10 HR Offshore Fishing Trip with Miss Emily
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore fishing charter targeting trophy speciesExpert techniques include trolling and heavy tackle fishingProfessional crew accommodates up to 6 guests per trip
When you're serious about deep-sea fishing in Charleston, you need a charter that knows these waters like the back of their hand. Miss Emily Charters delivers exactly that – a full-day offshore adventure that puts you on the fish when they're biting hardest. This 10-hour trip takes you way beyond the inshore shallows to where the big pelagics roam. We're talking blue water fishing at its finest, where your drag screams and your arms burn from fighting fish that could be the story you tell for years. With room for up to 6 anglers, this isn't some cattle boat operation – it's intimate, professional fishing where everyone gets their shot at trophy-class gamefish.
Your day starts early – we're talking first light departure to maximize your time in the productive offshore waters. Charleston's continental shelf drops off about 60-80 miles out, and that's where the magic happens. The Gulf Stream's warm, blue water creates the perfect hunting grounds for pelagic species that migrate through these waters year-round. You'll spend your day working different depths and structure, from the mid-water column where mahi and wahoo cruise, down to the deeper edges where marlin patrol. The boat's equipped with top-shelf electronics to mark bait schools and temperature breaks – those are the sweet spots where predators stack up. Between the constant trolling, targeted bottom drops, and live bait fishing, there's never a dull moment. Just remember to bring your sea legs and plenty of sunscreen – 10 hours offshore means you're committed to the full experience.
Miss Emily runs a variety of proven techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. Trolling is your bread and butter out here – we're pulling a spread of lures and rigged baits at different speeds and depths to cover maximum water. The heavy tackle setup can handle everything from 30-pound wahoo to 400-pound blue marlin, so when something big eats, you've got the muscle to bring it to the boat. Bottom fishing comes into play when we find good structure or wrecks – that's where the big grouper and snapper live, plus you might hook into a monster amberjack that'll test your endurance. Live bait fishing is deadly effective, especially when the bite gets tough or we're targeting specific species like sailfish. The crew handles all the rigging, bait preparation, and gaff work – your job is to hang on tight when that rod doubles over. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing; the mate will coach you through every step, from setting the hook to proper fighting technique.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Charleston's offshore scene, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for cameras. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to the continental shelf. They typically run 6-8 feet long and 40-60 pounds, but it's not their size that makes them special – it's the way they light up in electric blues and purples when hooked, then launch themselves completely out of the water in desperate leaps. Most anglers prefer the catch-and-release approach with these beauties, making for great photos and conservation-minded fishing.
King Mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call them, are speed demons that'll strip line faster than you can believe. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger fish showing up in the 20-40 pound range. They're structure-oriented, so we target them around wrecks, ledges, and temperature breaks where baitfish congregate. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and sharp teeth – they'll cut through wire if you're not careful. The fight is all about speed and endurance, and they're excellent table fare if you're looking to take dinner home.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate offshore challenge – these are the fish that separate weekend warriors from serious anglers. Charleston's waters see them primarily during summer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closest to shore. We're talking fish that can exceed 500 pounds and fight for hours. The sheer power of a big blue is something you have to experience to believe – they'll sound deep, then rocket to the surface in jumps that defy physics. Most blues are released, but the experience of fighting one is pure adrenaline that'll spoil you for other types of fishing.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphin fish, are the workhorses of offshore fishing – beautiful, aggressive, and absolutely delicious. They school up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often providing fast action when you locate a good pod. These fish are stunning with their bright yellows and greens, and they fight with surprising strength for their size. Most mahi run 10-30 pounds in Charleston waters, and they're perfect for less experienced offshore anglers since they don't require ultra-heavy tackle. Plus, they're fantastic eating, making them a favorite for families looking to stock the freezer.
Wahoo are the speed freaks of the deep – these torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and will test your reflexes when they strike. They're most active during cooler months, often mixed in with king mackerel around structure. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and incredible acceleration, making for short but intense battles. They rarely jump, but their initial run will have you wondering what just hit your bait. At 30-60 pounds, they're perfect for the dinner table with their white, flaky meat that's prized by local restaurants.
Charleston's offshore fishing scene is world-class, and Miss Emily Charters has earned its reputation by consistently putting clients on fish. Remember that fuel costs run $1,100-$1,400 depending on how far we travel and current prices – it's the reality of
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard this 39-foot Luhrs sportfisher! Twin 420HP Caterpillars push this beauty at 27 knots, getting you to Charleston's prime offshore grounds fast. The cockpit's built for serious angling - plenty of room for 6 anglers to work the lines whether you're trolling for Mahi and Wahoo or dropping bottom rigs for deep water species. This convertible's got the range and power to reach the blue water where Marlin and Sailfish cruise. The boat handles Charleston's offshore swells like a champ, keeping you comfortable during those long 10-hour battles with pelagic giants. Perfect setup for heavy tackle fishing when the big ones are running. Note that fuel runs $1,100-$1,400 and mate gratuity (20%) keeps the crew happy and working hard for your catches.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds around 30+ mph with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin. These beauties average 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, but we've seen them push 100+ pounds. They cruise the surface waters between 30-65 feet, following warm currents and baitfish schools. Peak season here runs late spring through early fall when water temps hit that sweet 75-80°F range. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll have you talking for years. Plus, they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks. Pro tip: when trolling for sails, keep your spread tight and watch for that sail cutting the surface behind your baits.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - true giants that can reach 500+ pounds for males and over 1000 pounds for females (we call those "granders"). These apex predators roam the deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, usually in 100+ feet. Peak season runs summer through early fall when warm currents bring them closer to shore. The fight is legendary - they'll sound deep, then explode on the surface with jumps that'll leave you speechless. Most anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish. They're not great eating compared to other billfish, plus the conservation value is huge. Here's the key: when trolling, use industrial-grade tackle and be patient. These fish tire themselves out with their acrobatics, so let them fight and stay tight on the line.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are built for speed and they'll test your tackle. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds if you're lucky. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Best fishing happens spring through fall when they migrate through our waters. What guests love is the screaming runs - kings will strip line like nobody's business, then come back for more. They're also fantastic table fare with that white, flaky meat. The challenge is their razor-sharp teeth that'll cut right through your leader if you're not careful. Always use wire leaders and rig with a hook near the head and one trailing behind - kings love to attack baitfish from the rear.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are hands-down one of the prettiest fish in the ocean with those brilliant gold, green, and blue colors that put on a light show when you boat them. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-300 feet of water. Best action happens late spring through early fall when they follow the Gulf Stream. What makes them special is they're aggressive feeders, excellent fighters with good jumps, and absolutely delicious eating - firm, white, mild-flavored meat that's perfect on the grill. They often travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep lines in the water for doubles or triples. Pro tip: make your baits skip and dance on the surface - they love chasing flying fish and can't resist that action.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed demons, hitting 50+ mph with those torpedo-shaped bodies and razor teeth. Most run 20-50 pounds, but we've seen 80+ pounders that'll make your reel smoke. They cruise open water from the surface down to 200 feet, often near drop-offs and current edges. Best fishing is late fall through winter when they move through our area following baitfish. What gets anglers hooked is that initial run - nothing hits harder or faster than a wahoo. Plus, the meat is outstanding - white, flaky, and mild like premium tuna. The trick is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders (their teeth will slice mono instantly). Use fast-moving lures and be ready - when they hit, it's game on immediately. Keep your drag smooth because they'll test every part of your setup.
Johns Island