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Expert-Led Offshore Fishing in Charleston, SC
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Charleston
- $900 - $4,500 price range
Summary
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Big Catches of Charleston
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Girl Power
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COME AND JOIN US!
Awesome catches!
Fish on!
hook of the day!
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Girl Power
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COME AND JOIN US!
Awesome catches!
Fish on!
hook of the day!
null
null
null
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Girl Power
Charleston's Ultimate Offshore Fishing Adventure
Get ready to hit the high seas on an epic 8-hour offshore or nearshore fishing trip out of Charleston, SC. We're talking serious angling action here, folks. Whether you're chasing monster kingfish or battling hefty grouper, this charter's got it all. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some world-class fishing. Bring your A-game and let's make some memories on the Atlantic!
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we clear the harbor, it's game on. We'll cruise out to the prime fishing grounds where the big boys play. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might hit some nearshore reefs or head further out into the blue. You'll be using top-notch gear to target a variety of species. Our mate's there to help you bait up, offer tips, and make sure you're in the zone to land that trophy catch. Just remember, these guys work for tips, so if they're busting their tails for you, a 20% gratuity is the way to go.
Rods, Reels, and Rigging
We've got all the gear you need to tangle with some serious fish. We're talking heavy-duty offshore rods paired with high-quality reels that can handle the big boys. Depending on what we're after, we might be doing some bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, or trolling for pelagics like king mackerel. The crew will set you up with the right rigs, whether it's dropping live bait to the bottom or pulling spreader bars for the surface feeders. Don't worry if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.
Customer Stories
"Seemed like a bait and switch of captains. Chase was the original captain and person communicating with me all along the way and then I show up and it's a group of young kids taking us out. Very misleading. Also took 5 hours to catch the first fish." - Brent
Species You'll Want to Hook
African Pompano: These silver beauties are a real treat to catch off Charleston. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. African Pompano typically hang around structure in deeper waters, so when we're targeting them, be ready for a workout. They can grow up to 50 pounds, but even the smaller ones put up a great fight. Late spring through fall is prime time for these guys.
Gag Grouper: Now we're talking about some serious bottom-dwellers. Gag Grouper are ambush predators that love to hang around reefs and wrecks. When you hook into one of these bruisers, it's all about keeping them from diving back into their rocky lairs. They can top 50 pounds, and the bigger ones will test your arms and your drag. We typically target them year-round, but the bite can be especially good in the fall.
King Mackerel: Also known as Kingfish, these speedsters are a blast to catch. They're famous for their blistering runs and their tendency to skyrocket out of the water when hooked. We often troll for Kings, and when one hits, you better hold on tight! They can reach sizes over 50 pounds, though most are in the 15-30 pound range. Summer and early fall are peak seasons for King Mackerel off Charleston.
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you – Triggerfish are pound-for-pound some of the toughest fighters in the sea. These guys have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they're not afraid to put up a scrap. We usually catch them while bottom fishing around reefs and wrecks. They're great eating too, with firm, white meat that's excellent on the grill. We can target them pretty much year-round.
Silk Snapper: These deep-water beauties are a real treat for anglers and diners alike. Silk Snapper typically hang out in waters 300 feet deep or more, so when we're after them, we're talking about some serious deep dropping. They're known for their vibrant red color and their delicious, flaky white meat. Silk Snapper can grow up to 30 pounds, but most are in the 5-15 pound range. We can target them year-round, but they tend to bite better in the warmer months.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Listen, there's a reason Charleston's offshore fishing scene is legendary. Where else can you hook into a hard-fighting kingfish one minute, then drop down for some tasty bottom dwellers the next? The variety here is insane. Plus, our local knowledge means we know exactly where the fish are holding and what they're biting on. It's not just about filling the cooler (though we do plenty of that) – it's about the whole experience. The salt spray in your face, the sun on your back, and that heart-pounding moment when a big one takes the bait. That's the stuff memories are made of, folks.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're itching for some serious offshore action, this is your ticket. We've got the boat, the gear, and the know-how to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some big game or a newbie wanting to learn the ropes, we've got you covered. Just remember, the fish are always biting, but our calendar fills up fast. So if you're ready to experience some of the best fishing Charleston has to offer, don't wait. Grab your spot now, and let's go make some fishing stories you'll be telling for years to come. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked for life!
Customer Review
Captain Switcheroo
Brent Huckabey
April 22, 2025
Learn more about the species
African Pompano
African Pompano are some of the most unique fish you'll find off Charleston. These silvery, round fish typically weigh 15-30 pounds but can get up to 50. They're fast swimmers that roam vast distances, usually hanging out 30-250 feet deep near drop-offs and reefs. We catch them year-round, but they're most abundant in summer and fall. Pompano put up an awesome fight - they'll make long runs and try to dive deep. Their meat is excellent too, with a mild flavor perfect for grilling. To target them, we'll use live bait like blue runners or jigs near structure. The key is to keep your bait moving, as these fish are attracted to anything shiny and active. A cool thing about juveniles is they have long trailing filaments that shrink as they age. One local tip: If you see frigate birds diving, there's a good chance Pompano are feeding below. Head to that area and you might just hook into one of these powerful fish.
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper are some of the hardest-fighting fish in our waters. These olive-colored brutes average 20-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them lurking around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime seasons as they move closer to shore. Gags are ambush predators with powerful jaws. When hooked, they'll immediately try to dive back into their rocky lairs. The fight is intense - you've got to muscle them up before they can break you off. Their firm white meat is considered some of the best-tasting in the grouper family. We usually target them with live bait like pinfish or mullet. A key trick is to use a stout rod and reel combo spooled with at least 50-pound test. Once you hook up, keep the rod low and crank hard to turn their head. It's a true test of angler versus fish.
Grey Triggerfish
Grey Triggerfish are odd-looking but tasty critters we catch while bottom fishing. They average 2-4 pounds but can reach 10+. You'll find them around hard bottom areas, reefs, and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. Summer and fall are best, when water temps are warmest. These fish have tough, leathery skin and a powerful jaw they use to crunch crabs and shellfish. When hooked, they put up a determined fight, using their flat body to plane in the water. Their white, flaky meat is excellent - similar to grouper. We catch triggers on small hooks baited with squid or cut fish. A cool thing about them is how they can lock themselves in crevices using their dorsal spine. To get a bite, try fishing right on the bottom and be ready for light, pecking strikes. Once hooked, reel fast and steady to get them away from structure.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel, or "kings," are the speedsters of our offshore waters. These sleek, silver missiles average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. We find them anywhere from just off the beaches to 20+ miles out, usually in 30-150 feet of water. Late spring through fall is prime time, with bigger fish showing up as water temps rise. Kings are famous for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They'll smoke a reel, often taking 100+ yards of line in seconds. The meat is good eating too, especially when smoked. We typically troll for kings using live bait like menhaden or blue runners. A local trick is to use a stinger rig - a second hook attached to a short wire leader behind the main hook. This helps catch short-striking fish. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working bait schools, as kings are often feeding below.
Silk Snapper
Silk Snapper are deep-water beauties we target on our longer offshore trips. These pink and red fish average 5-10 pounds but can reach 30+. You'll find them in 300-800 feet of water around rocky ledges and drop-offs. We catch them year-round, but fall and winter often produce bigger fish. Silks put up a good fight, especially considering the depths they come from. The real challenge is getting them off the bottom without getting broken off. Their firm white meat is highly prized - some say it's the best of all snappers. We fish for silks using electric reels and heavy weights to get baits down deep. Fresh cut bait like squid or mackerel works well. A local tip: when you find a school, work the area thoroughly. These fish often congregate in big numbers, so you can load up quickly once you're on them.
About the Viking Sportfisher
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Man
Maximum Cruising Speed: 28
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 800
Seemed like a bait and switch of captains. Chase was the original captain and person communicating with me all along the way and then I show up and it’s a group of young kids taking us out. Very misleading. Also took 5 hours to catch the first fish.