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Recently Booked Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters In Charleston, Sc
Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Charleston
Mahi Mahi Special - 35’ Everglades
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Charleston
South Carolina Reef Run
Top Types of Mahi Mahi Trips in Charleston
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Target Species in Charleston
- Get it while it's HOT!
- This species is in play.
- You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
- Couldn't tell ya! (no data)
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Everything to Know About Booking a Charleston mahi mahi fishing charter
What are the best mahi mahi fishing charters in Charleston?
The best mahi mahi fishing charters in Charleston are:
Why should I book a mahi mahi fishing charter in Charleston with Captain Experiences?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 18 mahi mahi trips in Charleston, and the most popular trips in the area are Charleston Deep Sea Offshore guided by Darius, Offshore Trolling and Wrecks guided by Brent, and Mahi Mahi Special - 35’ Everglades guided by Johnston.
Our guides in Charleston are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3806 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.
All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.
Looking for kid friendly mahi mahi guides / fishing lessons in Charleston? Check out our beginner and family friendly mahi mahi guides in Charleston.
What types of mahi mahi fishing charters are common in Charleston?
Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for mahi mahi in Charleston as well as nearshore fishing.
The most common fishing techniques in Charleston are trolling, bottom fishing, and heavy tackle fishing but artificial lure fishing and light tackle fishing are popular as well.
How much do Charleston mahi mahi fishing charters cost?
Prices for mahi mahi in Charleston can range anywhere from about $1,500 to $4,000, but the average price for a half day trip for mahi mahi in Charleston is $1,500. The average price for a full day trip for mahi mahi in Charleston is $2,837.
Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?
Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.
Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.
Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.
What month is best for mahi mahi fishing in Charleston?
The most popular season for mahi mahi fishing in Charleston is summer, and most anglers book their trips 50 days in advance.
Do I need a Charleston fishing license for mahi mahi and what are the bag limits for mahi mahi in Charleston?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in Charleston, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Charleston. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Charleston.
What is mahi mahi fishing in Charleston all about?
Charleston offers anglers the opportunity to target mahi mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado, in its offshore waters. Mahi mahi are prized for their vibrant colors, acrobatic leaps, and delicious flesh, making them a highly sought-after species among recreational fishermen. These pelagic fish are commonly found in offshore waters, particularly around floating debris, weed lines, and offshore structures where they seek shelter and prey on smaller fish and squid.
The mahi mahi season in Charleston typically spans from late spring through early fall, coinciding with warmer water temperatures and the migration of baitfish and other prey species. During this time, mahi mahi become more active and move into shallower waters to feed and spawn, providing prime opportunities for anglers to target them. Anglers pursuing mahi mahi may use techniques such as trolling with rigged baits or artificial lures, casting with surface plugs or jigs, or live bait fishing to entice strikes from these colorful and acrobatic fish.
Successful mahi mahi fishing in Charleston requires anglers to be adaptable and well-prepared with the right gear and tackle. Light to medium-weight spinning or conventional rods paired with braided fishing line are commonly used to handle the fast-paced fights of mahi mahi. Anglers must also possess a thorough understanding of mahi mahi behavior and habitat, as well as knowledge of local regulations and restrictions governing their harvest. With its combination of thrilling battles and delicious rewards, mahi mahi fishing in Charleston offers anglers an exciting and memorable offshore adventure in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
What are the most popular months to fish for mahi mahi in Charleston?
In Charleston, the mahi mahi fishing season typically aligns with the warmer months, stretching from late spring through early fall. As the water temperatures rise during this time, mahi mahi become more active and move into shallower waters to feed and spawn. Charleston's proximity to the Gulf Stream currents, which flow close to the coastline, provides ideal habitat for mahi mahi and attracts them to the area in search of prey.
The peak of the mahi mahi season in Charleston often coincides with the migration of baitfish and other prey species, drawing mahi mahi closer to shore in pursuit of food. Anglers targeting mahi mahi during this time may find success trolling with rigged baits or artificial lures in offshore waters, particularly around areas with floating debris, weed lines, or offshore structures where mahi mahi are known to congregate. As the season progresses and water temperatures begin to cool, mahi mahi may migrate to deeper waters or move to different areas in search of suitable habitat and prey.
While the mahi mahi season in Charleston typically peaks during the warmer months, anglers may still encounter mahi mahi year-round, particularly in offshore waters where favorable conditions exist. However, staying informed about seasonal trends, weather patterns, and fish movements can help anglers maximize their chances of success while targeting mahi mahi in the waters off the coast of Charleston. With its combination of thrilling battles and delicious rewards, mahi mahi fishing in Charleston offers anglers an exciting and memorable offshore adventure.
What techniques are popular for catching mahi mahi in Charleston?
Fishing for mahi mahi in Charleston waters offers anglers a thrilling experience, characterized by its vibrant colors, acrobatic leaps, and delectable taste. Seasoned fishermen in Charleston often employ a variety of techniques to target these prized game fish. One popular approach is trolling, where anglers trail lures or bait behind a moving boat, mimicking the movement of small prey. Mahi mahi are attracted to colorful lures and fast-moving baits, making trolling an effective method for enticing strikes. Additionally, locating floating debris or weed lines can increase the likelihood of encountering schools of mahi mahi, as these fish often congregate around such structures in search of food and shelter.
Another favored technique among Charleston anglers is live bait fishing. This method involves presenting live baitfish, such as pilchards or small mackerel, to mahi mahi using specialized rigs like spreader bars or daisy chains. The natural movement and scent of live bait can be irresistible to mahi mahi, enticing them to strike aggressively. Anglers often deploy live bait rigs around buoy markers, wrecks, or offshore structures where mahi mahi are known to frequent. Patience and skill are crucial when live bait fishing, as anglers must carefully control the presentation of the bait to entice bites while avoiding spooking the fish.
Lastly, jigging can be a productive technique for targeting mahi mahi in Charleston waters, particularly when fishing near underwater structures or reefs. Jigging involves vertically presenting weighted lures or jigs to depths where mahi mahi are holding. By mimicking the erratic movements of injured baitfish, jigs can trigger aggressive strikes from mahi mahi patrolling the area. Successful jigging for mahi mahi requires precise rod manipulation and timing to create enticing movements that lure the fish into striking. This technique can be especially rewarding for anglers looking to engage in a more hands-on approach to fishing.
What other species are popular in Charleston?
While mahi mahi fishing in Charleston is undoubtedly exciting, the waters off the coast offer a diverse range of species for anglers to target. One popular option is chasing after the mighty blue marlin, known for its massive size and powerful fighting abilities. Charleston's deep offshore waters provide ideal habitat for these apex predators, especially during the warmer months when they migrate closer to shore in search of prey. Trolling with large, flashy lures or live bait is a common technique for enticing blue marlin strikes, offering anglers an adrenaline-pumping challenge.
In addition to blue marlin, Charleston boasts excellent opportunities for catching a variety of other billfish species, including sailfish and white marlin. These sleek and fast-swimming fish are prized by anglers for their acrobatic leaps and formidable strength. Trolling with rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures in offshore waters where these billfish congregate can result in thrilling encounters. Anglers targeting billfish in Charleston often practice catch-and-release fishing to conserve these iconic species for future generations while still enjoying the thrill of the chase.
For anglers seeking a different kind of challenge, Charleston's inshore waters teem with a wealth of species, including redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Inshore fishing offers a more intimate and tranquil experience, with anglers navigating the scenic marshes and tidal creeks in search of their quarry. Techniques such as casting with artificial lures or live bait, as well as fly fishing, are popular methods for targeting inshore species. Whether pursuing the elusive redfish tailing in shallow waters or enticing speckled trout to strike in hidden oyster beds, inshore fishing in Charleston promises memorable encounters with a diverse array of fish species.
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Other Fishing Species in Charleston
- Almaco Jack
- Amberjack
- Barracuda
- Black Drum
- Black Seabass
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blacktip Shark
- Blue Marlin
- Bluefish
- Bonnethead Shark
- Bull Shark
- Cobia
- Flounder
- Gag Grouper
- Hogfish
- Jack Crevalle
- Kingfish
- Red Snapper
- Redfish
- Sailfish
- Scamp Grouper
- Scup
- Sheepshead
- Spadefish
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Tarpon
- Triggerfish
- Tripletail
- Vermillion Snapper
- Wahoo
- Weakfish
- White Marlin
- Whiting
- Yellowfin Tuna
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What's biting in Charleston?
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