12-Hour Offshore Charter: Albacore & Cobia
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targeting Albacore Tuna and CobiaCaptain Randy provides all bait, tackle, and fishing gearAccommodates up to 6 guests for deep water fishing
When you're serious about fishing and ready to spend a full day chasing pelagics in the deep blue water off Myrtle Beach, Captain Randy's 12-hour offshore charter is exactly what you've been looking for. This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're talking about a real commitment to fishing where you'll venture 20-30 miles offshore into the Gulf Stream's productive waters. With up to 6 anglers on board, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows, and Captain Randy provides all the heavy tackle, bait, and gear you need to tangle with some serious gamefish. Pack your cooler with food and drinks, bring good sun protection, and get ready for what could be the best fishing day of your South Carolina vacation.
Your day starts early - we're talking about a dawn departure to make the most of those prime fishing hours. The run out to the fishing grounds takes about an hour depending on where the fish are showing up, but that gives you time to get rigged up and watch the sunrise paint the Atlantic. Captain Randy knows these waters like the back of his hand and uses his electronics to locate structure, temperature breaks, and baitfish that hold the species we're after. The boat is equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy line because when you hook into a 40-pound Cobia or a screaming Albacore, you want gear that won't let you down. This charter runs rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe, so dress in layers and be ready for a full day of serious fishing. The extended 12-hour timeframe means we can hit multiple spots, adjust our tactics based on what's biting, and really maximize your chances of filling the fish box.
Most of our fishing is done trolling a spread of lures and rigged baits at varying depths to cover the water column where different species feed. We'll run a combination of diving plugs, spoons, and ballyhoo rigs to target everything from surface-feeding Mahi to deeper-running Wahoo. When we mark fish on the finder or spot working birds, we might switch to live bait fishing or jigging depending on what the conditions call for. The tackle is sized right for the job - we're using 30 to 50-pound class gear that can handle the initial runs these offshore species are famous for. Captain Randy will coach you through the fights, help with the gaffing, and make sure you get photos of any trophy fish before deciding whether to keep them for dinner or release them to fight another day. The key to success on these long offshore trips is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish are telling you, which is exactly how Captain Randy approaches every charter.
Albacore Tuna are the speed demons of the offshore world, and Myrtle Beach sits right in their migration path during spring and fall. These fish typically run 15-40 pounds and are absolute rockets when hooked, making blistering runs that will test your drag settings and endurance. They school up around temperature breaks and underwater structure, feeding heavily on small baitfish and squid. What makes Albacore so exciting is their unpredictability - one minute you're trolling in seemingly empty water, the next you've got three rods screaming as a school moves through your spread. The meat is top-shelf for sashimi or grilling, making them a favorite target for anglers who love both the fight and the table fare.
Cobia are the bruisers that every offshore angler dreams about hooking into. These brown sharks of the reef world can reach 50+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size, diving hard for structure and making powerful runs that will leave your arms burning. They're curious fish that often follow rays and sharks, so sight fishing opportunities are common when conditions are clear. Cobia are most active from late spring through early fall around Myrtle Beach, hanging around wrecks, reefs, and floating debris where they ambush crabs and baitfish. When you hook a big Cobia, expect a battle that combines the initial run of a tuna with the bulldog pulling power of a grouper - it's the kind of fight that makes 12-hour charters totally worth it.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics to offshore fishing, with their brilliant yellows and greens flashing as they jump and tail-walk across the surface. These fish are opportunistic feeders that gather around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often traveling in schools that can provide fast action when you find them. They typically run 10-30 pounds in these waters and are aggressive biters that will hit both trolled lures and live bait presentations. What makes Mahi special is their willingness to stick around once you hook one - often the whole school will stay with the hooked fish, giving you shots at multiple hookups if you work it right.
Wahoo are the speed merchants that can humble even experienced anglers with their lightning-fast strikes and line-burning runs. These toothy predators lurk along drop-offs and temperature breaks, ambushing baitfish with incredible speed that can reach 60 mph. When a Wahoo hits your trolled bait, there's no mistaking it - the rod doubles over and line disappears from the reel before you can even react. They're most active during the cooler months around Myrtle Beach, making fall and winter charters particularly productive for targeting these silver bullets.
Red Snapper are the bottom-dwellers that provide consistent action around the offshore reefs and wrecks. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, requiring precise presentations and quick hooksets to pull them away from their rocky hideouts. They typically run 5-15 pounds in these waters and are prized for their excellent eating qualities. Snapper fishing adds variety to the charter and gives you something to target when the pelagic
Captain Randy's offshore fishing boat is built for serious anglers who want to chase big game fish in the deep waters off Myrtle Beach. This motorboat handles the open ocean with confidence, taking up to 6 guests into prime fishing grounds where Albacore Tuna and Cobia roam. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure while the GPS keeps you on productive spots. Stay connected with the VHF radio and move quietly around feeding fish with the wireless trolling motor. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long 12-hour runs. With a toilet onboard, you can focus on fishing without cutting the day short. All the tackle and bait are provided - just bring your cooler, snacks, and sunscreen for a full day of offshore action targeting everything from Wahoo to Mahi Mahi depending on what's biting.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat" tuna, and for good reason - the meat is fantastic. These bullet-shaped fish average 20-45 pounds with distinctive long pectoral fins. We find them in deep offshore waters where they travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles. Spring through summer is prime time when they're feeding actively during daylight hours. What makes them exciting is when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They're constantly moving and never rest, making them tough fighters. The meat is firm, light-colored, and mild - perfect for sushi or grilled. Trolling is key since they're always on the move. Keep lures 50-90 feet behind the boat, and remember: land the first fish quickly or the whole school might spook and disappear.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are big, brown bruisers that average around 6 feet and can hit 100 pounds. They're loners that cruise near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-300 feet of water. Spring migration and spawning season are prime times to target them here off South Carolina. What makes cobia special is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight - they'll try to drag you straight back to structure. The table fare is outstanding too, with firm white meat that rivals any fish. They're curious fish that often come right up to the boat for a look. My go-to technique is sight fishing with bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range. Color doesn't matter much, but presentation does - work that jig naturally and be ready for a powerful strike.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are tough customers that can reach 80 pounds, though most run around 20 inches. These greyish fish with marbled patterns love rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks where they can ambush prey. They're available year-round but spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active. What makes them challenging is their bulldog fight - once hooked, they'll dive straight for cover and try to break you off in the rocks. The payoff is excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat. They prefer live bait like pinfish and mullet, but cut squid and crab work too. Here's the secret: once you hook one, lock your drag and don't give them an inch. Keep your rod tip low and horse them up fast before they can get back into their hole.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are stunning fish with golden sides and electric blues and greens that flash underwater. They average 15-29 pounds and put on a real color show when brought to the boat. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper offshore waters. Spring through fall are prime seasons here off Myrtle Beach. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they jump, run, and never give up easy. Plus, the meat is some of the best you'll take home, with firm white flesh that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled because they often travel in small schools, so be ready to get multiple lines back out fast.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the classic bottom fish that every angler wants to catch. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet but can grow to 35 pounds or more. We find them around hard structure like reefs and wrecks in 30-300 feet of water. Peak fishing runs May through October during spawning season. What makes them special is their scrappy fight and world-class eating - mild, nutty meat that's restaurant quality. They're true warriors that'll run straight for cover when hooked, so be ready. The key is getting your bait down to the bottom where they live. Fresh squid, cigar minnows, or live pinfish work best. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back into the rocks or you'll lose them for sure.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the ocean, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth. These beauties average 3-5 feet and show brilliant blue backs with silver zebra stripes. We target them in deeper offshore waters around floating debris and current breaks. Peak season runs from late spring through fall when they're most active. What gets anglers excited is the lightning-fast strike and blistering runs that'll test your drag system. The meat is top-shelf too - firm, white, and mild-tasting, perfect for the grill. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots and always use wire leaders because those teeth will slice through mono like butter. When one hits, hang on tight!
Myrtle Beach, SC