Offshore Fishing in Mt Pleasant
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
1012 hour offshore charter accommodates up to 6 guestsTrolling and bottom fishing options target seasonal catchesExpert guides navigate prime fishing locations near Mt Pleasant
Picture this: you're 20 miles out from Mt Pleasant's coastline, the sun's just breaking the horizon, and you've got a full day ahead to chase some of the Southeast's most prized gamefish. That's exactly what you'll get on Richard's Fishing Charters' 10 to 12-hour offshore adventure. We're talking about a serious day on the water – not some quick trip around the harbor. This is for anglers who want to fish where the big boys live, whether you're dropping lines to the bottom for hefty grouper or trolling the blue water for screaming mahi runs.
When I say we do things right, I mean it. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the nearshore ledges where cobia cruise in spring to the deeper structures where red snapper stack up. We'll start early – really early – because that's when the fish are most active and we've got a lot of water to cover. With up to 6 anglers on board, there's plenty of room to spread out without bumping elbows, but it's still intimate enough that everyone gets personal attention from the crew. The beauty of our setup is flexibility. Maybe we start the morning trolling for mahi and cobia, then switch gears after lunch to bottom fish some productive wrecks. Your captain reads the conditions, the bite, and what the fish are telling us. Some days the trolling bite is on fire, other days the bottom fish are stacked up thick. We adjust accordingly because that's what separates the weekend warriors from the pros.
We run two main game plans depending on what's biting and what you're after. Trolling means we're covering water, pulling a spread of lures behind the boat at varying depths and distances. Think ballyhoo rigs, diving plugs, and skirted baits designed to mimic the baitfish that mahi and cobia can't resist. When we're bottom fishing, we're anchored up or drifting over structure – wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom where grouper and snapper make their living. Heavy tackle, strong drags, and the technique to pull fish away from their rocky hideouts before they cut you off. The crew provides all the gear, from the rods and reels down to the terminal tackle. We're talking quality stuff too – not the bargain bin equipment you might find elsewhere. Circle hooks for the bottom fishing to improve survival rates, and sharp trebles on the trolling lures. Bait varies with the season and what's working, but expect live bait when it's available and the freshest cut bait money can buy.
Mahi mahi are the poster child of offshore fishing around here, and for good reason. These fish are pure excitement – they hit hard, jump like crazy, and their colors are absolutely stunning when you get them boatside. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action typically happening around floating debris, weedlines, or anywhere baitfish are schooling. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them when they're fired up. A 20-pounder will give you a fight you won't forget, and the bigger bulls can push 40 pounds or more. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Cobia are the bruisers of the inshore-to-offshore transition zone. These fish look like sharks but fight even harder, with broad shoulders and the stamina to make multiple runs. Spring migration brings the best cobia action, when they're moving north along the coast and feeding aggressively. They're curious fish, often following rays or just cruising the surface where you can sight-cast to them. Hook a 40-pound cobia and you'll understand why they're called the brown submarines. They dive deep and stay deep, testing your drag and your patience. The reward? Some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm steaks perfect for blackening or grilling.
Red snapper remain the king of bottom fishing, despite the short federal seasons. When they're open, these fish are worth every bit of effort it takes to catch them. They live around structure in 60 to 200 feet of water, and they'll test every knot and connection you've got. A quality red snapper runs 5 to 15 pounds on average, but the big sows can push 20 pounds or more. They're smart fish that spook easily, so it takes the right technique and quality bait to consistently hook up. The payoff is obvious – red snapper are legendary table fare, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for just about any preparation.
Gag grouper are the workhorses of the grouper family, aggressive feeders that will absolutely smoke your drag on the initial run. They're ambush predators that live around ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs, fish, and anything else that comes too close. Gags run bigger on average than most bottom fish, with 20 to 30-pounders being common catches. The fight is all about power – they'll try to get back to their hole and cut you off, so you need heavy tackle and the technique to turn their head. During open seasons, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf.
Scamp grouper might be smaller than their gag cousins, but they make up for it with attitude. These fish live in deeper water, typically 100 feet or more, and they're scrappy fighters that will surprise you with their strength. Scamps have a more delicate flavor than other groupers, with tender meat that's perfect for pan-frying or baking. They're also one of the more colorful groupers, with beautiful markings that make them a favorite among underwater photographers and anglers alike.
Hit the deep waters off Mt Pleasant aboard our newest 28' Tidewater, built specifically for serious offshore fishing adventures. This beauty handles 10-12 hour trips with ease, keeping up to 6 anglers comfortable while you chase your target species. The private head means no rushing back to shore, while plush seating keeps everyone relaxed between hookups. Crank your favorite tunes through the Bluetooth system as you cruise to the fishing grounds. Our fish finder and GPS will put you right on the money spots for both trolling and bottom fishing - whatever the conditions call for. The radar keeps you safe in low visibility, and the large icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold all day long. Whether you're pulling lines for pelagics or dropping baits to the bottom structure, this boat delivers the comfort and performance you need for a productive day on the water. Ready to load the coolers and head offshore?
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of the offshore world, averaging around 100 pounds and built like brown torpedoes. These solitary hunters cruise around structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-300 feet of water. Spring migration season from April through June is prime time when they move through our waters. What guests love about cobia is the raw power - they'll test your tackle and your arms with long, stubborn runs. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between shark and grouper. The key to landing one is sight fishing - look for that distinctive brown shape just under the surface, and when you spot one, get a bucktail jig down to them fast. Don't worry about color; cobia aren't picky.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the classic bottom dwellers that make our offshore trips worthwhile. These gray, marbled fish average around 20 inches but can reach 57 inches and 80 pounds. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks where they ambush prey from their hiding spots. They're most active during cooler months when they move into our deeper waters. What makes gags special is their bulldogging power - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their cave. The payoff is some of the finest eating fish in the ocean. Live pinfish and mullet are your best bets, but cut squid and crab work too. Here's the trick: once you hook up, lock that reel down and keep your rod low. Don't let them run or they'll find a hole and you'll never get them out.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are what offshore dreams are made of - brilliant gold and electric blue colors that put on a light show when you hook one. These fish average 15-29 pounds but can hit 87 pounds, and they're absolute rockets when hooked. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm water. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them. What makes mahi special is the combination of their spectacular fight, stunning looks, and some of the best eating you'll find offshore. The meat is firm, mild, and perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you find one mahi, work the area hard - they often travel in small groups, and where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are the gold standard of bottom fishing - beautiful red fish that average 1-2 feet but can push 35 pounds or more. These fighters live around hard bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 30-620 feet, with the bigger ones holding in deeper water. Summer months from May through October are peak season when they're actively feeding and spawning. Guests love snappers for their bulldogging fight and incredible table fare - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. They'll try every trick to cut you off in the rocks, so you need to muscle them up quick. The secret is fresh bait on the bottom - cigar minnows, squid, or live pinfish work best. Keep your drag tight and don't give them an inch, or they'll wrap you around every piece of structure down there.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are the hidden gems of our deep water fishing - chocolate brown fish with distinctive elongated tail rays that many consider the best eating in the grouper family. They typically run 4-6 pounds but can reach 32 pounds and 3.5 feet. Look for them around ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 75-300 feet, though they'll move shallower during spring spawning season from February through May. What sets scamps apart is their reputation as "Captain's Meat" - the texture and flavor are outstanding. They're slow but incredibly strong fighters that'll wear you out. Live pinfish, sardines, and cigar minnows are top choices for bait. The key is getting your bait right to the structure where they're hiding and being ready for a long battle once you hook up.
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