What Types of Fish Are Off Of The Charleston Coast?

When heading out for your deep sea fishing charter off the Charleston coast, you can expect to find a wide variety of fish, depending on the season and the type of fishing you’re doing. Whether you’re going on a full day excursion or spending a half day on the open water, when you board the Wahoo, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing day of fishing on the open sea.

Spring

Early in the season, while the waters are still relatively cool, is the ideal time to fish the surface to catch a variety of big game fish. Blue marlin and other sailfins are biting hard along the Gulf Stream. Dolphin, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna tend to be closer to the surface during the springtime months, before the heat drives them into deeper water. Amberjack, barracuda, and king mackerel all inhabit the offshore waters, while sea bass, porgies, and snappers congregate near the bottom along reefs and other hiding spots.

Summer

In the summer, marlin become more scattered as they leave the warmth of the Gulf Stream, but smaller sailfins become more abundant. Dolphin, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna move closer to shore, making it possible to catch these fish on shorter charters. The size of the fish drops off as the summer winds on, however, so book your trip early if you’re hankering for tuna steaks on the grill. Amberjack and barracuda become pickier during the warmer months, providing experienced anglers a stronger challenge in luring them from the reefs and shelves near the bottom.

Fall and Winter

With the return of cooler weather, the big marlins tend to return to the Gulf Stream, while other fish go deeper in search of warmer waters. Fiddler crabs are an excellent bait to lure sheepshead out of the crevices they use for cover. As the cooler weather moves in, the large game fish move outward, seeking shelter in deeper waters, and requiring a practiced hand to lure them out. When you fish the Wahoo, our experienced captain and crew will help ensure that you have the best shot at landing some of Charleston’s exciting game fish.