Elite Offshore Fishing Lessons in Kiawah Island

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Kiawah Island, SC, United States
$350 - $2,700 price range

Summary

Ready to level up your deep sea fishing game? Captain Frank's your guy. He'll hop aboard your boat with all his special gear to teach you the ins and outs of offshore, trolling, and bottom fishing. This custom lesson is perfect for groups up to 6 people looking to sharpen their skills. You'll learn not just how to catch the big ones, but also how to handle your boat like a pro in Kiawah Island's rich waters. The best part? You set the pace and schedule. Start when you want and take the whole day to soak in Captain Frank's knowledge. He'll cover everything from picking the right spots to reeling in those trophy fish. And don't worry about fuel - it's included in the price. By the end of the day, you'll be navigating those deep waters with confidence and maybe even landing the catch of a lifetime. Remember, if Captain Frank goes above and beyond, a tip is always appreciated.

Elite Offshore Fishing Lessons in Kiawah Island

Deep Sea Discoveries

Two big fish caught while cruising and fishing at Kiawah Island

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Scenic view of Kiawah Island coastline with boats

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Learn to Deep Sea Fish Like a Pro

Ready to take your offshore game to the next level? Captain Frank's "Captain For Hire" experience is your ticket to mastering the art of deep sea fishing right here off Kiawah Island. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to polish your skills or a newbie eager to learn the ropes, this custom lesson brings the expertise straight to your boat. No need to charter – we're coming to you with all the know-how and gear to transform your vessel into a fish-catching machine.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You and up to five of your buddies, out on your own boat, with Captain Frank at the helm sharing all his secret spots and tried-and-true techniques. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a hands-on masterclass in offshore, trolling, and bottom fishing. We're talking real-deal strategies that'll have you hauling in the big ones like a local pro. And the best part? The schedule's as flexible as a bendy rod. Morning person? Crack of dawn it is. Night owl? We'll hit the water when you're good and ready. It's all about maximizing your time on Kiawah's rich fishing grounds, learning at a pace that suits you.

Rigs and Reels 101

Alright, let's talk tackle. Captain Frank's bringing his A-game gear, so you'll get hands-on experience with top-notch equipment. We're rigging up for success with everything from deep-dropping setups for those bottom-dwelling beasts to surface lures that'll have pelagics going crazy. You'll learn the ins and outs of trolling – how to set your spread, when to bump up the speed, and how to read those all-important signs that fish are in the area. Bottom fishing more your style? We'll show you how to find the sweet spots on the structure and get your bait right where the big boys hang out. And because it's your boat, you'll get the lowdown on how to handle it like a champ, from finding the right drift to positioning for the perfect troll.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Kiawah's waters are teeming with some serious gamefish, and we're going after the cream of the crop. Let's break down what's on the menu:

Blackfin Tuna: These speed demons are the perfect warm-up for bigger game. They might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. Expect hard runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag and your arms. Best targeted early morning or late afternoon, these guys school up and can create some epic topwater action.

King Mackerel: The "smoker kings" are a staple of offshore fishing here. Known for their blistering runs, these toothy critters can smoke a reel faster than you can say "fish on!" We'll teach you the art of slow-trolling live bait to entice these speedsters. They're around most of the year, but fall is prime time when they fatten up for migration.

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are the beauty queens of the ocean. With their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights, hooking a mahi is always a thrill. We'll show you how to spot floating debris and weed lines where these fish love to hang out. Spring through fall is mahi season, with summer being the peak.

Indo-Pacific Sailfish: The holy grail for many anglers, sailfish are the ultimate prize. With their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and incredible speed, hooking one of these billfish is an experience you'll never forget. We'll teach you the finesse of kite fishing and dredge techniques to raise these magnificent creatures. Late spring through early fall offers the best shot at tangling with a sail.

Wahoo: If you're after pure speed, wahoo is your fish. These streamlined predators are like the cheetahs of the sea, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. We'll troll at high speeds with specialized lures to trigger their aggressive strike. While they can be caught year-round, winter and early spring often see the biggest specimens.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, there's a reason why folks choose to bring Captain Frank aboard instead of just winging it on their own. It's not just about catching fish – it's about leveling up your entire offshore game. You're getting years of local knowledge compressed into a day of practical, hands-on learning. By the time we're done, you'll be reading the water like a pro, knowing exactly where to drop your lines for the best chance at a trophy catch. Plus, you're doing all this on your own boat, which means every lesson learned translates directly to your future trips. It's like having a cheat code for Kiawah's waters – and trust me, once you've fished this way, there's no going back.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're serious about upping your offshore fishing game, this is your chance. Captain Frank's "Captain For Hire" experience is the real deal, offering a custom-tailored lesson that'll transform how you approach deep sea fishing. Whether you're looking to land your first sailfish or just want to fill the cooler with more consistency, this is the fast track to getting there. Remember, we're talking about a private lesson for up to six people, so grab your crew and get ready for a day that'll change how you fish forever. The fuel's covered, the expertise is guaranteed, and the memories? Well, those are up to you to make. Don't let another season slip by – book your spot with Captain Frank and get ready to fish like the locals do. Trust me, your future self (and your fishing buddies) will thank you.

Learn more about the species

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, but they pack a punch for their size. These speedy fish typically run 15-30 pounds and can be found in warm offshore waters, often near floating debris or weed lines. They're most active in the early morning and late afternoon, chasing baitfish near the surface. Anglers love blackfin for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To target them, look for birds working the water - that's a good sign bait is around. Trolling small lures or live baits like pilchards works well. When you hook one, be ready for screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. Pro tip: blackfin have great eyesight, so use light fluorocarbon leaders to improve your odds. Best of all, these fish are abundant year-round in our waters, giving you a solid shot at landing one on any trip offshore.

Indo-Pacific Sailfish

Indo-Pacific sailfish are the ballerinas of the big game world. These majestic fish can top 100 pounds and put on quite a show with their large sail-like dorsal fin. We find them in the warm offshore waters, often near the Gulf Stream edge. Sailfish hunt in packs, using their bills to stun baitfish. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate through. Trolling with rigged ballyhoo or live baits is the go-to method. When a sail strikes, be ready for blazing runs and spectacular aerial displays. Watching one light up with iridescent colors during the fight is unforgettable. Most anglers practice catch and release to conserve the population. Here's a local tip: when you see frigate birds working low to the water, that's often a good sign sailfish are feeding nearby. The combination of beauty, acrobatics, and conservation make sailfish a bucket list catch for many anglers.

King Mackerel

King mackerel are one of our most exciting gamefish here off Kiawah. These toothy predators can top 50 pounds, with long, streamlined bodies built for speed. You'll find them cruising the nearshore waters, especially around bait schools and structure. Kings are famous for their blistering runs - when one hits, hold on tight! Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate through. Anglers target them by slow-trolling live baits like menhaden or blue runners. Kings make for great action and decent eating too, though be careful of the bones. Here's a local trick: use two hooks when rigging live bait. Attach one to the nose and let the other trail free - kings often strike the back half first. The fight and aerial displays make these fish a favorite, but landing a big one takes skill. Be ready with a long-handled gaff, as those teeth are no joke!

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi-mahi, also called dorado, are one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. Their electric blue and gold colors are a sight to behold. These acrobatic fighters average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them offshore near floating debris and weed lines, often in pairs or small schools. Mahi are fast growers and great eating, making them popular with anglers. Spring through fall is prime time, with peaks in summer. Trolling ballyhoo or small lures works well, but casting light tackle to visible fish is a blast. When you hook one, expect wild jumps and long runs. Here's a pro tip: when you catch one mahi, keep it in the water - others will often stay close by. The combination of stunning looks, hard fights, and excellent table fare make mahi a top target on our trips.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean. These streamlined torpedoes can hit 60 mph in short bursts, making for some epic battles on light tackle. We find them in the deeper offshore waters, often near drop-offs and current edges. Wahoo average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. They're loners by nature, so hooking up is less common but always exciting. Late summer and fall are prime seasons as water temps peak. High-speed trolling with artificial lures is the ticket - think 12-15 knots. When a wahoo hits, hang on tight! Their initial run can smoke a reel. The meat is excellent too, with a mild flavor perfect for grilling. Here's a pro tip: use wire leaders, as wahoo have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono. The combination of blazing speed, tough fights, and great eating make wahoo a prized catch on our trips.

About the 31 ft Pursuit

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 27

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready to level up your fishing game? Captain Frank's your guy. He'll hop aboard your boat and bring his fishing know-how to teach you the ins and outs of offshore angling. Whether you want to master trolling techniques or bottom fishing secrets, Frank's got you covered. This personalized lesson is perfect for up to 6 people, so grab your crew and get ready to learn. You'll not only improve your fishing skills but also pick up some boat handling tips along the way. The best part? You can start whenever suits you best. Spend the day exploring Kiawah Island's abundant waters at your own pace, with an expert by your side. No need to worry about fuel costs - that's all included in the price. And if you're happy with Frank's expertise, feel free to show your appreciation with a tip at the end of your adventure. It's time to turn your fishing dreams into reality with Captain Frank as your guide.

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