5.0(1 Reviews)Seasoned Angler Fishing Charter Kiawah Island
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour private offshore charter targeting black sea bass and grouperEarly 6 AM departure with Captain Frank for experienced anglersAccommodates up to 5 guests with fuel costs included
Captain Frank Schomaker knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this 6-hour private offshore bottom fishing charter is built for anglers who want to get serious about targeting some of South Carolina's best-eating fish. Departing at 6:00 AM from Kiawah Island, you'll have the entire boat to yourself and up to 4 buddies as you head offshore to work the productive bottom structure where black sea bass, gag grouper, and other prized species hold tight. This isn't a hand-holding trip – it's designed for folks who know their way around a rod and reel and want to capitalize on prime fishing time with a captain who's dedicated his life to putting clients on fish.
You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped vessel that's built for offshore work, with Captain Frank handling navigation to his proven spots while you focus on working the bottom. The early departure gets you to the fishing grounds while the bite is hot, and with fuel included in your trip cost, there's no nickel-and-diming – just pure fishing time. The boat comfortably handles 5 anglers without feeling cramped, giving everyone room to work their lines and fight fish properly. Captain Frank runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed, understanding that experienced anglers appreciate both professional guidance and the freedom to fish their own style. You'll spend the day moving between productive ledges and structure, adjusting techniques as conditions and fish behavior dictate.
This charter focuses on tried-and-true bottom fishing methods that consistently produce in these waters. You'll be dropping heavy tackle to depths where the big fish live, using circle hooks and natural baits that trigger aggressive strikes from grouper and sea bass. Captain Frank provides all the tackle you'll need, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own rigs if they have favorites. The key here is understanding how to feel the bottom, detect subtle bites, and work structure effectively – skills that separate successful bottom fishermen from weekend warriors. You'll learn to read your depth finder, identify productive bottom contours, and adjust your presentation based on current and wind conditions. The captain's knowledge of seasonal patterns and fish behavior will put you on spots that consistently hold fish, maximizing your chances of filling the cooler.
"My three daughters and I had a great time with Captain Frank and First Mate Brian. They helped us with the baiting and made the fishing experience enjoyable as we are all not that experienced fishing. The boat was very comfortable for the five us as and I would highly recommend this Captain to others." - Michael
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky, aggressive fish stack up on rocky bottom and artificial reefs throughout the year, with the best action typically from late spring through early fall. They're not shy about hitting baits, and once you find a school, you can often catch them one after another. Black sea bass fight harder than their size suggests, making solid runs and using their broad sides to leverage against your drag. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to grilling whole.
Gag grouper represent the trophy potential of this trip, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 24-inchers up to genuine bragging-rights specimens over 30 inches. These ambush predators lurk around hard bottom and structure, waiting to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. When a gag hits, you'll know it – they slam baits with authority and immediately try to get back to their rocky hideouts. The fight is all about stopping that initial run and working them up slowly, as gags are notorious for cutting lines on structure if given the chance. They're highly prized both for their fighting ability and their excellent table fare, with thick fillets that are perfect for grilling or blackening.
Red snapper, when in season, provide some of the most exciting action you'll find on these offshore trips. These beautiful fish are aggressive feeders that often school in large numbers over productive bottom. They hit baits hard and fight with a distinctive head-shaking action that makes them instantly recognizable. Red snapper are notoriously good eating, with sweet, flaky white meat that's become the gold standard for table fare among offshore species. The key to consistent red snapper success is finding the right depth and structure combination, something Captain Frank has dialed in through years of experience in these waters.
Grey triggerfish add both challenge and variety to the mix, known for their intelligence and finicky feeding habits. These fish require a more refined approach, often demanding lighter tackle and smaller baits to trigger strikes. When hooked, triggers fight with surprising strength for their size, using their compressed bodies and powerful fins to create maximum resistance. They're excellent eating when prepared properly, with firm meat that takes on flavors beautifully. Triggerfish are most active during warmer months and often school in large numbers when conditions are right.
Scup, or northern porgy, round out the target species list with consistent action and excellent table quality. These fish are often abundant on the same structure that holds sea bass and grouper, providing steady action when the larger species are being finicky. Don't let their size fool you – scup are scrappy fighters on appropriate tackle and their mild, sweet meat makes them highly sought after by anglers who know good eating fish. They're particularly active during spring and fall migrations, when large schools move through the area and provide non-stop action for anglers who know how to target them effectively.
This charter represents serious value for experienced anglers who want a focused, productive day on the water without breaking the bank. Captain Frank's reputation for finding fish and putting clients on productive action speaks for itself, and with fuel included in the rate, you're getting straightforward pricing with no surprises. The 6
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable fighters that make great targets for seasoned anglers. These chunky members of the grouper family typically run 2-4 pounds and up to 25 inches, with dark coloration and distinctive white-spotted fins. During spawning, males turn bright blue with pronounced head bumps. You'll find them around wrecks, rocky bottom, and structure in depths under 120 feet from late spring through summer. Winter sends them south and deeper. They put up a solid scrap until they break the surface, making them fun on medium tackle. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild-flavored. They're mostly bottom feeders but will hit jigs and live baits like squid strips. Federal season runs February 1-28 and May 15-December 31. Local tip: bigger males hold in deeper water on rocky bottom, while smaller fish hang around jetties and piers closer to shore.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are serious fighters that'll test your tackle and technique. These chunky bottom dwellers average around 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. You'll find them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure where they ambush prey. Adults prefer deeper water while juveniles hang closer to shore. Spring through fall provides consistent action when they're feeding heavily on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight - once hooked, they dive straight for cover trying to break you off. The meat is excellent, firm and white with great flavor. Live mullet and pinfish work best, though cut bait like squid and crab produce too. Pro tip: the moment you feel the bite, lock your reel and keep the rod low - don't let them freewheel or they'll dive into a hole and you'll lose them every time.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are tough fighters that'll keep you busy once hooked. These medium-sized fish average around 17 inches but can reach up to 24 inches and weigh over 10 pounds. They're smart feeders with sharp teeth that crush sea urchins and crabs with ease. You'll find them around hard bottom structures, reefs, and ledges in 60-180 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their cunning behavior - they'll inspect your bait before committing. Squid works great since it stays on the hook better than softer baits. Pro tip: when other fish like grouper show interest in your bait, triggerfish get competitive and rush in to steal it. Keep your line tight because they bite light at first, then make a powerful run for cover once hooked.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - beautiful fish that fight hard and taste even better. Most run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but trophy fish can hit 35+ pounds. These bright red beauties live around structure in 30-200 feet, especially wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges. Summer months offer the best fishing when they're actively feeding and spawning from May through October. What guests love is the combination of a solid fight and amazing table fare - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. They'll make strong runs toward cover when hooked, so keep your drag locked tight. Fresh squid, cigar minnows, and live pinfish work best, but get your bait to the bottom where they live. Pro tip: when you hook one, horse it up quickly - snappers will dive straight for structure and cut you off if you give them slack in the line.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, also called porgy, are reliable bottom dwellers that make great table fare and live bait for bigger fish like striped bass. These silver-scaled fish typically run 12-16 inches and up to 3 pounds, with compressed bodies and strong jaws built for crushing shells. They're most active near shore from May through October when water temps warm up, then head south and deeper for winter. You'll find them around rocks, pilings, and structure where they hunt mollusks and worms. While not flashy fighters, they're easy to catch and taste excellent - mild, sweet meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Medium tackle with 14-pound test and natural baits like squid, worms, or clam work best. Local tip: jig your bait slowly up and down near bottom structure. Most scup are caught by accident while targeting other species, which makes them a nice bonus fish.
5.0 out of 5.0My three daughters and I had a great time with Captain Frank and First Mate Brian. They helped us with the baiting and made the f...
Charleston