Get ready for a full day of offshore action with Shine Eye Girl OBX Charters! We're talking serious deep-sea fishing out of Wanchese, North Carolina. This 10-hour trip takes you way out where the big boys swim. You'll be dropping lines for some of the tastiest, hardest-fighting fish in the Atlantic. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to offshore fishing, our experienced crew will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
We'll meet up at the dock in Wanchese bright and early. The boat's prepped and ready to go, so once everyone's aboard, we'll head out into the open ocean. It's about a 2-hour run to get to the good fishing grounds, but trust me, it's worth it. Once we're out there, we'll be bottom fishing in depths anywhere from 300 to 1,500 feet. That's where the real monsters live. We provide all the heavy-duty rods, reels, and tackle you'll need to haul up these deep-water beasts. Our mate will be on hand to help with baiting hooks, offering tips, and handling your catch. Remember, this is a weather-dependent trip - if conditions aren't right, we'll reschedule to keep everyone safe.
Bottom fishing at these depths is a whole different ballgame from inshore fishing. We use specialized electric reels to get your bait down fast and bring up fish without wearing you out. It's all about finding the right structure - underwater canyons, ledges, and rocky bottoms where big fish like to hang out. We'll be using heavy weights to keep your bait where it needs to be, fighting the current 1,000 feet below. For species like swordfish, we might switch to drift fishing with large baits. The key is patience and staying alert - when you get a bite this deep, it could be anything from a jumbo sea bass to a massive grouper.
Swordfish are the crown jewel of deep-sea fishing. These massive predators can reach over 1,000 pounds and put up an epic fight. They're known as "gladiators of the sea" for good reason. Swordfish have an usual daily migration - they come up to shallower waters at night to feed, then sink back to the depths during the day. This means we have a shot at them throughout our trip. Landing one of these beauties is a true accomplishment that'll give you bragging rights for years.
Grey Tilefish, also called "golden tiles," are another prized catch on these trips. They typically range from 15 to 40 pounds but can get much bigger. These deep-water dwellers have a sweet, delicate flavor that many consider better than grouper. Tiles like to hang out near the edge of the continental shelf in burrows they dig in the clay bottom. When you hook one, get ready for a stubborn fight - they don't like to leave their homes!
Snowy Grouper are a deep-water species that'll test your arms and your reel. These big, aggressive fish can top 50 pounds and put up one heck of a battle. They have a mild, sweet flavor that's highly prized. Snowies live in rocky areas and near drop-offs in very deep water, usually 500 feet or more. The biggest ones tend to be loners, so when you hook a giant, you know you've found a true trophy.
There's something special about fishing these deep Atlantic waters. The anticipation as your bait sinks hundreds of feet... the sudden, heart-stopping tug when a big fish hits... the burn in your arms as you crank up a monster from the depths. It's addictive. Plus, the eating can't be beat. Whether you're grilling up some fresh tilefish or smoking a swordfish steak, you're in for some of the best seafood you've ever tasted. Our guests often tell us this trip ruined them for any other kind of fishing - once you've battled deep-sea giants, it's hard to go back!
While we target swordfish, tilefish, and snowy grouper, there's a whole world of other species down there waiting to surprise you. We've been hauling up some massive black sea bass lately - these tasty bottom-dwellers can reach over 5 pounds out here. Blueline tilefish have been biting well, and they're almost as good eating as their golden cousins. We've even been hooking into some nice yellowfin grouper, which are a real treat. And for the adventurous eaters, we sometimes catch blackbelly rosefish - they look weird but taste amazing.
This is a full-day commitment, so come prepared. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and lunch - fighting big fish works up an appetite! Sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses are a must. Motion sickness meds are a good idea if you're prone to seasickness. We provide all the fishing gear, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. Don't forget a cooler to take home your catch - you'll want plenty of ice to keep those fillets fresh. The mate works hard to make your trip successful, so remember that 20% tip at the end of the day. It's not included in the trip price but is definitely earned!
If you're ready for the offshore fishing adventure of a lifetime, don't wait to book. Our 10-hour charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. With a max of 6 guests, you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and time on the rods. Whether you're looking to check "swordfish" off your bucket list or just want to experience the thrill of deep-sea bottom fishing, this is the trip for you. Give us a call or book online today - the big ones are out there waiting!
Grey tilefish, also called blueline tilefish, are a tasty deep-water catch. Most run 5-8 pounds, but can hit 20+ pounds. You'll find them hugging the bottom in 250-800 feet of water, often near rocky or muddy areas. They're not picky eaters, so we use squid or cut bait to tempt them. Winter's a great time to target tilefish off our coast. Folks love catching these "poor man's lobsters" for their sweet, flaky white meat. They put up a decent fight for a bottom fish too. The trick is getting your bait down there and feeling the bite. I like using braided line for better sensitivity at those depths. Once you find a school, you can often catch several before they wise up. Just remember, patience is key when fishing this deep.
Snowy grouper are a real prize for deep-drop enthusiasts. These coppery-brown beauties average 30 pounds but can top 70. You'll find them lurking around rocky bottoms in 300-600 feet of water. May through August is the open season, with a strict limit of one per boat per day. Anglers love the challenge of battling these deep-dwellers - it's a test of skill and equipment. Their firm, white flesh is excellent eating too. We typically use electric reels with heavy braid to reach them. Mackerel or squid on a chicken rig works well for bait. My top tip? Once you hook one, be ready for a fight. These territorial fish often dive for cover, so you need to turn them quickly. It's a workout, but landing a big snowy is always a highlight of the trip.
Swordfish are the heavyweight champions of our deep-sea trips. These massive predators average 9 feet long and 400 pounds, but can top 15 feet and 1,000 pounds. They're built for speed, hitting 40-60 mph when chasing prey. We find them in warm waters 300-1500 feet deep, often near the Gulf Stream. Swordfish migrate seasonally, so spring through fall is prime time. Anglers love the challenge - it's a true test of skill and strength to land one. Their firm, mild meat is also prized for the grill. When we're after swordfish, we'll deep-drop with squid bait and use lights to attract them. It's an epic battle when one takes the hook. My best tip? Be patient and let them run - you can't muscle these giants in too quickly.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 18
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 450