8-Hour Offshore Fishing Charter from Wilmington
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-hour offshore charter targeting King Mackerel and Mahi-MahiCaptain Guion provides all tackle and safety equipmentMaximum 4 guests with Green Creek Outfitters professional service
When you're ready to leave the inshore crowds behind and chase the big boys, this 8-hour offshore fishing charter out of Wilmington is where serious anglers come to play. Captain Guion knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish. We're talking about heading beyond the inlets, past the nearshore wrecks, and into the deep blue where King Mackerel, Mahi-Mahi, Cobia, and Atlantic Sailfish are waiting. This isn't a leisurely harbor cruise—it's a full-day commitment to fishing hard and fishing smart, with only 4 spots available to keep things comfortable and maximize your chances at hooking something worth bragging about.
You'll meet Captain Guion at the dock early, because the best fishing happens when most folks are still hitting the snooze button. The boat is rigged with top-shelf tackle and safety gear, plus everything you need for a comfortable day offshore. We're not just running to one spot and dropping anchor—this is a mobile operation. You'll troll the open waters, work productive drop-offs, and hit structure that consistently produces fish. The captain reads the conditions, watches the water temperature, and adjusts the game plan based on what's biting. Some days we're pulling lines through blue water for Mahi, other trips we're working the thermocline for Kings. The variety keeps things interesting, and the 8-hour window gives us plenty of time to explore different zones and techniques. Pack your cooler with ice because you're going to need it.
All your tackle comes included, and Captain Guion runs quality gear that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait. We're talking heavy-action rods, smooth reels with serious drag systems, and terminal tackle that won't let you down when a big Cobia decides to test your patience. The boat carries a mix of trolling spreads for covering water fast, plus bottom rigs for working structure when we find fish holding deep. You'll learn to work live bait, handle artificials, and read the signs that tell you when fish are in the area. The captain handles the technical stuff—rigging baits, setting the spread, and positioning the boat—while you focus on fighting fish. Wire leaders are standard when targeting Kings and Barracuda, because these fish have teeth that'll slice through mono like butter. Circle hooks keep everything legal and improve your hookup ratios on the bigger specimens.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of North Carolina offshore fishing, and when one crashes your trolling spread, you'll understand why. These fish can push 6-8 feet long and jump like they're trying to fly back to wherever they came from. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when warm Gulf Stream water moves close to shore. The fight is pure adrenaline—long runs, spectacular jumps, and enough power to test your skills. Most anglers release these beauties after a quick photo, but the memory stays with you forever.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Carolina offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver rockets can hit 30-40 pounds and make blistering runs that'll burn line off your reel. They're most active from April through October, schooling around structure and following baitfish migrations. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match—they'll cut you off if you're not running wire, and they fight dirty with sudden direction changes and deep dives. The meat is fantastic on the grill, and a cooler full of Kings means you're eating well for weeks.
Mahi-Mahi bring the color and the action that make offshore trips legendary. These bright green and gold speedsters travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more where that came from. They average 10-25 pounds but can push 40-plus when conditions are right. Summer months are prime time when floating debris and weed lines concentrate baitfish. Mahi are acrobatic fighters that jump, dive, and change colors when they're fired up. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality, and they're aggressive enough to hit everything from live ballyhoo to flashy artificials.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world—brown, ugly, and strong as a truck. These fish cruise near the surface around structure and can reach 50-60 pounds when mature. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, when schools of big fish move through our waters. Cobia fight with pure power, using their broad tails and thick bodies to wear you down. They're curious fish that'll follow the boat, giving you multiple chances to get them fired up. The meat rivals any fish in the ocean, with firm white fillets that work great on the grill or blackened in a pan.
This 8-hour offshore charter books up fast, especially during peak season when conditions are prime and fish are feeding aggressively. Captain Guion's reputation for putting clients on quality fish means return customers and referrals keep the calendar full. The 4-person limit ensures everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the captain. Weather can shut down offshore trips, so booking early gives you flexibility to reschedule if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. Remember that gratuity isn't included—plan on 15-20% of your trip total if the captain puts you on fish and shows you a good time. This is world-class offshore fishing at its finest, and the memories you'll make are worth every penny. Don't wait until the last minute to book your spot on this top-rated Wilmington fishing charter.
This 24' 2021 Custom Pair Marine center console is built for serious fishing off Wilmington's coast. The 350HP Suzuki outboard pushes this rig up to 45 knots, getting you to the productive offshore grounds fast and keeping you fishing longer. Designed for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the lines without getting tangled up. The flybridge gives you that elevated view to spot diving birds and surface action, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish below. When you're trolling for kings or working bottom structure for amberjack, the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over the fish. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long offshore runs. This boat handles the open water well and has the range to reach those distant wrecks and ledges where the big fish hang out.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese are some of the most spectacular fish you'll hook off Wilmington. Atlantic sailfish run 7-8 feet long and average around 50 pounds, but it's that massive dorsal fin and blazing speed that gets people fired up. We find them in 30-150 feet of water, usually near temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish stack up. They're here spring through fall, with May and June being prime time when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot they love. What makes sailfish special isn't just the fight - though they'll jump, dive, and test your arms for 20 minutes - it's watching them light up in electric blues and blacks when they're hunting. Pro tip: when we hook one, keep the first fish in the water if possible. Sailfish often travel in small packs, and that hooked fish will bring his buddies right to the boat for multiple shots.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of the ocean - big, brown, and built for power. These fish average 30-60 pounds and can hit 100+ pounds, making them serious arm-burners on medium tackle. We find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and towers in 30-150 feet, but they're also notorious for cruising just under the surface where you can spot them from a distance. Spring migration from April through June is prime time here off Wilmington, when they're moving north to spawn. Cobia are fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that tastes similar to shark, and since they don't school up much, each one feels like a trophy. They're curious fish that will often come check out the boat, giving you multiple casting opportunities. Best tip I can share: when you see one, don't rush the cast. Cobia will usually stick around and even follow the boat, so take your time and make that first presentation count.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the bread and butter of our offshore trips and for good reason. These silver speedsters average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, and they'll absolutely smoke your drag when they take off. We target them in 40-150 feet around wrecks, ledges, and temperature breaks where they ambush bait schools. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger fish showing up in late summer and fall. Kings are fantastic eating - firm white meat that grills perfectly - which is why they're so popular with families looking to fill the cooler. They're aggressive hunters that'll hit both live bait and spoons, but here's the key: always rig with a wire leader and dual hooks. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and they'll often grab bait from behind, so that trailing hook back near the tail is what seals the deal on most of our keeper fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - bright gold and green colors that put on a light show when you bring them to the boat. They typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some bulls pushing 40+ during peak season. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, usually in the top 100 feet. Late spring through early fall is when they show up strong off Wilmington, following warm water north. What guests love about mahi isn't just the acrobatic fight and those amazing colors - they're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean with mild, sweet white meat. They're curious fish that often travel in small schools, so when we find one, there's usually more around. My go-to trick is keeping that first fish in the water while we work the school. Mahi will stay with their hooked buddy, giving us shots at multiple fish before they scatter.
Wilmington