bait, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them turn and swim away with it before you come tight - patience gets more hookups than quick reflexes.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of my favorite species to target - they average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+, and they fight like they're twice that size. These brown, shark-looking fish cruise shallow structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers, usually in 20-60 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're moving through on their migration. What guests love most is sight-casting to them - watching a 40-pound fish swim up to investigate your bait never gets old. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat. The key is using heavy bucktail jigs in any color - they're not picky. Once hooked, lock down that drag tight because they'll immediately try to wrap you around whatever structure they came from.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the workhorse of our offshore trips - solid 15-25 pound fish that know how to use every rock and ledge to their advantage. They hang around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 40-120 feet, and they're catchable year-round with spring and fall being particularly good. What makes them popular is the combination of a strong fight and excellent table fare - they're one of the best eating fish we target. They'll immediately try to get back to their hole once hooked, so you've got to muscle them up quickly. Best trick I can share: keep your rod tip low and drag locked tight from the moment you feel the bite. Give them any slack and they'll wrap you around the bottom structure every time.
Seriola FasciataLesser amberjacks are the smaller cousins in the amberjack family, typically running 5-15 pounds when mature. They hang out deeper than most species - usually 180-430 feet down around structure and rocky bottom. You'll find them year-round in our waters, but they seem more active in cooler months. While they're not the strongest fighters, guests enjoy them for their rarity - it's not every day you catch something most people have never heard of. They're curious fish that'll hit both live bait and jigs. Here's what I've learned: drop your bait all the way to the bottom where they feed, and use a heavier jig than you think - 6-8 ounces gets down to them quickly in that depth.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here - brilliant blues and golds that put on a real light show when they come to the boat. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them push 40+. They love floating debris and weed lines in 100-300 feet of water, especially during our warmer months from May through September. What makes them special is the combination of great fight, stunning looks, and some of the best eating you'll find offshore. They'll make long runs and jump like crazy when hooked. Pro tip: when we find one mahi, there's usually more nearby - they often travel in small groups, so keep your other lines ready while we're fighting the first one.
5.0 out of 5.0If you are looking for a trip that you will always remember Capitan Louie is your man. I’ve booked a few full day trips with him a...
This isn’t my first time chartering with Captain Louie and it certainly won’t be my last. Every venture is run smooth and efficien...
Unreal fishing experience, these guys know what they’re doing. The boat is super nice with all the bells and whistles and safety e...
Once the lines were in the water the fish would not stop biting our lines. Great time my customer were happy and the captain made ...
Captain Loui is a great fisherman, guide, host, and a southern awesome fellow. I have been out fishing with him 3-4 times now and ...
Charleston