Expert Guided Offshore Fishing Adventures Charleston SC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charter targeting groupers, snappers, and king mackerel32foot Contender travels 1530 miles from Charleston coastMaximum 4 guests with live bait trolling and bottom fishing
Picture this: you're 15 to 30 miles out from Charleston's coastline, riding the swells in a solid 32-foot Contender, with your line screaming off the reel as something big takes off with your bait. That's exactly what you'll get with Marsh View Fishing Charters. We're talking serious offshore action where the bottom structure holds some of the best eating fish in these waters, and when conditions are right, we'll throw some live bait around for the big predators that cruise these drop-offs. Fair warning though—fuel costs keep climbing, so there's a 5 to 10% surcharge that might hit your final bill. But trust me, when you're fighting a cobia that's longer than your leg or pulling up red snappers hand over fist, you won't be thinking about gas prices.
This isn't your typical half-day nearshore trip. We're heading out to the real deal—those productive bottom spots where grouper stack up like cordwood and snapper fishing can be lights-out good. The 32-foot Contender gives us the range and stability to hit these offshore honey holes comfortably, even when there's a bit of chop running. You'll spend most of your time bottom fishing, dropping baits down to structure that holds everything from keeper-sized seabass to monster groupers. But here's where it gets interesting: depending on what's happening seasonally, we'll switch gears and start trolling live bait or pulling lures for the big pelagics. King mackerel, amberjack, and cobia all cruise these same waters, and when they're feeding, things can get crazy fast. With just four anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew.
Bottom fishing out here means heavy tackle and serious weights to get your bait down through the current. We're talking 60-80 pound class gear loaded with enough lead to punch through that Gulf Stream push. Circle hooks are the name of the game for most of our bottom fishing—they hook fish clean and give you the best shot at a successful release if you're over your limit or dealing with out-of-season fish. When we switch to trolling mode, that's when the fun really starts. Live bait on the flats or around structure is deadly for cobia and king mackerel, especially during their peak seasons. We'll also pull some artificials when the bite calls for it. The boat comes rigged with everything you need, from the heavy bottom rigs to the trolling spread, so just bring yourself and maybe some extra sunscreen.
Goliath Grouper are the ultimate bucket-list fish in these waters. These prehistoric-looking giants can push 200, 300, even 400 pounds, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it instantly. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight is something you'll never forget. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they love hanging around wrecks and hard bottom in 60 to 100 feet of water. The adrenaline rush of stopping one of these monsters before it gets back to its hole is pure fishing addiction.
King Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system and your arms. These silver bullets typically run anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds in our area, with the occasional smoker king pushing 50-plus. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, and they're suckers for live bait trolled at the right speed. When kings are feeding, you might hook three or four in a single drift. They're also fantastic table fare when handled properly—firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef. These amber-sided bruisers average 20 to 50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They love vertical structure—wrecks, rock piles, and artificial reefs—and they'll absolutely punish your equipment on the way up. Summer months are prime time for AJs, and they're notorious for making long, powerful runs that'll have your arms screaming. Pro tip: don't try to horse them up too fast, or they'll throw the hook every time.
Cobia are hands-down one of the most exciting fish to target. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks, but they sure look like it from the surface) cruise shallow water in spring and early summer, often following rays and sharks around. They're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat to investigate, making for some heart-stopping sight fishing opportunities. A big cobia will go 30 to 60 pounds and makes for outstanding eating—firm, mild meat that's been called the "poor man's tuna."
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of offshore bottom fishing when they're in season. These beautiful fish average 3 to 8 pounds, but the occasional slab will push 15 or 20 pounds. They're schooling fish, so when you find them, you can often load the boat quickly. Snapper season is heavily regulated, but when it's open, there's nothing more satisfying than pulling up these gorgeous red fish hand over fist. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean—sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for just about any preparation.
Charleston's offshore scene doesn't wait around for anyone, and the best fishing windows fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. This top-rated charter gives you access to some of the most productive waters off the South Carolina coast, with a captain who knows where the fish live and how to put you on them. Whether you're after that photo-worthy goliath grouper or looking to fill the cooler with snapper and kings, this trip delivers the real deal offshore experience. The 32-foot Contender
Get ready to chase fish 15-30 miles offshore Charleston aboard our restored 32' Contender! This 2004 beauty runs on twin 250HP Yamahas that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 50 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need - GPS to find the hotspots, radar for those foggy mornings, and fish finder to locate your targets. The onboard kitchen keeps snacks handy while you're bottom fishing for grouper and snapper, or live bait trolling for king mackerel and cobia depending on the season. With a head onboard, you can stay out longer chasing that next big catch. This boat handles Charleston's offshore waters like a champ, getting you to where the seabass and amberjack are biting. Note there's a 5-10% fuel surcharge with current fuel prices, but it's worth every penny when you're hauling in your limit!
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are fantastic table fare and put up a solid scrap. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds and love hanging around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they're moving through our area to spawn. They're often spotted cruising just under the surface, making sight fishing exciting. Bucktail jigs work great, but live eels or crabs are hard to beat. The firm, white meat rivals any fish in the sea. Since they're usually solo or in small groups, each fish is a prize. Watch for rays - cobia often follow them looking for stirred-up crabs and shrimp. A 4-8 oz jig worked near the bottom around structure is my favorite approach.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese massive groupers can reach up to 800 pounds and 8 feet long - they're true giants of our reefs. You'll find them around structure in 40-150 feet, often lurking near wrecks and ledges about 20-25 miles offshore. They're curious fish that aren't shy, sometimes even following divers around. The fight is short but intense - that first run will test your back and your tackle. Remember, all Goliath Grouper must be released immediately - they're protected due to overfishing. While you can't keep them, the thrill of hooking into something this size makes for stories that last a lifetime. My tip: use heavy tackle with 20/0 circle hooks and bounce your bait off the bottom to get their attention. They have no natural predators, so they're bold.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are bulldog fighters that'll test your arms and your drag system. These blue-grey bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can push 80+ around our offshore structure. Look for them on wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. They're not picky eaters - live bait, jigs, and plugs all work well. The meat is firm and tasty, though larger fish may carry ciguatera. April through October gives you the best shot at quality fish. My go-to technique is dropping live pinfish or cigar minnows to the bottom, then working them up through the water column. Keep steady pressure once hooked - they'll try to cut you off on the structure if you give them slack.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that average 20-30 pounds but can hit 90+ in our waters. We target them trolling in 40-150 feet, usually 15-30 miles out where the water turns blue. Spring through fall is prime time when they're chasing bait along temperature breaks and current edges. These fish make blistering runs that'll scream drag, and their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are a must. The meat is excellent grilled or smoked, though larger fish can have higher mercury levels. Kings often hit the back half of live baits, so rig with a stinger hook through the bait's back and another in the nose. When trolling, vary your speeds between 6-8 knots to find what they want that day.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - beautiful fish with some of the best eating you'll find. Most of our fish run 15-25 inches and 3-8 pounds, though 10+ pounders show up regularly around good structure. We target them in 60-200 feet over rocky bottom, wrecks, and artificial reefs. Summer months offer the best action when they're spawning and feeding heavily. These fish fight hard straight down, trying to get back to cover. Fresh cigar minnows and cut bait work well, but live pinfish will usually pick out the bigger ones. Drop your bait right to the bottom - they're not coming up to meet you. Keep constant pressure once hooked since they'll wrap you up in the structure if given a chance.
Myrtle Beach