Ready to get your hands on some serious offshore action? Captain Louis McMichael's 6-hour fishing charter out of Charleston is your ticket to hooking into the big boys. We're talking amberjack that'll make your arms burn, cobia that fight like freight trains, and mahi-mahi that light up the water with their electric colors. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish or a newbie wanting to learn the ropes, this trip's got you covered. We'll run you out to the hot spots where the bite's been on fire, set you up with top-notch gear, and put you right in the action. It's time to make some fishing memories, Low Country style.
Here's the lowdown on what to expect when you step aboard: We'll cruise out of Charleston harbor, leaving the historic skyline behind as we point the bow towards the deep blue. Captain Louis knows these waters like a fish knows how to swim - he'll have us on the fish in no time. We're talking about hitting up some primo spots anywhere from 20 to 40 miles offshore where the big boys hang out. You'll be working with top-of-the-line gear, so when that rod bends double, you'll be ready for the fight of your life. And don't worry if you're green around the gills when it comes to offshore fishing - the captain and crew are always happy to show you the ropes, from baiting up to working the drag. Just be ready to reel, because when these fish hit, they hit hard!
On this trip, we'll be pulling out all the stops to get those fish in the boat. We might start the day trolling for mahi-mahi, with a spread of ballyhoo and lures that'll have those neon torpedoes leaping out of the water. When we mark some structure on the fish finder, it's time to switch gears. We'll drop some heavy jigs down for amberjack and grouper - trust me, you'll feel it in your arms the next day, but it's worth every ache. And if the cobia are around, we'll break out the live bait and sight cast to these bruisers. It's all about being versatile out here, and Captain Louis has the know-how to switch tactics faster than a wahoo can strip your line. We've got everything on board from light spinning gear for the surface action to the heavy conventional setups for when you need to muscle something big off the bottom.
"Captain Loui is a great fisherman, guide, host, and a southern awesome fellow. I have been out fishing with him 3-4 times now and currently have 3 trips booked for 2023. He absolutely tore the mahi-mahi up in 2022 and put my father and brother on some quality fish. Captain Loui's choice of mates has been great also, we never missed a boated fish. I'm looking forward to his retirement so I can go more often. Obviously there is other "guides" that can fish, but you will enjoy this fishing trip I guarantee. Get some rest, your forearms and back will need it........" - William Jason
"If you are looking for a trip that you will always remember Capitan Louie is your man. I've booked a few full day trips with him and his crew and they have always been able to put us on the fish. If nothing was biting in one spot the captain didn't waste any time and went to find them. The boat and the gear are top of the line which makes riding out and reeling in the big one just a little easier. If you want to go deep and bend big rods with the opportunity of catching the fish of a lifetime call Louie." - Kevin
"This isn't my first time chartering with Captain Louie and it certainly won't be my last. Every venture is run smooth and efficiently and the fish are always biting. It's also evident that Louie knows the waters like the back of his hand. He brings a lot of entertainment to the charter and it leaves everyone laughing and enjoying themselves. Highly recommended if you need someone to charter your next fishing adventure!" - Samantha
Mahi Mahi (Dolphin): These are the rockstars of the offshore world. Mahi light up the water with their electric blue and yellow colors, and they fight like crazy, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. We usually start seeing them in good numbers come late spring, and they stick around through the summer. They're not just a blast to catch - they're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean. When we find a school, it's not uncommon to hook up multiple fish at once, so get ready for some serious action!
Lesser Amberjack: Don't let the name fool you - there's nothing 'lesser' about the fight these fish put up. Amberjack are like the bulldogs of the sea, all muscle and attitude. They love to hang around structure and wrecks, and when you drop a jig down, be ready for a hit that feels like a freight train. These bruisers can push 40 pounds or more, and they'll test every ounce of your strength. We target them year-round, but the bite really heats up in the warmer months.
Cobia: Cobia are the prize fighters of the Atlantic. These powerful fish can top 100 pounds, and they've got the stamina to match their size. They're migratory, showing up in our waters as the water warms up in late spring. Cobia are opportunistic feeders, so we might spot them around buoys, floating debris, or even following big rays. When you hook one, be prepared for long runs and sudden direction changes - these fish know how to use their weight to their advantage.
Gag Grouper: If you want to test your back and your gear, gag grouper are the way to go. These bottom-dwelling brutes are all about power. They love to hole up in rocky areas and reefs, and when you hook one, your first job is to keep it from racing back to its hidey-hole. Gags can easily top 50 pounds, and they're excellent table fare. We catch them year-round, but regulations can be strict, so we always make sure we're fishing for them in season.
Atlantic Sailfish: Landing a sailfish is the dream of many offshore anglers, and for good reason. These majestic fish are known for their stunning aerial displays and blistering speed - they can hit 60 miles per hour when they're on the run. We typically see them in the warmer months, and while they're not as common as some of our other targets, hooking into one is an experience you'll never forget. Most of the sailfish we catch are in the 6 to 7 foot range, but they can get much bigger. It's all catch and release with these beauties, so make sure your camera's ready for that quick photo before we send them back.
Look, if you're itching to feel a rod bend and your drag scream, this is the trip for you. Captain Louis has been putting folks on fish for years, and he knows how to make sure everyone on board has a shot at landing something to brag about. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty mahi or want to test your mettle against a hard-fighting amberjack, we've got you covered. The ocean off Charleston is teeming with life, and there's nothing quite like the rush of hooking into something big in that deep blue water. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's go make some fishing stories you'll be telling for years to come. The fish are out there - it's time to go get 'em!
June 10, 2023
If you are looking for a trip that you will always remember Capitan Louie is your man. I’ve booked a few full day trips with him and his crew and they have always been able to put us on the fish. If nothing was biting in one spot the captain didn’t waste any time and went to find them. The boat and the gear are top of the line which makes riding out and reeling in the big one just a little easier. If you want to go deep and bend big rods with the opportunity of catching the fish of a lifetime call Louie.
December 9, 2023
This isn’t my first time chartering with Captain Louie and it certainly won’t be my last. Every venture is run smooth and efficiently and the fish are always biting. It’s also evident that Louie knows the waters like the back of his hand. He brings a lot of entertainment to the charter and it leaves everyone laughing and enjoying themselves. Highly recommended if you need someone to charter your next fishing adventure!
October 15, 2023
Unreal fishing experience, these guys know what they’re doing. The boat is super nice with all the bells and whistles and safety equipment. I highly recommend Louis and his Mate to anybody looking for a great fishing charter in Charleston, SC!
November 21, 2023
Once the lines were in the water the fish would not stop biting our lines. Great time my customer were happy and the captain made sure everyone was comfortable and safe. I would definitely use him again for entertaining my customers.
August 10, 2023
Atlantic sailfish are the sprinters of the ocean, known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. They average 6-8 feet long and 60-80 pounds. Find them in bluewater from 100-300 feet deep, often near the edge of the Gulf Stream. Winter and early spring are prime seasons here. Sailfish are catch-and-release only, prized for their spectacular fights more than meat. When hooked, they'll greyhound across the surface, their iconic sail fully raised. We usually troll with ballyhoo or small lures, but kite fishing is exciting too. Quick tip: when a sailfish takes your bait, drop the rod tip and let it eat for a few seconds before setting the hook. This helps avoid pulling the bait from its bill-like mouth.
Cobia are bruisers that'll test your arms. They average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them near buoys, wrecks, and even swimming with rays in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime, when they migrate up the coast. Cobia put up a stubborn fight, often making several strong runs. They're also curious fish - sometimes they'll follow your boat or hooked fish. The meat is excellent, with a mild flavor and firm texture. To catch them, we often sight fish, looking for their distinctive shape just under the surface. A big bucktail jig or live eel is hard to beat. Pro tip: when you see one, cast well past it and retrieve across its path. They can be finicky, so a natural presentation is key.
Gag grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll try to break you off in the rocks. Adults average 20-40 pounds and love structure in 60-250 feet of water. Fall and winter are best, before they move to deeper spawning grounds. Gags are prized for their white, flaky meat, but they put up a brutal fight too. When hooked, they immediately dive for cover, so you need to turn them quick. Live bait like pinfish or squid works well, but we also have luck with large jigs. Here's a local trick: when you feel the bite, reel fast and lift your rod tip sharply. This helps pull them away from structure before they can hunker down. Just be ready for a battle - these fish don't give up easy.
Lesser amberjacks are sneaky fighters that pack a punch for their size. They typically run 10-25 pounds and hang out in deeper water, usually 180-400 feet down near reefs and wrecks. We catch them year-round, but they're most active in warmer months. Anglers love them for their strong, dogged fights - they'll try to dive back to structure when hooked. The meat's good eating too, similar to their bigger cousins. To target them, we'll often drift with live bait or jig vertically. My go-to trick is using a heavy bucktail jig in white or chartreuse. Let it sink all the way down, then work it with sharp jerks as you reel up. The bite's usually light, so stay alert.
Mahi Mahi are a colorful, hard-fighting fish that'll give you a real show. They average 15-30 pounds but can get up to 80. Look for them near floating debris or weed lines in warm offshore waters, especially from spring through fall. Mahi love to chase flying fish, so we often troll with lures that mimic them. When you hook one, be ready for acrobatic jumps and long runs. The meat is mild and delicious too, making them popular for both sport and table. One trick I like is to keep the first mahi you catch in the water next to the boat - others will often stick around, giving you a shot at multiples. Just remember, they're fast growers but can be overfished, so we practice catch and release with the bigger breeders.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 63
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Captain Loui is a great fisherman, guide, host, and a southern awesome fellow. I have been out fishing with him 3-4 times now and currently have 3 trips booked for 2023. He absolutely tore the mahi-mahi up in 2022 and put my father and brother on some quality fish. Captain Loui’s choice of mates has been great also, we never missed a boated fish. I’m looking forward to his retirement so I can go more often. Obviously there is other “guides” that can fish, but you will enjoy this fishing trip I guarantee. Get some rest, your forearms and back will need it........