10 Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour offshore trip targeting king mackerel, cobia, and grouperAll fishing gear and licenses included for up to 6 guestsExtended time allows trolling and bottom fishing combinations
When you want to get serious about offshore fishing, this extended 10-hour charter with Atlantic Blue Charters is exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about pushing way beyond the usual fishing grounds, giving you the kind of time on the water that makes all the difference between a good day and an absolutely killer day. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We've got all day to work the offshore waters, and trust me, that extra time pays off big when the fish are biting.
This trip is built for anglers who want to maximize their time fishing, plain and simple. We'll head out early and make the most of every hour, whether that means trolling for pelagics, dropping down on some productive bottom structure, or mixing it up with a combination of both techniques. The beauty of having 10 hours is flexibility – if the kings are running hot on the troll, we can stay with them. If the bottom bite is on fire, we can work those spots hard. You're not watching the clock because we've got plenty of time to adapt to what the fish are telling us. During summer months, we're consistently finding mahi in the blue water, and there's always that chance for a sailfish to light up the spread. The fish boxes don't fill themselves, but with this much time on productive water, we're setting ourselves up for success.
We run a combination approach that covers all the bases offshore. For trolling, we'll pull a spread of baits at different depths – diving plugs, spoons, and live bait when we can get it. King mackerel love a fast-moving spoon, while cobia will often come up to investigate the boat when we're working structure. When we switch to bottom fishing, we're talking about dropping baits down to productive reefs and wrecks where grouper, snapper, and triggerfish hang out. All your tackle, rigs, and bait are included, plus we've got the fishing licenses covered. The only thing you need to worry about is bringing lunch and whatever drinks you prefer – we'll handle everything else. Our gear is maintained and ready to handle anything from a screaming king mackerel to a stubborn grouper that doesn't want to leave the bottom.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing, and these fish know how to put up a fight. They're typically found around structure in 60-120 feet of water, and during open season, they're aggressive feeders that will hammer a well-presented bait. What makes them special is their combination of fight and flavor – they'll test your drag on the way up, and they're absolutely delicious on the table. Most of our red snapper run between 5-15 pounds, with the occasional bigger fish that'll really make you work for it. They're most active during dawn and dusk, but on a 10-hour trip, we've got plenty of time to hit them during their prime feeding windows.
Gag Grouper are another bottom dweller that anglers absolutely love targeting. These fish are ambush predators that live around rocky bottom and structure, typically in 40-100 feet of water. They're known for their initial powerful runs straight back to the bottom, trying to get back to their rocky hideouts. Gags can range from keeper-sized fish around 5-7 pounds up to real bruisers in the 20-30 pound range. What makes them exciting is that first run – when a big gag hits your bait, you know it immediately. They're most consistent during cooler months, but we find them year-round if you know where to look.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and they're what make trolling so exciting. These fish are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. During summer and fall, they're abundant in our offshore waters, typically running in schools and feeding aggressively. Kings can range from smaller "snake" kings around 5-10 pounds up to real smokers over 30 pounds that'll test your equipment and your skills. When a king hits your trolled bait, there's no mistaking it – they'll scream line off your reel and put on an aerial show. They're most active when the water temperature is right, typically from late spring through early fall.
Grey Triggerfish might not be the prettiest fish in the ocean, but they're scrappy fighters that provide consistent action around bottom structure. These fish have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they can put a serious bend in your rod despite their size. Most triggers run between 1-5 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they fight harder than fish twice their size. They're found around the same structure as grouper and snapper, making them a common catch when we're bottom fishing. Triggers are most active during warmer months and they're actually excellent table fare when prepared right.
Mahi Mahi are the golden prize of summer offshore fishing, and they're what every angler hopes to find when we're working the blue water. These fish are absolutely beautiful with their bright colors, and they're known for their acrobatic fights and tendency to travel in schools. When we find one mahi, there are usually more around, which can lead to some fast-paced action. They typically run between 5-20 pounds in our area, though bigger bulls are always possible. Mahi are attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and structure, making them perfect targets during our long offshore trips. They're most abundant during summer months when the water warms up, and they're considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean.
This 10-hour offshore charter represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want maximum time on productive water. With only 6 spots available, you're getting a personalize
This 34' Caymas is built for serious offshore fishing and stands out as the only boat in the Sneads Ferry/Topsail area equipped with a Seakeeper 2 stabilization system. When the seas get rough, this game-changing technology keeps the deck flat and steady, letting you focus on landing fish instead of fighting seasickness. The boat's quality and ride are truly in a class of their own. With 10 hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to troll for kings, cobia, and mahi, then drop down for some bottom fishing action on grouper, snapper, and triggerfish. The spacious cockpit comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold all day. Modern fish finder technology helps locate productive waters, and the onboard shower lets you rinse off the salt before heading home. All fishing gear and licenses are included – just bring lunch and your favorite beverages. The boat features GPS navigation, radar, VHF radio, and even a wireless trolling motor for those finicky fish that spook easily. With a private head and multimedia system onboard, you've got all the comforts needed for a full day of serious fishing.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper average around 20 inches but can grow massive - we've seen 4+ footers pushing 30+ pounds. These grey, marbled fighters love rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks in deeper offshore waters. Adults hang around 60-150 feet, while juveniles stay closer inshore. They're ambush predators that hide in holes and crevices, waiting to hammer anything that swims by. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they're more active. What makes them special is the fight - once hooked, they'll bulldoze straight back to their hole trying to break you off. The meat is excellent eating too, firm white fillets that taste great any way you cook them. Here's the key: soon as you feel that bite, lock down your drag and horse them up immediately. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around every piece of structure down there. Live pinfish or cut squid work best.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish might look plain, but they're scrappy fighters that average 12-17 inches and put up a surprising battle for their size. We find them around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 20-180 feet - basically anywhere with good structure. They're year-round residents but fish best during warmer months when they're most active. What guests love is their feisty attitude and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that rivals snapper. They'll eat almost anything, but they're notorious bait stealers with those sharp teeth and quick moves. The challenge is actually getting them hooked since they love to nibble and run. Use small chunks of squid about an inch wide - it stays on the hook better than softer baits. Drop your rig to the bottom with a heavy sinker, then reel up immediately to keep tension. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard and reel fast. They'll dart for cover quick.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters you'll find offshore, flashing gold, green, and electric blue when they're fired up. These surface cruisers average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ on a good day. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water during summer months - that's when they move through in good numbers. What makes them special is the acrobatic fight and those crazy color changes, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Firm, mild meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They're fast growers that travel in schools, so finding one usually means more nearby. We troll ballyhoo or artificials, making the baits skip on the surface to mimic flying fish. Once you hook one, keep the boat moving and watch for others following - they're curious and competitive. A quick cast into the school while your buddy fights his fish often doubles up the action.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are one of our most prized catches, usually running 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've pulled up some real bruisers over 20 pounds. These pink-to-red beauties live around structure in 30-200+ feet - think reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. They're bottom dwellers that'll give you a solid fight, trying to dive back into their holes the moment they feel that hook. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps hit that sweet 50-70 degree range. Guests love them because they're both a battle to land and absolutely delicious on the table - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep that drag locked tight and get them away from structure fast. They'll try to cut your line on anything they can find down there. Fresh squid or cigar minnows work great, but live pinfish will get you the biggest ones.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your tackle and your reflexes. We typically catch them 10-30 pounds, but 40+ pounders aren't uncommon during peak season. These silver bullets cruise 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks where baitfish stack up. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-84 degrees. What makes them so popular is that blistering first run - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost anything out here. Plus they're great eating if you like rich, meaty fish. The fight alone is worth the trip - pure adrenaline when one crashes your bait. Best technique is trolling with live bait on a dual-hook rig. Run one hook through the nose, second one free-swinging in the back. Kings love to hit bait from behind, so that stinger hook back there will nail them when they try to steal your offering.
North Carolina