Charleston's Premier 10-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip

10 Hours of Offshore Action in Charleston

Ready to put some serious miles under the keel and tangle with hard-fighting offshore beasts? Captain Louis McMichael's 10-hour deep sea charter out of Charleston is your ticket to blue water adventure. We're talking about getting way out there where the big boys play – amberjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, and grouper territory. Whether you're a seasoned salt looking to bend a rod or it's your first time venturing past the breakers, Cap'n Louis has the know-how to put you on the fish. Grab your crew (up to 6 anglers) and let's make some memories on the high seas.

What to Expect on the Water

This ain't no leisurely cruise, folks. We're dedicating a full day to chasing down the offshore bite. You'll board Cap'n Louis's well-equipped vessel bright and early, stocked with top-notch gear and ready to run. As we push out past the Charleston jetties, you'll feel that anticipation build. The nearshore waters give way to deeper blue, and that's when things get interesting. We'll be employing a mix of techniques – from trolling for pelagics to bottom fishing over structure – always adapting to what the fish are doing that day. Cap'n Louis knows these waters like the back of his hand, so trust his instincts when he says it's time to drop lines. Be ready for some serious battles – these offshore fish don't come easy, but man, are they worth it.

Rigs and Reels for the Deep

When you're fishing the deep, you need gear that can take a beating. We're talking heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line that could probably tow a car. For trolling, we'll deploy a spread of ballyhoo rigs and artificial lures designed to mimic the local baitfish. When it's time to fish the bottom, we break out the sturdy rods and circle hooks. Cap'n Louis will walk you through the setups, showing you how to work the gear effectively. You might find yourself jigging for amberjack one minute and then switching to a kite rig for sailfish the next. It's all part of the offshore game, and half the fun is adapting your tactics to what's biting.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"What a enjoyable trip catching mahi dolphin. Captain Louie made the trip awesome and his boat mate. I was hesitate about going with my husband but so glad I got to experience it. Already booking for April-May next year. You will not regret it this trip." - Kayla

Species You'll Want to Hook

Atlantic Sailfish: These acrobatic speedsters are the prima donnas of the offshore world. Known for their stunning dorsal fins and lightning-fast runs, hooking into a sailfish is like trying to reel in a runaway freight train. They're more common in the warmer months, and while they're a catch-and-release species, the photo ops are worth their weight in gold. Watching a sailfish light up with iridescent blues and purples as it dances across the water's surface is a sight you won't soon forget.

Yellowcheek Wrasse: Don't let their smaller size fool you – these colorful reef dwellers put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Found hanging around structure in deeper waters, yellowcheek wrasse are a blast to target when you want a break from the heavy gear. They're known for their vibrant patterns and make for some excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for the dinner table. Look for them year-round, but they're especially active in the spring and fall.

Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): These are the crowd-pleasers of the offshore world. With their electric blue and yellow colors, mahi mahi are as beautiful as they are delicious. They're famous for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs, often traveling in schools that can turn the water into a frenzy of activity. Summer is prime time for mahi, and there's nothing quite like the sight of a bull mahi lit up in the water as you bring it boatside. Pro tip: look for floating debris or weedlines – that's where you'll often find these guys hanging out.

Lesser Amberjack: These bruisers are the gym rats of the ocean. Pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish you'll tangle with offshore. Lesser AJs, as we call 'em, love to hang around deep structure and wrecks. When you hook one, be ready for a serious workout. They'll try to dive back to their hidey-holes, and it takes some muscle to turn them. The cooler months are often best for amberjack action, and while they're not known for their table fare, the fight alone is worth the price of admission.

Mutton Snapper: If you're looking for a fish that combines both sport and excellent eating, mutton snapper is your target. These wily predators are known for their strength and their tendency to make powerful runs for structure once hooked. They've got a beautiful pinkish-red coloration and can grow to impressive sizes offshore. Muttons are a year-round possibility, but they really turn on during their spawning periods in the late spring and early summer. Landing a big mutton is always cause for celebration – and a tasty dinner to boot.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it – a 10-hour offshore trip isn't for the faint of heart. But if you're ready to push your angling skills to the limit and experience some of the best fishing the Atlantic has to offer, this is your chance. Cap'n Louis McMichael has the experience, the boat, and the passion to make this a day on the water you'll be talking about for years to come. Whether you're chasing your first sailfish or looking to fill the cooler with some tasty mahi, this Charleston offshore charter delivers the goods. The ocean's calling, folks – are you gonna answer? Get in touch with Lowcountry Offshore Fishing and lock in your date. The big ones are out there waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action.