Mt Pleasant Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Bottom fishing charter targets seasonal species in Mt. Pleasant watersExpert guides provide navigation and fishing expertise for all skill levelsEight-hour offshore trip accommodates up to six guests maximum
When you're ready to get serious about bottom fishing, the offshore waters around Mt. Pleasant deliver some of South Carolina's best action. Richard's Fishing Charters runs these 8-hour trips specifically to put you on fish that most inshore anglers only dream about. We're talking about structure fishing in 60-120 feet of water where the big boys live – red snapper, gag grouper, and black sea bass that'll test your drag system. This isn't your typical dock fishing; it's a full-day commitment that pays off with coolers full of quality fish and stories worth telling.
Your day starts early – we're talking first light departure to maximize fishing time on the productive offshore structures. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, which keeps things comfortable without feeling crowded around the best fishing spots. Captain Richard knows these ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom areas like his backyard, and he's been running charters here for years. You'll spend most of your time anchored up on productive bottom, dropping baits down to where the fish are holding. The ride out takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on where we're fishing, but once we start marking fish on the sonar, you'll forget all about the boat ride. Pack your own lunch and plenty of water – 8 hours goes by fast when the fish are biting, but you'll want to stay fueled up.
We fish primarily with conventional tackle – think 6-7 foot rods with plenty of backbone and reels loaded with 50-80 pound braid. The captain provides all the tackle, but if you've got your own heavy bottom gear, bring it along. We use circle hooks almost exclusively for the health of the fish and better hookup ratios. Baits range from cut mullet and squid to live pinfish when we can catch them. The key to success out here is reading the bottom structure on the electronics and positioning the boat so your baits drift naturally with the current. You'll learn to feel the difference between a fish pick-up and your sinker bouncing on the rocks – it's a skill that takes time but makes all the difference. When a good grouper grabs your bait 100 feet down, there's no mistaking that headshake.
Spadefish show up in big schools during summer months, typically from June through September. These silver discs fight way above their weight class and travel in massive schools around offshore structure. They're picky eaters that prefer small pieces of cut bait or jellyfish, but when you find a school, you can catch them as fast as you can drop a line. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they're fantastic table fare with white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos.
Wahoo are the speed demons of this fishery, capable of hitting 60 mph when they want to. These torpedo-shaped predators cruise the offshore waters year-round but peak in fall and winter months. They've got razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through wire if you're not careful, and they make blistering runs that'll empty your spool in seconds. A typical wahoo here runs 20-40 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 50-plus. The meat is premium – firm, white, and perfect for grilling.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of offshore bottom fishing, and Mt. Pleasant's structures hold some beautiful fish. These bright red fighters are incredibly strong for their size and have a knack for diving straight back to the rocks when hooked. They're most active during summer months, and the current regulations require careful handling for conservation. A keeper red snapper is a trophy fish that fights hard and tastes even better.
Gag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef – once they grab your bait, they immediately try to get back to their hole in the rocks. These mottled brown fighters can weigh anywhere from 5 to 30-plus pounds, and they're notorious for testing both your drag and your patience. Peak season runs from fall through early spring, and they're ambush predators that prefer live or cut bait presented near the bottom. The meat is incredibly firm and sweet, making them one of the most sought-after fish on the reef.
Black sea bass might be smaller than the other target species, but they make up for it in numbers and willingness to bite. These dark, stocky fish live in rocky areas and are active year-round, though spring and fall provide the best action. They're curious fish that often follow hooked fish up from the bottom, giving you multiple hookups on a single drop. Most run 1-3 pounds, but they're excellent eating and perfect for fish fries.
Bottom fishing trips like this book up fast, especially during peak season when the weather's most reliable. Richard's Fishing Charters has built a reputation on putting clients on fish and providing a safe, productive day on the water. The 8-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different structures and target multiple species depending on what's biting best. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler for a fish fry or hoping to land your personal best grouper, this offshore charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing days get booked weeks in advance.
Our 28' Tidewater is built for serious offshore fishing adventures in Mt. Pleasant waters. This newest addition to our fleet handles the open ocean with ease, getting you to prime fishing spots in comfort and style. The spacious layout seats up to 6 anglers with room to move around while fighting those hard-pulling bottom fish. Inside you'll find a private head, cushioned seating, and Bluetooth speakers to keep the good vibes flowing between bites. The fish finder helps locate schools holding near structure, while GPS and radar keep us on course and safe in changing conditions. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout your 8-hour charter. Whether you're targeting snapper, grouper, or whatever's biting that day, this boat puts you in the best position to fill the cooler and create lasting memories on South Carolina's productive offshore waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy little fighters that make up for their size with attitude. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 1-4 pounds and up to 25 inches, perfect for filling the cooler. They hang around structure like jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Best action happens late spring through summer when they move inshore to spawn. What guests enjoy is the steady action - where you catch one, there's usually more, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. We fish medium tackle with squid strips or small jigs around structure. Local tip: once you hook up, keep reeling steady - they fight hard going down but give up quick once they break the surface, so don't pause or you'll lose them.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are ambush predators that pack serious power in their chunky bodies. These gray-marbled fish typically run 15-25 pounds but can reach 80 pounds and 4 feet long. They love rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet, always looking for places to hide and ambush prey. Best fishing happens fall through spring when they move inshore. What guests love is that raw strength - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their hole, making for an intense tug-of-war. The meat is excellent too - white, flaky, and mild. We use live pinfish or cut bait on heavy tackle. Pro tip: keep your rod tip low and crank hard the second you feel the bite - don't give them time to think about diving back down.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the kings of bottom fishing - bright red beauties that average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though they can hit 35 pounds or more. These fish live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 30-200 feet of water. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning and most active. What makes them special is that bulldog fight - they'll head straight for cover to break you off, plus the meat is absolutely top-shelf eating with that sweet, nutty flavor. We fish heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh squid or live pinfish. Local trick: once you hook one, lock that reel down tight and muscle them up fast before they can get back to the rocks and cut your line.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are one of those fish that really put on a show when you hook them. These disk-shaped silver beauties with their black stripes typically run 3-10 pounds and 18 inches, though we've seen some push 14 pounds. They love hanging around reefs, wrecks, and jetties in our coastal waters, usually traveling in big schools - sometimes 500 strong. Best fishing happens spring through fall when water temps warm up. What makes them special is that fight - they're stubborn and will test your drag. Plus, they taste great on the table. Here's a local tip: when you spot a school, cast past them and drag your clam bait right through the middle. Use small circle hooks and be ready for that first hard pull.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 60 mph and putting up one heck of a fight. These torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet but can reach 8 feet and over 100 pounds. They cruise open waters around 60 feet deep, often near floating debris or structure. Peak season here runs summer through fall when they move closer to shore. What guests love most is the blistering runs and that premium white meat - firm, mild, and perfect for the grill. We troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - let that fish run and tire itself out, or you'll pull the hook.
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