Offshore Fishing Charter Kiawah Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targeting tuna, wahoo, and sailfishPrivate trip accommodates up to 5 guests with fuel includedCaptain Frank Schomaker leads deep water fishing adventures
Captain Frank Schomaker and his team at Resuwrecktion Charters know exactly what serious offshore anglers are after – and this 12-hour deep-sea adventure delivers it in spades. Departing at 6:00 AM sharp from Kiawah Island, you'll be heading into the productive blue water where blackfin tuna, wahoo, and sailfish prowl the thermoclines and current breaks off the South Carolina coast. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to chasing trophy pelagics in waters that consistently produce fish for those willing to put in the time.
This private charter handles up to 5 anglers, giving everyone plenty of elbow room and reducing the chaos you'd find on crowded head boats. Captain Frank's approach focuses on covering serious ground throughout the day, working different depths and structures as conditions and fish activity dictate. You'll start the morning running to productive offshore grounds, typically 20-40+ miles out where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the real action begins. The boat stays well-equipped with quality tackle, and fuel costs are already built into your trip price – no surprise charges when you're ready to head home. Gratuities work on performance, which means the crew stays motivated to put you on fish all day long.
The bread and butter of this offshore program revolves around high-speed trolling with a spread that's designed to cover multiple species at once. Captain Frank runs a combination of cedar plugs, ballyhoo rigs, and larger lures that appeal to everything from blackfin tuna to wahoo. The boat carries heavy conventional tackle matched to the species you're targeting – think 30-50 pound class gear that can handle sustained runs from pelagic gamefish. When conditions are right, you'll also work some live bait around structure and temperature breaks where sailfish and mahi tend to congregate. The key to success out here is staying mobile and reading the water – birds working, temperature changes, current edges, and bait schools all factor into where the captain positions the boat throughout the day.
Blackfin tuna remain the most consistent target in these waters, especially during their peak season from late fall through early spring. These fish typically run 10-25 pounds and fight with the classic tuna power that keeps your drag screaming. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, making them perfect for the trolling approach Captain Frank employs. King mackerel show up strong during their migrations, offering explosive strikes and blistering runs that test your tackle to the limit. The mahi mahi fishing can be spectacular when you locate floating debris or weed lines – these fish not only fight hard but also provide some of the best table fare you'll find in offshore waters. Indo-Pacific sailfish represent the pinnacle of the experience, with their acrobatic displays and powerful runs making every hookup a memorable battle. Wahoo fishing tends to be more opportunistic, but when one hits your spread, you'll know it immediately – their speed and razor-sharp teeth make them one of the most challenging species to boat consistently.
Blackfin tuna dominate the offshore scene here from November through March, schooling in large numbers around temperature breaks and underwater structure. These fish average 15-20 pounds but can push 30+ when conditions align perfectly. They're notorious for their stamina and will make multiple runs before coming to the boat. What makes them special is their willingness to bite throughout the day – unlike some pelagics that shut down when the sun gets high, blackfins often feed aggressively well into the afternoon.
King mackerel migrations bring some of the most exciting action you'll find in these waters, particularly during their spring and fall movements along the coast. These fish range from 20-40 pounds on average, with the occasional smoker king pushing 50+ pounds. They're ambush predators that hit trolled baits with incredible violence, often jumping completely clear of the water on the initial strike. The key to consistent king mackerel success is varying your trolling speeds and working different depths throughout the day.
Mahi mahi fishing peaks during the warmer months when these colorful gamefish follow the Gulf Stream closer to shore. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays and rapid color changes during the fight. Most mahi in these waters run 10-25 pounds, but bull dolphins over 40 pounds are always a possibility around floating structure. What makes mahi special is that they often travel in schools – find one and you've likely found several more.
Indo-Pacific sailfish represent the apex predator experience on this charter. These billfish are most active during the cooler months and are known for their incredible jumping ability and long, powerful runs. Average sailfish here run 60-80 pounds, with larger specimens always possible. The thrill of watching a sailfish completely clear the water multiple times during a fight is something that stays with anglers for years. They're typically caught trolling but will also respond to live bait presentations around current edges.
Wahoo fishing requires patience but delivers some of the most explosive strikes you'll experience offshore. These fish are built for speed – they're one of the fastest fish in the ocean – and their initial runs are absolutely blistering. Most wahoo caught in these waters range from 20-50 pounds, though larger specimens over 60 pounds are landed each season. Their razor-sharp teeth and incredible speed make them a true trophy species that tests both angler skill and tackle quality.
A 12-hour offshore charter with Captain Frank represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. The combination of an experienced captain, quality boat, and prime fishing grounds creates the perfect setup for memorable offshore action. Whether you're specifically targeting tuna for the table, chasing a trophy sail
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest tuna in the bunch, but don't let that fool you - blackfins are scrappy fighters that'll test your skills. These beautiful fish typically run 15-30 pounds with that distinctive golden stripe that fades once they're brought aboard. We find them in deeper offshore waters, usually 40-150 feet, where they school up and feed on squid and small baitfish. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot above 68°F. What makes them special? They fight way above their weight class and the meat is outstanding - firm, red, and perfect for sashimi. Pro tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders since these guys have sharp eyes. A 5/0 circle hook on 30lb fluoro with live pilchards for chum works magic.
Istiophorus PlatypterusSailfish are the ultimate trophy - that massive dorsal fin and sword-like bill make them unmistakable. These ocean athletes can stretch 6-8 feet and weigh 60-100 pounds, but it's their aerial show that gets your heart pumping. They live in open water near the surface and thermocline, preferring temps between 77-86°F. Summer months bring the best action as they follow bait migrations. Why do people chase them? It's the fight - they're pure adrenaline with those spectacular jumps and long runs. Most anglers release them since they're not great table fare, but the memory lasts forever. The trick is using circle hooks with live ballyhoo or mullet trolled at 8-12 knots. Once you're hooked up, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them jump and tire themselves out.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll smoke your drag and make long screaming runs - that's why anglers love them. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth typically weigh 20-40 pounds, though we see 50+ pounders regularly. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often hanging around structure or temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Best fishing runs from late spring through fall when they migrate up from warmer waters. The fight is what hooks people - they're fast as wahoo and just as unpredictable. Plus, the meat is excellent when iced properly, though watch the mercury if you're keeping a bunch. Here's the key: always use a two-hook rig with wire leader since kings love to bite the back half of live bait. Let that second treble hook dangle free behind your nose-hooked bait.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of the offshore world - golden sides, electric blues and greens that put on a light show when they come to the boat. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds but can push 60+. Look for them under floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere there's structure in open water. They're surface dwellers that love warm water, so summer through early fall is prime time. What makes them special? They're aggressive feeders, beautiful to look at, and the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean. They also travel in schools, so where you find one, there's usually more. My go-to technique: once you hook up, keep one fish in the water while the others circle - they won't leave their buddy behind, giving you multiple shots.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed kings of the offshore world, hitting 50+ mph and cutting through the water like silver bullets. These torpedo-shaped predators typically run 30-60 pounds with distinctive blue tiger stripes that fade quickly after the catch. They roam open ocean waters, often near floating debris or temperature breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Fall through spring gives us the best shots when they move through our area following bait. Anglers love them for two reasons: the blazing fast runs that'll test your drag system, and the white, flaky meat that's considered some of the finest eating fish around. Key to success is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice through mono instantly. Use bullet-head lures or skirted ballyhoo and hang on tight.
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