South Carolina · Lowcountry
WAHOO FISHING
IN BEAUFORT
Beaufort is a solid destination for wahoo fishing, with good fishing in October, November. Book a charter and target wahoo with local experts.
About Wahoo Fishing in Beaufort
One of the fastest fish in the ocean. Prized for firm, white flesh and blistering runs.
Wahoo are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of bursts over 60 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators have a sleek, elongated body with vivid blue-black vertical bars on a bright silver-blue background. The bars become more vivid when the fish is excited or feeding. Their narrow, beak-like snout is filled with razor-sharp triangular teeth that can slice through bait (and fingers) instantly. When hooked, the initial run is blistering — often stripping 200+ yards of line in seconds before the fish slows.
Scientific name: Acanthocybium solandri
Wahoo Seasonal Calendar — Beaufort
Month-by-month availability for wahoo in Beaufort, SC.
How to Catch Wahoo in Beaufort
Techniques & Bait
High-speed trolling (12-18 knots) with skirted lures, Rapala Magnums, and wahoo bombs behind a planer is the most effective technique. Slow-trolling live blue runners or bonito on wire leaders near temperature breaks and current edges produces trophy fish. Deep-dropping live bait on a downrigger to 100-200 feet under the boat when wahoo are marked on the sonar accounts for many large fish. The key is wire leader — wahoo teeth cut anything else instantly.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy trolling rod, 50 lb class reel, 60-80 lb monofilament or braid, #7-#10 single-strand wire leader or heavy cable (wahoo teeth require wire). For live bait: medium-heavy spinning with wire leader.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Beaufort
Top spots where local captains target wahoo and other deep sea fishing species.
The SC-GA Ledges
The SC-GA Ledges are a system of natural limestone drop-offs running along the continental shelf roughly 40 miles offshore of Beaufort. Gag grouper, scamp, vermilion snapper, and amberjack stack along the vertical relief, while king mackerel and cobia cruise above the structure. These ledges are a primary offshore bottom-fishing destination for Beaufort and Port Royal charter boats.
The Gulf Stream Edge
The Gulf Stream's western wall passes approximately 55-65 miles offshore of Beaufort, carrying warm tropical water and pelagic species northward along the shelf edge. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and occasional blue marlin are targeted along the temperature break and rip lines. Full-day and overnight charters from Beaufort and Port Royal make the run for Lowcountry bluewater fishing.
The Betsy Ross Wreck
The Betsy Ross is a sunken vessel lying in deep water offshore of the Beaufort coast, creating significant fish-attracting structure on the outer shelf. Amberjack, grouper, barracuda, and large black sea bass hold on the wreck, while king mackerel and cobia circle above. It is a proven offshore bottom-fishing destination that regularly produces quality reef fish for charter boats running from Port Royal Sound.
The Beaufort Deep Reef (PA-41)
The PA-41 deep artificial reef lies in approximately 90-110 feet of water offshore of Beaufort, built from deployed structures including concrete and steel. Red snapper, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and amberjack populate the reef in large numbers. Its moderate distance offshore makes it accessible on a full-day trip and serves as a reliable deep-bottom fishing destination for the Beaufort charter fleet.
Other Species in Beaufort
More fish you can target while visiting Beaufort.
Wahoo Fishing in Beaufort — FAQ
Wahoo fishing in Beaufort is productive during October, November.
Wahoo fishing charters in Beaufort are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
High-speed trolling (12-18 knots) with skirted lures, Rapala Magnums, and wahoo bombs behind a planer is the most effective technique. Slow-trolling live blue runners or bonito on wire leaders near temperature breaks and current edges produces trophy fish. Deep-dropping live bait on a downrigger to 100-200 feet under the boat when wahoo are marked on the sonar accounts for many large fish. The key is wire leader — wahoo teeth cut anything else instantly.
No — when you book a charter in Beaufort, your captain provides all required South Carolina fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Wahoo regulations in South Carolina include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Wahoo in Beaufort, you may also catch Redfish, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, Cobia, Black Drum. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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