6-Hour Fishing Adventure in Charleston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Extended 6hour offshore fishing adventure 35 miles from Charleston CoastTarget King Mackerel, Cobia, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Vermillion SnapperSmall group charter accommodates maximum 6 guests with Salty Tide
This offshore charter takes you 35 miles out from the Charleston Coast for six solid hours of fishing action. With Salty Tide Charters, you're looking at prime waters where King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and multiple snapper species call home. The boat holds up to six anglers, so you've got plenty of room to spread out and work different lines without getting tangled up. Captain and crew handle all the navigation and know exactly where the fish are biting based on current conditions, water temps, and seasonal patterns.
You'll start early morning from Charleston Harbor, making the run out to the offshore grounds where the real action happens. The 35-mile journey puts you in deep blue water where pelagic species roam and bottom structure holds plenty of snapper and grouper. The crew sets up multiple rod configurations - some for trolling the surface species like Mahi and Wahoo, others rigged for bottom fishing where Red Snapper and Gag Grouper hang out. Water depths range from 80 to 200 feet depending on what's biting best that day. Six hours gives you time to work different spots, change tactics if needed, and really dial in on the most productive areas. The Charleston Coast offshore fishing scene is world-class, with consistent action year-round thanks to the Gulf Stream influence and varied underwater structure.
The crew runs a spread of trolling lines using ballyhoo, spoons, and diving plugs to target the fast-moving pelagics. King Mackerel love the wire-rigged baits, while Mahi Mahi and Wahoo hit everything from skirted ballyhoo to high-speed lures. When it's time to drop bottom, they switch to heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh cut bait. Red Snapper respond well to squid and small fish, while grouper species prefer larger baits like whole sardines or grunt. The boat carries all tackle, bait, and terminal gear - you just need to bring your fishing license and be ready to fight fish. GPS and fish finder technology help locate structure and mark productive spots for return visits during the trip.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Charleston offshore fishing, typically running 3-8 pounds with some real doormat fish pushing 15+ pounds. They hang around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-120 feet of water. Peak season runs May through August, though you'll find them year-round. What makes Red Snapper special is their fight - they pull hard for the bottom and their distinctive red coloration makes them easy to identify.
Gag Grouper are another customer favorite, averaging 5-15 pounds with trophy fish reaching 30+ pounds. These ambush predators hide in structure and caves, making powerful runs when hooked. Best months are April through November when water temps climb. Gag Grouper have excellent table fare and their aggressive strikes make for exciting fishing.
Scamp Grouper tend to be smaller than Gags, typically 2-8 pounds, but they're plentiful around Charleston's offshore structure. They have distinctive brown and white mottled patterns and prefer slightly deeper water than Gags. Scamp are active feeders and often the first species you'll connect with when dropping baits.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of Charleston waters, hitting trolled baits at 20+ mph and making blistering runs. Most fish range 10-25 pounds, with smoker kings pushing 40+ pounds during peak season from April through October. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and incredible stamina, often jumping multiple times during the fight.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are the most colorful catch you'll encounter, with brilliant gold, green, and blue hues that flash during the fight. They travel in schools around floating debris and weed lines, typically weighing 5-20 pounds with bull dolphins reaching 30+ pounds. Summer months offer the best Mahi action, and their acrobatic jumps make them a top-rated target species.
Wahoo Fish are the missiles of the deep, capable of 50+ mph speeds and devastating strikes on high-speed trolled lures. Most Charleston Wahoo run 15-40 pounds with their torpedo-shaped bodies and incredible teeth. Winter months often produce the largest fish, and their speed makes every hookup an adrenaline rush.
Cobia are the wild cards of Charleston offshore fishing, showing up around structure, buoys, and even free-swimming near the surface. These brown sharks-lookalikes average 15-35 pounds and are renowned for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. Spring and fall migrations offer the best Cobia opportunities, and they're considered some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Six hours offshore with Salty Tide Charters gives you the best shot at multiple species and plenty of action. The 35-mile run puts you in prime fishing grounds where trophy fish roam, and the extended time lets you work different techniques and locations. With space for six anglers and a crew that knows these waters inside and out, this trip delivers consistent results for both novice and experienced fishermen. Charleston's offshore scene is trending upward with strong fish populations and year-round opportunities. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious bent rods and full coolers.
Head out 35 miles from Charleston's coast aboard our fully-equipped offshore fishing boat, built for serious anglers ready to chase the big ones. This motorboat comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water - fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an ice box to keep your catch fresh. The onboard VHF radio keeps you connected while you target King Mackerel, Vermillion Snapper, Cobia, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi in deeper waters where the action heats up. With comfortable seating for up to 6 guests, a private head, and multimedia system for downtime between bites, you'll have plenty of room to spread out your gear and enjoy 6 hours of prime fishing time. The captain knows these Charleston waters inside and out, taking you to productive spots where the fish are biting and the lines stay tight.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle, typically running 20-40 pounds with some pushing 50+. These migratory fish cruise the 40-150 foot range following baitfish and temperature breaks. Spring through fall brings the best action as they move through our waters chasing schools of menhaden and blue runners. What guests love about kings is that blistering first run - they'll strip line off your reel like nothing else. Plus, they're great on the grill with that firm, flaky meat. They're notorious for cutting lines with those razor-sharp teeth, so here's what works: always use a wire leader and rig your bait with a stinger hook near the tail. Kings often hit the back half of the bait first. Troll at 6-8 knots with live bait or spoons, and when one hits, hold on tight - that first run is something else.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are one of our most prized bottom fish out here, typically running 1-3 feet long and putting up a solid fight. You'll find them around hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. They love rocky areas and wrecks where they can ambush prey. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're more active and feeding aggressively. What makes guests love targeting these fish is the combination of great table fare - that sweet, flaky white meat is hard to beat - plus they'll give you a real tussle on the way up. They're smart fish that'll try to cut your line on structure, so here's a tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them away from the bottom fast. Don't give them a chance to dive back into the rocks or you'll lose them every time.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight fishing target - big, brown, and curious enough to come check out the boat. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+, and they'll give you a fight you won't forget. Look for them around structure, buoys, and floating debris in 30-100 feet during spring and summer migration. What makes cobia fishing special is the visual aspect - you can actually see them swimming near the surface and pitch baits right to them. The meat rivals any fish in the ocean, firm and sweet. They're usually solitary, so finding one takes some looking. Here's what works: use heavy tackle with 4-8 oz bucktail jigs or live bait. When you spot one, don't get too excited - make a good cast ahead of the fish and work it slowly. Cobia are curious but spook easy, so keep the boat noise down and give them time to investigate your bait.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed kings out here, capable of hitting 60 mph and making screaming runs that'll test your drag system. These sleek predators average 30-50 pounds and patrol the deep blue water looking for flying fish and small tunas. Fall and winter bring the best wahoo action as they move through following baitfish. What gets anglers excited is that initial run - nothing pulls drag like a fresh wahoo. The meat is outstanding too, white and mild like premium tuna. They're loners mostly, so it's often one and done. Speed is key when targeting them - troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because those teeth will slice through anything else. Here's the trick: use high-speed lures like bullet heads or Ilanders, and make sure your drag is set right. When one hits at that speed, something's got to give - better it's your drag than your line.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure gold when they're feeding - literally. These colorful fighters 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. Summer through early fall gives us our best shots when they're following the Gulf Stream closer to shore. What makes mahi special is the whole package - they fight hard, jump like crazy, and that firm white meat is restaurant quality. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. My tip: once you hook one, keep it in the water and work the school. The hooked fish will actually call in others, so have a second rod ready. Troll ballyhoo or pitch live bait to the feeding fish - they're aggressive feeders and not too line shy.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are some of the strongest fighters we target out here, averaging 20 inches but capable of reaching 4+ feet and 80 pounds. These ambush predators hide around reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 30-200 feet of water. You'll typically find them holding tight to cover where they can surprise their prey. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're most active. What guests really enjoy about gags is the incredible fight - they're bulldogs that'll try to drag your bait straight back to their hole. The meat is excellent too, firm and sweet. Here's the key to landing them: once you feel that thump, lock down your drag and horse them away from structure immediately. Give them even a second to think about it and they'll wrap you around the nearest rock or wreck and it's game over.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are the prize of the grouper family - smaller than their cousins at 4-6 pounds average, but hands down the best eating. You'll recognize them by those distinctive long rays on their tail and brown, mottled coloring. They hang around structure in 75-300 feet, preferring reefs, ledges, and wrecks. Best action comes during spring and summer when they move into shallower water for spawning. What makes scamps special is that sweet, firm meat that's earned them the nickname "captain's fish" - we often save the best ones for the crew. They're slow swimmers but incredibly strong, so be ready for a long battle. Pro tip: use live pinfish or sardines and fish them right on the bottom near structure. When you hook one, pump and wind steadily - they'll try to bore down into a hole if you give them slack.
Charleston