8-Hour Private Midshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore charter targeting Cobia, King Mackerel, and Tarpon40-foot Wellcraft vessel features bathroom, AC, and entertainment optionsMarch through November availability with free 3-day cancellation policy
Looking for a serious fishing adventure that takes you beyond the crowded inshore spots? This 8-hour private charter puts you right in the sweet spot – 20 to 30 miles offshore where the big boys live. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after gamefish in these waters, from hard-fighting Cobia to lightning-fast King Mackerel. With departure at 9 AM, you'll have the entire day to work the artificial wrecks and reefs that hold these fish, giving you the best shot at filling the cooler.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full 8 hours of prime fishing time aboard a well-equipped 40' Wellcraft sportfishing vessel. The boat comes loaded with everything you need: a comfortable cabin with optional air conditioning (trust me, you'll want this on those hot summer days), a full bathroom, and even a microwave and cooktop if you want to heat up some lunch. Got kids who might get antsy between bites? No worries – there are video games in the galley to keep everyone happy when the fish take a break. The best part? No fishing license required, so you can focus on what really matters – getting your lines wet and bringing home dinner.
We'll be running a mix of techniques to cover all the bases out there. Bottom fishing is where we'll spend a good chunk of time, especially around those artificial reefs and wrecks that act like underwater magnets for Black Seabass and Cobia. The structure creates perfect ambush points, and we'll drop live bait and cut bait right into the strike zone. When we're covering water between spots, we'll have the trolling spread out – multiple lines at different depths to intercept those roaming King Mackerel and Tarpon. Drift fishing comes into play when we hit the right current and baitfish activity, letting us present baits naturally while covering ground. The 40' Wellcraft is rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle designed for these species, but feel free to bring your favorite setup if you've got one.
Cobia are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious, powerful fighters that can reach 40-50 pounds out here. They love hanging around structure and are most active from April through October. What makes them special is their intelligence – they'll follow the boat, inspect your bait, and either commit or ghost you completely. When one hits, you'll know it immediately. The fight is bulldogging power mixed with surprising speed, and they're absolutely delicious on the table.
Tarpon bring the acrobatics to your day. These silver kings can range from 50 to over 150 pounds in these waters, and they're most prevalent during the warmer months from May through September. When a Tarpon eats your bait, get ready for a show – they'll launch themselves completely out of the water in spectacular fashion. The fight can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour for the big ones. Most anglers practice catch and release with these giants, but the photos and memories will last forever.
Blacktip Sharks are the speed demons of the group. These sleek predators typically run 20-40 pounds and are active year-round, though they're most aggressive during warmer months. They're notorious for their aerial displays when hooked, spinning and jumping clear of the water. They'll hit both live bait and cut bait, and once hooked, they make blistering runs that will test your drag system. Great tablefare too, if you decide to keep one for dinner.
Black Sea Bass might not be the glamour species, but they're absolute money in the bank. These bottom dwellers live on the artificial reefs and wrecks, typically running 1-3 pounds with some reaching 5+ pounds. They're available March through November and are notorious for their willingness to bite. What they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and eating quality – many consider them the best-tasting fish in these waters. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged since the action is usually steady.
At $1,475 for up to 6 anglers, this charter breaks down to less than $250 per person for a full day of world-class fishing. That's a bargain when you consider you're getting 8 hours on prime offshore grounds with all tackle included and no license required. The season runs March 1st through November 1st, covering all the best fishing months when these species are most active. With free cancellation up to 3 days before departure, you can book with confidence and adjust for weather if needed. These midshore waters consistently produce some of the area's best fishing, and with a full day to work different spots and techniques, your chances of getting into multiple species are excellent. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Your floating headquarters for serious offshore fishing! This 40' Wellcraft 330 Coastal cuts through open water at 22 knots, powered by twin 370 HP Volvo engines that'll get your crew of up to 6 anglers out to those productive wrecks and reefs 20-30 miles offshore where the big fish live. The spacious flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting birds and bait while the GPS and fishfinder help locate those honey holes. When the sun gets brutal, duck into the air-conditioned cabin complete with a full galley, bathroom, and even a comfortable bed for anyone needing a break between fish. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with cobia, kings, and tarpon. Whether you're bottom fishing structure, trolling the blue water, or drifting over reefs, this well-equipped sportfisher has everything you need for a productive day on the water. Kids can stay entertained with video games in the galley when the bite slows down.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom-dwellers with big mouths and bigger appetites. They typically run 1-4 pounds, though larger males can hit 8+ pounds and develop a distinctive hump on their heads during spawning. You'll find them holding tight to structure – wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move shallow to feed and spawn. They're fun because they fight hard until they break the surface, and they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Use medium tackle with squid strips or jigs. My tip: fish right on the bottom and be ready to horse them up quickly – they'll duck back into structure and cut you off if you give them a chance.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for jumping 20+ feet straight up when hooked. These streamlined fighters average 5 feet but can reach 9 feet and 270 pounds. You'll find them patrolling our offshore reefs and wrecks in 30-200 feet of water, especially around baitfish schools. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps warm up. They're exciting because they're aggressive feeders and surprisingly athletic – plus they're great for photos before release. Use heavy braided line (30-50 lb) with circle hooks and oily baits like mackerel or sardines. My tip: once you get one hooked, be ready for multiple sharks to show up – they often hunt in groups.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that average 6 feet and 100 pounds – excellent table fare with firm, white meat. They're loners, not schoolers, so we typically sight-fish for them cruising near the surface around our wrecks and reefs in 30-70 feet. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they're feeding heavily on crabs and small fish. What guests love is the visual aspect – seeing them cruise by before making a cast – and their strong, bulldogging fight. They'll eat bucktail jigs, crankbaits, and live bait. Here's the key: once you spot one, get your bait in front of it quickly but don't cast right on top of them – they spook easily.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black eyespots near their tails – a defense mechanism that confuses predators. Most run 28-33 inches and put up a solid fight in shallow water, typically 1-4 feet deep around grass flats, oyster bars, and structure. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding aggressively. What makes them special is their excellent table fare – mild, sweet flavor that grills perfectly. They'll hit topwater lures, jigs, and live shrimp with explosive strikes. Here's a local trick: look for "tailing" redfish with their backs exposed above water – they're feeding head-down and easier to approach for a perfect cast.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are the ultimate bucket-list fish – watching a 6-foot tarpon launch 10 feet out of the water will get your heart pounding. Most run 80-100 pounds, but they can hit 280. We find them around our artificial reefs and wrecks, especially during their spring and summer migrations. They're tough fighters that can swim 35 mph and jump repeatedly to throw the hook. While you can't keep them (they're catch-and-release only), the fight is pure adrenaline. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them – it keeps slack in the line and prevents them from breaking off during those wild aerial shows.
Hilton Head Island, SC