12-Hour Offshore Charter: Tuna, Wahoo & Sailfish
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore charter targeting blackfin tuna, sailfish, and wahooPrivate boat accommodates up to 5 guests with fuel includedCaptain Frank Schomaker guides deep water fishing adventures
When you're serious about getting after trophy pelagic species, this full-day offshore charter with Captain Frank Schomaker delivers the real deal. Departing at 6:00 AM from Kiawah Island, this 12-hour adventure puts you in prime position to tangle with blackfin tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and king mackerel in the productive waters off South Carolina's coast. With fuel included and space for up to 5 anglers, you'll have the time and elbow room needed to work multiple techniques and chase fish wherever they're biting.
This isn't a quick half-day trip – you're committing to a serious day of fishing that starts before sunrise and keeps you on the water until evening. Captain Frank runs these charters for anglers who understand that trophy fishing takes patience, skill, and dedication. The early departure gets you to the offshore grounds while conditions are typically calmest, and the extended timeframe means you can adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Whether the fish are holding on structure, scattered in blue water, or following temperature breaks, you'll have the flexibility to chase the bite wherever it develops. The boat handles well in offshore conditions, and with only 5 anglers maximum, everyone gets quality time with the rods without feeling crowded.
Offshore fishing here revolves around covering water efficiently while presenting baits that trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. Captain Frank typically starts with a spread of trolling lures – ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs that work at different depths to locate active fish. Once you mark fish or start seeing bites, the approach shifts to more targeted techniques like live bait fishing, chunking, or working specific structure. The key is staying adaptable since conditions change throughout a 12-hour window. Morning might call for deep trolling along temperature breaks, while afternoon could see you sight-fishing to surface feeders or working birds. Having quality electronics and a captain who knows the local waters makes all the difference when you're burning fuel to chase trophy fish this far offshore.
Blackfin tuna are the bread and butter of these offshore trips, typically running 15-30 pounds and providing non-stop action when you locate a school. These fish are aggressive feeders that respond well to trolled ballyhoo or small lures, and they're excellent table fare. Best fishing usually happens from late spring through fall when water temperatures climb and baitfish concentrate offshore. What makes blackfins special is their willingness to bite throughout the day – you might start the morning trolling for them, then return to tuna grounds in the afternoon for another round of action.
Indo-Pacific sailfish represent the trophy opportunity that keeps serious anglers coming back. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet and put on spectacular aerial displays once hooked. Peak season typically runs from late spring through early fall when these migratory fish follow warm water currents along the coast. Sailfish often show up around temperature breaks or current edges where baitfish concentrate. The challenge with sails is that they're often here one day and gone the next, making timing and local knowledge crucial for consistent success.
Wahoo fishing can be explosive when conditions align – these speed demons are built for short, intense fights that test your drag system and reflexes. Running 20-60 pounds on average, wahoo are excellent eating and prized for their distinctive striped appearance. They're typically caught while high-speed trolling, often hitting lures running at 8-12 knots. The bite can be sporadic, but when wahoo are active, they'll hammer anything moving at the right speed. Wire leaders are essential since their razor-sharp teeth slice through monofilament instantly.
King mackerel add consistent action to these offshore trips, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized smokers to trophy kings pushing 40+ pounds. These fish are aggressive predators that respond to both live bait and trolled lures. What's great about kings is their reliability – even when other species are finicky, you can usually count on kings to provide steady action. They're also fantastic eating when properly handled, making them a favorite among anglers who prioritize both sport and table fare.
Mahi mahi, when present, provide some of the most colorful and acrobatic fishing you'll find offshore. These fish travel in schools and often show up under floating debris or around structure. Average size runs 10-25 pounds, though larger bulls can exceed 40 pounds. Mahi are opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from live bait to trolled lures, and their willingness to stay near the boat after the first fish is hooked often leads to multiple hookups.
This 12-hour offshore charter represents serious fishing for serious anglers – you're getting access to some of the best pelagic fishing the South Carolina coast has to offer. With fuel included and a maximum of 5 guests, you're looking at exceptional value for a full day targeting trophy species. Captain Frank's local knowledge and commitment to putting his guests on fish makes this a top-rated charter option for anyone looking to challenge themselves against world-class offshore species. The 6:00 AM departure means you'll need to plan accordingly, but the payoff is worth the early alarm clock when you're fighting sailfish and wahoo in blue water.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 15-30 pounds with some reaching up to 46 pounds. These beautiful fish have dark backs with golden sides that fade quickly after being caught. We find them in warm offshore waters, usually 40-150 feet deep around structure and temperature breaks. They're fast growers but short-lived, making them abundant here from spring through fall when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes blackfins special is their fierce fight - they'll peel drag and make strong runs despite their size. The meat is outstanding, perfect for sashimi or seared. My tip: scale down your tackle with 30lb fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks since these fish have sharp eyes and spook easily.
Istiophorus PlatypterusSailfish are the ultimate offshore trophy - these 6-8 foot billfish with their massive dorsal sails are pure adrenaline on a line. We target them in deep blue water along current breaks and temperature changes, typically 100+ feet deep. Summer through fall brings the best opportunities as they follow baitfish migrations. What makes sailfish legendary is their fight - they'll tailwalk across the surface, dive deep, then launch skyward again. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with these magnificent fish. They average 60-100 pounds and can take hours to land properly. My advice: when trolling with ballyhoo or mullet, keep your drags light initially - sailfish have soft mouths and will throw the hook if you put too much pressure on them during their acrobatic jumps.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of our most popular targets, averaging 20-30 pounds with trophy fish pushing 50-plus. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth cruise in 40-150 feet of water along temperature breaks and structure. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on bait schools. What gets anglers hooked is their blistering initial runs - they'll scream off 100+ yards before you know what hit. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though it's rich so a little goes far. Here's the key: always use a wire leader since their teeth will slice through anything else, and rig two hooks on your live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind since kings often grab prey from the rear first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are among the most beautiful fish we target, with brilliant gold and blue colors that put on a light show when hooked. These 15-30 pound acrobats love floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in blue water. We see them best during warmer months when they follow the Gulf Stream closer to shore. What makes mahi special is their aerial display - they'll jump repeatedly and change colors while fighting. The white, flaky meat is mild and versatile, perfect for tacos or grilled whole. They're fast-growing but short-lived, so populations stay healthy. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water briefly while rigging more lines - mahi travel in schools and the hooked fish often calls in its buddies for multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these sleek predators can hit 60 mph and will test your reflexes when they strike. Running 20-60 pounds with razor-sharp teeth, they cruise deep blue water and structure in 60+ feet. Fall through spring offers prime wahoo fishing as they follow temperature breaks offshore. What anglers love is the explosive strike followed by blistering runs that'll empty your reel fast. The white, flaky meat is considered premium table fare - mild and perfect for grilling or fish tacos. These solitary hunters are opportunistic, often striking without warning. Key tip: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - wahoo teeth will slice through anything else instantly. Use lures that can handle the speed since slow presentations rarely work on these speed demons.
Charleston