Target Cobia and Gag Grouper on Full Day Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore charter targeting Cobia and Gag Grouper species.All fishing equipment, bait, and tackle provided by experienced crew.Maximum six guests with Captain Randy aboard Next Lvl Sportfishing.
Captain Randy's full-day offshore charter is your ticket to some of the best deep-water fishing South Carolina has to offer. This 8-hour adventure takes you beyond the nearshore reefs into the productive waters where the big fish live. You'll be targeting premium species like Cobia, Gag Grouper, Red Snapper, and King Mackerel in waters that consistently produce trophy catches. With all tackle, bait, and gear provided, you just need to bring your appetite for action and maybe some snacks for the day. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or ready to graduate from inshore fishing, this charter delivers the perfect mix of challenge and reward on Myrtle Beach's legendary fishing grounds.
Your day starts early at the dock, where Captain Randy will brief you on the game plan and safety protocols before heading out. The ride to the offshore grounds takes about an hour, giving you time to settle in and watch the shoreline fade as you enter deeper waters. Once we reach the fishing zones, typically 15-30 miles offshore, the real action begins. You'll be fishing in 60-120 feet of water over structure and reefs that hold the species we're after. The boat is equipped with top-notch electronics to locate fish-holding structure, and Randy knows these waters like the back of his hand. Expect to move between several spots throughout the day to maximize your chances at different species. The pace varies from steady bottom fishing for grouper and snapper to more active techniques when cobia show up. With up to 6 anglers on board, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably without feeling crowded.
Offshore fishing requires heavier tackle than what you might use inshore, and Captain Randy has you covered with quality rods and reels spooled with appropriate line weights. For bottom fishing, you'll be using circle hooks with weights ranging from 4-8 ounces depending on current and depth. The captain provides a variety of baits including squid, cut bait, and live bait when available. When targeting cobia, the approach shifts to sight fishing with live eels or large jigs, requiring quick reflexes and solid hooksets. King mackerel fishing involves trolling with wire leaders and spoons or live bait, covering water until you find the schools. Randy will coach you through the proper techniques for each species, from the initial hookset to fighting and landing fish. The key to success is staying alert, following directions, and being ready to adapt as conditions change throughout the day.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and Myrtle Beach waters hold some impressive specimens. These fish typically range from 15-40 pounds, with the occasional smoker pushing 50-plus. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving through in schools that can provide non-stop action when you find them. Kings are prized for their blistering runs and acrobatic fights, often making multiple jumps before coming to the boat. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes keep you on edge, and there's nothing quite like the screaming drag when a big king takes off with your bait.
Cobia are the gentle giants that get offshore anglers fired up like no other fish. These chocolate-colored bruisers can reach 40-60 pounds in local waters, with their broad shoulders and bulldogging fight style testing both angler and tackle. Peak season runs from April through September, when they cruise the surface near structure and floating debris. What makes cobia special is their curious nature – they'll often approach the boat and circle underneath, creating heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. Their white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the ocean, making them a top target for the dinner table.
Red Snapper remain one of the most sought-after bottom fish, known for their beautiful pink coloration and excellent table fare. In our waters, they typically run 5-15 pounds, though larger specimens lurk around the deeper structures. These fish are structure-oriented, holding tight to reefs and wrecks where they ambush passing bait. Their fighting style is more about power than speed, using their broad sides to pull hard against the drag. The limited season makes every red snapper encounter special, and their sweet, mild flavor makes them a customer favorite for the cooler.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, using their powerful jaws and muscled bodies to test your tackle and technique. These fish average 10-25 pounds in our area, with the occasional heavyweight pushing 40-plus pounds. They're ambush predators that live in caves and ledges, making quick work of any bait that ventures too close. The challenge with gags is the initial fight – they'll try to get back to their hole immediately after hookup, requiring steady pressure and a tight drag. Their firm, white meat is considered among the best eating fish in the ocean.
This full-day offshore charter offers serious value for anglers looking to experience the best of Myrtle Beach's deep-water fishing. Captain Randy's local knowledge, quality equipment, and commitment to putting you on fish make this trip a standout choice for your South Carolina fishing adventure. With all tackle and bait included, you're getting a hassle-free day focused purely on fishing and fun. The 8-hour trip length gives you maximum time on the water without feeling rushed, and the 6-person capacity ensures personalized attention from the captain. Don't miss your chance to tangle with some of the Atlantic's premier game fish – book your spot now and get ready for a day of offshore action you'll be talking about for years to come.
Captain Randy's offshore fishing boat is built for serious anglers ready to chase Cobia and Gag Grouper in Myrtle Beach's deeper waters. This motorboat handles the open ocean with ease, equipped with a fish finder to locate your targets and GPS navigation to get you to the best fishing spots. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth, while the VHF radio maintains contact with shore and other vessels. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the 8-hour adventure. With space for up to 6 anglers and a toilet for convenience, you'll have everything needed for a full day of offshore fishing. The boat comes ready with all tackle and gear - just bring your food, drinks, and sun protection for a productive day targeting South Carolina's offshore species.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of the most curious fish we encounter - they'll actually follow the boat and check us out before deciding to bite. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds and can stretch over 4 feet long. We find them around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-100 feet of water, especially during their spring migration from April through June. What makes cobia special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight once hooked. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in these waters - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. My go-to trick is using a bucktail jig in any color - doesn't matter much - but work it slow near the bottom around structure.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are ambush predators that love to hide around our offshore wrecks and rocky bottom in 60-180 feet of water. These marbled gray fish typically run 15-25 pounds, but we regularly see some real tanks pushing 40+ pounds. Fall and winter months are prime time when they move to deeper structure and feed heavily. What guests love about gags is the initial surprise strike followed by their bulldogging fight straight down toward cover. They're also top-shelf eating with firm, white meat perfect for any recipe. The trick is being ready for that first powerful run - keep your drag tight and rod low, then horse them up quickly before they can wedge into the rocks. Live pinfish or cut bait works great, but make sure you're fishing right on the bottom.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive fighters that average around 30 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+ pounds out here. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths, often following baitfish along current breaks and temperature lines. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding on our abundant menhaden and blue runners. These fish are built for speed - their razor-sharp teeth and powerful runs make for some of the most exciting battles you'll have offshore. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: use a dual-hook setup with wire leader when live baiting - kings love to bite the tail end of your bait, and that second hook will save you from a lot of missed strikes.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize of our deeper offshore structure fishing, running 2-10 pounds on average with occasional monsters pushing 20+. These bright red beauties live around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Summer months give us the most consistent action when they're actively feeding before spawning season. Snapper are tough fighters that immediately try to cut your line on the structure below, making every hookup a race against time. They're also premium table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The key is getting them up fast once hooked, so keep that drag locked down tight and don't give them an inch to run back to the rocks. Fresh cigar minnows or cut squid work best.
Myrtle Beach, SC