8 HR Offshore Trip in Charleston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore fishing targeting marlin, mahi, and wahooExpert guidance with trolling and heavy tackle techniquesSmall group experience with 6person maximum capacity
If you're looking for a serious offshore fishing adventure in Charleston, this 8-hour charter with Miss Emily Charters is exactly what you need. We'll take you and up to 5 other anglers into the deep blue waters off Charleston, where the big fish live and the action never stops. This isn't some quick inshore trip – we're talking about a full-day commitment to chasing the giants that make offshore fishing legendary. From the moment we clear the jetties, you'll understand why Charleston's offshore waters are considered some of the best on the East Coast for targeting trophy species.
Your day starts early – we're talking sunrise departure to maximize our time in the productive waters. Once we're out there, you'll quickly realize why experienced anglers swear by Charleston's offshore scene. The Gulf Stream influence brings in warm, nutrient-rich water that attracts baitfish, and where there's bait, there are hungry predators. We'll be running anywhere from 20 to 60 miles offshore, depending on where the fish are showing up and what the conditions look like. The boat is equipped with top-tier electronics, so we're not just guessing – we're hunting with precision. Expect to cover some serious water as we chase temperature breaks, current edges, and structure that holds fish. Just remember, fuel costs run $600-$800 and aren't included in your charter fee, plus it's customary to tip the mate 20% – these guys work hard to put you on fish.
We're talking about real offshore fishing here, which means we use a variety of proven techniques to target different species. Trolling is our bread and butter – we'll pull spreads of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and artificial lures at various speeds to cover water and locate active fish. When we mark fish on the bottom or find floating structure, we'll switch to heavy tackle bottom fishing with live or cut bait. The tackle is serious stuff – we're talking 50-80 pound class gear because you never know when a big blue marlin or massive amberjack is going to eat your bait. The mate will have everything rigged and ready, from circle hooks to wire leaders, and they'll coach you through the fight when you hook up. If you're new to offshore fishing, don't worry – the crew knows how to put first-timers on fish while keeping things safe and fun.
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, and Charleston's waters hold good numbers from late spring through fall. These fish average 6-8 feet long and put on aerial displays that'll have you grabbing for your camera between jumps. They're incredibly fast and will test your reflexes and stamina. What makes sailfish special is their unpredictability – one minute they're cruising the surface, the next they're 100 feet in the air, tail-walking across the horizon.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate trophy fish, and Charleston is right in their migration path. These monsters can exceed 500 pounds and will challenge every ounce of skill and endurance you have. Summer months bring the best opportunities, especially around temperature breaks and underwater structure. Landing a blue marlin is a bucket-list achievement that most anglers dream about their entire lives. The fight can last hours, and the memories will last forever.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are probably the most exciting fish you'll encounter out there. They're gorgeous, with brilliant gold and green colors that change as they fight. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature changes, and they often travel in schools. When you find one, there are usually more nearby. Mahi are also fantastic eating, making them a favorite among anglers who want both sport and a great meal.
Wahoo are speed demons that can hit 60 mph and will scream line off your reel like nothing you've ever experienced. These torpedo-shaped fish have razor-sharp teeth and incredible acceleration. They're often caught while trolling for other species, and their initial run is absolutely jaw-dropping. Wahoo are also excellent table fare, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling.
Cobia are the curious giants of the offshore world. These fish can exceed 50 pounds and are known for following boats and investigating anything unusual. They're incredibly strong fighters and will use their broad tail to bulldoze toward structure or the bottom. Cobia season runs from spring through fall, and they're often found around floating debris, buoys, or following rays and sharks.
This 8-hour offshore charter represents serious fishing at its finest. You're getting access to some of the best offshore waters on the East Coast, professional-grade equipment, and a crew that knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or ready to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action and adventure that keeps people coming back year after year. The combination of Charleston's productive waters, Miss Emily Charters' reputation, and the variety of species available makes this a top-rated choice for anyone serious about offshore fishing. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Step aboard this solid 39-foot Luhrs Convertible and get ready to chase some serious fish in Charleston's offshore waters. Twin 420HP Caterpillar engines push this sportfisher at a steady 27 knots, cutting through swells to reach the productive fishing grounds where Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo roam. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails whether you're dropping heavy tackle to the bottom or running trolling lines for pelagic species. The boat's convertible design gives you options - stay covered during the run out or move into the cockpit when it's time to battle a Blue Marlin. Captain and crew know these Charleston waters inside and out, positioning you over structure and current breaks where the big fish feed. Fuel runs $600-800 depending on how far offshore the bite takes you, and don't forget to tip your mate 20% - they'll be working hard gaffing your catch and keeping the lines untangled.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds up to 68 mph when they're fired up. These stunning billfish average around 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. We find them in warm surface waters, usually 30-65 feet down, but they'll hunt deeper when chasing bait. Spring through fall gives us our best shots here off Charleston when water temps hit that sweet spot above 70°F. What makes sailfish special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on an aerial show that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. Plus, they change colors during the battle, flashing blues and silvers. My tip: when you see that sail come up behind your bait, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them eat it first, then hang on tight.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the kings of offshore fishing - these massive billfish can reach over 1,000 pounds, though most we see run 200-600 pounds. The females get much bigger than males, sometimes four times the size. They cruise the deep blue water along current breaks and temperature changes, usually staying in the top 100 feet. Summer and early fall are prime time here off Charleston when the Gulf Stream edges closer to shore. What draws people to marlin fishing is the pure power and stamina - they'll make blistering runs, jump clear out of the water, and test every bit of your tackle and endurance. The meat's decent eating too, though many folks release these giants. Here's what I've learned: when you get a marlin bite, don't horse them. Let them make their initial runs, keep steady pressure, and be patient. These fish can fight for hours, so pace yourself and your drag system.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our favorite targets because they're curious, aggressive, and excellent eating. These brown, shark-looking fish average 40-80 pounds and 4-5 feet, but can push over 100 pounds. You'll often mistake them for sharks until you see that single dorsal fin. We find them around structure - reefs, wrecks, buoys, and markers - usually in 20-80 feet of water. Spring migration in April and May is prime time, then again in fall when they're heading south. What's cool about cobia is they're often sight fishing targets, cruising just under the surface where you can cast right to them. They fight strong and steady, not as flashy as some species but they'll test your tackle. The meat is firm and flavorful, some of the best eating offshore. Here's my go-to technique: use a bucktail jig and work it slowly near the bottom around structure. When you see one, get excited - they usually travel alone, so each shot counts.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs. They change colors like crazy when you bring them to the boat - it's quite a light show. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3-4 feet, though we've seen some push 50-60 pounds. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and any structure in the open ocean, usually hanging in the top 30 feet. Spring through fall is our season here, especially when water temps climb above 75°F. Guests love mahi because they fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing on the dinner table - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. They also travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep a few baits in the water nearby. The hooked fish will often call in the rest of the school for multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and provide some of the most blistering runs you'll experience offshore. They average 3-5 feet and 30-80 pounds, with razor-sharp teeth and distinctive blue zebra stripes. We find them in open water around 30-100 feet deep, often near temperature breaks or current edges. Fall and winter months are our best bet here off Charleston when they're moving through on their migration. What makes wahoo special is that explosive initial run - they'll scream line off your reel like nothing else. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare with white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling. Since they're usually solitary or in small groups, each fish is a prize. My advice: use wire leaders because those teeth will slice through mono like butter, and be ready for that first run - it'll test your drag system and your nerves.
Johns Island