Gulf Stream Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing 30+ miles in Gulf Stream watersTarget nine species including Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Red SnapperSmall group experience with maximum five guest capacity
When you're serious about offshore fishing, there's nothing quite like a full day in the Gulf Stream. This 10-hour trip takes you 30+ miles from shore where the water turns that deep blue and the fish get bigger. You'll be fishing some of the most productive waters along the coast, where warm Gulf Stream currents create perfect conditions for pelagic species and bottom fish alike. We keep groups small at just 5 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from our crew.
Your day starts early with a pre-dawn departure to make the most of prime fishing hours. The ride out to the Gulf Stream takes about an hour and a half, giving you time to rig up, grab some coffee, and watch the sunrise paint the horizon. Once we hit that temperature break where the cooler inshore water meets the warm Gulf Stream, that's where the magic happens. The water changes color from green to deep blue, and you'll see why this area is legendary among offshore anglers. Plan on a long day – we're talking 10 hours total – but that's what it takes to really work these waters properly. The crew knows these grounds like the back of their hand, so we'll be moving between productive spots throughout the day, from trolling the blue water to dropping down on structure for bottom fish.
We run a mixed bag approach out here, switching between trolling for pelagics and bottom fishing depending on conditions and what's biting. For the trolling spread, we'll pull a variety of lures – ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, and diving plugs at different depths to cover the water column. When we mark fish on the sounder or hit good bottom structure, we'll drop down with heavy tackle and fresh bait. Circle hooks are mandatory for snapper, and we use 8-10 oz sinkers to get down fast in the current. All tackle and bait are provided, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. The crew will handle all the rigging and net your fish, though they're always happy to teach you the techniques if you want to learn. Just remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, snacks, and drinks since meals aren't included – you'll work up an appetite out there.
Grey Triggerfish are one of the most sought-after bottom fish in these waters, and for good reason. These feisty fighters average 2-4 pounds but pack a punch on medium tackle. They're structure-oriented fish that love hard bottom and ledges, often found in 80-150 feet of water. Triggers are notorious bait stealers with their small mouths and sharp teeth, so the crew uses small hooks and cut squid or shrimp. The best part? They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. Season runs from August through May, with fall and winter producing the biggest fish.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are the poster child of Gulf Stream fishing. These brilliant gold and green speedsters are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod, known for their spectacular jumps and blazing runs. Most mahi we catch range from 5-20 pounds, though bull males can push 40+ pounds. They're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action, with peak season from May through September. What makes mahi special isn't just the fight – they're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with mild, flaky meat that's incredibly versatile.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they take your bait. These torpedo-shaped fish are prized for their blistering runs and excellent eating quality. Most wahoo caught here run 15-40 pounds, with their razor-sharp teeth requiring wire leaders. They're typically taken while high-speed trolling, often hitting when you least expect it. The meat is firm and white, similar to mako shark, making wahoo steaks a real treat. While they can be caught year-round, fall and winter tend to produce the most consistent action in our area.
Red Snapper remain the king of Gulf bottom fishing, and these 30+ mile trips put you right in prime snapper habitat. These deep-dwelling fighters can live over 50 years and grow to impressive sizes – fish in the 10-20 pound range are common, with occasional giants pushing 30+ pounds. They're found around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 80-200+ feet of water. Red snapper are notorious for their powerful runs toward structure, testing both angler skill and tackle. The season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, there's nothing better than fresh snapper fillets on the grill.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweights of the bottom fishing game, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds in these deeper waters. These bruisers live around hard structure and are notorious for their tactic of running straight back to their holes when hooked. It's a tug-of-war from the moment they bite, and landing a big gag requires heavy tackle and quick reflexes. They're ambush predators that inhale baits, so be ready for that head-shaking battle all the way to the boat. Gag season typically runs from July through December, with fall producing some of the biggest fish of the year.
This 10-hour Gulf Stream adventure offers serious offshore fishing at its finest. With productive waters, diverse species, and a crew that knows how to put you on fish, it's the kind of trip that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The small group size means you'll get the attention you deserve, whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to step up your offshore game. Remember to book early, especially during peak seasons, as these longer trips fill up fast. Check the
Get ready to chase trophy fish 30+ miles out in the Gulf Stream aboard A.B. Offshore's 27-foot Sailfish! This proven fishing machine runs on twin 225HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast at 50 knots. Perfect for up to 5 anglers looking to target Mahi, Wahoo, Red Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel, and more during this full 10-hour offshore adventure. The boat's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the action, wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, plus an icebox to keep your catch and cold ones fresh. There's even a head onboard for those long days on the water. Whether you're battling a screaming Wahoo or working structure for Grouper, this rig has the power and features to put you on fish in the deep blue waters where the big ones live.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bullies of the reef, averaging 20 inches but growing to 57 inches and 80 pounds. These grey, marbled fish live around rocky structure, wrecks, and drop-offs in 60-300 feet of water. All start as females, then change to males as they grow - pretty wild biology. They're ambush predators that love live pinfish, mullet, or cut crab. What makes them exciting is that powerful fight when they try to drag your bait back to their cave. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild. Season varies, so check regulations. Pro tip: use circle hooks and heavy tackle. When you get a bite, lock that reel down tight and don't let them run - they'll head straight for structure to break you off.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish average 15-17 inches but can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds. These tough fighters hang around hard bottom, ledges, and reefs in 60-180 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit almost any bait, but squid chunks work best since they stay on the hook better. What makes them fun is their attitude - they'll charge in to steal bait from other fish and put up a scrappy fight once hooked. The meat is excellent eating with a firm, white flesh. Pro tip: when you feel that first nibble, don't set the hook right away. They like to test the bait first, so give them a second to really take it before you start reeling hard and fast.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are absolute beauties with their electric blue and gold colors that change like a light show when they come out of the water. They average 15-29 pounds but can reach 87 pounds. These surface swimmers love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in the Gulf Stream. Peak season runs May through October when water temps are warmest. What guests love most is the acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and run like crazy. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, mild, and sweet. Here's the key: when you hook one, there's usually more around. Keep one person fighting while others cast to the school. Use ballyhoo or squid, and make it skip on the surface to mimic flying fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of bottom fishing - beautiful red fish that can live over 20 years and reach 35+ pounds, though most we catch run 5-10 pounds. They live on structure in 100-400 feet of water, hugging wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges. Season typically opens in summer months with strict regulations. What anglers love is the hard initial fight and their willingness to eat - they'll hit live pinfish, cigar minnows, or fresh squid. The white, flaky meat with a sweet, nutty flavor makes them table fare champions. Here's the trick: once hooked, they'll try to cut your line on structure, so crank hard right away and keep steady pressure to pull them up and away from cover.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf Stream, hitting 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth. These silver bullets with blue zebra stripes average 3-5 feet and can reach over 180 pounds. They cruise open water around 30-60 feet deep, often near floating debris. Best fishing is July through November when they're most active. What makes them special is that blistering initial run - nothing pulls drag like a wahoo. The meat is premium too - white, flaky, and mild like a cross between tuna and mahi. Key to landing them is wire leader since their teeth will slice through anything else. Troll fast at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or ballyhoo rigs.
Morehead City, NC, United States