Ready to level up your angling game? Captain Louis McMichael's offshore fishing trip out of Charleston is calling your name. This 6-hour excursion is tailor-made for skilled anglers itching to tangle with some serious fish. We're talking amberjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, and black grouper – the heavy hitters of the Atlantic. With room for up to 6 guests, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work those rods and reel in the big ones. So grab your lucky hat and let's hit the deep blue!
This ain't your granddaddy's fishing hole. We're talking about venturing miles offshore where the real monsters lurk. Captain Louis knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the gear to match. You'll be working with top-of-the-line equipment, perfect for hauling in those offshore trophies. The captain's years of experience mean you're in for some serious fish tales – and catches to back them up. While you're busy battling big game, don't forget to soak in the stunning views of Charleston's coastline. It's the perfect backdrop for a day of hardcore fishing.
Out here, we play for keeps. You'll be using a mix of trolling and bottom fishing techniques to target different species. When we're after mahi-mahi or sailfish, we'll be dragging lines and lures behind the boat, mimicking fleeing baitfish. For grouper and amberjack, we'll drop lines straight down, using heavy weights to get our bait where the big boys are hiding. Captain Louis will show you the ropes on reading the fish finder, setting the drag just right, and playing those monster fish all the way to the boat. It's all about finesse and power out here – and a bit of luck never hurts!
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish, are the acrobats of the ocean. These colorful fighters are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're fast-growing and can reach up to 30 pounds in their first year. Mahi are most abundant in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Anglers love them for their hard-fighting spirit and their delicious, firm white meat.
Lesser Amberjack might not be as famous as their larger cousins, but they're no less fun to catch. These powerful fish hang out near underwater structures and put up a hell of a fight. They typically range from 10 to 40 pounds and are available year-round, with peak seasons in spring and fall. The thrill of wrestling one of these bruisers to the boat is what keeps anglers coming back for more.
Cobia, often called "lemonfish" or "ling," are the bulldogs of the sea. These curious fish are known to follow boats and even sharks, making them a unique target for sight fishing. They grow big – up to 100 pounds – and fight like crazy. Cobia season typically runs from late spring through summer. Their firm, white flesh makes them a prized catch for the dinner table too.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef. These ambush predators hang out near rocky bottoms and wrecks, waiting to inhale anything that swims by. They can grow over 50 pounds and will test your arms and your gear. The challenge of pulling these brutes up from their lairs is what makes them a favorite among serious anglers. Gag grouper are typically caught year-round, with peak seasons in spring and fall.
Atlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of the ocean, capable of bursts up to 68 mph. These magnificent fish are known for their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and their incredible acrobatics when hooked. While they can reach lengths of over 10 feet, most caught off Charleston are in the 6-7 foot range. Sailfish are typically a catch-and-release species, providing an unforgettable experience without depleting the population. The best time to target them is late summer through fall.
It's not just about the fish – though they're a big part of it. It's about the rush of battling a monster fish, the camaraderie of sharing the experience with friends, and the stories you'll be telling for years to come. Captain Louis's wealth of knowledge means you're always learning something new, whether it's a trick for tying the perfect knot or a secret spot where the big ones like to hide. And let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the bragging rights that come with landing a trophy fish off the coast of Charleston.
So, you ready to test your mettle against some of the Atlantic's finest? This trip is perfect for experienced anglers looking to step up their game or anyone who's dreamed of landing a real sea monster. Remember, we've only got room for 6, so don't wait to book your spot. Grab your fishing buddies, pack some snacks (and maybe a couple cold ones), and get ready for a day you won't forget. The big ones are out there waiting – let's go show 'em who's boss!
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world. These sleek speedsters average 6-8 feet long and 30-50 pounds. You'll find them in blue water from 100-300 feet deep, often near temperature breaks or weed lines. Sailfish are most abundant here in winter and early spring as they follow bait schools. Anglers prize them for their spectacular aerial displays and blistering runs. To up your chances, troll rigged ballyhoo or small lures at 6-8 knots. Keep an eye out for free-jumping fish or birds working - that's a good sign sailfish are feeding. When you get a bite, don't set the hook immediately. Let the fish eat and turn, then come tight. Once hooked, be ready for multiple jumps and long, screaming runs. It's an unforgettable light tackle experience with one of the ocean's most beautiful gamefish.
Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your stamina. These solitary fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia migrate through our area in spring, following rays and baitfish. That's prime time to sight-cast to them on the surface. Later in summer, focus on deeper reefs. Anglers love cobia for their powerful runs and excellent eating quality. To boost your chances, always have a heavy jig ready to pitch if you spot one. Live eels or crabs are dynamite baits too. Just be ready when they eat - cobia hit hard and fight dirty, often trying to wrap you in structure. Stay on your toes and enjoy the battle with one of the ocean's toughest customers.
Gag Grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll make you earn every inch of line. These ambush predators average 20-30 pounds but can reach 80. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. Gags are most active in cooler months when they move to shallower areas to spawn. Anglers target them for their bulldog strength and excellent table fare. To improve your odds, use heavy tackle and stout leaders - gags will dive for cover the instant they're hooked. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works great, but big jigs produce too. Here's a pro tip: once you hook one, crank like mad to get its head turned. If a gag makes it back to its hole, you're probably done. Stay focused and enjoy the arm-wrestling match with these tough customers.
Lesser Amberjacks are the smallest of the amberjack family, but they still pack a punch. These olive green or dark pink fish typically max out around 27 inches and 10 pounds. You'll find them in deeper offshore waters, usually 180-430 feet down near reefs, wrecks, and other structure. They're less common than their larger cousins, which makes landing one a special catch. Lesser AJs are around year-round, but fishing tends to be best in warmer months. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their strong fights and good eating. To up your odds, try drifting with live bait like mullet or cigar minnows. Vertical jigging with heavy bucktails can also be effective. Just make sure you sink your offering deep - these guys like to hang near the bottom. When you hook one, be ready for a tough battle as they use their muscular bodies to dive for cover.
Mahi Mahi are one of the most exciting fish to target offshore. These colorful fighters average 15-30 pounds but can reach up to 87 pounds. You'll find them near floating debris and weed lines in warm waters, usually 30-50 feet deep. They're fast swimmers and incredible jumpers, putting on an aerial show when hooked. Mahi are most abundant from spring through fall as they follow warm currents. Anglers love 'em for their hard fights and excellent table fare. To boost your chances, look for frigatebirds diving - they'll lead you right to the fish. When you spot a school, keep one hooked fish in the water to draw in others. Bright lures or live bait like ballyhoo work great. Just be ready for explosive strikes and spectacular runs when a big bull takes your offering.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 63
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300