8-Hour Private Midshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targeting cobia, king mackerel, and tarpon40foot sportfishing vessel with bathroom, AC, and galley amenitiesProfessional crew provides all equipment and handles fishing licenses
Want to get away from the crowds and really put some serious fish in the box? This 8-hour private charter takes you 20-30 miles offshore to where the big boys live. We're talking about hitting artificial wrecks and reefs that hold some of the most sought-after gamefish along the Southeast coast. Departing at 9 AM sharp, you'll have the entire day to work different spots and techniques until we find what's biting. With up to 6 anglers on our spacious 40-foot Wellcraft, there's plenty of room to spread out and everyone gets their shot at hooking up.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushing back to the dock just when things get good. Eight full hours gives us time to really explore and adapt to what the fish are doing. We'll start the day running out to productive wrecks and artificial reefs, keeping an eye on the fish finder and water conditions. The 40-foot Wellcraft is built for comfort with a full bathroom, air conditioning in the cabin when you need a break from the sun, and even a microwave and cooktop if you want to prep any snacks or warm up lunch. Kids getting antsy between bites? No problem – there are video games in the galley to keep everyone happy. The boat's got plenty of deck space for multiple lines in the water, and the captain knows exactly where to position us for the best action.
We'll mix it up throughout the day depending on what's working and what species we're targeting. Bottom fishing around the wrecks is deadly for grouper, sea bass, and amberjack – we're talking heavy tackle and strong drag settings because these fish will try to get back to structure fast. Trolling is perfect for covering water when we're hunting kings, cobia, or mahi, and we'll adjust our spread based on current and bait activity. Drift fishing lets us work promising areas methodically, especially effective for tarpon and sharks when they're cruising the edges of structure. All terminal tackle and bait are provided, and the boat's rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle whatever we hook into. The captain will coach you through fighting techniques for different species – there's definitely a learning curve between cranking up a sea bass versus battling a tarpon that wants to jump and run.
Tarpon are the crown jewel out here, especially during their summer migration. These silver giants range from 80 to 150 pounds and will test every piece of gear and every ounce of stamina you've got. They're notorious for their acrobatic jumps and long runs, and landing one is something you'll talk about for years. Best action typically runs from May through August when they're moving through in numbers. Cobia are another favorite – these brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious fish that will often cruise right up to the boat, giving you sight-casting opportunities you won't find inshore. They're excellent table fare and great fighters, averaging 20-40 pounds with some real monsters pushing 60-plus. King Mackerel are speed demons that will smoke drag and make blistering runs. Spring and fall are prime time when they're schooled up and feeding aggressively on the wrecks. Black Sea Bass might not be the biggest fighters, but they're plentiful around structure and absolutely delicious – perfect for filling out a mixed bag when the bigger fish are being finicky. Blacktip Sharks provide non-stop action and aerial displays that rival tarpon, especially fun for younger anglers who want constant excitement.
At $1,475 for up to six people, you're getting a full day of world-class fishing with everything provided except your lunch and drinks. No fishing license required, and with free cancellation up to three days out, there's no risk if weather doesn't cooperate. The season runs March through November, covering the best fishing months when these offshore species are most active. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check some bucket-list species off your list or a family wanting to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this charter delivers. The memories you'll make battling fish in blue water with your crew will last long after the photos fade. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak tarpon and king mackerel seasons.
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard this fully-loaded 40' Wellcraft 330 Coastal! Twin 370 HP Volvo engines power you to prime fishing grounds 20-30 miles offshore at a comfortable 22-knot cruise, targeting Cobia, King Mackerel, Tarpon, and more around artificial wrecks and reefs. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, this sportfishing machine comes equipped with everything needed for serious fishing - GPS, fishfinder, radar, and a flybridge for spotting schools. When you need a break from bottom fishing and trolling, cool off with full AC, grab snacks from the fridge, or let the kids play video games in the galley. The full bathroom, kitchen with microwave and cooktop, plus onboard bed mean you can fish hard all day in complete comfort. No cramped quarters here - just plenty of space to fight fish and relax between bites!
Centropristis StriataThese chunky grouper cousins typically run 1-4 pounds, though bigger males can hit 8+ pounds in deeper water. You'll find them tight to structure - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 30-120 feet. Late spring through summer is best when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What guests appreciate is the steady action and great eating - black sea bass have sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll give you a solid fight down deep but tire once you get them moving up. The males turn bright blue during spawn season, which is pretty cool to see. Pro tip: use a two-hook rig with squid strips - they're bottom feeders and rarely pass up fresh squid.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips average 5 feet but can reach 9 feet and 270 pounds. You'll know them by the black markings on their fin tips and their habit of jumping clean out of the water when hooked. We target them around our offshore reefs and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water, where they patrol looking for mackerel and sardines. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps are up and baitfish are active. Guests love the aerial show these sharks put on - they can launch 20+ feet in the air. They're strong fighters but manageable on heavy tackle. The key is using oily bait like cut mackerel or live sardines to get their attention. Circle hooks work best since they're catch-and-release only.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are often called "brown sharks" because of their dark color and single dorsal fin, but they're actually excellent eating fish. They typically run 3-6 feet and 30-100 pounds, with some giants pushing 135. These fish are loners, not schoolers, so you'll spot them individually around our offshore structures. Spring migration from April through June is peak season, when they cruise near the surface looking for crabs and small fish. What makes cobia great targets is their aggressive nature and fantastic table quality - firm, white meat that's restaurant-grade. Here's the trick: when you see one, get a bucktail jig down to them quickly. Color doesn't matter much, but a 4-8 oz jig works best around structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are easily spotted by their copper-colored backs and distinctive black eyespots near the tail. Most run 28-33 inches, though they can push 45 inches and 50 pounds. These fish love shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface around oyster bars, grass flats, and structure. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding actively in warmer water. What guests love about reds is their strong, steady fight and excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're not as jumpy as other species, but they'll make long, powerful runs. Here's a local trick: if you see nervous baitfish or swirls in shallow water, cast just past the disturbance and work your lure back slowly.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can grow much larger. What makes tarpon special is their ability to jump 10 feet out of the water when hooked - pure athleticism that'll get your heart racing. We find them around our offshore wrecks and reefs during spring through fall, especially on warmer days when they're more active. While you can't keep them due to conservation rules, the fight alone is worth the trip. They're prehistoric fish that have been around 125 million years. Pro tip: when one jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip - it prevents the line from snapping on re-entry. Most anglers say landing a tarpon is a bucket-list experience.
Hilton Head Island, SC