Expert Guided Wreck Fishing Adventures in Charleston
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing expedition targeting Charleston reefs and wrecksExpert guides lead trips to prime spots for snapper, grouper, and kingfishSmall group experience with maximum six guests per charter
Looking for some serious bottom fishing action? Our Charleston wreck fishing trip takes you 20 miles offshore to where the real fish live. We're talking about a full 6-hour day targeting the structure that holds the biggest snapper, grouper, and amberjack in these waters. With just 6 anglers max, you'll get plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from our crew who know exactly where the fish stack up.
This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to the deep water wrecks where the big boys hang out. The ride out gives you time to rig up and get your head in the game while we cruise to our GPS marks. Once we hit the structure, it's all business. These wrecks are fish magnets, and on a good day, you'll be dropping baits into schools so thick they look like clouds on the fish finder. Our captain knows which wrecks are firing and adjusts based on current conditions, tide, and what the fish have been doing lately. You'll be fishing in 60-80 feet of water most of the day, so bring your A-game because these fish fight hard with all that structure to wrap you around.
We fish heavy tackle here – 50-80 pound class rods with circle hooks and enough weight to get down fast. The technique is all about precision drops right on the edges of the wreck where the fish cruise. Live bait works magic, but cut bait produces just as well when the bite is on. You'll be fishing straight up and down most of the time, feeling for that thump that tells you a big snapper or grouper just picked up your offering. The trick is setting the hook quick and getting them up before they can wrap you in the structure. Our crew will coach you through the fights and handle the gaffing when needed. We provide all the tackle, but if you've got your own heavy bottom rig, bring it along.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore scene, and Charleston's wrecks hold some true giants. These fish average 15-30 pounds but don't be surprised when a 40-pounder screams off 200 yards of line in seconds. Summer through fall is prime time, and they'll crush live bait fished just above the wreck or take a well-presented dead bait on the drift. The fight is what hooks most anglers – pure adrenaline as they make long runs and jump clear of the water.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs that will test your back and your drag system. These bruisers range from 20-60 pounds and live right in the structure where they can use every beam and plate to their advantage. They hit hard, dive straight down, and never give up until they're in the boat. Peak season runs late spring through early fall, and they're suckers for live bait dropped right into their living room. Landing a big AJ on heavy tackle is a rite of passage for serious bottom fishermen.
Cobia are the wildcards that can show up any time from April through October. These bronze rockets average 25-45 pounds and fight like oversized bass on steroids. They're curious fish that will often come up to check out the boat, giving you shots at sight fishing when conditions are right. When hooked, they make powerful runs and love to wrap themselves around anything they can find. Their firm white meat makes them a favorite on the dinner table too.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of wreck fishing when they're in season. These ruby-colored fighters range from keeper size around 16 inches up to genuine slabs pushing 10+ pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that stack up on the best bottom, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They hit hard, fight tough for their size, and are hands-down the best eating fish in these waters. The key is getting your bait to the bottom fast before the small stuff picks it apart.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweights that make your reel scream when they dive for their holes. These bottom dwellers can reach 30+ pounds and use every ounce of that weight to try and break you off. They're ambush predators that sit tight to the structure waiting for an easy meal, which makes them prime targets for precise bait placement. The fight is all about power – they don't run far, but they pull like freight trains. During open season, a big gag is the prize every bottom fisherman dreams about.
Charleston's wreck fishing delivers some of the most consistent action on the East Coast, and this 6-hour adventure gives you the time to really work the spots that are producing. With our small group size and experienced crew, you're set up for success whether you're a seasoned bottom fisherman or ready to try something beyond the inshore scene. The variety of species keeps things interesting, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling dinner up from 70 feet of water. Book your trip now and get ready to see what Charleston's offshore wrecks are all about – your arms will be sore, your cooler will be full, and you'll already be planning your next trip before we tie up at the dock.
Meet the "Short Skirts," your ticket to Charleston's best wreck fishing action! This sturdy 30-footer cuts through the waves like butter, taking you and 5 fellow anglers 20 miles offshore where the real monsters live. Your First Mate knows these waters inside and out, guiding you to productive wrecks loaded with snapper, grouper, cobia, and king mackerel. The boat's fish finder will mark structure below while downriggers get your baits down deep where the big ones cruise. Between hookups, grab a cold drink from the icebox or take a quick break in the onboard cabin. GPS and radar keep you on the fish even when conditions get sketchy, and the VHF radio ensures you stay connected. The live bait tank keeps your offerings fresh and frisky – just what hungry amberjack can't resist. After 6 hours of rod-bending action over Charleston's hottest reefs and wrecks, you'll head back to the dock with coolers full of fresh fillets and stories that'll last a lifetime.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the laid-back cruisers that'll surprise you with their fight. These brown beauties typically run 20-40 pounds around Charleston, though we catch some pushing 60+. They love hanging around structure - wrecks, buoys, even floating debris in 20-100 feet of water. Spring and early summer is when they really show up, cruising near the surface during their spawning runs. What makes cobia special is they're curious - they'll follow the boat and check out your baits. The meat's fantastic, white and flaky like premium fish. Here's my secret: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig ahead of where it's swimming, let it sink, then work it slow. They can't resist that wounded baitfish action.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the ultimate bottom bullies that'll test your drag system. These chunky fighters average 5-15 pounds around Charleston's offshore structure, with some monsters pushing 30+. They live in rocky areas, ledges, and wrecks from 40-180 feet, always close to cover where they can ambush prey. Fall and winter are peak seasons when they move up from deeper water to feed. What makes gags exciting is their fight - once hooked, they dive straight for the rocks trying to break you off. The meat's top-shelf, firm white fillets that grill perfectly. Key tip: soon as you feel that thump, lock your drag down and horse them up fast. Give them an inch and they'll swim straight into a hole you can't get them out of.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - pure muscle that'll give you a workout. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ around Charleston's deeper structures. They hang tight to wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water, ambushing anything that swims by. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What guests love is the raw power - amberjacks fight straight down and never quit. The meat's firm and white, great eating if you bleed them quick. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let up. They'll try to cut you off on the structure, so muscle them up fast and keep that drag locked tight.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your gear and skills. These silver rockets typically run 20-40 pounds around Charleston's offshore waters, though we've seen some push 60+ pounds. You'll find them cruising the 40-150 foot depths around our reefs and wrecks, especially during spring and fall migrations when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out there. The meat's excellent too, with that rich, flaky texture perfect for grilling. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and dual hook setup because these fish love to bite bait in half with those razor-sharp teeth.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize of our bottom fishing - classic fighters with table fare that can't be beat. Most run 2-8 pounds around Charleston's reefs, but we regularly see 10-15 pounders that'll really bend your rod. They live on hard bottom structure and wrecks in 60-200 feet, holding tight to cover during the day. Summer months are prime time when they're most active and the bite really turns on. What guests love is that steady thump-thump fight and knowing they're taking home premium dinner. The white, flaky meat is restaurant quality every time. My advice: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait, drop it right to the bottom, and when you feel that tap-tap-tap, don't jerk - just reel steady and let the circle hook do its job.
Charleston, SC