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Charleston's Top-Rated Offshore Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Charleston
- $500 - $1,100 price range
- Updated Date: November 16, 2025
Summary
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Deep Water Catches
Nearshore Fishing: Charleston's Hidden Hotspots
Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to hit the nearshore waters of Charleston for some serious rod-bending action? Salty Angler Fishing Charters has got you covered with a full-day trip that'll have you hooked from start to finish. We're talking about targeting the big boys like Cobia, Grouper, and even Sharks, all within a stone's throw of the beautiful South Carolina coastline. This isn't your average day on the water – it's a chance to battle some of the Atlantic's most sought-after game fish and come home with stories (and maybe even some fillets) to last a lifetime.
What to Expect on the Water
First things first – we've got everything you need to make this day a success. From top-notch rods and reels to the freshest bait and all the tackle you could want, it's all included. No need to worry about licenses either; we've got that covered too. Our trips are designed for two anglers, but we can accommodate up to six if you want to bring the whole crew. We'll be cruising out from the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area, hitting some of my favorite spots where the big ones like to hang out. The nearshore waters here are teeming with life, and we'll be targeting everything from the hard-fighting Cobia to the tasty Vermilion Snapper. And let's not forget about the possibility of hooking into a shark – nothing gets the heart pumping quite like seeing that dorsal fin break the surface!
Techniques for Nearshore Success
Alright, let's talk strategy. Nearshore fishing is all about versatility. We might start the day bottom fishing for Grouper and Black Sea Bass, using heavy tackle and bait to entice these structure-loving fish from their rocky hideouts. If the Cobia are running, we'll switch gears and try sight-casting with bucktails or live bait – there's nothing quite like watching a big Cobia inhale your offering right at the surface. For the adrenaline junkies, we might even do some shark fishing, using chum and large baits to attract these apex predators. And if we spot a school of Jacks busting bait on the surface, hold onto your hats – we'll be throwing topwater lures into the fray for some explosive action. Throughout the day, I'll be sharing tips and tricks to help you improve your technique and put more fish in the boat.
What Anglers Are Saying
"This was our second trip out with Cpt. Mike. The first was an inshore trip and this a nearshore reef trip. Both trips were a blast and yielded plenty of fish. I definitely recommend Heading out with Cpt. Mike." - Jeremy
Species You'll Want to Hook
Greater Amberjack: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the nearshore waters. Known as "reef donkeys" for their stubborn fights, Amberjack can grow up to 100 pounds and will test your stamina like no other. They love hanging around wrecks and reefs, and when you hook one, be prepared for a battle royale. The best time to target them is from spring through fall, and trust me, once you've tangled with one of these powerhouses, you'll be coming back for more.
Blacktip Shark: Fast, agile, and always ready to put on a show, Blacktip Sharks are a nearshore favorite. These acrobatic predators are known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs. Averaging around 5 feet in length, they're the perfect size for an exciting catch without being too overwhelming. Summer is prime time for Blacktips, and hooking one often results in a series of jumps that'll have everyone on board cheering.
Crevalle Jack: If you're looking for a fish that punches well above its weight class, look no further than the Crevalle Jack. These streamlined powerhouses swim in schools and can turn a calm day into chaos in seconds. They're most active in the warmer months, and when a school moves through, it's non-stop action. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters, often leaving anglers with sore arms and big grins.
Cobia: Ah, the cobia – a bucket-list fish for many anglers. These curious, torpedo-shaped fish can grow to over 100 pounds and are known for their unpredictable behavior. They might lazily follow your boat one minute and then explode on a bait the next. Spring and early summer are the best times to target them as they migrate along the coast. Landing a big cobia is a true feat of angling skill, combining sight-fishing excitement with brutal, drag-screaming runs.
Gag Grouper: The bruisers of the bottom, Gag Grouper are prized for both their fighting ability and their excellent table fare. These ambush predators love to hole up in rocky structures and wrecks, making them a challenge to coax out. But when you do hook up, be ready for a tug-of-war as they try to dive back to their lairs. Fall is the prime season for big Gags, and there's nothing quite like the feeling of winning the battle against one of these powerful fish.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – Black Sea Bass are scrappy fighters that can provide non-stop action when you find a good spot. These structure-loving fish are abundant year-round but really shine in the cooler months. They're the perfect target for anglers of all skill levels, and their delicious white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table. When the sea bass are biting, it's not uncommon to catch dozens in a single spot, making for a fun and productive day on the water.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have out there, but the truth is, you've got to experience it for yourself. This nearshore trip is the real deal – it's got everything from hard-fighting bottom fish to surface-busting predators, all within a comfortable ride from Charleston. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some serious gamefish or a newcomer wanting to see what the fuss is all about, this trip has something for everyone. The ocean is calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't let another season slip by without getting out there and making some memories. Give Salty Angler Fishing Charters a call and let's get your next big fishing adventure on the books. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. See you on the water!
Customer Review
Fish On with Cpt Mike
Jeremy Kellogg
March 10, 2025
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they're a blast to catch and delicious to boot. These chunky bottom-dwellers usually run 1-3 pounds, with anything over 5 considered a trophy. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs in 60-120 feet of water. We catch them year-round, but they're most active in warmer months. Sea bass are aggressive feeders and will hit just about any bait or jig. They put up a scrappy fight on light tackle, often making several runs before coming to the boat. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for a fish fry. Here's a local secret: if you find a good spot, don't leave it. Where there's one sea bass, there's usually a whole school. Just remember to check regulations, as seasons and limits can change.
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip sharks are fast, agile predators that'll get your heart racing. Averaging 4-5 feet long, these sharks are known for their acrobatic leaps when hooked. You'll find them cruising the shallows and near-shore waters, especially around sandbars and drop-offs. They're most active in warmer months, making summer prime time for shark fishing. Blacktips put up an intense fight, often making blistering runs and aerial displays. While not the biggest shark out there, they more than make up for it in excitement. We typically use chunked fish or live bait on heavy tackle. Here's a local tip: look for diving birds - that often means there's a feeding frenzy below, and blacktips are likely in the mix. Just remember, these sharks need careful handling for a safe release.
Cobia
Cobia are one of our most sought-after gamefish - and for good reason. These curious, hard-fighting fish can top 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. Look for their distinctive dark lateral stripe and shark-like profile. Cobia love structure, so we target them around buoys, wrecks, and even floating debris. They migrate through our waters spring through fall, with peak season usually May to July. Sight-fishing for cobia is a blast - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. Live eels or big jigs are top baits. When hooked, be ready for long runs and acrobatic jumps. Cobia are excellent eating too, with firm white meat. Here's a local trick: if you spot one, cast well past it and retrieve your bait right by its nose - they can rarely resist.
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the ocean - stocky, powerful, and always ready for a fight. These bruisers typically run 10-20 pounds but can reach 50+. You'll spot them by their golden sides and forked yellow tail. Jacks love to hunt in packs, often pushing bait to the surface. Look for birds diving - that's a dead giveaway. We catch them year-round, but they're most active in warmer months. They'll hit just about anything that moves, from topwater plugs to live bait. When a school blitzes, it's non-stop action. Jacks aren't known for their table fare, but they more than make up for it with their aggressive strikes and bulldog fighting style. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and tighten that drag - these guys will make a beeline for structure if you give them an inch.
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are brawny bottom-dwellers that'll test your tackle and your arms. These fish average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Look for their distinctive marbled pattern and protruding lower jaw. Gags love rocky bottoms and ledges in 60-250 feet of water. We target them year-round, but they're especially active in cooler months. Live bait like pinfish or squid works great, but big jigs can also entice a bite. When you hook one, be ready for a fierce battle - they'll try to dive straight back to their rocky lairs. Gags are prized for their flaky white meat, making them a favorite for the dinner table. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from the bottom before they can hole up.
Greater Amberjack
Greater amberjacks are bruisers of the ocean, often reaching 6 feet and 100+ pounds. These powerful fish love hanging around reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 60-240 feet of water. We usually target them spring through fall when they're most active. Amberjacks are prized for their hard-fighting ability - they'll test your arms and your gear. They're not picky eaters, so we use live bait like blue runners or heavy jigs. One trick is to get them fired up by chumming, then drop a live bait right in the feeding frenzy. Just be ready to hold on tight when one hits! While their meat can carry a risk of ciguatera in some areas, many anglers still enjoy the firm white fillets. Whether you keep them or release them, landing a big AJ is always a rush.
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
This was our second trip out with Cpt. Mike. The first was an inshore trip and this a nearshore reef trip. Both trips were a blast and yielded plenty of fish. I definitely recommend Heading out with Cpt. Mike.