Offshore Fishing in Mt Pleasant | 10-12 Hour Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-12 hour offshore charter accommodates up to 6 guestsTrolling and bottom fishing options available based on preferencesSeasonal catches guided by experienced local fishing experts
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, Mt Pleasant delivers some of the Southeast's best action. Richard's Fishing Charters runs a top-rated 10 to 12-hour deep water trip that puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking about real offshore fishing here – not some half-day run to the nearshore reefs. This is the kind of trip where you'll come back with stories worth telling and a cooler full of premium table fare. Our boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you've got plenty of room to spread out and work your lines without bumping elbows.
Your day starts early – we're talking before sunrise early – because the best fishing happens when most folks are still hitting the snooze button. We'll cruise out to our productive offshore waters where the real action lives. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you'll have the choice between trolling and bottom fishing. Some days we'll pull spreads of ballyhoo and lures through the blue water, watching for that telltale splash of a mahi bite or the screaming drag of a cobia run. Other days, we'll anchor up over structure and drop down live bait or cut bait for snapper and grouper. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand and they'll put you on fish. The beauty of a 10 to 12-hour trip is we have time to move around, try different techniques, and really dial in on what's working. You're not rushed – this is fishing the way it should be done.
Trolling offshore means we're covering water, pulling a spread of lures and baits behind the boat at different depths and distances. We'll run ballyhoo on the outriggers, maybe some cedar plugs or skirted lures in the spread, and keep our eyes peeled for birds, debris lines, and color changes where fish congregate. It's an active style of fishing – you're always watching, always ready for that next bite. Bottom fishing is a different game entirely. We'll use our electronics to find good structure, drop anchor, and send down heavy tackle with circle hooks and weights to get your bait down where the big snapper and grouper live. Both techniques work, and our experienced captains will read the conditions to put you on the best bite. Some days that means trolling all day, other days we'll anchor up and chunk bait, and the smart days we'll do both depending on what's happening.
Mahi mahi are hands down one of the most exciting fish you'll tangle with out here. These common dolphinfish light up in brilliant greens and yellows when they're hooked, and they'll give you a show with their acrobatic jumps and strong runs. Mahi typically run from late spring through early fall in our waters, though the peak season is summer when schools of smaller fish move through followed by bigger bulls. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean – firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill. When we find a school, we'll work them hard because they travel together.
Cobia are the bruisers of the bunch – brown sharks is what some folks call them because of their coloring and shark-like appearance. These fish can push 40 to 60 pounds and they'll test your tackle and your back. Spring through fall is prime cobia time, and they're often found around structure, following rays, or cruising just under the surface. They're curious fish that will come up to investigate the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing when conditions are right. The meat is excellent – white, flaky, and mild.
Red snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing down here. These crimson-colored fighters live on hard bottom and structure in deeper water, and they're smart fish that require some finesse. Snapper season is regulated, but when it's open, there's nothing better than dropping down a live bait or cut bait and feeling that distinctive snapper bite. They'll make short, powerful runs and try to get back to structure to break you off. A cooler full of red snapper means you're eating well for weeks.
Gag grouper are another bottom-dwelling prize that'll put a serious bend in your rod. These fish can exceed 20 pounds and they're known for their powerful runs straight back to the bottom. Gags are typically found around ledges and hard bottom in 60 to 120 feet of water. They're ambush predators that will absolutely crush a properly presented bait. The key is keeping them out of structure once you hook up – they'll wrap you around anything they can find.
Scamp grouper might be smaller than gags, but they're just as tasty and they fight hard for their size. These fish have beautiful coloring with brown and yellow mottling, and they're typically found in slightly deeper water than gags. Scamp are excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat. They're often caught while targeting other bottom species, making them a welcome bonus fish that adds variety to your cooler.
A full-day offshore charter with Richard's Fishing Charters isn't just a fishing trip – it's a chance to experience some of the best angling Mt Pleasant has to offer. You'll spend quality time on the water with experienced guides who know how to put you on fish, whether you're trolling the blue water or dropping baits to the bottom. The 10 to 12-hour format gives you real opportunity to get into different species and techniques, and with space for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for groups looking to make memories together. Keep in mind you'll need to bring your own food and drinks for the day, but we'll take care of everything else. Don't wait around – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season. Get your crew together
Get ready to hit the deep waters around Mt Pleasant aboard our brand-new 28' Tidewater motorboat! This beauty was built for serious offshore fishing, whether you're trolling for pelagics or dropping lines to the bottom for grouper and snapper. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods without bumping elbows. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - GPS to mark those honey holes, radar for when the weather gets sketchy, and fish finder technology to locate the schools. Plus, you'll fish in comfort with cushioned seating, a private head, and an icebox to keep your drinks ice-cold during those long 10-12 hour battles. The Bluetooth sound system lets you pump up the crew when someone hooks into a monster. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on the fish, adapting techniques based on what's biting seasonally. Whether you want to troll the Gulf Stream edges or anchor up on structure, this rig handles it all with style.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that average around 20-40 pounds, though they can push 60+ pounds out here. These brown, shark-looking fish hang around structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they're moving through our area to spawn. They're sight fishing targets that'll give you a serious workout once hooked - strong, stubborn fighters that head straight for cover. The white, flaky meat rivals any fish on the table. Here's the key: when you spot one cruising near the surface, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slow. They can't resist that presentation.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are ambush predators that typically run 5-15 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 30+ pounds. They love rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 80-200 feet of water year-round, though cooler months can be more productive. These fish are pure bulldogs - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight down into their hole. The firm white meat is some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Most folks love the challenge of pulling a big gag off structure. Keep your reel locked down tight and don't give them any slack line - the second they feel pressure, they're heading for the rocks. Live pinfish or cut bait works great on a strong bottom rig.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi runs average 15-29 pounds but can hit 50+ when conditions are right. These golden beauties with electric blue-green backs put on quite a show - both underwater and when they're jumping on your line. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in our offshore waters during spring through fall. They're strong swimmers that'll test your drag, making multiple runs before you get them boatside. The meat is firm, mild, and perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes open for more - they often travel in small groups, so have another rod ready to capitalize on the school.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of bottom fishing - thick-bodied fish that average 3-8 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds around our offshore structure. You'll find them on rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Summer months offer the best action when they're most active. These fish put up a solid fight, trying to get back to their holes in the rocks, so you need to muscle them up quick. The sweet, flaky white meat makes them a favorite at the dinner table. My advice: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait, keep your drag tight, and don't give them an inch once hooked - they'll wrap you around structure every time if you let them run.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are the table fare champions, averaging 4-8 pounds with the occasional teenager pushing 15+ pounds. They prefer deeper structure than other grouper - think 100-300 feet around ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're more active. Don't let their size fool you - these fish are incredibly strong for their weight and will give you a real tussle. They're nicknamed "captain's meat" because the white, sweet flesh is considered the best in the grouper family. Best tip I can give: use braided line and don't hesitate once you feel that bite - they're masters at getting back to their holes in the rocks.
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