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Charleston's Elite 6-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Charleston
- $500 - $1,100 price range
- Updated Date: November 16, 2025
Summary
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Nearshore Monsters Caught
Reel in the Big Ones: Nearshore Fishing in Charleston
Get ready for a fish-filled adventure just off the coast of Charleston, SC! Our 6-hour nearshore trip takes you where the action is, targeting some of the area's most sought-after species. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to the game, you'll have a blast hauling in everything from hard-fighting cobia to tasty grouper. With all the gear provided and an expert captain at the helm, this trip is the perfect way to experience some of the best fishing the Lowcountry has to offer.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we clear the harbor, you'll feel the anticipation build. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you on the fish in no time. We'll hit up some of Charleston's most productive nearshore spots, dropping lines over artificial reefs, wrecks, and other fish-holding structures. The beauty of nearshore fishing is the variety – one minute you might be battling a bruiser cobia, the next you could be reeling up a mess of tasty snappers for dinner. And don't be surprised if a shark decides to crash the party! With room for up to six anglers, it's a great trip for families or a group of friends looking to test their skills against some of SC's hardest-fighting fish.
Techniques That Land the Big Ones
On this trip, we'll use a mix of techniques to maximize our chances of success. Depending on the target species and conditions, we might do some bottom fishing with cut bait or jigs, or switch to live bait for those trophy fish. For cobia and jacks, sight casting with bucktails or live eels can be a real thrill. Our captain will show you the ropes, whether you're drop-shotting for black sea bass or working a popper for surface-feeding predators. We provide top-notch gear suited for the fish we're after, so you can focus on the fun part – fighting and landing your catch!
What Anglers Are Saying
"It was amazing! He is amazing and great with children! It takes special people to help and deal with 3 children and he did great and great helping them and putting them on fish as well! He did so good letting the children be involved in every aspect on the trip! 1000 out of 10 recommend him over any other for your trip! If you are doing a family trip he definitely deserves your business!" - BRANDON
"Had a blast with our family with captain Mike! Wide variety of fish, great boat, and very professional. Highly recommend going on out with Captain Mike." - Marcus
"Great fishing trip! Great guid! Put us on the fish. Action packed. Captain Mike was very friendly as well as a great guide. Highly recommend and I've been on quite a few trips elsewhere." - Jesse
Species You'll Want to Hook
Greater Amberjack: Known as "reef donkeys" for their stubborn fights, these powerful fish are a true test of an angler's strength. Amberjacks love structure and can be found around wrecks and reefs. They're most active in the warmer months, and hooking into one is like trying to stop a freight train – get ready for some serious rod-bending action!
Blacktip Shark: These speedy predators are a common catch in Charleston's nearshore waters. Blacktips are known for their acrobatic leaps when hooked, often clearing the water completely. They're most abundant from spring through fall and offer an exciting fight on medium-heavy tackle. While we practice catch-and-release with sharks, they make for some unforgettable photos and stories.
Crevalle Jack: Often called "jacks" by locals, these hard-fighting fish travel in schools and can create frenzied surface action when feeding. They're fast, powerful, and will test your drag system to the max. Jacks are most common in the warmer months and can be caught on a variety of lures and live baits. Pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish you'll tangle with nearshore.
Cobia: One of the most prized catches in Charleston's waters, cobia are like the superheroes of the fish world. They're strong, fast, and can grow to impressive sizes – 50+ pounders aren't uncommon. Cobia season typically kicks off in May and runs through summer. These curious fish often follow the boat, giving anglers a shot at sight-casting – an incredibly exciting way to fish. Their firm, white flesh makes them excellent table fare too.
Gag Grouper: These bottom-dwelling brutes are a favorite target for their hard fights and delicious fillets. Gags love structure and are often found around reefs and wrecks. They're ambush predators, using their large mouths to inhale prey (and your bait). The challenge with gags is not just hooking them, but preventing them from diving back into their rocky lairs. Fall and winter are prime times for gag grouper, but they can be caught year-round.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – these tasty little fighters punch above their weight class. Black sea bass are abundant around nearshore reefs and provide consistent action throughout the year. They're opportunistic feeders, happily taking both bait and artificial lures. While you might catch plenty of smaller "chicken" sea bass, there are some real slabs out there too. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Time to Book Your Spot
Our nearshore trips are some of the most popular outings we offer, and for good reason. You get the excitement of targeting big, hard-fighting fish without the long run to the Gulf Stream. It's perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to experience the variety of Charleston's fishery. With all gear provided and an experienced captain to put you on the fish, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks). Whether you're dreaming of that trophy cobia or just want to fill the cooler with tasty sea bass, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action on the waters of Charleston!
Customer Reviews
Kid-Friendly Pro
BRANDON PRITCHETT
June 7, 2024
Grandsons Galore
My grandsons had so much fun.
Tracey Ojeda
June 9, 2025
Family Fish Fest
Had a blast with our family with captain Mike! Wide variety of fish, great boat, and very professional. Highly recommend going on out with Captain Mike.
Marcus Assenmacher
August 18, 2025
Action Packed Angling
Great fishing trip! Great guid! Put us on the fish. Action packed. Captain Mike was very friendly as well as a great guide. Highly recommend and I’ve been on quite a few trips elsewhere.
Jesse King
June 2, 2024
Teen Tailing Triumph
It was great to spend the day out with Mike. He put us on fish and let us do as much or as little of the work that we wanted to. He worked with my teenage boys to get them on some tailing fish, which they loved. We’d definitely spend a day on the water with him again in the future.
Deryck Rodgers
June 29, 2024
Inshore Adventure
The wind and weather conditions wouldn’t allow us to go offshore, but Mike took us in shore and showed us what South Carolina has to offer. We had a great trip to say the least! We left feeling like we fished with a friend in stead of a charter captain!! I would definitely recommend going out with salty angler
Jarrett Hunter
September 12, 2024
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are fun to catch and even better to eat. These tasty fish usually run 1-3 pounds, with some topping 5. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs in 60-120 feet of water. They're here year-round but most active in warmer months. Sea bass are aggressive feeders and will readily take bait or lures. We use medium spinning gear with 20-30 pound line. Squid strips or cut bait work great, but they'll also hit small jigs and soft plastics. Drop your bait to the bottom and wait for the telltale tap-tap-tap. Set the hook and reel steady - these guys put up a decent scrap for their size. My top tip: when you find one, there's usually more. So once you get a bite, keep fishing that spot. Their white, flaky meat is delicious, making them a favorite for the dinner table.
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip sharks are a blast to catch nearshore. These sleek predators usually run 4-5 feet long and put up an awesome fight. You'll find them cruising the shallows and around sandbars, especially in summer when they follow bait schools inshore. Blacktips are known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs - hang on tight when you hook one! They're also good eating if you're into shark. To target blacktips, we'll use heavy gear and wire leaders. Fresh cut bait works great, especially oily fish like mullet or mackerel. Chum helps draw them in close. When you get a run, let them take it for a few seconds before setting the hook hard. Once hooked, keep constant pressure to tire them out. Watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Cobia
Cobia are one of our most prized catches - they're big, strong, and taste amazing. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, pilings, and floating debris, especially from spring through fall as they migrate. Cobia are curious fish and will often swim right up to the boat. They put up an epic fight with long runs and powerful dives. To target them, we'll use heavy spinning gear with 50-pound braid. Live eels are the go-to bait, but they'll also hit jigs and swimbaits. When you spot one, cast well ahead and let the bait sink. Cobia will often follow it back to the boat before striking. Set the hook hard and be ready for a battle - these fish have serious stamina. My top tip: always have a pitch bait ready, you never know when one will show up!
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle jacks are bruisers that'll make your arms ache. These powerful fish average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Look for them busting bait schools near the surface - you'll often see birds diving. Jacks hang around structure like reefs and wrecks in 20-100 feet of water. They're here year-round but most active in warmer months. Anglers love jacks for their hard-fighting nature and powerful runs. While not the best eating, they're a blast to catch. Use heavy spinning gear with 30-50 pound line. Live bait like mullet or blue runners work great, but they'll also crush topwater lures and jigs. When you see a school feeding, cast beyond them and retrieve fast - jacks love the chase. Set the hook hard and hang on tight - these fish don't give up easily!
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These hefty fish average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and reefs in 60-250 feet of water. They're here year-round, but fishing's best in summer and fall. Gags are ambush predators, so they hunker down in structure. When hooked, they'll try to dive back to their hole - you've got to turn their head fast. We use heavy conventional gear with 60-80 pound braid. Live bait like pinfish works great, but big jigs can also entice bites. Drop your bait right into the structure and be ready. When you feel the thump, reel down and set the hook hard. Keep steady pressure to work them up. Gags make excellent table fare, so we'll usually keep our limit for some tasty fillets.
Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjacks are tough fighters that'll test your skills. These big boys can hit 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most are in the 20-40 pound range. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 60-240 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps - you'll need heavy tackle to land one. Their firm, white meat is great eating too. When you hook up, get ready for a battle. These fish will dive for structure, so keep your rod tip high and reel fast to turn their head. Live bait like blue runners or sardines work well, but big jigs can also trigger strikes. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke!
About the Sea Pro
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
It was amazing! He is amazing and great with children! It takes special people to help and deal with 3 children and he did great and great helping them and putting them on fish as well! He did so good letting the children be involved in every aspect on the trip! 1000 out of 10 recommend him over any other for your trip! If you are doing a family trip he definitely deserves your business!