Trolling Fishing Trip in Charleston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore fishing trip targeting trophy pelagic speciesTrolling for Dolphinfish, Tuna, Sailfish, and Wahoo up to 60 milesProfessional charter accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably
Ready to take your fishing game to the next level? This 10-hour offshore adventure with Salty Tide Charters puts you right in the heart of Charleston's best pelagic action, targeting trophy fish that'll make your buddies back home jealous. We're talking about heading 60 miles out into the deep blue where the real monsters live – Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Blackfin Tuna that fight like they mean it. With early morning departure times and a full day on the water, you'll have plenty of chances to land that fish you've been dreaming about.
This isn't your typical nearshore trip – we're heading way out where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the temperature breaks create highways for pelagic species. The early start means you'll be running to the grounds while it's still dark, watching the sunrise paint the Atlantic as you cruise past the jetties. Once we hit our spots, you'll spend the day working the edges of the Gulf Stream, trolling structure and temperature breaks where these speedsters hunt. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's room to spread out without feeling crowded, and everyone gets their shot at the big ones. The 10-hour window gives us time to cover serious water and adjust our game plan based on what we're marking on the fish finder.
We run a serious trolling spread designed specifically for Charleston's offshore gamefish. Think heavy tackle rigged with high-speed lures, ballyhoo, and cedar plugs that drive these pelagics crazy. The boat's set up with outriggers to spread our lines wide, and we'll have everything from small feathers for the Blackfins to big skirted baits that Wahoo can't resist. We adjust our trolling speed based on conditions and target species – sometimes we're pulling at 8 knots for Mahi around floating debris, other times we're burning at 15+ knots to trigger those lightning-fast Wahoo strikes. The tackle is top-shelf stuff that can handle the initial runs these fish are famous for, and we'll walk you through the techniques that work best in these waters.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish as they're officially known, are absolute crowd-pleasers and one of the most reliable catches on these Charleston offshore runs. These bright green and gold beauties typically run 10-30 pounds out here, though we see bulls pushing 40+ pounds during peak season from late spring through early fall. They love floating debris, weed lines, and anything that creates structure in the open ocean. What makes Mahi so special is their aggressive nature – they'll often travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll likely find more. Plus, they're incredible table fare and put on a spectacular aerial show when hooked.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, and Charleston's waters hold some serious fish. These silver bullets can hit 50+ mph and grow to impressive sizes – we regularly see fish in the 30-60 pound range, with occasional monsters pushing 80 pounds. They're most active during cooler months, roughly October through March, when they move closer to our continental shelf. The strike is unmistakable – a screaming run that'll test your drag system and your reflexes. Wahoo are also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Atlantic Sailfish represent the pinnacle of offshore sport fishing, and Charleston consistently produces quality fish year-round with peak activity in spring and fall. These acrobatic fighters average 30-50 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps and long runs. The sail's dorsal fin display during the fight is something every angler should experience at least once. While many anglers choose to release these magnificent fish, the photos and memories from battling a sail will last forever.
Blackfin Tuna might be the smallest of our target species, typically running 10-25 pounds, but don't let their size fool you. These fish fight way above their weight class and are incredibly aggressive on small lures and baits. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, often providing fast action when you need it most. Blackfins are also outstanding table fare – their rich, red meat is perfect for sashimi or searing, and they're available year-round in our waters.
Charleston's offshore fishing scene is world-class, and trips like this fill up fast, especially during prime season. The combination of Salty Tide Charters' local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and access to productive waters 60 miles offshore makes this a customer favorite among serious anglers. Whether you're looking for that trophy mount, some of the best table fare the ocean has to offer, or just want to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this 10-hour adventure delivers. The early departure means you'll beat the crowds and have first shot at fish that haven't been pressured all day. Don't wait – these pelagic species won't wait around, and neither should you.
This 6-passenger motorboat is built for serious offshore trolling adventures along the Charleston coast. Equipped with professional-grade fish finder technology to locate those trophy pelagics lurking 60 miles out, plus GPS and radar systems to navigate safely in any conditions. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh during the full 10-hour fishing day, while the VHF radio maintains contact with the fleet. A proper marine toilet and multimedia system add comfort between the action. Perfect for targeting Dolphinfish, Tuna, Sailfish, and Wahoo in Charleston's productive offshore waters. The boat's reliable engine gets you to the fishing grounds fast and back to port with your coolers full.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out there, with brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. These fish average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in that 30-60 mile range we fish. Spring through fall gives us our best action when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes mahi so popular is the combination of a solid fight, spectacular jumps, and some of the best eating you'll find offshore. The meat is firm, white, and mild - perfect for the grill. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled because they often travel in schools, especially the smaller ones.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna might be the smallest of the tuna family, but don't let that fool you - these 20-40 pound fish pack serious punch and are some of the best eating you'll find offshore. They school up in deeper water along the continental shelf, usually 40-100 feet down, and they're most active during our cooler months from fall through spring. What anglers love about blackfin is that classic tuna fight with deep, powerful runs, plus the sashimi-grade meat that's prized by restaurants. They're also great for beginners since they're more forgiving than their bigger cousins. Key technique: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders - these fish have sharp eyes and will spook from heavy gear. Vertical jigging and live bait work best when you find the schools.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, with that massive dorsal fin and lightning-fast speed that makes them one of nature's most impressive predators. These fish typically run 6-8 feet and around 50 pounds, cruising the upper water column from 30-65 feet where they hunt baitfish. We get our best shots at them during the warmer months when they follow the bait up from Florida waters. What makes sailfish so special is the aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and dive repeatedly, testing every bit of your tackle and skill. They're mostly catch-and-release, but the fight alone is worth the trip. Here's what works: when you see a sailfish behind your teaser, let it get good and fired up before pitching the bait - patience pays off with these smart fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting up to 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet with some real monsters pushing 8 feet. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish cruise the blue water column, usually in the top 60 feet, and they're drawn to temperature breaks and current edges. Off Charleston, we see our best wahoo action from late spring through early fall when the Gulf Stream pushes closer. What gets people hooked on wahoo fishing is that blazing initial run - nothing strips line faster. Plus, the meat is premium table fare, white and flaky with a delicate flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: run your high-speed trolling spread at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono like butter every time.
Charleston