Target Species – Charleston’s Offshore & Deep Sea Fishing Techniques
Discover the fishing techniques and key species True North Charters targets on every Charleston fishing trip, from mahi-mahi to grouper.
Charleston’s waters are home to a variety of key species and indicator species that define the success of each trip. At True North Charters, we use time-tested fishing techniques—trolling, bottom fishing, drift fishing, and live bait fishing—tailored to the bite, weather, and water conditions. This approach keeps our anglers hooked up with mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, grouper, snapper, king mackerel, amberjack, cobia, and black sea bass year-round. Below, we detail each technique, the key species it produces, and real examples from the water—so you know exactly what to expect before stepping aboard.
Late spring–early fall for pelagics; reef/bottom species year-round.
Half-day: nearshore; ¾-day: 15–35 miles; full-day Gulf Stream: 60+ miles.
Yes—premium rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included.
Yes—our trips suit all skill levels.
Yes—when permitted by regulations.
What it is: Pulling baits/lures at controlled speeds to cover water and trigger strikes.
When we choose it: Clear water, temp breaks, rips/weedlines; prime for ¾-day & full-day Gulf Stream runs.
Key species: Mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna (blackfin/yellowfin), king mackerel, sailfish.
Example day: “Full Day – Gulf Stream Edge” – Weedline mahi bite followed by wahoo strike on a high-speed plug.
Pro Tip: Watch birds/debris; quick turns across the line often spark doubles.
Family-friendly? Yes—visual action and surface strikes.
What it is: Presenting bait near reefs, ledges, wrecks where bottom dwellers feed.
When we choose it: Moderate current, stable weather; ideal on half-day or ¾-day reef trips.
Key species: Grouper, snapper, black sea bass; indicator species include triggerfish, porgies.
Example day: “¾-Day – Ledge Hop” – Live pinfish for grouper, cut bait for snapper.
Pro Tip: Lift steadily with circle hooks—don’t jerk.
Family-friendly? Yes—hands-on and consistent bites.
What it is: Controlled drifts over productive zones to present baits naturally.
When we choose it: Mixed currents/wind; fish scattered or mid-column.
Key species: Amberjack, king mackerel, mahi, snapper, cobia.
Example day: “Mixed-Bag Drift” – Live bait mid-water for kings; jigs for suspended fish.
Pro Tip: Change sinker/jig weights to stay in the strike zone.
Family-friendly? Yes—active and easy to learn.
What it is: Using live menhaden, mullet, pinfish to attract predators.
When we choose it: Abundant bait or picky predators; spring–early summer nearshore for cobia/king mackerel.
Key species: Cobia, amberjack, king mackerel; occasional mahi near weedlines.
Example day: “Cobia Cruise” – Sight-cast live bait to cruising cobia at buoys.
Pro Tip: Keep a pitch rod ready—sight opportunities are fleeting.
Family-friendly? Yes—visual, exciting action.
Mahi-Mahi – Late spring–summer; trolling small skirts/ballyhoo; doubles/triples common on weedlines.
Wahoo – Cooler months; high-speed plugs; 15–50+ lb runs.
Tuna (Blackfin/Yellowfin) – Spring/fall; cedar plugs, feathers; dawn bite can be hot.
Grouper – Summer–fall; live pinfish over ledges.
Snapper – Warm months; cut bait rigs; check seasons.
Black Sea Bass – Year-round; great for families.
Amberjack – Spring–summer; live bait/jigs over wrecks.
Cobia – Late spring–early summer; sight-cast live baits.
King Mackerel – Spring/fall; slow-trolled live baits.
We follow all regulations and practice responsible harvest; some species may be seasonal or catch-and-release.
Looking for a fishing charter Charleston anglers trust and fishing experts recommend?
Our crew delivers personalized, family-friendly trips with unmatched local knowledge.
