5-Hour Nearshore Fishing with Wasabi Sportfishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Five-hour nearshore fishing trip targeting multiple fish speciesFamily-friendly adventure with dolphin and wild horse sightingsFlexible departure times with six-person maximum capacity
Looking for that perfect balance between comfort and action? Our 5-hour nearshore trip gives you the best of both worlds – serious fishing without venturing too far from shore. You'll spend quality time targeting some of the region's most sought-after species while staying close enough to land to keep everyone comfortable. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to saltwater fishing or experienced anglers who prefer the calmer waters near the coast.
This customer favorite departs at 3:00 PM, giving you that prime late-afternoon bite when fish are most active. We keep our group size small at just 6 guests, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from our crew. The extra hour compared to our standard trips means more chances to fill your cooler and create those memories that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's over. If afternoon doesn't work for your schedule, we also offer a 10:30 AM departure – perfect for beating the heat or working around other vacation plans. While you're focused on the fishing, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins riding our wake and the famous wild horses that roam the nearby islands. These bonus sightings always get the kids excited and make for great photo opportunities between fish.
Nearshore fishing means we're working in that sweet spot where structure meets open water, typically 3-15 miles from shore. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting – from bottom fishing over hard structure for grouper to trolling the edges for Spanish mackerel and cobia. Our crew provides all the gear you'll need, from medium-heavy spinning setups perfect for the variety of species we target to circle hooks that make catch-and-release easier on the fish. We'll rig up with live bait when conditions allow, but also keep plenty of cut bait and artificials ready. The beauty of nearshore fishing is the variety – you might be bottom fishing one minute and casting topwater lures the next. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing; our experienced crew will get you rigged up and walk you through the techniques that work best for each species.
Snowy Grouper are the prize catch that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. These deep-water residents hang around rocky bottom and artificial reefs, typically in 80-200 feet of water. What makes them special isn't just their size – they can push 20+ pounds – but their incredible table fare. Snowies have a sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. They're most active during cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for targeting these beauties. The fight is what you'd expect from a grouper – straight down with that bulldogging power that'll test your arms and your drag system.
Cobia are the wild cards of nearshore fishing, showing up when you least expect them and always getting hearts racing. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks, just look like them at first glance) are curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Spring migration brings the biggest fish through our waters, with 30-40 pounders not uncommon. They're incredible fighters – part grouper strength, part shark speed – and they jump like tarpon when hooked. Plus, cobia are fantastic eating with a texture similar to shark but much milder flavor.
Spanish Mackerel might be smaller than their king mackerel cousins, but don't let size fool you – these speedsters provide non-stop action when they're schooled up. Spring through fall brings the best spanish fishing, and they're perfect for getting kids hooked on saltwater fishing. They hit fast, fight hard for their size, and are excellent smoked or made into fish cakes. Watch for diving birds – that's usually your sign that spanish are feeding on baitfish below.
Bluefish are the eating machines of the nearshore world, traveling in aggressive schools that tear through baitfish with abandon. When you find them, you'll know it – the water will be boiling with activity and the birds will be going crazy overhead. Blues hit hard and fight dirty, making long screaming runs that'll have your reel singing. They're excellent when prepared fresh, especially when grilled with some lemon and herbs. Fall brings the biggest schools through our area, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look.
Five hours on the water, multiple species to target, and the chance to see some of nature's most amazing creatures – this world-class nearshore experience delivers everything you're looking for in a fishing trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler wanting to try new waters or a family looking to create lasting memories, our top-rated crew will put you on fish and show you why nearshore fishing has become such a trending choice for visitors and locals alike. With flexible departure times and a small group size, this best trip option fills up quickly during peak season. Ready to feel that rod bend and hear your reel scream? Give us a call and let's get you on the water where the fish are biting and the memories are waiting to be made.
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our spacious 50-foot Custom Carolina boat, built for serious anglers who want comfort while chasing Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, and Cobia. This beauty handles nearshore waters like a dream, keeping you close enough to spot those wild horses on the scenic islands while you work the lines. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for watching your rods and scanning for dolphin pods, while the fish finder helps locate those productive bottom structures where Flounder and Drum hang out. When you need a break from the action, grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator or catch up on the game with our TV entertainment system. The air conditioning keeps everyone cool during those hot afternoon departures. With a full kitchen, shower, and comfortable sleeping area, this boat feels more like a floating fishing lodge than your typical charter vessel. The GPS and radar systems ensure smooth navigation, while VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats sharing fishing intel. Whether you're bringing the whole family or a group of fishing buddies, six guests have plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the aggressive bulldogs of coastal waters, known for their feeding frenzies that can turn the water into a washing machine. These blue-green fighters typically run 5-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They show up in schools during summer months, hunting in shallow bays, around structure, and along beach fronts. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite almost anything and their strong, determined fight. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh - oily and rich like mackerel. The challenge is they're smart and can be picky despite their reputation. When you find a school, work fast because they move constantly. Use circle hooks only (regulations require it) and handle with care - those teeth will draw blood. Oily baits like bunker or eels work best, but cut squid and metal spoons produce too.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of nearshore fishing - you'll rarely see them in schools, which makes each one special. These brown, shark-looking fish average around 40-50 pounds but can push 100. They cruise shallow structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys, often just under the surface where you can sight-fish them. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through for spawning. What guests love most is the fight - they're strong, stubborn, and will test your drag. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. The key is staying quiet when you spot one. Cut the engine and drift to them, then drop a bucktail jig right in front of their nose. Color doesn't matter much, but a 4-8 ounce jig works best. They're curious fish, so sometimes they'll follow the boat - be ready.
Epinephelus These deep-water bruisers are the golden prize of offshore fishing, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 70. You'll find them in 300-600 feet over rocky bottoms - that's electric reel territory unless you want a serious arm workout. Season runs May through August with a strict one fish per vessel limit, so when you hook one, it counts. What makes them special? That copper-brown body with white spots is beautiful, but it's the fight and the table fare that keeps people coming back. They're ambush predators with massive mouths, so they hit hard and don't give up easy. Pro tip: use whole squid or bonito strips on heavy tackle - 80-pound leader minimum. These fish live in structure, so expect them to try diving back to the rocks. Keep steady pressure and be patient on the long haul up.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are the speed demons of nearshore waters, and they make great targets for families since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Most run 1-3 pounds with silver sides covered in yellow spots, and they school up in large numbers during warmer months. You'll find them around structure in 10-40 feet, but they also cruise open water chasing baitfish. They're fast swimmers - among the quickest in the ocean - so when a school moves through, the action can be non-stop. Kids love them because they're aggressive biters, and adults appreciate the mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The trick is using light tackle with shiny spoons or small jigs. When you see birds diving or bait flickering on the surface, get there fast. Spanish mackerel have razor teeth, so use a short wire leader to avoid bite-offs.
Greenville