Ready to test your skills against some of the Atlantic's toughest fighters? Our full-day offshore trip out of Charleston is your ticket to serious deep-sea action. We're talking monster grouper, hard-pulling jacks, and yeah – even sharks. This ain't your grandpa's pier fishing. We'll run you out to the prime spots where the big boys play, 20+ miles offshore. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so get ready to bend some rods and fill the fishbox.
We'll meet you bright and early at the marina, coffee in hand. Our 30-foot center console is rigged and ready to go, loaded with top-of-the-line gear. Once we clear the harbor, it's about an hour run to the fishing grounds. We'll hit a mix of natural and artificial reefs, wrecks, and maybe even some open water if the mahi are running. Bottom fishing is the name of the game out here – dropping baits down to structure where the grouper and snapper hang out. But keep your eyes peeled, because cobia and sharks love to cruise by the boat too. The action can be fast and furious, so come prepared to work. Don't worry though, we've got your back with tips and tricks to land the big ones.
Offshore fishing is a whole different ballgame from inshore. We'll be using heavy tackle – think 50-80 pound class rods and reels spooled with braided line. For bottom fishing, we'll rig up with circle hooks and hefty weights to get those baits down deep. Live bait is king out here, so we'll have a livewell full of pinfish, cigar minnows, and maybe even some blue runners if we can catch 'em. For the surface feeders like cobia, we might do some sight casting with big jigs or live eels. And if the sharks show up? Hold on tight, because you're in for one heck of a fight. Don't sweat it if you're new to this style of fishing – our crew will walk you through every step, from baiting up to working that fish up from the depths.
"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
Greater Amberjack: These bruisers are like underwater freight trains. They live around deep wrecks and reefs, often in schools. When you hook one, be ready for a knock-down, drag-out fight that'll test every ounce of your strength. Jacks in the 30-50 pound range are common, with some topping 100 pounds. They're at their peak in spring and fall, but we catch 'em year-round.
Blacktip Shark: Fast, agile, and always ready to put on a show. Blacktips are one of the most common shark species we encounter offshore. They're known for their spectacular leaps when hooked, often clearing the water completely. Most run 4-5 feet long, but we see some pushing 7 feet. Summer is prime time for blacktips, but they can show up any time of year.
Crevalle Jack: These are the bulldogs of the ocean. Crevalle jacks aren't the biggest fish out there, but pound-for-pound, they might be the strongest. They hunt in wolfpacks, so when you find one, you've often found a whole school. Most are in the 10-20 pound range, but 30+ pounders aren't uncommon. They're most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall.
Cobia: AKA lemonfish, these curious creatures are a prized catch. They've got a habit of following the boat, so keep a rod ready for sight casting. Cobia are strong swimmers with a lot of endurance – expect a long, steady fight. We see them anywhere from 20 to 80 pounds, with the bigger ones showing up in late spring and early summer during their migration.
Gag Grouper: The heavyweight champs of the reef. Gags are ambush predators that love to hole up in rocky structure and wrecks. When you hook one, your first job is to stop it from running you back into its lair. These tasty fish can top 50 pounds, though most are in the 10-30 pound range. They're open for harvest in the cooler months, typically from fall through early spring.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their smaller size fool you – these fish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They hang out over reefs and wrecks, often in big schools. While most are 1-3 pounds, we occasionally see "knuckleheads" pushing 5 pounds or more. They're a year-round target, but fishing is best in the cooler months when the bigger ones move closer to shore.
Look, if you're after a day of serious fishing with a real shot at some trophy-sized catches, this is your trip. We provide everything you need – just bring your game face and maybe some snacks. With room for up to six anglers, it's perfect for a group of buddies or the family fishing enthusiasts. But fair warning: once you've experienced the thrill of battling these offshore giants, inshore fishing might never feel the same. Don't miss out on the chance to create some epic fishing stories of your own. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so give us a call and let's get you on the calendar. The big ones are out there waiting – are you ready to reel 'em in?
March 10, 2025
Black sea bass are the perfect mix of sport and table fare, usually 1-3 pounds but can hit 8. You'll find these tasty critters around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs in 60-120 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months when they move inshore. Anglers love sea bass for their aggressive bite and excellent eating. To catch 'em, drop a squid strip or small jig to the bottom. Work it with short hops - these fish can't resist a fleeing baitfish. Here's a local trick: when you find a good spot, mark it. Sea bass are structure-oriented, so you can often return to the same spot and limit out quickly. Just remember, the biggest fish hang deepest, so don't be afraid to explore those deeper ledges and wrecks.
Blacktip sharks are fast, acrobatic fighters averaging 4-5 feet long. You'll find them cruising the shallows and near-shore waters, especially around inlets and sandbars. They're most active in warmer months, often putting on a show with their high-flying jumps. Anglers love targeting blacktips for their hard runs and aerial displays. Plus, they're actually pretty good eating if prepared right. To hook one, try drifting a fresh mullet or blue runner on a wire leader. Keep an eye out for diving birds - that's often a sign of blacktips pushing bait to the surface. Just remember, these sharks can be skittish, so a stealthy approach is key. And hold on tight when they hit - their initial run is lightning fast!
Cobia are like the supermodels of the fish world - long, sleek, and often mistaken for sharks. These bruisers can hit 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll find them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and even following big rays. Late spring through summer is prime time as they migrate up the coast. Anglers love cobia for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To catch one, keep your eyes peeled - sight fishing is the name of the game. When you spot one, toss a live eel or big jig their way. Be ready for a fight, though. These fish have a knack for wrapping you around structure. Oh, and here's a local trick: if you see a big ray, there's often a cobia shadowing it. Easy meal for them, potential jackpot for you!
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the ocean, usually 2-3 feet long and full of fight. You'll spot them in coastal waters, around jetties, and even up in the estuaries. These guys love warm water, so summer and early fall are prime time. Anglers can't get enough of their hard-charging runs and never-say-die attitude. While they're not the best table fare, the sheer fun of catching one makes up for it. To hook a jack, look for birds diving on bait schools. Then, toss a topwater plug or spoon into the frenzy. Work it fast - these fish love a chase. Pro tip: when you see a school busting bait on the surface, cast beyond them and rip your lure through the fray. The jacks can't resist!
Gag grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, often topping 50 pounds. You'll find these bruisers lurking around rocky bottoms and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. They're most active in cooler months when they move closer to shore. Anglers love gags for their bulldog fighting style and delicious white meat. To hook one, drop a live pinfish or squid near structure. Be ready to muscle them away from their rocky lairs - these guys love to hole up. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and pull hard to get their head turned. If they make it back to their hole, you're in for a real tug-of-war. Just make sure your tackle's up to snuff - gags will expose any weak links in your setup.
Greater amberjacks are beasts, often hitting 6 feet and 100+ pounds. You'll find these bruisers hanging around reefs and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. They're aggressive predators, so be ready for a serious fight when you hook one. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love targeting jacks for their powerful runs and aerial acrobatics. The meat's good eating too, firm and mild. When you spot a school, try dropping a live blue runner or speedjig - they can't resist chasing down a fleeing baitfish. Just make sure your gear's up to the task, 'cause these guys will test every knot and connection. Oh, and watch out for that initial run - it's a doozy!
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.