Get ready to feel that salty breeze and the tug of a trophy fish on your line! Our 2-hour private offshore trip from Morehead City is the perfect taste of Carolina fishing without eating up your whole day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered. We'll cruise out to some of our favorite honey holes where the big ones lurk, and before you know it, you'll be battling with hard-fighting Spanish mackerel, feisty bluefish, and maybe even a king mackerel that'll make your arms ache (in the best way possible).
As soon as we clear the inlet, the excitement kicks in. The shoreline fades behind us, and the deep blue of the Atlantic opens up ahead. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll head straight for where the fish are biting. We provide all the gear you need – top-notch rods, reels, and bait. All you need to bring is your game face and maybe a snack to keep your energy up. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility. We can troll for pelagics or bottom fish for tasty reef dwellers, depending on what's running and what you're in the mood for. And with a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and fish-catching action.
Out here, we're not messing around with bobbers and worms. We use techniques that put fish in the boat, fast. For Spanish and king mackerel, we'll likely be trolling – dragging lines behind the boat with lures that mimic baitfish. It's a rush when a fish hits and the reel starts screaming. If we're targeting bottom fish like hogfish or black sea bass, we'll drop lines straight down with cut bait or jigs. The key is reading the water, finding structure, and presenting your bait just right. Don't worry if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Look for them to start showing up in spring and stick around through fall. They're known for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps – get ready for some drag-peeling excitement!
Bluefish: Pound for pound, blues are some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They've got a mouthful of teeth and an attitude to match. They'll hit just about anything that moves and put up a scrappy fight all the way to the boat. Blues are around most of the year but really fire up in the warmer months.
King Mackerel: The big cousin of the Spanish, king mackerel (or "kings" as we call 'em) are the prize catch of many trips. They can grow over 50 pounds and when they hit, hold on tight! Kings are known for blistering runs that'll have your drag singing. They typically show up in late spring and hang around into fall.
Atlantic Bonito: Don't let their size fool you – these little powerhouses punch well above their weight class. Related to tuna, bonito are streamlined rockets that'll give your light tackle a workout. They usually show up in spring, following the bait schools. Anglers love them for their fight and their excellent table fare.
Hogfish: If we're dropping lines on the bottom, hogfish are a prime target. They're not just delicious (some say the best-tasting fish in the sea), but they're beautiful too, with distinctive pig-like snouts. Hogfish hang around structure year-round, but they can be tricky to target – that's where our local knowledge comes in handy.
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 sun glints off the waves as you're reeling in a fighter. Perhaps it's the stories and laughs shared on board, or that unbeatable taste of fresh-caught fish. Whatever it is, this 2-hour trip is the perfect sampler of what Carolina offshore fishing is all about. It's long enough to get into some serious action, but short enough that the kids (or your less fishing-obsessed family members) won't get antsy.
Look, we could go on all day about the fish you might catch or the memories you'll make. But the truth is, nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. Our 2-hour private offshore trip is the perfect way to squeeze some world-class fishing into your beach vacation or weekend getaway. We provide everything you need except for your fishing license (easily purchased online), so all you have to do is show up ready for action. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your adventure. Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water where the big ones are waiting. Trust us, once you feel that first hit, you'll be hooked for life!
Atlantic Bonito are like mini torpedoes, built for speed. These streamlined members of the tuna family usually run 2-5 pounds but can reach 12. We find them spring and fall, often in big schools chasing bait near the surface. Look for diving birds to spot feeding bonito. They're lightning fast, capable of 40 mph bursts when chasing prey. Bonito put up an amazing fight on light tackle, making blistering runs that'll have your reel singing. While not the best eating, they're fun to catch and release. To hook into some bonito action, try casting small, shiny lures into feeding schools. A local trick is to use very light line - 10-12 pound test - to get more bites from these sometimes finicky fish.
Bluefish are aggressive fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These toothy predators average 2-5 pounds but can get up to 20. Look for them spring through fall in our nearshore waters, often chasing bait schools. Bluefish like to attack in frenzies, churning up the water in what we call "blitzes." It's an exciting sight to see. They'll hit just about any lure or bait, but watch those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking. Bluefish put up a great battle on light tackle. While not the best table fare when large, smaller "snappers" are pretty tasty fresh. A local trick is using wire leaders - bluefish will slice through regular line in a heartbeat. Keep an eye out for working birds, that often means bluefish are pushing bait to the surface.
Hogfish are one of the more unique species we target. Named for their pig-like snouts, these colorful reef dwellers usually run 2-10 pounds. We find them year-round on rocky bottoms and reefs in 30-100 feet of water. Hogfish use those snouts to root out crustaceans, so they're suckers for crab or shrimp baits. They're not the hardest fighters, but catching them takes skill. Hogfish are known for quick, light bites that are easy to miss. The payoff is some of the sweetest, most delicate fish you'll ever taste. To target hogfish, we use light tackle and small hooks. A local trick is to create some commotion on the bottom - the noise often draws curious hogfish in to investigate.
King Mackerel, or "kings," are prized gamefish that'll test your angling skills. These speedy predators can top 5 feet and 50 pounds, though 10-20 pounders are more common. We find them spring through fall in 30-150 feet of water, often near structures or bait schools. Kings are known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're a blast to catch on lighter tackle, though you'll want wire leader to prevent bite-offs. Fresh kings make good eating too, with firm white meat perfect for grilling or smoking. To target these speedsters, try slow-trolling live baits like menhaden or blue runners. A local tip: use a stinger rig with two hooks, as kings often short-strike baits from behind.
Spanish Mackerel are speedy swimmers you'll find in schools along our coast. These silver beauties with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and a few pounds. We target them in warmer months when they migrate through, usually in 20-40 feet of water near structures or bait schools. Mackerel put up an exciting fight on light tackle, making runs and jumps that'll test your skills. Their tasty white meat is great grilled or smoked too. To hook into some Spanish, try trolling small spoons or live bait like finger mullet. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that's often a sign mackerel are feeding on bait fish below. These fish strike fast, so be ready with a quick hook set when you feel that bite.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 26
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 150