12 Hour Fishing Trip in Charleston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing adventure within 90 miles of Charleston CoastTarget premium species including King Mackerel, Cobia, Wahoo, and Mahi MahiSmall group charter accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
Picture this: you're heading out in the dark with nothing but the Charleston lighthouse behind you and 90 miles of prime Atlantic waters ahead. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking a full 12-hour commitment to putting serious fish in the boat. With Salty Tide Charters, you get the whole package: pre-dawn departure, world-class fishing grounds, and enough time to really dial in what's biting. Whether you want to drop baits to the bottom for hefty grouper and snapper or run and gun trolling for pelagics like mahi and wahoo, we've got the experience and local knowledge to put you on fish. Six anglers max means everyone gets prime real estate at the rail, and trust me – you'll need it when the action heats up.
We'll meet you at the dock while most folks are still hitting snooze. The early start isn't just for show – it's strategic. By the time the sun breaks the horizon, we're already settling into our first fishing spot with lines in the water. The Charleston Coast gives us access to some of the most productive offshore waters on the East Coast, and 12 hours means we can hit multiple spots depending on what Mother Nature serves up. Some days we'll start bottom fishing the nearshore reefs for grouper and snapper, then make a move to the blue water for trolling action. Other days, we might spend the morning chasing a wahoo bite before settling into a mahi school that just won't quit. The beauty of a full-day trip is flexibility – we go where the fish are, not where the clock tells us to be. You'll get a real taste of what professional fishing looks like, and by the end of the day, you'll understand why this is consistently rated as one of the top fishing experiences Charleston has to offer.
Here's where it gets good – you get to choose your adventure, or better yet, mix it up throughout the day. Bottom fishing means we're anchored up over structure, dropping baits down 60 to 200 feet to where the big boys live. We're talking heavy tackle, circle hooks, and enough weight to get your bait down in the current. The technique is straightforward but the results can be spectacular – nothing beats the thump of a big gag grouper or the screaming drag of a cobia making its first run. Trolling is a different animal entirely. We're covering water, pulling lures and rigged baits behind the boat at 6 to 12 knots, targeting the pelagic species that cruise the blue water. When that outrigger pops and line starts screaming off the reel, your heart rate jumps through the roof. The gear is lighter, the fights are faster, and the fish are some of the most beautiful you'll ever see. Most days, we'll do both – it's not about picking sides, it's about adapting to conditions and giving you the best shot at multiple species.
Let's talk about what's actually swimming out there and why each species will get your blood pumping. Red snapper are the bread and butter of Charleston bottom fishing, and these crimson beauties are as tasty as they are fun to catch. They typically run 8 to 15 pounds in our waters, with the occasional 20-pounder that'll make your day. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they love structure – wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom areas where they can ambush baitfish. The fight isn't flashy, but it's steady and determined, and when you see that red color coming up through the blue water, you know dinner just got a whole lot better. Gag grouper are the bruisers of the bottom fishing world. These guys can push 30-plus pounds and they know how to use every ounce of it. They're ambush predators that live in caves and overhangs, so when you hook one, the first thing it wants to do is head straight back to cover. The initial run is pure power, and landing a trophy gag requires technique, patience, and a little bit of luck. Fall is prime time for gags, when they're feeding heavily before their winter spawn.
Scamp grouper might not get the press that gags do, but pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish we target. They average 5 to 12 pounds but fight like they're twice that size, and their pink and white coloration makes them one of the prettiest fish you'll pull up from the deep. They're year-round residents but seem to bite best in the cooler months. King mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. These silver bullets can hit 40 mph and when they grab a trolled bait, the initial run is pure adrenaline. Charleston kings typically run 15 to 30 pounds, with the occasional smoker that'll push 40 or more. Spring and fall are peak times, and there's nothing quite like the sight of a king mackerel greyhounding across the surface with your lure in its mouth.
Mahi mahi are probably the most photogenic fish in the ocean, and they're just as fun to catch as they are to look at. These golden beauties travel in schools, so when you find one, you usually find more. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from live bait to artificial lures, and their acrobatic fights make for great photos and better memories. Charleston mahi fishing peaks in late spring through early fall, and a good day on the mahi grounds can result in a cooler full of these tasty fish. Wahoo are the speed freaks of the offshore world – capable of hitting 60 mph and armed with a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. They're built for speed and power, and when one hits a high-speed trolling lure, you better be ready. Charleston wahoo typically range from 20 to 60 pounds, and their lightning-fast runs an
Your fishing machine for the day is a fully equipped motorboat built for serious offshore action along the Charleston Coast. This 6-person vessel comes loaded with everything you need to hunt down King Mackerel, Cobia, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi up to 90 miles out. The fish finder will help you locate schools while the GPS keeps you on course to the hottest spots. When visibility drops, the radar has your back. Stay connected with other boats and the coast guard through the VHF radio system. Between fighting fish, crank up the multimedia system and keep your catch fresh in the ice box. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short, so you can focus on what matters – landing that trophy fish. Whether you're bottom fishing for Vermillion Snapper or trolling for pelagics, this boat handles the open water like a champ from dusk till dawn.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds, with the occasional smoker hitting 40+. We find them trolling in 40-150 feet, especially around temperature breaks and structure. Peak season runs April through October when water temps are right. What makes kings so addictive? That blistering initial run when they hit your bait - nothing quite like it. Plus, they're decent table fare when prepared right. The key is trolling fast with heavy tackle and wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through anything else. Pro tip: rig your baits with a stinger hook about 6 inches back from the main hook. Kings love to hit the tail of your bait, and that trailing hook will nail them when they come back for seconds.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these dark, powerful fish cruise shallow structure and put up an amazing fight. Most run 20-40 pounds, but we've seen some real bulls push 60+. Look for them around buoys, markers, and structure in 30-80 feet, especially during spring migration from March through May. They're often spotted cruising just under the surface. What makes cobia fishing special? They're curious fish you can often sight-cast to, and they fight like freight trains once hooked. Plus, the meat rivals any fish in the ocean. They're solitary hunters, so when you see one, get a bait in front of it fast. Bucktail jigs work great, but live bait like eels or crabs is hard to beat. Here's the secret: cobia are followers - they'll often shadow rays and sharks, so keep your eyes peeled for any large shadows moving through the water.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing off Charleston. These bright red beauties typically run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've pulled up some real trophies pushing 20+ pounds. They hang out in 30-200 feet around structure - reefs, wrecks, ledges, anything that gives them cover. Peak season runs May through September when water temps hit that sweet 60-75 degree range. What makes guests love targeting them? They fight hard once hooked, trying to dive back into cover, and the meat is absolutely primo - mild, sweet, and flaky. Pro tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure or they'll cut your line.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed kings of the offshore world, clocking speeds up to 60 mph. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically run 20-40 pounds with that distinctive blue-striped silver body. We target them trolling in 100+ feet of blue water, especially around current breaks and temperature changes. Best action runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active in our waters. What makes wahoo special? That screaming initial run that'll test your drag and the premium table fare - white, flaky meat that's absolutely delicious. They've got razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are mandatory. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving lures or ballyhoo rigs works best. Pro tip: when you get a wahoo bite, don't horse them - let them make that first blistering run, then settle into a steady pump and wind. Try to rush them and they'll either throw the hook or cut you off.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll tangle with off Charleston. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds and put on quite a show with their jumping and color changes. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, usually 20+ miles out. Summer months are prime time when they follow the Gulf Stream closer to our coast. What makes them special? The aerial show they put on when hooked, plus some of the finest eating fish in the ocean - mild, sweet, and firm. They're surface dwellers, so trolling with ballyhoo or hitting debris piles with live bait works best. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water and look around - they often travel in small schools, so you might double or triple up before the action dies down.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that love to test your tackle around Charleston's offshore structure. Most run 15-25 inches, but the big boys can hit 30+ pounds and really make you work. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 40-150 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're more active and feeding heavy before spawning season. These fish are pure muscle - they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their hole the second they feel the hook. The payoff is some of the best eating you'll find offshore - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock that drag and horse them up fast. Give them an inch and they'll find a cave or ledge to wrap you around. Heavy tackle and no mercy is the name of the game.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper might be smaller than their cousins, but they pack a serious punch. Most run 4-6 pounds, though we see some pushing 15+ pounds on the better days. They're chocolate brown with darker blotches and those telltale long tail rays. You'll find them around structure in 75-300 feet - think reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. Spring spawning season brings them shallower, making March through May prime time. What draws folks to target scamps? They're called "captain's meat" for a reason - hands down the best tasting grouper you'll put on your table. Sweet, firm flesh that's worth the fight. They're slow but incredibly strong, so be ready for a battle. My advice: use live pinfish or cut bait, and the second you feel that thump, start cranking. They're masters at finding holes.
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