8 Hr. Offshore Trip with A.B.Offshore
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing adventure up to 20 miles outTarget multiple species including King Mackerel and AmberjacksSmall group experience with maximum 5 guests aboard
Picture this: you're 20 miles out in blue water, lines in the water, and the deck buzzing with that electric feeling every angler knows when the fish are biting. That's what you get with A.B.Offshore's full-day adventure. This isn't your typical half-day run where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight solid hours means we've got time to find the fish, work the structure, and put you on some serious action. With just five spots on the boat, you're not fighting for rail space or waiting your turn – it's fishing the way it should be.
We launch early and make the run out to productive offshore grounds where the real fish live. Twenty miles might sound like a haul, but that's where we separate ourselves from the weekend warriors hugging the beach. Out there, the water's deeper, cleaner, and holds the kind of fish that make stories worth telling. The boat's set up right with quality tackle, plenty of ice, and all the gear you need. Captain knows these waters like his backyard and isn't shy about moving around to find where the fish are holding. Some days they're on the ledges, other days scattered over structure – that's fishing, and that's why having eight hours matters. When the bite's slow in one spot, we've got time to relocate and get back on them.
We run a mixed bag of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find them. Trolling's a big part of the program – we'll pull spreads of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and various lures to cover water and locate schools of pelagics like kings, tunas, and mahi when they're around. Once we mark fish or find structure that's holding, we'll switch gears to bottom fishing with knocker rigs, chicken rigs, and whatever's working that day. Live bait's always in play when we can get it – nothing beats a frisky cigar minnow or blue runner for getting the attention of bigger fish. The boat carries a good selection of jigs, too, for when the amberjacks are stacked up and aggressive. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom work, and we encourage catch and release practices, especially with the bigger breeding fish.
Red snapper are the bread and butter when they're in season – these crimson beauties live on hard bottom and structure anywhere from 60 to 200 feet. They're smart fish that'll test your patience, often requiring lighter leaders and smaller hooks to get them to commit. When you hook one, that initial head shake and bulldog fight toward the bottom is what keeps anglers coming back. Prime time is usually late spring through summer, but regulations change yearly, so we always fish within current guidelines.
Blackfin tuna bring speed and power to the mix. These smaller cousins of the yellowfin rarely exceed 30 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure athleticism. They school up around temperature breaks and current edges, often mixed with other pelagics. When we find them, it's usually game on with multiple hookups. They're fantastic on light tackle and absolutely excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few.
Grey triggerfish might not win beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters with serious attitude. They've got buck teeth that can cut through just about anything, so wire leaders are essential. These fish are curious and aggressive, making them fun to target with jigs and cut bait. Recent seasons have seen good numbers, and they're actually pretty tasty despite their rough exterior.
Mahi mahi are every offshore angler's favorite when they show up. These iridescent speedsters are pure excitement – acrobatic jumps, blazing runs, and those amazing color changes as they fight. They're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks. When we spot a log or debris field, there's always a chance at mahi, and where there's one, there are usually more nearby.
Greater amberjack are the heavy hitters of the reef. These powerful fish can exceed 50 pounds and will absolutely test your drag and your back. They live around structure and have a nasty habit of trying to cut you off on the nearest ledge or piling. The fight's usually straight up and down, and landing a big AJ feels like winching up an anchor that doesn't want to come. They're catch and release only during certain times, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Bottom line: this trip delivers what serious anglers are looking for – time on the water, access to quality fishing grounds, and the chance at multiple species that'll keep your rod bent. Eight hours offshore with A.B.Offshore means you're not just fishing, you're experiencing what makes this sport addictive. The combination of technique, location, and pure fishing time creates opportunities you won't find on shorter trips. Whether you're after a cooler full of dinner or just want to feel that drag screaming on a big fish, this trip puts you where you need to be. Don't wait around – good captains and prime dates book up fast, especially during peak seasons.
Get ready to chase King Mackerel, Amberjacks, and Vermillion Snapper aboard A.B. Offshore's 27-foot Sailfish! This 2006 beauty packs twin 225HP Yamaha engines that'll rocket you to the fishing grounds at 50 knots, getting you up to 20 miles offshore where the big fish roam. Perfect for groups of up to 5 anglers, she's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - GPS and radar to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate the schools, and a wireless trolling motor for those finicky presentations. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour adventure. You'll be targeting Albacore, Little Tunny, and feisty Triggerfish in blue water that holds serious fish. With a comfortable toilet onboard, you can focus on what matters most - landing trophy catches and making memories with your crew in prime offshore waters.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack a serious punch. These beauties typically run 15-25 pounds and about 2-3 feet long, with that classic dark back and silver belly. They're real speed demons - when you hook one, get ready for screaming runs and a tough fight. You'll find them in warm water over 68 degrees, usually in schools near the surface around structure or floating debris. Best action happens fall through spring when they're most active in our waters. What guests love most is the fight - they're absolute warriors on light tackle and the meat is top-notch, perfect for sushi or grilled. These fish have sharp eyes, so here's the key: scale down your leader to 30# fluorocarbon and use smaller circle hooks. They're picky about what they see, but once you dial it in, they'll reward you with some of the best action offshore.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - powerful, stubborn, and built for war. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can hit 100+ and stretch over 5 feet long. They patrol wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet, always ready to ambush whatever swims by. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes them special is the raw power - they'll test every ounce of your tackle and drag system. The meat's good too, though the bigger ones can carry ciguatera. You'll want heavy gear - 50# line minimum because they fight dirty, diving straight for structure to break you off. Live bait works best, but they'll hit jigs and plugs too. Here's the key: once hooked, keep constant pressure and pump them up fast. Give them any slack and they'll wrap you around the wreck. It's a tug-of-war you need to win quickly.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are tough customers that'll test your patience and skill. These leather-skinned fighters average 12-17 inches but can push 2 feet and 13 pounds. They hang around hard bottom, reefs, and ledges in 50-180 feet, using their sharp teeth to crunch crabs, urchins, and whatever else they can find. You'll catch them year-round, but they're most active in warmer months. What makes them fun is their personality - they're curious, aggressive, and will grab almost any bait that hits the bottom. The meat is excellent too, firm and sweet when cooked right. Here's the trick: use squid chunks about an inch wide since it stays on the hook better. Drop your rig with 6-8 ounce weights to get down fast, then reel up immediately to keep tension. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, set the hook quick and reel fast - they love to steal bait and dart back into structure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are absolute crowd-pleasers with their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds and about 3 feet, but can reach 80+ pounds. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in warm water. You'll find them year-round in warmer months, but peak action is spring through fall. What guests love most is the show - they jump, change colors, and put on a real spectacle when hooked. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, mild, and perfect grilled. Look for frigate birds working over floating stuff - that's where the mahi will be. Best technique is trolling ballyhoo or lures near weedlines and debris. Keep your baits skipping on the surface since they love chasing flying fish. Once you hook up, don't be surprised if the whole school lights up - keep a second rod ready because they often travel in groups and get competitive when feeding.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are true trophy fish that'll give you a real battle once hooked. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but the big ones can hit 35+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure in 30-200 feet - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom are prime spots. They're bottom dwellers that love to fight dirty, heading straight for cover to cut your line. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes guests love targeting them? They fight hard, look amazing, and the meat is absolutely fantastic - mild, sweet, and perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and get them up fast. Once they feel the hook, they'll dive straight for the nearest structure, so keep steady pressure and don't give them an inch.
Morehead City, NC, United States