Ready to try your hand at offshore fishing without the intimidation factor? Captain William's half-day trip out of Morehead City is the perfect intro to the exciting world of coastal angling. Whether you're a total newbie or looking to brush up on your skills, this light tackle adventure delivers steady action and hands-on learning in the rich waters off North Carolina's Crystal Coast.
Hop aboard Prop-Wash Charters for a 4-hour trip that'll have you jigging and reeling in no time. Captain William welcomes up to 6 guests, making this an ideal outing for families or small groups. You've got your choice of morning or afternoon slots, so you can ease into the day or catch that golden afternoon bite. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility - we'll target whatever's biting best, from Spanish mackerel zipping through the surface to tasty bottom-dwellers like hogfish. No need to fuss with gear either; we provide all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need. Just bring some snacks, drinks, and don't forget the sunscreen!
New to offshore fishing? No sweat. We'll start with the basics, showing you how to work a light tackle setup effectively. You might find yourself trolling for mackerel, dropping bait for bottom fish, or even sight-casting if conditions are right. Captain William's got years of experience and loves sharing his knowledge. You'll pick up tips on reading the water, spotting fish activity, and the art of the perfect cast. By the end of the trip, you'll have a solid foundation in offshore techniques - and hopefully a few fish in the cooler to show for it!
Morehead City's waters are teeming with variety, and that's what makes this trip such a blast for beginners. Spanish mackerel are often the stars of the show, especially in warmer months. These speedsters put up a great fight on light tackle and make for excellent eating. Bluefish are another common catch, known for their aggressive strikes and bulldog-like fights. If we're lucky, we might tangle with a king mackerel - these larger cousins of the Spanish can really make a reel sing. For bottom fishing enthusiasts, hogfish are a prized catch, both for their tasty fillets and the skill it takes to hook them.
There's something special about fishing these waters that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of never knowing what you'll catch next. Or the way the Crystal Coast shoreline looks from a few miles out, stretching as far as the eye can see. For many, it's the satisfaction of learning new skills and seeing improvement with each trip. And let's be honest - nothing beats the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner. Whether you're here on vacation or a local looking to expand your angling horizons, this trip offers a perfect mix of education and excitement.
Spanish Mackerel: These sleek, silver torpedoes are a summertime favorite. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, Spanish mackerel offer fast-paced action that's perfect for light tackle. They typically range from 1-4 pounds, but larger specimens aren't uncommon. Look for them from late spring through early fall, often in schools chasing bait near the surface. Their firm, flavorful meat is excellent grilled or smoked.
Bluefish: Pound for pound, few fish fight harder than a bluefish. These choppered predators are pure muscle and attitude, known for their powerful runs and sharp teeth. We usually catch them in the 2-5 pound range, but bigger "choppers" over 10 pounds show up seasonally. Bluefish are most abundant from spring through fall and often travel in large schools. While some folks turn their nose up at bluefish for eating, when properly handled and prepared, they can be delicious.
King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these larger cousins of the Spanish mackerel are prized for their hard fighting ability and long, smoky runs. Kings typically range from 10-30 pounds in our area, with some monsters topping 50 pounds. We target them primarily in the warmer months, often by slow-trolling live bait. Landing a king is always a memorable experience, especially for newer anglers.
Atlantic Bonito: Don't confuse these with their less-desirable cousins, false albacore. Atlantic bonito are excellent eating fish that provide a great fight on light tackle. We usually encounter them in the spring and fall, often in schools busting bait on the surface. They average 2-6 pounds and are known for their powerful, determined runs. Bonito meat is dark and rich, perfect for grilling or searing like tuna.
Hogfish: These uniquely-shaped bottom dwellers are a real treat to catch and eat. Hogfish typically hang around rocky areas and reefs, using their pig-like snouts to root out crustaceans and mollusks. They're not the biggest fish we target (usually 1-5 pounds) but they're one of the tastiest. Catching hogfish requires finesse and patience, making them a favorite target for more experienced anglers looking to hone their skills.
Whether you're looking to catch your first offshore fish or just want to enjoy a relaxed day on the water, Captain William's beginner-friendly trip is hard to beat. With all gear provided and a focus on hands-on learning, it's the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of offshore angling. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book your adventure. Get ready to make some memories (and hopefully land some dinner) on the beautiful waters off Morehead City. See you on the boat!
Atlantic Bonito are compact powerhouses that punch well above their weight class. These tuna cousins typically run 2-6 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them chasing bait schools near the surface, often giving themselves away with splashing "blitzes." Look for diving birds to locate feeding bonito. They prefer cooler water, so spring and fall are prime time. Fast-moving lures like small spoons or epoxy jigs work well when trolled or cast. Once hooked, be ready for sizzling runs and acrobatic jumps. Light tackle makes for an especially sporty fight. While not as prized for eating as their tuna relatives, bonito make great smoked fish dip. For pure pound-for-pound action, these little speedsters are hard to beat.
Bluefish are hard-fighting predators that'll test your tackle and your skills. These toothy critters average 2-5 pounds but can get up to 20. You'll find them wreaking havoc on bait schools from spring through fall, often in shallow bays or along the coast. Bluefish are known for their aggressive feeding frenzies - we call it a "blitz" when they're churning up the surface. They'll hit just about any lure, but metal spoons and topwater poppers work great. Be ready for some serious runs and aerial acrobatics once hooked. A wire leader is a must to prevent bite-offs. While they're not known as table fare, smaller blues can be tasty if bled and iced immediately. For pure fishing excitement, it's hard to beat tangling with these ocean wolves.
Hogfish are unique-looking critters that make for some fun bottom fishing. Named for their piglike snouts, they typically run 1-3 feet long. You'll find them around rocky areas and reefs in 30-100 foot depths, using that snout to root out crustaceans and mollusks. Hogfish can be tricky to target, as they're not aggressive strikers. Light tackle and small hooks baited with live shrimp or crab chunks work best. Be ready for a quick, subtle bite. Once hooked, they put up a decent fight for their size. The real prize is their meat - hogfish are considered one of the best-eating fish in the sea, with sweet, flaky white fillets. For a combo of fun fishing and excellent table fare, you can't go wrong with hogfish.
King Mackerel, or "kings," are prized gamefish that'll really make your drag sing. These sleek predators can top 50 pounds, though 15-30 pounders are more common. Look for them from late spring through fall in depths of 40-150 feet, often around structures like reefs or wrecks. Kings are lightning fast, known to clock speeds over 40 mph when chasing bait. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or menhaden is a popular tactic. Use a stinger rig to combat short strikes. Once hooked, be ready for blistering runs and spectacular jumps. Kings put up an epic battle on lighter tackle. While not the best eating, smoked king mackerel is pretty tasty. For pure speed and power, it's hard to top the rush of battling one of these offshore rockets.
Spanish Mackerel are a favorite target around here, known for their speedy runs and tasty meat. These streamlined fish typically range from 1-2 feet long and love to chase bait schools near the surface. You'll find them in coastal waters from spring through fall, often around structures like reefs or inlets. They're a blast to catch on light tackle - their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps make for an exciting fight. To up your chances, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind planers early in the morning. Just watch those teeth when unhooking! Spanish Mackerel are also excellent eating, with a rich flavor that's great grilled or smoked. Overall, they're a fun species that offers steady action for anglers of all skill levels.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 26
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 150