Beginner-Friendly Charleston Offshore Fishing

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Charleston
$1,100 - $1,995 price range

Summary

Captain Louis McMichael runs a laid-back 6-hour offshore fishing trip from Charleston that's perfect if you're new to saltwater angling or just want a casual day on the water. You'll head out with up to 5 friends or family members to target whatever's biting - could be amberjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, or grouper depending on the season. The captain provides quality gear and plenty of hands-on help, so even total beginners can expect to catch fish. While you're out there, you'll get some nice views of the Charleston coastline too. It's not an intense, hardcore fishing marathon - more of an easygoing trip where you can relax, learn the basics, and hopefully reel in some good ones. Just keep in mind the deposit is non-refundable if you need to cancel.

Beginner-Friendly Charleston Offshore Fishing

Offshore Catch of the Day

Charleston's Mahi mahi: Angler's delight!

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Angler with a 26-inch fish in South Carolina

Trophy sized Mahi mahi captured In Charleston

Caught a king mackerel, 26 inches, in SC

Tuna delights in Charleston waters

Charleston Offshore Fishing: Beginner's Dream

Ready to dip your toes into the world of offshore fishing? Captain Louis McMichael's got you covered with this laid-back 6-hour trip out of Charleston. Perfect for newbies and weekend warriors alike, you'll be reeling in the big ones before you know it. With room for up to 6 folks, it's a great way to spend a day on the water with family or friends. We'll be going after some real beauties - amberjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, and black grouper, depending on what's biting. Don't sweat the gear - Captain Louis has got top-notch rods and reels, plus all the bait you'll need. He'll show you the ropes and make sure everyone's having a blast. As we cruise out to the fishing grounds, you'll get some killer views of Charleston's coastline. It's all about having fun and catching fish, without any pressure. Just remember, your deposit locks in your spot, so no takebacks once you're booked!

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Captain Louis's boat, you're in for a real treat. This ain't your grandpa's pond fishing - we're talking about the big blue! But don't worry, we keep things nice and chill. The captain's got years of experience under his belt, so he knows all the sweet spots where the fish are hanging out. As we head offshore, you'll feel that salty breeze and see Charleston fade into the distance. It's about an hour ride out to where the action is, so get comfy and enjoy the ride. Once we hit our spot, it's game on. Captain Louis will get everyone set up with rods and show you how to bait your hooks. Whether you're a total greenhorn or you've wet a line before, he'll make sure you're good to go. We'll spend a good chunk of the day trying different spots and techniques. Sometimes we'll be drifting with live bait, other times we might do some trolling. The goal is to put you on fish and have a good time doing it. And let me tell you, there's nothing like the rush of hooking into your first offshore monster!

Trolling, Jigging, and Bottom Fishing

On this trip, we mix it up to give you a taste of different offshore fishing techniques. Trolling's a big part of what we do - that's where we cruise along with lines in the water, using lures or bait to entice the fish. It's a great way to cover water and find where the fish are biting. We'll set out a spread of lines and wait for that exciting moment when a rod bends over. When we're not trolling, we might do some jigging. That's where you drop a lure down and work it up and down in the water column. It takes a bit of practice, but it can be deadly on species like amberjack. And of course, there's good old-fashioned bottom fishing. We'll anchor up or drift over structure and drop baits down to where the grouper and other bottom-dwellers live. Captain Louis will show you how to feel for bites and set the hook. We use heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line to handle the big boys. Don't worry if you're not familiar with the gear - by the end of the day, you'll be working those reels like a pro!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi, or Dolphinfish as some folks call 'em, are one of the most exciting fish you can catch offshore. These neon-colored acrobats are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They hunt in schools near the surface, often around floating debris or weedlines. Mahi can grow over 4 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. They're most common in the warmer months, from late spring through fall. Not only are they a blast to catch, but they're also delicious on the grill!

Lesser Amberjack might not be as well-known as their bigger cousins, but they're still a worthy opponent. These hard-fighting fish hang out around underwater structure and can really test your arms. They typically range from 10 to 20 pounds, with a deep body that gives them plenty of power. Amberjack are around most of the year, but the fishing really heats up in the summer months. When you hook one, be ready for a battle - these guys don't give up easy!

Cobia are like the prize fighters of the ocean. They're long, lean, and mean, with a reputation for putting up an epic struggle. These fish can grow over 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 30-50 pound range. Cobia migrate along the coast, showing up in Charleston waters typically from late spring through summer. They're curious fish and will often follow the boat, giving you a chance to sight-cast to them. Landing a big cobia is a real feather in any angler's cap!

Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the bottom. These thick-bodied fish live around rocky areas and reefs, using their powerful fins to wrestle their way back into their hidey-holes when hooked. They can grow over 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 10-30 pound range. Grouper fishing is all about technique - you need to be quick on the draw to pull them away from the structure before they can break you off. The meat is prized for its mild, sweet flavor, making them a favorite target for many anglers.

Atlantic Sailfish are the speedsters of the deep. While we don't target them specifically on this trip, there's always a chance of hooking one when we're trolling. These beautiful fish are known for their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and their incredible speed - they can swim up to 68 mph! Sailfish are catch-and-release only, but the thrill of watching one leap and dance across the water is something you'll never forget. They're most common in our waters from late spring through fall.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the big blue and try your hand at some offshore fishing, this is your chance. Captain Louis's beginner-friendly trip is the perfect way to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking, of course). You'll learn the ropes, catch some fish, and have a whale of a good time doing it. Whether you're looking to check "offshore fishing" off your bucket list or just want a fun day out with friends and family, this trip delivers. Remember, the boat only takes 6 people, so spots can fill up fast, especially during peak season. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers like a greased grouper - get in touch and lock in your date now. Who knows, you might just catch the fishing bug and find yourself coming back for more. So what are you waiting for? The fish are calling, and Captain Louis is ready to put you on 'em!

Learn more about the animals

Atlantic Sailfish

Atlantic Sailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing. These sleek, blue beauties can stretch up to 10 feet long, but most run 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds. You'll find them in warm, offshore waters, often near the surface down to about 30-65 feet. Winter's the hot season in our parts, especially in the "Sailfish Alley" off South Florida. Sailfish are known for their spectacular aerial displays - they'll leap and dance across the water when hooked. Trolling with live bait or lures that mimic flying fish is a go-to tactic. Here's a local trick: when you spot one, pitch out a live bait and hold on tight. These fish are lightning-fast and will test your stamina with long, powerful runs. Remember, sailfish are catch-and-release only in most areas, so have your camera ready to capture the memory before sending them back. It's all about the thrill of the fight with these iconic gamefish.

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your arms. These solitary fish can grow up to 6 feet and 100 pounds, with most adults in the 30-50 pound range. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structures in 30-70 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they're migrating, but you can catch them all summer long. Cobia are curious fish - they'll often swim right up to the boat to check things out. That's when you want to be ready with a bucktail jig or live bait. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but man, can they fight. Once hooked, expect powerful runs and even some jumps. Here's a local trick: if you spot one, toss out an eel imitation lure. Cobia can't resist 'em. And when you finally get one in the boat, you're in for some excellent eating - their firm, white meat is top-notch on the grill.

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are tough customers that'll make you work for your dinner. These bottom-dwellers usually run 20-30 inches, but can hit 50 inches and 80 pounds. You'll find them lurking around rocky bottoms, reefs, and shipwrecks offshore. They're most active in cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for gag fishing. These fish are ambush predators, so dropping live bait or jigs near structure is your best bet. Once hooked, be ready for a battle - gags will dive for cover and try to break you off on the rocks. Here's a tip: keep your rod low and reel fast to pull them away from structure. Gags are prized for their firm, white flesh that's great for grilling or frying. Just remember, they grow slowly and change sex from female to male as they age, so practice catch and release with the big ones to keep the population healthy.

Lesser Amberjack

Lesser Amberjacks are the smaller cousins of the greater amberjack, typically maxing out around 27 inches and 10 pounds. You'll find these guys in deeper waters, usually 180 to 430 feet down, hanging around reefs and wrecks. They're open for fishing year-round, but can be tricky to spot since they're less common than their bigger relatives. Lesser AJs put up a good fight for their size, and they're fun to catch on lighter tackle. We usually drift with live bait or cut fish to target them. Mullet, spinach fish, or cigar minnows work well. If you're looking to land one, here's a tip: use a vertical jig and let it sink to the bottom. These fish like to hang deep, so getting your bait down there is key. While they're not as popular as some other gamefish, hooking a lesser amberjack can be a nice surprise and add some variety to your catch.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are a colorful, hard-fighting fish that'll get your heart racing. These guys average 15-30 pounds but can reach up to 87 pounds. You'll find them hanging around floating debris and weed lines in warm offshore waters. They're fast growers and spawn year-round, so there's always a chance to hook one. Mahi love to chase flying fish, so we often troll with skipping lures to mimic their prey. Their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs make for an exciting battle. Plus, they're delicious - firm, white meat with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's a pro tip: when you spot one, get a live bait in the water fast. Mahi travel in groups, so where there's one, there's usually more. Just be ready for a fight - these fish are strong swimmers and don't give up easily.

About the Lowcountry Offshore Fishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 63

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for some offshore action without the intimidation factor? Captain Louis McMichael's 6-hour fishing trip out of Charleston is tailor-made for beginners and casual anglers looking to wet a line. You and up to 5 friends will head out to productive waters just off the coast, where species like amberjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, and black grouper await. Don't sweat the gear - Captain Louis provides quality equipment and bait, plus hands-on guidance to help everyone reel in some keepers. As you fish, you'll take in picturesque views of Charleston's shoreline. This laid-back charter focuses on comfort and results, giving you the best shot at landing some impressive catches without the pressure. It's the perfect intro to offshore fishing in a relaxed setting. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so choose your date wisely and get ready for a day of angling fun on the water!

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