12-Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targets premium game fish speciesHeavy tackle and trolling techniques for deep sea fishingSixperson capacity boat with professional mate service
If you're looking for serious fishing action off Johns Island, this 12-hour offshore charter with Miss Emily Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a full day on the water where you'll have the chance to battle some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're heading way out where the big boys live, and you'll have the time to really work the waters properly. With only 6 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of room to fish and the personal attention that makes all the difference when you're trying to land that fish of a lifetime.
We'll be leaving early to make the most of these 12 hours, and trust me, you'll want every minute once we reach the fishing grounds. The boat heads out to the deeper waters where the structure and currents bring in the big predators. You'll be fishing in 80 to 200+ feet of water, depending on what species we're targeting that day. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on the fish using their years of experience reading the conditions. Expect to see plenty of action once we get set up – this isn't a sightseeing cruise, it's a serious fishing trip for anglers who want to catch fish. The day moves fast when you're hooked up, so be ready to take turns on the rods and help your fellow anglers when they need it.
We'll be running a mix of techniques to maximize your chances at different species throughout the day. Heavy tackle trolling is the bread and butter for covering water and finding the pelagics like marlin, wahoo, and mahi. The crew will set a spread of lures and baits while we're moving between spots, so you're always fishing even when we're relocating. When we find structure or good bottom, we'll switch to bottom fishing with heavy sinkers to get down to the grouper and amberjack. The tackle is all top-shelf gear that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. You'll be using 50-80 pound class rods for the big stuff, and the crew will match your tackle to whatever species we're targeting. Don't worry if you've never used heavy offshore gear before – the mate will get you sorted and help you fight your fish properly.
King Mackerel are one of the most reliable targets out here, and for good reason. These smokers will absolutely scream line off your reel on that initial run, and they're notorious for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. Spring through fall is prime time for kings, and we'll typically find them around structure or temperature breaks. They're perfect for anglers who want fast action and great eating fish. Most kings we catch range from 20-40 pounds, but the big females can push 50+ pounds and will give you a workout you won't forget.
Blue Marlin fishing off Johns Island is world-class, and hooking one of these apex predators is what offshore fishing dreams are made of. These magnificent fish can show up any time from late spring through early fall, but summer months are peak season. We're talking about fish that can weigh anywhere from 200 to over 500 pounds, and when one eats your bait, everything changes. The initial run is absolutely explosive, and the fight can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Even if you don't land one, just having a blue marlin come up behind the boat is something you'll remember forever.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphin fish, are hands-down one of the most fun species to catch offshore. They're absolutely gorgeous fish with their bright colors, and they're known for traveling in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Mahi are most active during the warmer months, and they're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature changes. They're aggressive feeders and put up a great fight with lots of jumps and runs. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean, so you'll definitely want to keep a few for dinner.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, and they're absolutely brutal on the initial run. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60+ mph, and when they eat a trolling lure, you'll know it immediately. They're most active in the fall and winter months, and we'll typically pick them up while trolling for other species. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and will cut you off if you're not using wire leader, but when everything comes together, they're one of the most exciting fish to catch. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Cobia are one of those species that always seem to surprise anglers with their power and endurance. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious fish that will often come right up to the boat to investigate. They're most active in the warmer months and are often found around structure or floating debris. Cobia are known for their bulldogging fights – they won't jump much, but they'll pull hard and long. They can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds being caught regularly. They're also fantastic eating, which makes them a favorite target for many offshore anglers.
This 12-hour offshore adventure represents some of the best fishing you'll find in the Charleston area, and spots fill up quickly during peak season. Remember that fuel isn't included in the charter price – budget around $1,200-$1,500 for fuel costs, and don't forget the customary 20% tip for your mate who works hard to make sure you have a successful day. Bring plenty of sunscreen, snacks, and drinks since meals aren't provided, and be ready for a long but rewarding day on the water. Miss Emily Charters has built their reputation on putting anglers on
This 39-foot Luhrs convertible is built for serious offshore action in the deep waters off Johns Island. With twin 420HP Caterpillar engines pushing you to 27 knots, you'll reach the prime fishing grounds where marlin, mahi, and tuna are waiting. The spacious cockpit gives all 6 anglers room to work, whether you're battling a king mackerel on heavy tackle or watching the outriggers for that telltale zip of a wahoo strike. The boat's proven sportfishing design handles blue water swells with ease while you troll the current breaks or drop down for grouper and amberjack. Professional fishing electronics help locate the bite, and there's plenty of storage for tackle, bait, and your cooler full of fresh catch. This is your floating headquarters for a full day of targeting everything from cobia to sailfish in South Carolina's productive offshore waters.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate offshore trophy - females can reach 400-1800 pounds while males typically stay under 350. These deep blue water predators cruise the Gulf Stream edges and drop-offs, usually 30+ miles offshore in 200+ feet of water. Summer through early fall offers our best shot when warm currents bring baitfish close. What draws anglers is the raw power and aerial displays - nothing matches a marlin's first jump. The fight can last hours, making it a true test of endurance. We focus on trolling large ballyhoo with circle hooks and heavy tackle around temperature breaks. Pro tip: when you see one, keep the boat moving - marlins often travel in small groups, so where there's one, there might be more nearby.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are curious, powerful fish that average 30-60 pounds, with some reaching over 100. These brown, shark-looking predators cruise shallow waters around structure - wrecks, buoys, and channel markers in 20-80 feet. Spring migration (April-June) is prime time when they're moving north to spawn. What makes cobia fishing exciting is the sight-fishing aspect - you'll actually see them swimming near the surface before casting. They fight hard with strong runs and stubborn head-shakes. The meat is firm, white, and rivals grouper for taste. They're naturally curious, often approaching the boat to investigate. Pro tip: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig past it and work it back slowly - they like to follow before striking, so be patient and let them commit.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish in these waters, averaging 20-40 pounds with trophy fish hitting 50+ pounds. You'll find them cruising 40-150 feet deep around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. They're most active here from late spring through fall when water temps hit 68°F or higher. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and skills. Plus, they make excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. One key tip: always use a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. We typically troll with live ballyhoo or spoons, keeping baits moving fast to trigger their predatory instincts.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are gorgeous fish that put on quite a show, both in the water and on deck with their color-changing abilities. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we see bulls over 50. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-600 feet of water. Best action happens spring through fall when they're following warm currents north. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, tail-walk, and pull drag consistently. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for the table. They're also social fish, so catching one often means there are others nearby. My tip: when you hook one, keep another bait in the water and work the area thoroughly. The school usually sticks around.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons hitting 50+ mph, making them one of our most thrilling targets. These sleek predators typically run 20-60 pounds with their distinctive blue stripes and razor teeth. They patrol the edges of deep water, usually 100+ feet, around drop-offs and current breaks. Fall and winter are prime time when they move closer to shore following baitfish. What makes wahoo special is that explosive first run - nothing prepares you for how fast they take line. The meat is white, firm, and considered premium table fare. They're loners, so it's often one and done. Key tip: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and keep your drag tight. These fish hit hard and don't give you time to adjust once they're on.
Johns Island