5.0(2 Reviews)12 Hour Gulfstream Trip with Atlantic Blue Charters
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour Gulf Stream trip targets multiple offshore speciesCaptain Drew Jackson guides groups up to 6 guestsWahoo, mahi mahi, tuna, and billfish fishing opportunities
When you're talking serious offshore fishing in North Carolina, Captain Drew Jackson and his Atlantic Blue Charters operation is where you want to be. This isn't your typical half-day trip closer to shore – we're talking about a full 12-hour commitment to chase some of the most sought-after pelagic species swimming in the legendary Gulf Stream. You'll be targeting everything from lightning-fast Wahoo to acrobatic Mahi Mahi, plus heavyweight Tuna and the occasional Billfish that'll test your tackle and your resolve. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough lines in the water and giving everyone space to fight their fish without getting tangled up in each other's gear.
Your day starts early – we're talking pre-dawn departure to make the most of those prime fishing hours when the big fish are most active. The run out to the Gulf Stream from the North Carolina coast takes some time, but that's where Captain Drew's local knowledge really shines. He's been working these waters long enough to know exactly where to find the temperature breaks, current edges, and structure that hold fish. The Gulf Stream is a completely different world from inshore fishing – the water is that deep cobalt blue you see in magazines, and you're fishing in hundreds or even thousands of feet of water. The boat setup is dialed in for offshore work, with outriggers, downriggers, and all the heavy tackle you need to handle whatever decides to eat your bait. Don't expect to be sitting around waiting – when fish are biting in the Stream, things can get chaotic fast with multiple hookups happening simultaneously.
This is classic Gulf Stream trolling at its finest. We're pulling a spread of lures and rigged baits at different depths and distances behind the boat, covering as much water as possible while we search for fish. The setup typically includes a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, diving plugs, and maybe some larger lures for the Wahoo and Billfish. Each rod is positioned strategically – some way back in the "shotgun" position, others closer on the outriggers, and maybe a few running deeper with planers or downriggers. Captain Drew reads the water like a book, constantly adjusting speed, direction, and lure selection based on water temperature, current, bait activity, and what the fish finder is showing. When something hits, it's all hands on deck – literally. The mate will clear the other lines while you fight your fish, and with 12 hours on the water, you'll have plenty of opportunities to rotate through different techniques and target zones throughout the day.
"Overall just a fantastic trip. Captain Anderew and his mate were awesome. We caught the species we were most interested in which was Wahoo and Mahi. The weather was perfect and his new boat was amazing. Don't hesitate to book with Captain Andrew you will love the southern personality and his dedication to make it a trip to remember. Thank you Captain for an awesome adventure." - Dwight
Blue Marlin are the ultimate prize for any Gulf Stream angler, and North Carolina's waters are home to some genuine giants. These fish show up consistently from late spring through early fall, with peak activity during the summer months when water temperatures hit their stride. Blues are ambush predators that cruise the temperature breaks and current edges, often following schools of bait or hunting around floating debris. When a Blue Marlin eats your bait, there's no mistaking it – they'll either crash the spread in a spectacular display or pick up a bait and start that unmistakable long run that makes your reel scream. Most Blues caught here run anywhere from 200 to 500 pounds, though 600-plus pounders get boated every season. The fight is legendary – these fish jump, sound deep, and can battle for hours.
Mahi Mahi are the crowd-pleasers of the Gulf Stream, and for good reason. These fish are absolutely gorgeous with their electric blue and gold colors, plus they're cooperative fighters that jump and put on a show without the intimidation factor of a big Marlin. Mahi are often found around floating debris, sargassum weed lines, or anywhere small bait is concentrated. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, there are usually more around – it's not uncommon to boat a dozen Mahi once you locate a good school. They typically run 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bull Mahi pushing 40 or even 50 pounds. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're fantastic eating if you decide to keep a few for the table.
Wahoo are pure speed demons and arguably the most challenging fish to consistently catch in the Gulf Stream. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and are known for their blistering initial runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They're primarily caught trolling with high-speed lures, wire leaders are absolutely essential because of their razor-sharp teeth that can slice through mono or fluorocarbon like it's not even there. Wahoo typically range from 20 to 60 pounds in North Carolina waters, with fish over 80 pounds possible but uncommon. They're most active during the cooler months – fall and winter often produce the best Wahoo fishing. The meat is outstanding, similar to King Mackerel but with a firmer texture.
Bigeye Tuna are the night shift workers of the tuna family, though they can be caught during daylight hours with the right techniques. These fish prefer deeper, cooler water and are often targeted with downriggers or deep-dropping techniques. Bigeyes are built like footballs – thick, powerful fish that can weigh anywhere from 50 to 200-plus pounds. They're incredibly strong fighters that prefer to battle in the depths rather than jumping
This 34' Caymas is built for serious Gulf Stream 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 out there, this game-changing tech keeps you fishing comfortably while other boats are getting tossed around. The ride quality is simply unmatched for long offshore runs. Captain Drew has this rig dialed in perfectly for 12-hour adventures targeting everything from screaming Wahoo and colorful Mahi to heavyweight Tuna and Billfish. The setup handles up to 6 anglers with room to move around and fight fish properly. You've got a fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for navigation, plus VHF radio for safety. The onboard shower lets you rinse off the salt, and there's a real head onboard for those long days on the water. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and catch fresh, while the multimedia system provides entertainment during travel time. The wireless trolling motor comes in handy for quiet approaches when you need stealth. Whether you're after bottom dwellers like Grouper and Snapper or hunting pelagics in the blue water, this Caymas delivers the performance and comfort you need for a productive day in North Carolina's offshore waters.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye tuna are built different from other tunas - those huge eyes aren't just for show, they help them hunt in deeper, darker water where most fish can't survive. These powerhouses average 50-150 pounds but can push past 400. They prefer the deeper edges of the Gulf Stream, often 200-500 feet down where oxygen levels would kill other fish. Dawn and dusk are prime time when they move up to feed, though we catch them after dark too. What separates bigeye from other tunas is that incredible stamina - they'll fight deep and methodical, using every ounce of that muscle. The meat is premium grade, fatty and rich, prized by sushi chefs worldwide. We target them with short, stocky lures in darker colors that show up better in low light. Local secret: fish an hour before sunset and stay out past dark - their sensitive eyes make them more active when the sun's off the water.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll catch out here - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green that flash like neon underwater. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, though we see bigger ones. They love floating debris and weed lines in the Gulf Stream, usually in the top 50 feet of water. Best fishing runs April through October when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What guests love about mahi is the nonstop action - they travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. They put up a good scrap too, jumping and making long runs. Pro tip: when you boat the first one, leave a hooked fish in the water while others cast to the school - mahi won't abandon their buddies.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and they'll show you every bit of it on the first run. Most range 30-80 pounds and 4-5 feet long, with razor-sharp teeth and distinctive blue stripes along silver sides. They cruise the edges of the Gulf Stream in 60-200 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. Peak season runs July through November when they're most abundant off our coast. What makes wahoo special is that blistering initial run - nothing prepares you for it. Plus, the meat is top-shelf with a delicate, flaky texture that's amazing grilled or blackened. We high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their teeth will slice through anything else. Here's the key: when one hits, don't touch that drag - let your reel do the work or you'll pull the hook right out.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the workhorses of the offshore world - solid fish that average 60 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and bright yellow fins that give them their name. They cruise the Gulf Stream's upper 100 feet, often mixed with dolphins or under birds working baitfish. May through August is prime time when they spawn and feed heavily in our waters. These fish are pure muscle and they'll prove it with long, powerful runs that test your drag system. The meat is world-class - that deep red flesh makes perfect sashimi or sears beautifully on the grill. They hit everything from trolled ballyhoo to surface plugs, but nothing beats watching one explode on a popper. Here's something most folks don't know: when you mark fish deep but they won't bite the trolling spread, bring everything in and drop jigs down to them - sometimes that's the only way to get them to commit.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of the billfish world - females can reach 16 feet and over 1,000 pounds, while males stay closer to 300-350 pounds. These apex predators cruise the warm Gulf Stream waters off North Carolina, typically found in depths of 100-400 feet where the blue water meets temperature breaks. Summer through early fall offers our best shot at these monsters when they follow baitfish north. What makes them special? That spectacular fight - they'll jump, run deep, and test every inch of your tackle for hours. The meat's good eating too, though most folks prefer the bragging rights of a release. Here's a local tip: when we hook one, don't horse it. Let that fish run and tire itself out on the first few jumps, then settle in for the long haul with steady pressure.
5.0 out of 5.0Overall just a fantastic trip. Captain Anderew and his mate were awesome. We caught the species we were most interested in which w...
North Carolina