I found myself in a discussion about offshore fishing with a few guys the other day. I find myself in this type of discussion pretty much every other day this time of year. Everyone feels the temperatures warming up with days getting longer and we get enough nice days in the month of March that a few boats will get offshore and either catch fish or see fish and the spark for the bonfire is lit. As the days progress, heading toward April, a few more fish are caught and by the time April hits everybody is heading out to catch tuna, wahoo, dolphin and billfish.
It is a fun discussion to have and ask people what they draws them to drive 50 miles out into the ocean many times in less than optimum conditions. For some people it is the thrill of the reel screaming and the moments of panic, when the spool on the reel is ¾ empty and the fish has not slowed down. For some it is about the beauty of the ocean and the escape from the noises (ie cellphones) of work and busy life. Many people go for the food and the great taste of so many types of offshore fish. Others go to try and catch a billfish and out fish other anglers in tournaments. Still others go because each time you go you will see something amazing, whether it is a school of tuna feeding on baitfish, a marlin working a pod of bait, seeing sunfish that are huge and look like some sort of creature from out of space, or something as simple as a flying fish that catches that wave just right and glides for what seems like a mile.
The truth of the matter is offshore fishing is something different to everyone and a truly unique experience each time you go. April, May and June are some of the best months you can find for offshore trolling in Charleston. If you want to go and experience what keeps so many people making that long journey week in and week out book a charter or jump on a boat with some experienced anglers and find out for yourself why we like to fish offshore.
Andy Pickett,
CharlestonFishing.Com</font id=“blue”>