Ready to test your mettle against some of North Carolina's most prized offshore catches? Hop aboard our 10-hour charter out of Wanchese, and we'll put you on fish that'll make your arms ache and your heart race. This ain't your average day on the water – we're talking serious fishing for anglers who want to tangle with the big boys.
Look, if you're after a laid-back day of dangling a line, this ain't it. We're running about 20 miles offshore, where the real action is. That means we've got time to mix it up – we can troll for speedsters like King Mackerel, drop lines for bruisers like Amberjack, or even get your heart pumping with some shark action. And let me tell you, when a Mahi Mahi hits your bait, it's like hooking a neon freight train. We've got room for six, so bring your crew and get ready to fill the fish box.
On this trip, we're not messing around with lightweight tackle. We're rigged for war, folks. We'll be using heavy-duty gear that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. We'll start off trolling, dragging a spread of lures or live bait that'll tempt everything from King Mackerel to Mahi. If the bite's slow on top, we'll switch gears and drop some serious hardware to the bottom. That's where the real muscle comes in – Amberjack, Cobia, and even some toothy critters that'll test your drag. And don't worry if you're not a pro – we'll show you the ropes, but be ready to work. This ain't no lazy river ride.
Black Sea Bass: These bruisers might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but pound for pound, they'll give you a workout. They love structure, so we'll be dropping baits near wrecks and reefs. Best part? They're absolutely delicious on the grill. Peak season's usually fall through spring, but we can find 'em year-round if you know where to look.
Atlantic Sailfish: Now we're talking bucket list fish. These acrobatic beasts can top 7 feet long and put on a show like nothing else when hooked. They're seasonal visitors, usually showing up in late summer and fall. Watching a sailfish light up, its cobalt blue sail flashing as it greyhounds across the surface – that's the kind of moment that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
King Mackerel: Smoker Kings, as we call the big ones, are like the muscle cars of the ocean. They're fast, they hit hard, and they'll peel line off your reel like it's nothing. We usually troll for these bad boys, and when one hits, hold on tight. They're around most of the year, but the real giants show up in fall. Nothing beats the smell of a King on the smoker after a long day on the water.
Mahi Mahi: These neon torpedoes are the whole package – they fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing. We call 'em dolphin fish around here (not to be confused with Flipper). They love floating debris, so we'll be on the lookout for weedlines or floating pallets. Prime time is summer through early fall. And here's a tip – if you hook one, leave it in the water. The whole school might follow it to the boat, giving everyone a shot at a fish.
Cobia: These bruisers are like the linebackers of the ocean. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but man, can they pull. We often sight-cast to these guys when they're cruising near the surface, and watching a 50-pounder inhale your bait is something you won't forget. They show up in spring and stick around through fall. Fair warning – they fight dirty and will try to wrap you around anything they can find.
Listen, I've been running charters out of Wanchese for years, and there's a reason folks keep booking this trip. It's not just about the fish – although, let's be honest, that's a big part of it. It's about the whole experience. The sun coming up over the Atlantic as we head out. The first screaming run when a big fish hits. The high-fives and war stories on the ride back in. And yeah, maybe a cold beer at the dock while we clean your catch. This is the kind of day that'll have you checking your calendar to see when you can come back before you even get home.
Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're still reading, you know this trip is the real deal. We're talking 10 hours of hardcore fishing action that'll leave you sore, sun-kissed, and grinning like a fool. Whether you're looking to check some bucket list fish off your list or just want to experience the thrill of battling offshore giants, this is your ticket. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't sleep on this. Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for a day on the water you'll be talking about for years. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Let's go fishing!
King mackerel are speed demons that'll make your reel scream. These sleek predators average 20-30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in 40-150 feet of water, often near structures that concentrate bait. Bigger kings tend to lurk in deeper spots. These fish are migratory, showing up in our area as water temps warm in late spring. Summer is prime time, with action lasting into fall. Kings are voracious feeders, chasing down anything that looks like a meal. Live bait is hard to beat, but trolling with spoons or plugs works well too. Anglers love targeting kings for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. They're also excellent eating, with a rich, firm flesh. Just be mindful that larger fish can have higher mercury levels. For the best shot at a smoker king, try slow-trolling a live blue runner or menhaden on a stinger rig. Keep that drag set light - these rockets will smoke 100 yards of line in seconds if you try to stop 'em.
Cobia are some of the hardest-fighting fish you'll come across in these waters. These solitary hunters can grow up to 6 feet long and tip the scales at 100 pounds or more. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and other structures in 30-70 feet of water during their spring spawning run. Later in summer, they move to deeper haunts. Sight fishing for cobia is a blast - keep your eyes peeled for their dark shapes just below the surface. They're aggressive feeders and will hammer jigs, especially bucktails in the 4-8 oz range. Don't be afraid to go with bright colors to get their attention. What makes cobia so popular is their excellent fight and top-notch eating quality. The firm, white meat is prized by chefs. Spring and early summer are prime time to target these bruisers as they migrate through. My tip? Always have a heavy rod rigged and ready - you never know when one will pop up next to the boat.
Mahi-mahi light up the ocean with their electric blue, green and gold colors. Also called dorado or dolphinfish, they're not related to dolphins at all. These acrobatic fighters average 15-30 pounds but can reach over 80. You'll find mahi cruising in warm offshore waters, often around floating debris or weedlines. They're most abundant here from late spring through fall. These fish grow and reproduce rapidly, making them a sustainable choice. Mahi are prized for both their spectacular fights and excellent eating quality. They'll readily attack trolled baits and lures, often skyrocketing out of the water on the strike. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to a school with light tackle. My go-to tactic is to troll the edges of weedlines and current rips. Once you hook up, keep the fish in the water - others will often follow. Toss out some cut bait to keep the school interested while you fight your fish. It's not unusual to boat a dozen or more from a single stop.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 18
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 450