Premium Gulfstream Fishing Adventures in Charleston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting Dolphin, Tuna, and Marlin12hour Gulfstream expedition accommodates up to 5 guestsCharlestonbased trip includes Sailfish and Wahoo fishing opportunities
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, there's nothing quite like a full-day run to the Gulfstream. This 12-hour adventure with Short Skirts Sportfishing takes you way beyond the usual coastal spots where the weekend warriors fish. We're talking about the real deal – blue water fishing where the big pelagic species roam. With just 5 anglers max on board, you'll have plenty of elbow room at the rail and all the time you need to work that perfect fish. This isn't some rushed half-day trip where you're heading back to dock right when the bite heats up. We stay out there until we've given you the best shot at landing something special.
Your day starts early – we're talking 4:30 AM departure to make that long run to the Gulfstream worth every nautical mile. The ride out takes about 2-3 hours depending on where the fish have been showing up lately, but that's where the magic happens. Once we hit that temperature break and see that deep blue water, you know you've arrived at fish heaven. The boat's rigged with top-shelf gear, outriggers spread wide, and we'll have multiple lines in the water targeting different depths. You'll be trolling with a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and artificial lures designed to trigger strikes from whatever's prowling the current. The captain's been working these waters for years and knows exactly where to find the drop-offs, weed lines, and structure that hold fish. With 12 hours on the water, we've got time to move around, try different spots, and really dial in on what's biting.
This is classic offshore trolling at its finest. We'll be running a spread of 6-8 lines at different positions – long riggers, short riggers, flat lines, and maybe a few deep baits if the fish are holding down. The key to Gulfstream fishing is covering water and staying flexible. When we mark fish on the finder or spot birds working, we'll circle back and work the area hard. You might find yourself fighting a fish on 30-pound tackle one minute, then switching to heavier gear when something really substantial shows up. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and boat positioning – your job is to stay alert for that telltale zing of the reel and be ready to grab the rod when it's game time. We'll also keep an eye out for floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where baitfish congregate and predators follow.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Charleston's offshore scene, especially from late spring through early fall. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll have you whooping and hollering. They're known for their lightning-fast runs and spectacular jumps, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. The best part? Charleston's sailfish population has been incredibly healthy, and we regularly see multiple hookups in a single day. When you see that distinctive dorsal fin cutting through the water behind your bait, get ready for the fight of your life.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate prize in these waters, with fish ranging from smaller 150-pounders up to true giants pushing 400-500 pounds. Summer months bring the best marlin action when the Gulfstream pushes closer to shore and water temperatures hit that sweet spot above 75 degrees. These fish test every aspect of your angling skills – from the initial hookset to the grueling battle that can last hours. There's nothing quite like seeing a marlin greyhound across the surface or launch itself completely out of the water. Most anglers consider landing a blue marlin a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphin fish as the locals call them, are pure fun on the end of a line. They're aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, meaning when you find one, there's usually more around. These colorful fighters average 10-30 pounds and are known for their blistering initial runs and aerial acrobatics. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere small baitfish are schooling. The bonus with mahi is they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of runs that'll smoke your reel in seconds. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 40-60 pounds and are armed with razor-sharp teeth that can cut through wire leaders. They're typically caught while trolling at higher speeds, and their initial run is so fast and powerful it'll test your drag settings and your ability to hang on. Fall months tend to produce the best wahoo fishing when they're feeding heavily before winter. The meat is outstanding – firm, white, and perfect for grilling.
Bluefin Tuna show up during specific seasons and provide some of the most challenging fights you'll encounter. These powerful fish range from school-sized 20-40 pounders up to giants over 200 pounds. They're incredibly strong, with the stamina to wage long battles that'll have your arms burning. Winter months can bring exceptional bluefin fishing when they're migrating through our waters. The combination of power, speed, and endurance makes bluefin one of the most respected gamefish among serious offshore anglers.
A 12-hour offshore adventure to the Gulfstream isn't something you do every weekend, and that's exactly what makes it special. With only 5 spots available per trip, these dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its absolute best. You'll want to bring your own food and drinks since we're focused on maximizing fishing time rather than meal service. The memories from a day like this – whether it's your first sail
Meet the "Short Skirts" - your ticket to serious offshore action in Charleston waters! This 30-foot fishing machine is built for the long haul with everything you need for a successful day chasing pelagics. With room for up to 6 anglers and a skilled First Mate on board, you'll be rigged and ready to target dolphin, tuna, wahoo, and maybe even a sailfish or marlin if luck's on your side. The boat comes loaded with outriggers and downriggers to spread your lines and get baits down deep where the big fish cruise. A quality fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish, while the GPS and radar keep you safe and on course during those 12-hour runs to the Gulfstream. The VHF radio keeps you connected with other boats and the Coast Guard. Comfort matters on long trips, so you'll find a proper head, sleeping quarters for catching some rest, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The live bait tank ensures your baits stay lively and appealing to those trophy fish prowling the blue water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to step up your offshore game, this setup gives you the platform and tools needed to make the most of Charleston's world-class fishing opportunities.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are one of the ocean's most spectacular fighters, averaging 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds. These beautiful blue-silver fish with their massive dorsal fins love the warm Gulfstream waters we fish, usually hanging in the top 30-65 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us our best shots at them, especially when water temps hit that sweet spot between 70-80°F. What makes sailfish so popular is their incredible acrobatics - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show when hooked. The meat's decent eating, but most folks release these beauties. Here's a tip: when you see one "lit up" with those bright blue stripes, get ready - they're fired up and about to feed. Keep your drag smooth and let them run when they want to.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of the billfish world - females can push 1,000+ pounds while males stay around 300. These deep blue fighters cruise the warm Gulfstream waters year-round here off Charleston, though summer months tend to be most productive. They're apex predators that hunt everything from tuna to mackerel in open water, usually near temperature breaks and current edges. What gets anglers hooked is their raw power and aerial displays - nothing quite matches a marlin's first jump. The meat's good eating but most get released due to their importance as breeders. My advice: keep your drag settings conservative at first. These fish will test every piece of gear you've got, and that initial run can snap you off before you know what hit you.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the ultimate prize fish - powerful, fast, and incredibly valuable for their world-class meat. These torpedo-shaped giants average 6 feet and 300+ pounds, with some reaching over 1,000. They're warm-blooded fish that can handle our cooler waters, usually found in 100-300 foot depths along temperature breaks and structure. Winter through spring is peak season when they're feeding heavily on herring and mackerel. Anglers love the challenge - bluefin test your tackle, technique, and endurance like nothing else. Their sashimi-quality meat is legendary. Fair warning: these fish require federal permits and strict regulations. My tip: when chunking, start your chum line early and be patient. When a big bluefin commits, it's game on for potentially hours.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands-down one of our most popular catches - they're gorgeous fish with brilliant gold, green, and blue colors that put on a light show when you bring them boatside. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3-4 feet long. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and warm Gulfstream water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around any floating structure. What guests love most is the combination of great fight, stunning looks, and table fare that's hard to beat - firm, white, and delicious. They're aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: once you hook the first one, keep other lines ready - the commotion often fires up the whole school.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed demons, hitting 50+ mph and known for their blistering runs. These silver torpedoes with blue stripes average 3-5 feet and make some of the best eating you'll find offshore. They cruise the blue water edges and drop-offs, typically in the top 60 feet. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're moving through our area following baitfish. What makes wahoo special is that lightning-fast strike and their delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They're solitary hunters with razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Here's the key: troll fast, around 12-15 knots. Most guys fish too slow for wahoo. When they hit, there's no mistaking it - sounds like a freight train taking line.
Charleston, SC