What we Catch...

Yellowfin Tuna --- March thru November

Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - One of the most highly prized game fish off the South Carolina coast.  Usually found chasing schools of bait and often can be seen breaking the surface of the water.  These fish travel in schools so multiple hool-ups are frequent.  Yellowfins are caught trolling ballyhoos or artificial plugs.  Most yellowfins caught range from 30-50 pounds; however some catches exceed 80 pounds.  The current state record is 241.12 pounds.

Bluefin Tuna --- Dec. thru Mar. in North Carolina

Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) - These fish known as "giants" are caught in the shallow  water off of Morehead City and Hatteras North Carolina.  One of the strongest fish in the ocean, they are caught trolling ballyhoo or chunking menhaden within twenty miles of the coast.  Most fish average between 150 to 300 pounds; however, some fish exceed 500 pounds.  The current state record is 332.6 pounds.

White Marlin --- May thru July

White Marlin (Tetrapturus albidus) - Different from all other members of the marlin family because of the easily recognizable rounded tips of their dorsal and anal fins.  South Carolina does not see nearly as many white marlin as our neighboring state to the north.  These fish can be very finicky and hard to catch at times.  They usually travel in schools so multiple hook ups are possible.   We catch these fish trolling ballyhoos with lighter tackle.  The current state record is 108 pounds.

Blue Marlin --- April thru August

Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) - Blue marlin are the largest of all Atlantic marlin.  They are the most sought after species from our charters because most poeple dream of catching one of these powerful beasts.  Found offshore usually beyond forty miles in the deeper and warmer water, we use our heavier gear to tackle these fish.  They are known for their size and spectacular fight when hooked up.  All large or trophy blue marlin are females.  Males usually do not exceed 300 pounds.    Blue marlin feed primarily on squid, mackerel, and tuna.  We troll ballyhoos, mackerel or artificial lures for these fish.  Most blue marlin caught off South Carolina fall in the 150 - 300 pound range.  However, it is not uncommon to catch one exceeding 400 pounds.  The current state record is 752.6 pounds

Sailfish --- June thru September

Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) - One of the most acrobatic and fastest fish found in the ocean.  These fish grow close to four or five feet in their first year.  Sailfish are long and slender, and are easily noticed by their enormous dorsal fin.  Peak season for catching this species of billfish off South Carolina are June, July, and August with the latter being your best month.  We target this species with smaller tackle in the 30 lb range, which provide our anglers an exciting challenge.  Most sailfish are caught using ballyhoo, but sometimes live bait is used to lure this pretty fish.  Most sailfish caught off South Carolina average 35 pounds.  The current state record is 75 pounds.

Wahoo --- January thru December

Wahoo (Acanthocybium Solanderi) - These fish can be found year round off South Carolina.  Wahoos are the largest member of the mackerel family.   Along with the sailfish, wahoos are one of the fastest fish in the ocean.   They can achieve speeds in excess of 50 mph.  Since they move so fast, wahoos often leap several feet out of the water when attacking bait.  Known for their white flaky meat, wahoos are excellent to eat.  Beware of their razor sharp teeth, which often bite through the monofilament leaders.  To overcome this, we often use wire leaders.  We catch wahoo trolling with ballyhoos.  In early spring we use monofilament leaders, however, in the fall, wire lines trolled at fast speeds work best.   The average wahoo off South Carolina is usually 25 pounds.  Frequent catches exceed 50 pounds.  The state record is 130 pounds.

Dolphin --- March thru September

Dolphin (Coryphaena hippurus) - Known as mahi-mahi or Dorado, they are one of the most colorful fish in the ocean,  Dolphins are found swimming in the warm currents around sargassum weed and floating debris.   "Schoolies", fish under 8 pounds, travel in large schools so multiple hookups are possible.  Bigger dolphins are males and are called "bulls".   The average dolphin is around 25 pounds.  The state record is 74.6 pounds.

King Mackerel --- January thru December

King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) - Similar to wahoos, kings are caught around structures on the bottom of the ocean.  These fish have sharp teeth so wire is normally used to catch them.  Since the average size king is 15 pounds, lighter tackle is used when we target this species.  The current state record is 62 pounds.

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