12-Hour Myrtle Beach Offshore Charter | Knotty Sea

12-Hour Offshore Myrtle Beach Fishing Charter

When you're ready to go all-in on a deep sea fishing adventure, this 12-hour offshore charter with Captain Michael Ardolino and the Salty Dog crew is what serious anglers dream about. We're talking about a full day on the water, heading way out past the continental shelf where the big pelagics roam. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're giving you the time and distance to reach those prime offshore grounds where King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and even sharks cruise the deep blue waters off Myrtle Beach. With accommodations for up to 6 guests, you'll have plenty of room to spread out, cast lines, and enjoy what might be the fishing trip of a lifetime.

What to Expect on the Water

The Salty Dog isn't just any charter boat – she's built for comfort during those long offshore runs. You'll appreciate the air-conditioned cabin when the South Carolina sun gets intense, and that private bathroom becomes a real blessing on a 12-hour trip. The onboard kitchen means we can keep drinks cold and snacks handy, though you'll want to bring your own food since meals aren't included. We provide everything fishing-related though: all the bait, tackle, ice for your catch, bottled water, and your South Carolina fishing licenses. Captain Michael knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish using techniques that work best for whatever's biting. Some days we're trolling spread patterns for pelagics, other days we're dropping baits deep for bottom dwellers. The beauty of a 12-hour charter is having time to try different approaches and really maximize your chances.

Offshore Tactics & Techniques

Out in the deep water, we're mainly trolling with outriggers and downriggers to cover water and locate schools of fish. The Salty Dog carries top-quality Penn and Shimano reels paired with sturdy rods that can handle everything from 20-pound Kings to triple-digit sharks. We'll run ballyhoo, spoons, and diving plugs depending on what's working. When we mark fish on the sonar, we might switch to live bait or heavy jigs. The Gulf Stream influence creates temperature breaks and current lines that hold baitfish – and where there's bait, there are predators. Captain Michael reads the water conditions, watches for bird activity, and uses decades of local knowledge to put you in the right spots. These offshore grounds can be 15-30 miles from shore, which is why having 12 hours makes such a difference. We're not rushing back after a few hours – we can stay on productive water and really work it.

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Myrtle Beach offshore fishing, and these silver bullets can reach 40-50 pounds in our waters. They're most active from April through October, with peak action in late summer. Kings hit hard and fast, often jumping multiple times before you get them to the boat. They love trolled baits along temperature breaks and structure, making them perfect targets for our offshore techniques.

Mahi Mahi might be the most beautiful fish you'll ever see, with their brilliant gold and green colors and distinctive blunt heads. These acrobatic fighters average 10-25 pounds but can reach 40-plus in our offshore waters. Mahi are warm water fish, so they're most common from May through September. They often travel in schools around floating debris or weed lines, and when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean.

Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching 60 mph and growing over 100 pounds. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and hit trolled baits with explosive force. Wahoo are more common in fall and winter months when water temperatures cool slightly. They're prized for their incredible fighting ability and excellent table fare. Many anglers consider wahoo the ultimate offshore game fish.

Our shark fishing can be absolutely wild, with species like Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Sandbar Sharks, and even the occasional Hammerhead showing up. Sharks are year-round residents, but summer months see the most activity. We'll fish for them with heavy tackle and fresh cut baits. These battles can last 30 minutes or more, and seeing a 200-pound shark next to the boat is something you'll never forget. All sharks are released to fight another day.

Red Snapper and other bottom species are available when we're fishing structure in 60-100 feet of water. These hard-fighting fish are excellent table fare and can reach 15-20 pounds. Snapper fishing often produces variety, with Grouper, Amberjack, and other reef species mixed in. Bottom fishing with live or cut bait around artificial reefs and natural hard bottom is incredibly productive.

Time to Book Your Spot

This 12-hour offshore charter represents the best value for serious anglers who want to experience everything Myrtle Beach deep sea fishing has to offer. You're getting a full day with one of the area's most experienced captains, using quality equipment, and fishing prime offshore waters that many shorter trips simply can't reach. The Salty Dog's amenities mean you'll stay comfortable all day, and with everything included except meals, you just need to show up ready to fish. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning a guys' trip, or want to introduce family to offshore fishing, this charter delivers memories that last a lifetime. Captain Michael and his crew work hard to put you on fish and ensure everyone has a great time. Book your 12-hour adventure with Knotty Sea Fishing Charters and experience why offshore fishing off Myrtle Beach keeps anglers coming back year after year.