Captain-Led Offshore Fishing Lessons in Kiawah
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Captain Frank teaches deep sea fishing techniques aboard guest vesselsPrivate lessons target blackfin tuna and sailfish for groupsFlexible scheduling accommodates all experience levels and fishing goals
Looking to step up your offshore game without the stress of figuring it out on your own? Captain Frank Schomaker's captain-for-hire service brings decades of deep sea know-how right to your boat. This isn't your typical charter where you sit back and watch – it's hands-on fishing education tailored to your crew's skill level. Whether you're new to blue water fishing or want to dial in specific techniques, Frank comes aboard with the gear and expertise to help you consistently put fish in the boat around Kiawah Island's productive offshore waters.
Captain Frank boards your vessel ready to teach the methods that work in South Carolina's offshore fishery. Your group of up to 5 anglers gets personalized instruction covering trolling patterns, bottom fishing setups, and deep sea tactics that target the species swimming in these waters year-round. The beauty of this setup is flexibility – you set the departure time that works for your schedule, and Frank adapts the lesson plan based on what your crew wants to learn. Maybe you've been struggling with trolling spreads, or your bottom fishing rigs keep getting tangled. Frank addresses these real-world challenges with practical solutions you can use long after the trip ends. The fuel's included in your package, so you're not sweating the gas bill while learning new techniques in deeper water.
Frank's teaching approach focuses on the core methods that consistently produce offshore. Trolling gets major attention – proper lure selection, speed control, and reading the water for bait schools and structure. You'll learn how to set up a spread that covers different depths and attracts various species without creating a tangled mess behind the boat. Bottom fishing instruction covers rig construction, weight selection for different depths, and how to feel the difference between a bite and structure. Frank brings specialized tools that many weekend anglers don't carry, giving you exposure to gear setups that can make the difference between coming home empty-handed and having fish stories to tell. The captain also covers boat handling techniques specific to fishing – how to position for different presentations, work with current and wind, and safely navigate the offshore environment while staying focused on fishing.
Blackfin tuna are the bread and butter of Kiawah's offshore scene, and for good reason. These fish fight way above their weight class, typically running 10-25 pounds but pulling drag like fish twice their size. Blackfins school up around structure and temperature breaks, making them perfect teaching targets for trolling techniques. They're most active during cooler months but can be found year-round if you know where to look. The meat is outstanding – think sashimi-grade if handled properly from boat to table.
King mackerel patrol these waters aggressively, especially around nearshore reefs and drop-offs. Kings can stretch the tape from 15 to 40+ pounds, with their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs testing your drag system and wire leader skills. Spring through fall offers the best king fishing, with larger fish showing up during their winter migration. These fish teach you to stay ready – kings often hit when you least expect it, making them perfect for practicing quick hooksets and proper fighting techniques.
Mahi mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make offshore fishing addictive. These fish rarely disappoint when it comes to putting on a show, jumping and tailwalking across the surface when hooked. Mahi travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature changes. Spring through early fall provides the most consistent action, with fish ranging from small schoolies to bull dolphins pushing 30+ pounds. They're also excellent table fare and relatively easy to clean, making them a favorite target for families and newer anglers.
Indo-Pacific sailfish represent the pinnacle of offshore excitement in these waters. These bills are pure adrenaline – long runs, spectacular jumps, and the prestige that comes with releasing a sailfish. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with sails, making proper handling techniques crucial. Winter months typically offer the best sailfish action as they move through South Carolina waters. Landing your first sail is a milestone moment that Captain Frank helps anglers achieve with proper technique and coaching.
Wahoo fishing separates serious offshore anglers from weekend warriors. These fish are pure speed, capable of 60+ mph runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Wahoo typically hold in deeper water along ledges and drop-offs, requiring specific trolling presentations and heavy tackle. They're not as common as other species, making each wahoo a trophy-class catch. The meat rivals any fish in the ocean when properly prepared, with a clean white flesh that's perfect for grilling or searing.
This captain-for-hire experience with Resuwrecktion Charters offers something most fishing education doesn't – real-world application on your own boat with your own crew. Captain Frank's instruction style builds confidence while teaching techniques you'll use for years to come. The flexible scheduling works around your availability, and the personalized approach means you're learning exactly what you need to become a better offshore angler. Whether you want to master trolling patterns, improve your bottom fishing success, or simply gain confidence running offshore, this hands-on instruction delivers results. Book your spot with Captain Frank and start fishing like you know what you're doing – because after this trip, you will.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, typically running 15-30 pounds around here, but they pack serious punch for their size. These fish love warm water over 68°F and hang around the continental shelf breaks, usually in 60-200 feet. Spring through fall are prime times off Kiawah, when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is that fierce fight - they'll make multiple runs and test your drag system. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with that rich, red meat. The key trick I share is scaling down your tackle - use 30lb fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks since these fish have sharp eyesight. Live pilchards or small ballyhoo work great, and don't be afraid to chum them up to the boat.
Istiophorus PlatypterusSailfish are the ultimate offshore trophy, running 6-8 feet and 60-100 pounds with that massive dorsal fin. These open-ocean hunters cruise the blue water beyond the shelf, typically in 200+ feet, following bait schools and current lines. Late spring through early fall gives us the best shots when they migrate through our waters. What makes sailfish special is the aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and fight for what feels like hours. Most anglers release them for the conservation value and bragging rights. The key is trolling whole ballyhoo or mullet at 8-12 knots along temperature breaks. When one comes up behind your spread, be patient - let it eat the bait completely before setting the hook, or you'll pull it right out of their mouth.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are some of the fastest predators in these waters, averaging 20-40 pounds with plenty of 50+ pounders around. They cruise in 40-150 feet, often hanging near structure, ledges, or temperature breaks. Summer through early fall is peak season when they move into our warmer inshore waters. What anglers love is that blistering initial run - kings can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. The secret is using a two-hook rig on wire leader since they have razor-sharp teeth. Put one hook through the bait's nose, let the second hook dangle near the tail. Kings typically hit the back half of live bait first, so that trailing hook is your money maker.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters you'll find offshore, averaging 15-30 pounds with those brilliant gold and green sides. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100+ feet of water. Summer months bring the best action when water temps hit the mid-70s and above. Guests go crazy for these fish - they jump, dive, and put on a real show with those color changes. The meat is white, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. My go-to technique is trolling ballyhoo or small lures near any floating structure you can find. Once you hook one, slow the boat down and look around carefully - mahi often travel in schools, so there's usually more where that one came from.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 40-80 pounds and capable of 60 mph runs that'll smoke your drag. These solitary hunters patrol the blue water in 100-300 feet, often around floating debris or drop-offs. Fall and winter are prime time here when they follow baitfish migrations. Anglers love the initial screaming run and that premium white meat - it's some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The trick is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Use diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo, and make sure your drag is set properly. When a wahoo hits at those speeds, it's either going to be a great fight or a broken line - there's no in-between.
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