World-Class Offshore Fishing in Kiawah Island

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Kiawah Island, SC, United States
$350 - $2,700 price range
Updated Date: October 5, 2025

Summary

Ready for a serious offshore challenge? Join Captain Frank Schomaker of Resuwrecktion Charters for a full 12-hour day chasing big game fish off Kiawah Island. Leaving at 6 AM, you'll head deep into the Atlantic targeting blackfin tuna, Indo-Pacific sailfish, wahoo, and other pelagic species. With room for six anglers, there's plenty of opportunity to try different techniques as you work productive fishing grounds. This private charter is ideal for experienced anglers looking to test their skills and endurance. Fuel costs are covered, so you can focus on the fishing. While it's a long day on the water, the potential payoff of hooking into a trophy catch makes it well worth the effort. Captain Frank's local knowledge and offshore expertise maximize your chances for an epic day of big game fishing.

World-Class Offshore Fishing in Kiawah Island

Offshore Trophy Catches

Kiawah Island offshore fishing day

A person fishing on the beach at Kiawah Island

Big catch on Kiawah Island waters

Snapper action off Kiawah Island SC

Two people fishing on the beach at Kiawah Island

Offshore fishing trip Kiawah SC

Offshore Fishing: Kiawah's Big Game Adventure

Ready for the ultimate offshore challenge? Captain Frank Schomaker's 12-hour charter out of Kiawah Island is where serious anglers come to test their mettle. We're talking sunrise to sunset action, chasing some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish. This isn't your average day trip - it's a full-on offshore assault where endurance meets opportunity. With room for six, you and your crew will have plenty of elbow room to work multiple lines and techniques as we hunt down tuna, wahoo, and maybe even a sailfish or two. Pack your A-game and let's hit the bluewater!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll be shoving off at the crack of dawn - 6 AM sharp. The early start gives us prime time on the fishing grounds when the big boys are most active. This is a no-frills, action-packed day designed for folks who are serious about their fishing. We'll run anywhere from 40 to 80 miles offshore, depending on where the fish are holding. Expect a mix of trolling, live baiting, and maybe even some kite fishing if conditions are right. The Gulf Stream's not far off, so we might tangle with anything from a smoker king to a lit-up sailfish. Fuel's covered in the charter cost, so we can focus on finding the fish without worrying about the gas gauge. Just remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen - it's a long day out there, but worth every minute when that reel starts screaming.

Offshore Arsenal & Tactics

On Resuwrecktion Charters, we come prepared for whatever the ocean throws our way. We'll be armed with an array of heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with 50 to 80-pound test, perfect for muscling in those big pelagics. For trolling, expect to see a spread of ballyhoo and artificial lures skipping behind the boat. When we mark fish on the sounder or spot surface activity, we might switch to live baiting with goggle-eyes or blue runners. Kite fishing's a specialty here, especially for sailfish - there's nothing like watching a sail light up on a bait suspended right at the surface. Don't worry if you're not familiar with all the techniques; Captain Frank's got years of experience and he'll make sure you're dialed in. Just be ready to reel when he yells "Fish on!"

Top Catches This Season

While we don't have specific customer reviews for this charter, the offshore waters off Kiawah Island have been on fire lately. Local anglers have been reporting epic battles with 100-pound-plus yellowfin tuna, wahoo streaking through trolling spreads at 60 mph, and acrobatic sailfish putting on aerial displays. One recent group even managed a grand slam - landing a tuna, wahoo, and sailfish all in the same day. That's the kind of action we're after, and with a full day on the water, your chances of hooking into something special are better than ever.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Blackfin Tuna: These torpedoes might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. Blackfins typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, with some pushing 40. They're abundant in these waters year-round, but peak season is fall through early spring. When you hook one, hang on tight - they're known for blistering initial runs that'll test your drag system. Blackfins are also prized for their rich, dark meat that's perfect for sashimi right on the boat.

King Mackerel: Often called "smoker kings" for their smoking runs that peel line off your reel, these toothy predators are a blast to catch. They average 15 to 30 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't unheard of. Kings are most active in the warmer months, from late spring through fall. We often target them by slow-trolling live baits or by running drone spoons. Their aerial acrobatics when they feel the hook is a sight to behold.

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are the acrobats of the offshore world. Their electric blue and gold colors are a sight to behold, especially when they're lit up and jumping beside the boat. Mahi can range from 5 to 50 pounds, with the bigger "slammers" usually found further offshore. They're most abundant from late spring through early fall. Mahi are often found near floating debris or weed lines, and they're suckers for both live bait and artificial lures.

Indo-Pacific Sailfish: The crown jewel of many offshore anglers' bucket lists, sailfish are known for their incredible speed and acrobatic leaps. Off Kiawah, we typically see them in the 6 to 7-foot range, weighing 60 to 80 pounds. Prime sailfish season is late fall through early spring. Watching a sailfish light up, its sail fully extended as it attacks a bait, is one of the most heart-pounding experiences in sportfishing. We often target them using kite fishing techniques, which keeps the bait right on the surface for an explosive strike.

Wahoo: If you're looking for pure speed, wahoo is your fish. These streamlined predators can hit speeds of 60 mph and are known for blistering runs that can spool an unprepared angler. They average 30 to 50 pounds in these waters, but 100-pound monsters aren't unheard of. Wahoo tend to be more solitary than other pelagics, but when you find one, there's often more nearby. We target them by high-speed trolling with specialized lures, often at depths of 100 to 400 feet. Their firm, white meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're serious about offshore fishing, this Kiawah Island charter is hard to beat. Twelve full hours on the water means we've got time to really work different spots and techniques. Captain Frank knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the skills to put you on the fish. Whether you're dreaming of your first sailfish or just want to fill the cooler with some prime eating tuna and mahi, this is your shot. But heads up - a trip like this books up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're ready to tangle with some of the Atlantic's top gamefish, don't wait. Get your crew together and lock in your date. The big ones are out there waiting, and trust me, there's nothing quite like that first run of a trophy fish peeling line off your reel. See you on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the Thunnus family, usually topping out around 30-40 pounds. These speedsters are a blast to catch, known for their hard-fighting nature and tasty meat. We typically find them in the warmer offshore waters, anywhere from 100 to 600 feet deep. They're often hanging around floating debris or weed lines. Fall and winter are prime seasons, but we can catch them year-round here off Kiawah. Blackfin hunt in schools, so when you find one, you've likely found many. They go crazy for live bait like pilchards or sardines, but will also hit trolled lures. One tip: when you see them busting on the surface, try casting a popper or stick bait into the frenzy. The aggressive topwater strikes are a sight to behold. Just be ready for a serious fight on light tackle – these little powerhouses punch well above their weight class.

Indo-Pacific Sailfish

Sailfish are the holy grail for many offshore anglers, and for good reason. These majestic billfish can reach over 7 feet long and put on one heck of a show. We typically find them in the warmer months, from late spring through fall, usually in waters 100-300 feet deep. They're often around temperature breaks or bait schools. Sailfish are known for their incredible speed – they can hit 70 mph in short bursts – and their acrobatic jumps when hooked. The sight of a lit-up sailfish, dorsal fin fully extended, is unforgettable. We usually target them by slow-trolling live baits like ballyhoo or blue runners. Kite fishing is another effective method when conditions allow. Here's a local tip: when a sailfish hits, wait until you feel weight on the line before setting the hook. Their long bill means they often swipe at baits before fully committing. And remember, these beautiful fish are catch-and-release only in our waters.

King Mackerel

King mackerel, or kingfish, are one of our most exciting gamefish here off Kiawah. These toothy predators can grow over 50 pounds, though 15-30 pounders are more common. You'll find them anywhere from just off the beach to 20 miles out, often around reefs or ledges. Kings are speed demons – they'll smoke a reel at 30 mph when hooked. Late summer through fall is prime time, as they follow bait schools up the coast. Trolling with live bait like menhaden or blue runners is deadly effective. We'll slow-troll at 1-2 knots, sometimes bump trolling in circles over structure. Kings are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. Their meat is good eating too, especially when smoked. Here's a local trick: use two hooks when rigging live bait. The front hook goes through the nose, while a trailing treble rides just behind the dorsal fin. This "stinger" rig helps nail those short-striking kings.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi mahi are the perfect offshore gamefish – beautiful, acrobatic, and delicious. These neon-colored speedsters average 15-30 pounds around here, but 50+ pounders aren't unheard of. We find them offshore near floating debris and weed lines, usually in 120+ feet of water. Summer and early fall are prime seasons when the water warms up. Mahi are known for their incredible aerial displays when hooked – expect multiple jumps and zigzagging runs. They're also one of the tastiest fish in the ocean, with firm white meat perfect for grilling. Trolling with ballyhoo or artificial lures works well, but sight casting to fish under floating debris is a blast. Here's a tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water. Mahi often travel in schools, and the hooked fish will keep the others around. You can sometimes catch a dozen or more from a single school this way.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the drag-screamers of the offshore world. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish can top 100 pounds and are pure muscle. We find them year-round, but fall and winter are prime seasons when they follow bait schools closer to shore. Wahoo typically hang out in deeper water, usually 200 feet or more. They're known for their blistering speed – they can hit 60 mph in short bursts. When hooked, expect long, powerful runs that will test your gear and your arms. High-speed trolling is the go-to method, often at 12-15 knots. We'll use bullet-headed lures or skirted ballyhoo. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. They're also excellent eating, with firm, white meat that's great for grilling or sashimi. Here's a pro tip: when a wahoo hits, don't strike back. Instead, quickly reel to take up slack and let the fish hook itself. Too many anglers lose wahoo by trying to set the hook and pulling it right out of their mouths.

About the 31 ft Pursuit

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 27

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Hop aboard Captain Frank Schomaker's well-equipped vessel for a full day of offshore action out of Kiawah Island. This 12-hour charter takes you far into the Atlantic, where big game fish like blackfin tuna, wahoo, and Indo-Pacific sailfish roam. With room for six anglers, there's plenty of space to work different techniques as you cruise productive offshore grounds. The early 6 AM departure gives you maximum time on the water to track down trophy catches. Fuel costs are covered, so you can focus on the fishing. While it's a long day on the water, the potential payoff of hooking into powerful pelagics makes it worthwhile for serious anglers looking to test their skills. Bring your A-game and get ready for an offshore adventure targeting some of the ocean's most prized sportfish.

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