Charleston's Top-Rated Offshore Fishing Adventure

Full Day Nearshore Wreck Fishing Adventure

Nothing beats the rush of hauling up a monster grouper from a sunken wreck 20 miles off the Charleston coast. Our full-day nearshore wreck fishing trip puts you right where the big fish live – around structure-rich artificial reefs and natural bottom formations that attract everything from hefty amberjack to toothy sharks. Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish that'll have you talking for years. We've got everything covered – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and your fishing license – so all you need to bring is your appetite for adventure and maybe a cooler for your catch.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading out to the real deal where the bottom drops off and the big boys hang out. We'll cruise out 15-25 miles offshore to hit productive wrecks and artificial reefs that have been building fish populations for decades. These structures create underwater cities where baitfish gather, and predators follow. You'll spend most of your day bottom fishing with heavy tackle, but don't be surprised if we switch things up with some jigging or even a little trolling when the conditions are right. The boat's equipped with top-notch electronics to keep us on the fish, and Captain Mike's got the experience to read what's happening below and adjust tactics throughout the day.

Wreck Fishing Techniques

Wreck fishing is all about precision and power. We'll anchor up-current from productive structure and drop heavy sinkers with circle hooks down to where the fish are holding. The tackle needs to be stout because these fish will try to cut you off in the wreckage the second they feel steel. We're talking 6/0 to 8/0 hooks with 50-80lb leaders depending on what we're targeting. Bait varies with the season – sometimes it's fresh squid and cigar minnows, other times we'll use cut bait or live pinfish if we can find them. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom quickly and keeping it there. When something big grabs on, it's a tug-of-war between you and a fish that knows every hiding spot in that wreck.

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

Target Species Breakdown

Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the wreck world, and Charleston's artificial reefs hold some real monsters. These fish can push 50+ pounds and they'll test every inch of your tackle when hooked. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are in the sweet spot, but you can find them year-round on deeper structures. What makes them so exciting is their initial run – they'll peel drag like nobody's business before settling into a grinding fight that'll have your arms burning. The meat is excellent when prepared right, making them a favorite for the dinner table.

Blacktip Sharks cruise these nearshore waters looking for an easy meal, and they're not picky about taking a baited hook. These sleek predators typically run 3-6 feet and put on an aerial show when hooked, jumping clean out of the water multiple times. Summer months bring the best blacktip action as they move inshore to feed and reproduce. They're perfect for anglers wanting their first shark experience since they're manageable size but still pack plenty of attitude. We practice catch and release with all our sharks to keep populations healthy.

Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure aggression and pulling power. These silver bullets hit baits hard and fight like fish twice their size. Charleston's wrecks hold schools of jacks that can turn a slow day into non-stop action. They're particularly active during summer months and will hit everything from live bait to jigs bounced off the bottom. Don't underestimate a big jack – they'll surprise you with their stamina and determination.

Cobia are the prize catch of nearshore fishing, and Charleston's waters produce some true giants. These brown sharks (as locals call them) can exceed 40 pounds and they're smart, curious fish that require finesse to fool. Spring brings the best cobia fishing as they move inshore to spawn, often following rays and sharks where they're easy to spot. What makes cobia special is they're excellent table fare and provide a unique sight-fishing opportunity when they cruise near the surface.

Gag Grouper are the kings of the wreck world, with their massive mouths and rock-solid fight that'll test your technique. These bottom dwellers use structure to their advantage, diving straight back to the wreck when hooked. The trick is stopping that first run before they cut you off. Charleston's artificial reefs hold good populations of gags, especially during cooler months when they're most active. A big gag grouper is about as good as it gets for eating, with sweet white meat that's perfect for the grill.

Black Sea Bass might be smaller than their grouper cousins, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating. These reef residents are abundant around Charleston's artificial structures and provide steady action when larger species aren't cooperating. They're most active during cooler months and will hit a variety of baits from squid strips to small jigs. Sea bass are perfect for filling out your cooler and they're great for kids or novice anglers to build confidence.

Time to Book Your Adventure

Charleston's nearshore wrecks offer some of the most consistent fishing on the East Coast, and Captain Mike knows how to put you on the action. This full-day trip gives you the time needed to really explore productive areas and target multiple species