12 Hour Fishing Trip in Charleston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing adventure within 90 miles of Charleston CoastTarget premium species including King Mackerel, Cobia, Wahoo, and Mahi MahiProfessional charter accommodates up to 6 guests with bottom fishing options
Picture this: you're on the water before the sun comes up, and you won't head back to the dock until it's setting again. That's what makes this 12-hour Charleston Coast fishing adventure something special. With Salty Tide Charters, you'll push out up to 90 miles offshore where the big fish live and the action never stops. Whether you're dropping lines to the bottom or pulling lures behind the boat, this top-rated charter gives you two full fishing strategies to work the waters. You've got room for up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew and get ready to fill the cooler with King Mackerel, Cobia, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and whatever else decides to bite.
When I say this is a whole-day commitment, I mean it. You'll start your morning in the dark and finish under the evening sky, which gives you the best shot at multiple species as they feed throughout different parts of the day. The Charleston Coast offers some of the most productive offshore waters on the East Coast, and with 90 miles of ocean to work with, we can chase the fish wherever they're holding. Early morning usually means trolling for pelagics like Mahi and Wahoo when they're most active near the surface. As the day progresses, we'll often switch gears to bottom fishing over structure where Grouper, Snapper, and Cobia like to hang out. The beauty of a 12-hour trip is flexibility – we can adapt to what's biting and what the conditions are giving us. Don't worry about meals though; this is a bring-your-own-food deal, so pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep your energy up for the long haul.
You've got two world-class techniques at your disposal on this charter. Bottom fishing means dropping heavy rigs down to structure – think reefs, ledges, and wrecks where fish congregate. We're talking about using circle hooks with cut bait or live bait to target species that hug the bottom like Red Snapper, Gag Grouper, and Scamp Grouper. The key is feeling that thump on your rod tip and setting the hook before these fish dive back into their rocky hideouts. Trolling, on the other hand, means covering water with lures or rigged baits behind a moving boat. This technique shines for pelagic species like King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo that cruise the open ocean looking for baitfish. You'll be watching the outriggers and listening for that screaming reel when something big decides your lure looks like lunch. The captain will read the conditions, water temperature, and bait activity to decide which approach gives you the best odds throughout the day.
Red Snapper are the customer favorite around here, and for good reason. These crimson beauties fight hard and taste even better. They typically run 5-15 pounds in these waters and love hanging around structure in 60-200 feet of water. Summer and early fall are prime time for Red Snapper, and they'll hammer cut bait or live bait on the bottom. What makes them special is that aggressive bite – when a Snapper grabs your bait, you'll know it.
Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the bottom fishing world. These gray and brown fighters can push 20-30 pounds and will test your drag system. They're ambush predators that live around ledges and rocks, waiting to inhale anything that swims by. Fall and winter months are typically best for Gag Grouper, and they're notorious for trying to cut you off on structure once hooked. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back – it's pure power from the moment you set the hook.
Scamp Grouper might be smaller than their Gag cousins, but they make up for it with numbers and flavor. These golden-brown fish usually run 3-8 pounds and school up around deeper reefs. They're less aggressive about running to structure when hooked, which makes them great for newer anglers who want to experience that Grouper fight without the tackle-busting drama.
King Mackerel are speed demons that will burn line off your reel faster than you can believe. These silver rockets range from 10-40 pounds in Charleston waters and are prime targets for trolling. Spring through fall offers the best King Mackerel action, and they'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. The initial run on a King is legendary – they'll take 100-200 yards of line in seconds, and the aerial shows they put on make every hookup memorable.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics to offshore fishing. These brilliant gold and green fish are notorious jumpers that turn into living rainbows when they're hooked. They typically run 10-25 pounds around Charleston and are most active during warmer months. Mahi love to hang around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, making them perfect trolling targets. Their willingness to bite and spectacular fights make them a top choice for anglers of all skill levels.
Wahoo Fish are the offshore speed kings that can hit 60 mph in the water. These torpedo-shaped predators usually range 20-60 pounds and have teeth that can slice through just about anything. They're most active during fall and winter months and prefer deeper, bluer water. When a Wahoo hits your trolling lure, the strike is so violent it often sounds like a gunshot. Their blistering runs and razor-sharp teeth make them one of the most respected gamefish in these waters.
Cobia are the gentle giants that often show up when you least expect them. These brown, shark-like fish can range from 20-50 pounds and are curious enough to swim right up
Your fishing machine for the day is a well-equipped motorboat designed to handle Charleston's offshore waters with ease. This 6-person vessel comes loaded with everything serious anglers need: a top-notch fish finder to locate those elusive schools, GPS and radar to keep you on course even when visibility drops, and VHF radio for clear communication with other boats and the marina. The onboard multimedia system keeps spirits high during longer runs to the fishing grounds, while the spacious ice box ensures your King Mackerel, Cobia, and Mahi Mahi stay fresh for the trip back to shore. With a convenient head onboard, you can focus on what matters most – getting your lines in the water and battling whatever decides to bite. This boat handles both bottom fishing and trolling setups perfectly, giving you flexibility to target different species as conditions change throughout your 12-hour adventure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our waters, averaging 15-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 50+ pounds. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth patrol open water from 40-150 feet, often following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall is prime time when they migrate through our area chasing Spanish sardines and menhaden. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs - they'll peel line off your reel like no other fish. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh, with firm, flaky meat perfect for the grill. Here's a crucial tip: always use a wire leader. Those teeth will slice through mono or fluoro in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits moving fast - 8-12 knots works best. Kings love chasing down a fast-moving meal that looks like it's trying to escape.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of our waters, averaging 30-50 pounds with some reaching 80+ pounds. These brown, shark-looking fish cruise shallow structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 20-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move through in good numbers heading north. What guests love about cobia is sight-fishing opportunities - we often spot them cruising near the surface where you can pitch baits right to them. They're also incredible table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the ocean. Here's the secret: when sight-fishing, use a bucktail jig and don't be aggressive with your retrieve. Cobia are curious but spooky. Let the jig sink near them and work it slowly. If they follow but don't bite, let it hit bottom and they'll usually pick it up.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are one of our most prized bottom catches, averaging 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've pulled up some real monsters pushing 20+ pounds. These ruby-red beauties live around hard structure in 30-200 feet of water - think wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges where they ambush baitfish. They're year-round residents here, but late spring through early fall gives you the best shot when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight like hell once hooked, diving straight for cover to cut your line. Plus, there's nothing better on the dinner table - that mild, sweet meat is restaurant-quality every time. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack. They'll wrap you around structure in a heartbeat if you're not ready for their first hard run down.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the deep, hitting speeds up to 60 mph and averaging 20-40 pounds, with some reaching 80+ pounds. These silver bullets with blue tiger stripes roam open water beyond 200 feet, often near temperature breaks and current edges. Fall and winter are peak times when they patrol our offshore waters chasing flying fish and small tunas. Anglers love wahoo for their screaming runs that'll test your drag and their premium white meat that's considered some of the finest eating in the ocean. They're solitary hunters, so each fish is a trophy. Pro tip: troll fast - 15+ knots with wire leaders is essential since their teeth are like razors. When you get a bite, don't try to stop that first run. Let them go and tire themselves out, because nothing stops a wahoo when it decides to run.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter, averaging 15-25 pounds with bulls reaching 40+ pounds. These golden beauties live under floating debris, weedlines, and around offshore structure in 100+ feet of blue water. Summer through early fall is prime season when they follow the Gulf Stream closer to shore. What makes mahi special is their aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a display unlike any other fish. The meat is also top-shelf with firm, sweet flesh that's perfect grilled or blackened. When you find one mahi, there's usually more nearby since they often travel in small schools. Here's my go-to trick: once you hook the first fish, keep one person fishing while fighting the hooked fish near the boat. The others will often stay around, giving you multiple shots at the school.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that'll test your arms, typically running 20-30 inches and 10-15 pounds around here. These gray, mottled fish love hanging around structure - wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 40-150 feet of water where they can ambush prey. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move into shallower water, but we catch them year-round on the deeper spots. What guests love about gags is the surprise factor - you never know if that thump on the bottom is a keeper or a real bruiser. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's the key: once you hook up, keep your rod low and pull hard right away. These fish will dive straight into the rocks and break you off faster than you can blink if you give them any slack.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp Grouper are the premium eating fish of the grouper family, averaging 4-8 pounds but capable of reaching 20+ pounds. These brown, mottled fish with distinctive streaming tail rays prefer deeper water - typically 75-300 feet around wrecks, reefs, and ledges. They're year-round residents, but spring brings them into slightly shallower water for spawning. What makes scamps special is their reputation as "Captain's Meat" - many consider them the best-tasting fish in these waters. They're also notorious fighters despite their size, using every ounce of strength to get back to their rocky homes. When you hook a scamp, expect a long battle even from smaller fish. My advice: use a strong drag setting and don't let up. These fish are incredibly stubborn and will wear you down if you try to baby them to the boat.
Charleston