Ready to chase some serious fish in the deep blue? Our 8-hour offshore trip from Charleston is where the action's at. We're talking about battling monster grouper, pulling in tasty snapper, and maybe even going toe-to-fin with a shark. This isn't your average day on the water – it's a full-on fishing marathon where you'll push your skills to the limit and come back with stories (and hopefully coolers) full of offshore gold.
Look, offshore fishing isn't for the faint of heart, but man, is it worth it. We'll cruise out past the breakers where the real giants lurk. The Salty Angler crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll put you right on the honey holes. You'll be dropping lines on natural and artificial reefs, wrecks, and deep-water structures that hold the kind of fish that make your arms ache and your heart race. And don't sweat the gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle that can handle whatever decides to bite.
Out here, we play the game a few different ways. Sometimes we'll be bottom fishing, sending down hefty baits to tempt those reef dwellers. Other times, we might troll the surface, dragging lures that mimic fleeing baitfish to trigger those aggressive strikes from pelagics. And if the sharks are around? Well, we might just break out the heavy gear and see if we can't wrestle one of those toothy critters to the boat. It's all about reading the water, watching the fish finder, and adapting to what's biting. Trust me, by the end of the day, you'll have tried techniques you never even knew existed.
"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 the heavyweight champs of the reef. They're like underwater freight trains – when they hit, you better hold on tight. Jacks love to hang around wrecks and deep structures, and they'll test every bit of your strength. Spring through fall is prime time for these bad boys, and trust me, landing one of these 40+ pounders will make your day.
Blacktip Shark: Now we're talking some real excitement. Blacktips are fast, they're powerful, and they'll give you a run for your money. These sharks are common in our waters year-round, but they're especially active in the warmer months. Watching one of these sleek predators circle the boat is a rush you won't forget. And if you hook up? Get ready for some screaming reels and burning muscles.
Crevalle Jack: These guys might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they pull. Crevalle jacks are like the bulldogs of the ocean – stocky, strong, and stubborn as all get-out. They travel in schools, so when you find them, it's often non-stop action. Late spring through fall is when they really show up in force, and they're a blast on light tackle.
Cobia: Ah, the cobia – one of the most sought-after fish in these parts. These curious creatures are known to follow the boat, giving you a chance for some sight fishing action. They grow big, fight hard, and taste amazing on the grill. May through July is peak cobia season, but you can catch stragglers into the fall. Landing a 50-pounder is the kind of thing that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Gag Grouper: If you're looking to fill the freezer with some of the best-eating fish in the sea, gag grouper is your target. These bottom-dwellers are ambush predators, using their powerful jaws to inhale anything that looks tasty. They love structure, so we'll be dropping baits near ledges and reefs. The bigger ones can top 50 pounds, and they'll do their best to drag you back into their rocky lairs. Grouper season varies, so we'll make sure to hit them when it's legal.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – black sea bass are scrappy little fighters that are a ton of fun on light tackle. They're abundant on the reefs and wrecks, often biting as fast as you can get your bait down. The bigger ones, which we call "knot-heads," can push 5 pounds or more. These tasty critters are available year-round, but the cooler months often see the biggest concentrations.
Listen, if you're itching for some serious offshore action, this is the trip for you. We're talking about a full day of top-notch fishing in some of the most productive waters off the Carolina coast. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time in the deep blue, our experienced crew will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. So why wait? Grab your spot on the Salty Angler, and let's go make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The big ones are out there – it's time to go get 'em!
March 10, 2025
Black Sea Bass are fun light-tackle targets that are also great eating. These chunky little guys usually run 1-3 pounds, but can reach 8 or more. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-120 feet of water. They're most active in cooler months when they move closer to shore. Sea Bass are aggressive feeders and will hit just about any bait or lure. They put up a decent scrap for their size, especially on lighter gear. Interestingly, they're all born female and some change to males as they grow. For bait, squid strips or cut fish work well. Here's a local tip: when you find a good spot, drop straight down and keep your line vertical. These fish like to hang tight to structure, so precision is key. With a liberal bag limit and excellent table fare, Black Sea Bass are always a welcome catch.
Blacktip Sharks are a blast to catch - fast, acrobatic, and hard-fighting. They usually run 4-5 feet long and 30-40 pounds. You'll find them cruising the shallows and around reefs, especially in summer. These guys love to jump when hooked, sometimes clearing the water by several feet. It's quite a show! Blacktips have a sleek, gray body with - you guessed it - black-tipped fins. They're not the biggest sharks, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Chum slick is key for attracting them. I like to use fresh-cut mullet or menhaden on a wire leader. Here's a pro tip: when you see one following the bait, give it a quick jerk to trigger the bite. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke! Overall, Blacktips offer exciting fights and make for some great photos.
Cobia are one of our most sought-after fish - they're big, strong, and great on the grill. These "brown torpedoes" average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, pilings, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. Cobia season kicks off in late spring when they migrate north, following rays and turtles. These curious fish will often investigate boats, so keep an eye out. They put up an awesome fight with long runs and dogged determination. Sight-fishing for cruising Cobia is a real thrill. Live eels are the top bait, but jigs and live pinfish work well too. Here's a local trick: when you spot one, don't cast right at it - that can spook them. Instead, lead the fish by 10-15 feet and slowly work the bait back. Cobia are a blast to catch and mighty tasty too!
Crevalle Jack are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your arms. These bulldogs average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. You'll spot their golden-bronze bodies flashing as they hunt in schools near the surface. Jacks love structure - look for them around reefs, pilings, and wrecks in 20-100 feet of water. They're here year-round but really fire up in summer and fall. These guys are pure muscle and fight like crazy, making long runs and digging deep. They're not great eating, but man are they fun to catch. Live bait like mullet or pinfish works well, or try fast-moving lures like topwater plugs or metal jigs. Here's a tip: when you see birds working the water, there's a good chance Jacks are pushing bait to the surface. Get ready for some rod-bending action!
Gag Grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll really put your gear to the test. These bruisers average 10-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. Gags are structure-oriented, so good bottom reading is key. They're most active in cooler months when they move to shallower waters. These fish fight dirty, trying to dive back into their holes, so you need to turn them quick. Heavy tackle and stout leaders are a must. Fresh cut bait like squid or sardines works well, but nothing beats a live pinfish. Here's a tip: when you feel the bite, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from the structure. Gags are excellent eating too, with firm white meat. Just watch out for those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Greater Amberjack are real bruisers, averaging 30-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 60-240 feet of water. These guys love structure and put up one heck of a fight. Best fishing is spring through fall when they move closer to shore. Amberjacks are prized for their powerful runs and stamina - be ready for your arms to burn! They're not the prettiest fish, with a bluish-gray body and amber stripe, but man can they pull. For bait, nothing beats live fish like blue runners or herring. Here's a tip: when you hook one, crank hard and fast to turn its head away from the structure. If it gets back in the wreck, you can kiss that fish goodbye. Tough fighters and good eating make Amberjacks a favorite target on our trips.
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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.