5.0(1 Reviews)Charleston Scenic Offshore Fishing
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing trip with experienced Captain Louis McMichaelTarget amberjack, cobia, mahimahi, and black grouper speciesPremium equipment provided for up to six guests maximum
Captain Louis McMichael knows these Charleston waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why offshore fishing here is something special. This 6-hour trip takes you beyond the inshore waters where the real action happens – we're talking amberjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, and grouper that'll give you stories to tell for years. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work and won't feel crowded when the fish start biting. The best part? You get to soak in some of the most beautiful coastal scenery the Lowcountry has to offer while you're waiting for that next strike.
We head out from Charleston's waters into the deeper blue where the big fish live. Captain Louis sets the pace – this isn't a rush job where you're constantly moving from spot to spot. Instead, you'll settle into productive areas where the fish are feeding and give them time to find your baits. The trip strikes a perfect balance between serious fishing and taking in the sights. You'll see the Charleston coastline from a whole new angle, watch dolphins work the same waters you're fishing, and maybe catch a glimpse of sea turtles cruising by. The vibe stays relaxed throughout the day, which means whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll feel right at home. Captain Louis keeps an eye on everyone's lines and jumps in with tips when you need them most.
Captain Louis runs top-shelf rods and reels that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait out there. We're talking about gear that's built for the offshore game – strong enough for those hard-fighting amberjack but sensitive enough that you'll feel every tap from a curious grouper. Most of the action happens while trolling, which means we're covering water and putting baits in front of fish that are actively feeding. You'll learn how to work the rods properly, when to set the hook, and how to fight fish without wearing yourself out. The captain rotates everyone through different positions so everybody gets their shot at the prime spots. When we're not trolling, we might drop down on structure where the grouper hang out or work some live bait around floating debris where mahi-mahi like to gather.
"10 out of 10 recommend this was our first time going deep-sea fishing and we had a blast. The captain was super nice and gave us good tips and everything. We call a bunch of fish and we just love the experience." - Nicolette
Mahi-mahi are the crowd-pleasers out here, and for good reason. These fish are absolutely gorgeous with their bright gold and green colors, and they fight like crazy once hooked. They show up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, usually in schools. When you find one mahi, there are often more nearby. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they'll hit both trolled baits and live offerings. The best part about mahi fishing is watching them jump – these fish go airborne repeatedly and put on a real show.
Lesser amberjack are the muscle of the offshore scene around Charleston. These fish live around structure and will test your tackle and your arms when you hook into one. They make powerful runs toward the bottom and use their broad sides to fight you every inch of the way up. Amberjack are present year-round but fishing is typically best from spring through fall when water temperatures are warmer. They're not picky eaters and will hit live baits, jigs, and trolled offerings. Landing a good-sized amberjack gives you serious bragging rights.
Cobia are one of the most exciting fish to target because you often see them before you catch them. These brown sharks-looking fish cruise near the surface and around structure, and they're curious enough to check out the boat. When you spot one, the adrenaline kicks in as you try to get a bait in front of them. Cobia are strong fighters that make long runs, and they're excellent table fare. They're most common from late spring through early fall, with peak action typically in summer months.
Gag grouper are the bottom dwellers that every offshore angler wants to tangle with. These fish live around hard structure and rocky areas, and they're notorious for trying to cut you off in the rocks when hooked. Grouper fishing requires heavier tackle and quick reflexes – when you get a bite, you need to turn their head and start gaining line immediately. They're most active during cooler months when they move into shallower water, making fall and winter prime time for grouper action around Charleston.
Atlantic sailfish are the prize catch that can show up when you least expect it. These billfish are built for speed and acrobatics, and hooking one turns the whole boat into chaos in the best way possible. Sailfish are most common during winter months when they migrate through Charleston's offshore waters. They'll hit trolled baits and put on an aerial display that makes every other fish look tame. Even though most are released, landing a sail gives you a fishing memory that lasts forever.
Captain Louis McMichael's Charleston offshore trips fill up quickly, especially during prime fishing seasons. This 6-hour adventure gives you the perfect taste of what offshore fishing is all about – quality time on the water, shots at multiple species, and scenery that makes even slow fishing days worthwhile. Whether you're planning a family outing, celebrating with friends, or just need to get away from shore for a day, this trip delivers. The combination of Captain Louis's local knowledge, quality gear, and productive fishing grounds makes this a top-rated choice for Charleston offshore fishing. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the fish are biting and the calendar
Get ready to fish the deep waters off Charleston aboard this restored 32-foot Contender center console. Captain Louis McMichael's boat packs twin 300HP Mercury engines that'll cruise you out to the offshore grounds at 63 knots, getting you to the fish fast. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to work, while the fish finder helps locate schools of amberjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, and black grouper. When visibility drops, the onboard radar keeps you safe, and the GPS ensures you hit all the productive spots. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. Pack your lunch in the icebox and settle in for 6 hours of serious fishing with one of Charleston's most experienced captains. This 2003 vessel got a full restoration in 2019, so everything runs smooth while you focus on bending rods and filling the cooler.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing - there's nothing quite like watching that sail light up and seeing them dance across the water. These magnificent fish typically run 6-8 feet long and average around 50 pounds, though we see some pushing 100+. They cruise the 30-80 foot depths in blue water, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Winter and spring give us our best shots when they migrate through warmer waters. What makes sailfish special is that aerial show - they'll jump, tailwalk, and put on a performance you'll never forget. They're built for speed and endurance, so the fight can last 20-30 minutes. While some folks release them, they do make good table fare. The trick is patience during the fight - let them run when they want to run, and don't horse them. When trolling, I like to tease them up to the boat first to get them fired up before presenting the bait.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of my favorite fish to target because they're sight fishing at its finest. These chocolate-brown fish cruise near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and structure, often looking like small sharks until you spot that distinctive flat head. They typically run 20-50 pounds, with some reaching 6 feet long. Spring and early summer are prime time when they migrate through our waters for spawning. What makes cobia special is they're aggressive predators that will often eat whatever you throw at them, plus they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat. The fight is strong and steady - they don't jump much but they'll pull drag and test your gear. Here's the secret: once you spot one cobia, slow down and work the area thoroughly. They're usually solitary, but where there's good structure and bait, there's often more than one around. A bucktail jig works great, but live bait is hard to beat.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing, though they can be tricky to land. These gray, marbled fish typically run 15-25 pounds around our offshore structure and can live up to 30 years. They love rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water, always looking for a place to hide and ambush prey. Fall through early spring tends to be our best grouper season when they're more active. What guests love about gags is the surprise factor - you never know when that rod's going to double over, and once hooked, they'll immediately try to run back to the rocks. They're also some of the finest eating fish in the ocean with sweet, flaky meat. The key to success is keeping your drag locked tight from the moment you set the hook. Don't give them an inch, or they'll dive straight into the structure and break you off. Live pinfish and cut bait work best.
Seriola FasciataLesser amberjack are the smaller cousins in the amberjack family, but don't let that fool you - they still pack a punch. These guys typically run 5-15 pounds and stay much deeper than their bigger relatives, hanging out in 180-430 feet of water around structure like wrecks and reefs. You can target them year-round, but the cooler months often produce better fishing when they're more active in our deeper offshore waters. What's neat about them is they're kind of a bonus fish - not everyone specifically targets them, but when you hook one while bottom fishing, you know you've got something special. They fight hard for their size and make decent table fare. The key trick is getting your bait all the way to the bottom where they live. I like using a good vertical jig or live bait on a heavy sinker to reach them in that deep water column.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter offshore, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a light show when they're brought to the boat. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds out here, though we occasionally hook into bigger bulls. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in the warmer months, usually cruising near the surface in water 100+ feet deep. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they'll jump, run, and show off those amazing colors the whole time. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that firm, sweet meat. My tip: when you see one, there's usually more around, so keep your lines in the water after landing the first fish.
5.0 out of 5.010 out of 10 recommend this was our first time going deep-sea fishing and we had a blast. The captain was super nice and gave us g...
Charleston