One of the most common questions that potential clients ask me is, “What is the difference between Charleston inshore fishing charters and offshore fishing charters?” There are a variety of charter experiences you can envision – for some, a fishing excursion is all about the adventure; for others, it is a time to sit and reflect at a much slower pace. The first thing to consider is whether you want to do offshore or inshore fishing and the rest stems from there.
Offshore vs. Inshore Fishing
The difference between inshore and offshore starts with where the fishing charter will take you. Offshore fishing is also termed “deep-sea” fishing; it will take you beyond where the water is thirty or more meters deep. Most definitions also include a broad scope of deep-sea activities. Inshore, on the other hand, is also called “bay fishing.” The term is used for anything other than offshore, like fishing from a boat in the inlet or on the coast.
How Far Does the Boat Go Out for the Two Different Charters?
When you choose an inshore fishing charter, you stay close to the shore – usually within fifteen miles. When you go offshore, though, you go substantially farther and many miles faster. Offshore distances go fifteen miles or more and can go much further out.
What is the Difference in the Type of Fish Where You Hunt?
Inshore fishing charters encounter sharks and snipers, but not as much bigger game fish like Tuna. Offshore fishing charters target things like sharks and game fish, but really anything goes – from King Mackerel and Mahi Mahi to White and Black Snapper. Offshore fishing gives you a wider range of available fish compared to inshore.
Length of Tour
For those who are looking for a shorter time frame, inshore fishing is ideal because the trip time can be much shorter. Typically, inshore charters are about three to four hours, but they can be a full-day trip. Offshore fishing charters are longer due to distance; they usually run about six hours, depending on the charter itself. But the general rule is that offshore charters are usually longer than inshore.
Offshore Pros and Cons
When you talk about “cons,” they aren’t really “cons” per se; they are basically just comparisons to inshore. The biggest pros of offshore fishing are that you can find more exotic fish. Deep-sea fishing allows you to pull from the open ocean. Literally, the fishing world is your oyster (although you won’t get any oysters). The only con of an offshore charter is that you are a captive audience, so if you decide you want to go home early, you are going to be out of luck (although I have never had an instance where someone did).
Inshore Pros and Cons
Inshore fishing is a much less “captive” charter for the long haul. Also, you don’t have to wait to fish with bated breath (pun intended) – you can start almost immediately once you hop on the boat. Inshore fishing tends to be better suited for all audiences – young, old, and everyone in between. The only con is that you simply don’t have the variety of fish that you see with deep-sea fishing.
How to Choose
The good news is that no matter which excursion you choose, I guarantee you will have the time of your life. I know where all the sweet spots are and can position us to be where the action is, whether it’s inshore or offshore. After living in Charleston my entire life, I have the experience to ensure everyone gets a little of what they want. If you are ready to have a great time, catch some fish, and most importantly, create some awesome memories, I am too. Reserve your date today – you won’t regret it!