Get ready to chase some serious fish on this full-day offshore trip out of Kiawah Island. We're talking 12 hours of prime fishing time, kicking off at the crack of dawn. Captain Frank knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on the hotspots where the big boys hang out. We're going after the heavy hitters - Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish - the kind of fish that'll make your arms ache and give you bragging rights for years. This isn't your average day on the water; it's a proper offshore expedition for up to 6 anglers who are itching for some real action. Just remember, we don't provide grub on this trip, so pack a cooler and bring plenty of water. You'll need it when you're battling these monsters of the deep.
Alright, let's break it down. We're pushing off at 6 AM sharp, so don't be late. Once we clear the inlet, we'll open her up and make tracks to the offshore grounds. It might be a bumpy ride, so if you're prone to seasickness, pop those pills before we head out. We'll be using a mix of trolling and live bait fishing, depending on what's working best that day. Captain Frank's got all the gear you need - top-notch rods, reels, and tackle. He'll show you the ropes if you're new to offshore fishing, but if you're an old salt, feel free to jump right in. We'll be setting out spreads for the pelagics, maybe doing some chunking for tuna, or if the conditions are right, sight fishing for sails. It's a long day, but trust me, when that reel starts screaming, you'll forget all about being tired.
There's something special about fishing the waters off Kiawah Island. Maybe it's the way the Gulf Stream brings in those big migratory fish, or how the underwater structure creates the perfect habitat for gamefish. Whatever it is, once you've had a taste, you'll be hooked. Our regulars can't get enough of the variety - one trip you might be tangling with a hard-fighting tuna, the next you're watching a sailfish light up and tailwalk across the surface. And let's not forget the rush of hooking into a wahoo that hits your lure at 60 miles an hour. It's not just about the fish either. There's nothing quite like being out on the open ocean, miles from shore, with nothing but blue water all around you. It's the kind of experience that sticks with you long after you've docked.
Blackfin Tuna: These speedsters might not get as big as their yellowfin cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. Blackfins typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, but they punch well above their weight class. They school up in the fall and winter, and when you find them, it can be non-stop action. They're also fantastic eating, whether you like your tuna rare on the grill or as fresh-as-it-gets sashimi right on the boat.
King Mackerel: Also known as Kingfish, these toothy predators are the reason we use wire leaders. Kings can top 50 pounds, and when they hit, they hit hard. They make blistering runs that'll have your drag singing. We typically target them by slow-trolling live bait or pulling spoons and plugs. Peak season is late spring through fall, but we can find them year-round in our waters.
Mahi Mahi: Also called Dorado or Dolphinfish (no relation to Flipper), Mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, and their vibrant colors make for amazing photos. We find them around floating debris and weed lines, often in good numbers. They're excellent table fare and can range from 15 to 30 pounds, with some bulls pushing 50+.
Indo-Pacific Sailfish: The holy grail for many offshore anglers, sailfish are the fastest fish in the ocean, clocked at speeds over 60 mph. Watching a sail light up, its dorsal fin fully extended, as it attacks a bait is a sight you'll never forget. They average 6 to 8 feet in length and put on one heck of a show when hooked. We practice catch and release with these beauties to keep the population healthy.
Wahoo: If you want to test your drag system, hook into a wahoo. These streamlined speedsters can rip off 100 yards of line in the blink of an eye. They're often solitary, so landing one is always special. Wahoo flesh is prized for its flavor and texture, often compared to high-grade tuna. We target them year-round, but fall and winter tend to be prime time.
Look, if you're still reading this, you're probably itching to get out there. This 12-hour trip is the real deal - it's for folks who are serious about their fishing and want a shot at some genuine trophy fish. Captain Frank's been doing this for years, and he knows how to put you on the fish. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from top-of-the-line electronics to find the fish, to the heavy tackle to bring 'em in. And remember, fuel's included in the price, so you don't have to worry about any hidden costs. All you need to do is show up ready to fish hard, and maybe bring a little extra for the tip jar if the captain puts you on a good bite. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot before someone else does. These offshore trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. Don't be the one telling stories about the fish that got away - be the one showing off pictures of the monster you landed. Book now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget.
Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, but they pack a punch for their size. Usually 15-30 pounds, these speedsters can be found in warm offshore waters around Kiawah Island. Look for them near weedlines, floating debris, or following bait schools. Blackfin are most active in the fall and spring, but you can catch them year-round on a good day. Anglers love targeting blackfin for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. When hooked, they'll make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. The meat is prized for its rich, dark color and flavor - great for sashimi or grilled steaks. To up your chances, try vertical jigging or chunking at dawn and dusk when they're feeding aggressively. I like using smaller tackle to really feel the fight. Just be ready for screaming reels and bent rods when a school moves through!
Sailfish are the holy grail for many offshore anglers here. These acrobatic beauties average 6-8 feet long and 60-80 pounds. We see them from late spring through fall in blue water beyond the Gulf Stream, often following bait schools. Hooking a sailfish is pure excitement. They'll greyhound across the surface, their massive sail raised like a banner. The fight is as much visual spectacle as it is strength. Most are released, but the memories and photos last a lifetime. For the best shot, try slow-trolling live baits like ballyhoo or flying fish. When a sail shows in the spread, it's all hands on deck! A local trick is to use light tackle - it prolongs the fight and really lets you feel the power of these magnificent fish.
King mackerel are one of our most popular gamefish around Kiawah. These toothy predators average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for kings in 30-150 feet of water near reefs, wrecks, and bait schools. They migrate through our area spring and fall, with the biggest fish usually showing up in late summer. Kings are flat-out fun to catch. They make blistering runs, often skyrocketing out of the water when hooked. The fight is half the excitement. Their firm, flaky meat is great eating too - just be careful of the bones. For the best shot at a big smoker king, try slow-trolling live bait like menhaden or blue runners. Use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from those razor-sharp teeth. When a king hits, hang on tight - the first run is usually the wildest!
Mahi-mahi are one of the most beautiful and exciting fish we target offshore. Also called dorado, these colorful fighters average 15-30 pounds but can reach over 50. You'll find them in blue water from spring through fall, often around floating debris or weedlines. Mahi are a blast to catch. They put on an acrobatic show, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. The vibrant blues and greens fade quickly after landing, but the memories last. The meat is top-notch too - mild, flaky, and versatile for cooking. For the best action, look for birds working over bait schools or troll near floating structure. When you hook one, leave it in the water to keep the school around. Mahi are competitive feeders, so you can often catch multiples quickly. It's non-stop action when you find them fired up!
Wahoo are built for speed and power, making them a prized catch off Kiawah. These streamlined torpedoes average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them in blue water near dropoffs and current edges, especially in late summer and fall. Wahoo are famous for scorching runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Their razor-sharp teeth make wire leaders a must. The fight is intense but usually short-lived compared to other offshore species. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild-tasting. For the best shot at wahoo, try high-speed trolling with lures or rigged ballyhoo. Keep your drags tight and be ready for sudden, blistering strikes. When a wahoo hits, you'll know it!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 27
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300