World-Class 2-Hour Offshore Trip in Morehead City

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Morehead City
$400 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Looking for a fun offshore fishing trip near Morehead City? Join Prop-Wash Charters for a 2-hour adventure that's perfect for families and anglers of all skill levels. You'll head out to prime fishing spots where you can target a variety of species like Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, King Mackerel, and more. The nearshore waters offer plenty of action, so you're likely to catch something even in this shorter trip. Remember to bring snacks, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen to stay comfortable on the water. If you're bringing little ones under three, pack a properly fitted life jacket for them. It's a great way to experience North Carolina's beautiful coastline while trying your hand at some productive fishing. With room for up to 6 guests, it's an ideal outing for small groups or families looking to make some memories on the water.

World-Class 2-Hour Offshore Trip in Morehead City

Reeling Them In

Cast off for adventure in Morehead City’s waters.

Reel in the excitement of Morehead City fishing.

A Spanish mackerel caught while fishing in NC

Fishing thrills await in Morehead City’s waters.

Two Spanish Mackerel, 21 inches long, caught in Morehead City

Set sail for a day of fishing in Morehead City.

Reel in the Fun: 2-Hour Offshore Adventure

Get ready to feel that salt spray on your face as we cruise out of Morehead City for some serious rod-bending action. Our 2-hour private offshore trip is perfect for families looking to squeeze in some quality fishing time without committing to a full day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered with everything you need for a successful day on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we clear the inlet, it's game on. We'll be targeting a mix of inshore and nearshore species, so there's always something biting. You might be jigging for Spanish mackerel one minute and battling a hard-fighting bluefish the next. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll put you right on the fish. And with a max of 6 guests, there's plenty of elbow room for everyone to get in on the action.

Fishing Tactics & Gear

We'll employ a variety of techniques to maximize our chances of success. Trolling is a go-to method for species like king mackerel and bonito - we'll set out a spread of lines and cruise the productive areas. For bottomfish like hogfish and black sea bass, we'll drop down with bait or jigs. Don't worry if you're new to these methods; our crew will show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time. We provide all the necessary gear, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, so you can just focus on the fun part - reeling 'em in!

Top Catches This Season

The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety. Spanish mackerel have been thick lately, providing non-stop action on light tackle. Bluefish are always eager to crush a topwater lure, making for some exciting visual strikes. King mackerel, the speedsters of the sea, have been making scorching runs when hooked. Atlantic bonito, pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the ocean, have been giving anglers all they can handle. And for those who like a tasty dinner, hogfish have been cooperating nicely on the nearshore reefs.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These sleek, speedy fish are a blast on light tackle. They typically range from 1-4 pounds but fight well above their weight class. Spanish mackerel are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. They're most abundant from spring through fall, with peak action in the summer months. Anglers love targeting these fish for their sporty nature and excellent table fare.

Bluefish: Often called the "pirates of the sea," bluefish are aggressive predators that put up a strong fight. They can range from 2-20 pounds in our area, with bigger specimens known as "choppers" due to their powerful jaws. Bluefish are available year-round but are most active in the warmer months. They're famous for their willingness to strike lures and their powerful, slashing runs when hooked.

King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these speedsters are prized for their hard-fighting ability and impressive size. Kings in our area typically range from 10-30 pounds, with some topping 50 pounds. They're most abundant from late spring through fall. Anglers target kings for their screaming runs - when a big king hits, hold on tight because your reel's drag will be singing!

Atlantic Bonito: Don't let their small size fool you - bonito are pound-for-pound one of the strongest fish in the sea. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically range from 2-10 pounds and are most abundant in the spring and fall. Bonito are known for their blistering initial run when hooked, often taking 100 yards of line in seconds. They're a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts for their incredible strength and stamina.

Hogfish: These unique-looking reef dwellers are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Hogfish typically range from 1-5 pounds, with some reaching up to 10 pounds. They're available year-round but tend to be more active in warmer months. Anglers love targeting hogfish for their hard-pulling, dogged fights and their reputation as one of the best-tasting fish in the sea.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Our 2-hour trips are a hit with families and busy anglers who want to scratch that fishing itch without dedicating a full day. The quick run to the fishing grounds means more time with lines in the water. And with such a variety of species available, there's always something biting. Plus, our experienced crew takes care of everything - from baiting hooks to netting fish - so you can focus on the fun part. It's no wonder we see so many repeat customers coming back year after year for their offshore fix.

Time to Book Your Spot

Don't miss out on your chance to experience some of the best fishing North Carolina has to offer. Our 2-hour private offshore trips are perfect for making memories with family and friends, or for solo anglers looking to hone their skills. With all gear provided and our expert crew at your service, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks and sunscreen). Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your spot. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready to feel that bend in your rod!

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Bonito

Atlantic Bonito are speedy little tuna relatives, usually 2-5 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often chasing bait in coastal waters. They're most active here in spring and fall as they migrate. Anglers love bonito for their hard fights and fast runs. To catch 'em, watch for birds diving or fish breaking the surface. Cast small, shiny lures into the fray or troll at a good clip. Light tackle makes for the most fun. Bonito aren't prized eating fish, but they make great bait for bigger game. A local tip: when you spot a school, cut the engine and drift into them. Making a lot of noise will spook these wary fish. Landing a few bonito is a great way to start the day before moving on to larger targets.

Bluefish

Bluefish are hard-fighting predators that'll test your gear. Adults typically run 3-10 pounds but can get much bigger. Look for them around inlets, jetties, and along the beaches, especially in summer and fall. Bluefish travel in schools, chopping up baitfish as they go. When they're in a feeding frenzy, the water churns like a washing machine. Anglers love bluefish for their aggressive strikes and strong runs. To catch 'em, try metal lures, topwater plugs, or live bait like mullet. Wire leaders are a must - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono. A local trick: when you see birds diving, motor upwind of the action and drift into the school. Bluefish aren't the best eating, but they're fun to catch and release.

Hogfish

Hogfish are unique-looking wrasses with a pig-like snout they use to root for food. Adults typically run 1-3 feet long. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and reefs in 30-100 foot depths. Hogfish are most active in warmer months. Anglers target them for their excellent eating quality - the meat is sweet and flaky. To catch hogfish, you'll need to get creative. They don't often take hooks, so many folks spearfish for them. If you're using rod and reel, try small hooks with live shrimp or crab. Fish right on the bottom near structure. Hogfish are curious, so a little commotion can draw them in. Be ready for a quick bite - they're fast strikers. Landing a nice hogfish for dinner is always satisfying.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or "kings," are prized gamefish that can top 50 pounds. You'll find them in deeper waters, usually 30-150 feet, around structures like wrecks and reefs. Kings are most active here from late spring through fall. Anglers target them for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. To catch one, try slow-trolling live bait like menhaden or blue runners. Use a wire leader - those teeth are sharp. Kings often slash at the back half of bait, so a stinger hook setup works well. Watch for birds diving on bait schools - that's a good sign kings are feeding nearby. The meat is decent eating when prepared right, but most folks catch and release these fighters. Landing a big king is always a thrill.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are sleek, fast swimmers that typically run 1-2 feet long. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often in waters 20-40 feet deep around structures like reefs or wrecks. They're most active here from late spring through fall when water temps warm up. Anglers love targeting Spanish for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat is tasty too, especially when grilled fresh. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or live bait like mullet or menhaden. Watch for diving birds - that's often a good sign Spanish are feeding nearby. When you spot a school, cast right into the action with light tackle for some fast-paced fun.

About the Prop-Wash Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Detroit

Maximum Cruising Speed: 26

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 500

Ready for some offshore action in Morehead City? Hop aboard our comfortable vessel for a 2-hour fishing adventure that'll have you reeling in the big ones. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, this trip is perfect for groups of up to 6 looking to escape the shore and try their luck on the open water. We'll target a variety of species, from Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish to King Mackerel and Black Bass. The nearshore waters offer plenty of opportunities to fill your cooler and create lasting memories. Don't forget to pack some snacks, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen to keep you fueled and protected under the Carolina sun. If you're bringing little ones under three, make sure they've got a well-fitted life jacket. With our experienced crew guiding the way, you'll be in for a relaxing yet productive day on North Carolina's beautiful coast. Get ready to cast your line and see what bites!

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