Wahoo & Tuna Troll Trip with Miss Emily Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Wahoo and Blackfin Tuna through offshore trolling methodsAccommodates up to 6 guests with Miss Emily ChartersFuel costs $1,100$1,400 additional to charter price
Get ready to chase some serious speed demons off the coast of Johns Island! Miss Emily Charters runs one of the most productive wahoo and blackfin tuna operations in South Carolina waters, and this offshore adventure puts you right in the heart of the action. We're talking about targeting two of the fastest, hardest-fighting fish in the Atlantic – species that'll test your drag system and leave you with stories for years. Our 6-angler capacity keeps things comfortable while giving everyone plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines. Fair warning though – fuel costs run separately at $1,100-$1,400 depending on how far we need to run to find the bite, but trust me, it's worth every penny when you're hooked up to a screaming wahoo.
We'll be running offshore into the blue water where these pelagic predators hunt, typically heading out 20-40 miles depending on where the bait and temperature breaks are setting up. The day starts early – we're talking first light departure to maximize our time in the prime feeding windows. Miss Emily knows these waters like the back of her hand, and she's got the electronics to find the structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools that hold wahoo and blackfin tuna. The vibe on board is all business when it comes to rigging and positioning, but expect plenty of laughs between hookups. These fish move fast and feed aggressively, so when we find them, the action can be non-stop. You'll spend most of your time scanning the spread, watching for that telltale splash or the distinctive sound of a reel screaming as something big grabs your bait at 30+ knots.
We run a serious trolling spread designed specifically for wahoo and blackfin tuna – we're talking high-speed trolling at 8-15 knots with a mix of skirted ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, because these fish don't mess around when it comes to testing your equipment. Wire leaders are absolutely essential for wahoo with their razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono like butter. We'll typically run 6-8 lines in a staggered pattern, with longer rigger baits, shorter flat lines, and a couple way-back baits to cover different zones in the water column. The key is covering water efficiently while keeping baits in that sweet spot where these predators cruise. When something hits, you'll know it immediately – wahoo especially have a habit of just demolishing baits with explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping instantly.
Wahoo are the absolute kings of speed in these waters, regularly hitting 40+ mph when they're on the hunt. These sleek predators typically run 20-60 pounds in our area, with the occasional monster pushing 70+ pounds that'll really put your back to work. Peak wahoo action usually fires up from late fall through early spring when water temps drop into that 72-78 degree range they love. What makes wahoo so special is their incredible speed and the way they absolutely demolish trolled baits – they're ambush predators that come out of nowhere and hit like freight trains. The fight is pure power and speed, with blistering runs that'll have your drag singing. Plus, wahoo are fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill or sashimi if you're into that.
Blackfin tuna bring a different kind of excitement to the trip – these smaller cousins of the yellowfin are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the ocean. Most blackfins we catch range from 10-25 pounds, but don't let the size fool you. These fish are pure muscle and will give you a workout that belies their weight. They're most active during warmer months when water temps climb above 75 degrees, and they tend to travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Blackfins have this amazing ability to sound deep and just bulldoze against the drag, making long, powerful runs that seem impossible for their size. They're also excellent eating with that distinctive tuna flavor and deep red meat that's prized by sushi lovers.
Johns Island offshore fishing doesn't get much better than chasing wahoo and blackfin tuna with Miss Emily Charters. This is premier big-game fishing that puts you on species most anglers only dream about catching. The combination of expert local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to prime offshore fishing grounds makes this trip a standout choice for serious anglers. Remember to factor in that fuel cost when you're planning – it's a significant expense, but it's what gets us out to where the big fish live. These aren't backyard pond fish we're targeting; they're true offshore predators that require commitment and the right approach. Book your spot now and get ready to experience some of the finest charter fishing South Carolina waters have to offer. When that drag starts screaming and you're connected to a wahoo or blackfin, you'll understand why anglers become absolutely addicted to this style of fishing.
This 39-foot Luhrs convertible is built for serious offshore action around Johns Island waters. Twin 420HP Caterpillar diesels push her through the swells at a solid 27 knots, getting you to the wahoo grounds fast and keeping you comfortable when the seas pick up. The cockpit's designed for fishing - plenty of room for six anglers to work the trolling spread without getting tangled up. She's got the range to reach those productive temperature breaks where blackfin tuna stack up, and the power to chase down screaming wahoo when they light up the outriggers. The convertible setup gives you options too - work from the cockpit or take advantage of the bridge for better visibility when you're marking fish. Captain knows these waters inside and out, from the nearshore structure to the deep blue where the big pelagics cruise. Fuel runs about $1,100-$1,400 depending on how far we chase the bite, but that's what it takes to reach the good stuff offshore Charleston.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are scrappy fighters that punch above their weight class. Most run 10-25 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. These are warm-water fish that stay close to the continental shelf, usually in 100-400 feet of water. Around here, fall through spring gives you the best shots when they school up and feed heavy. What anglers love about blackfin is their willingness to eat and that initial screaming run - they'll take line fast. The meat is dark and rich, perfect for sashimi or searing. They've got keen eyesight, so scale down your tackle. I run 30-pound fluoro leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. Key trick: chunk with pilchards to bring them up, then drop back a live bait. Once you find a school, you can usually stay on them.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that'll test your drag system - they can hit 60 mph when they take off. These sleek fish average 3-5 feet and have razor-sharp teeth, so we always run wire leaders. You'll find them in open water, usually cruising the 60-200 foot range near temperature breaks and current edges. Best action happens from late spring through fall when water temps are up. What makes wahoo special is the initial run - pure lightning - followed by solid fights on heavy tackle. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your speeds between 12-15 knots with diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo. That fast presentation triggers their predator instincts better than anything else.
Johns Island