Full Day 8 Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore fishing trip targeting king mackerel and grouperCaptain Drew provides expert local knowledge and fishing guidanceAccommodates up to 6 guests with Atlantic Blue Charters
When you're craving some serious saltwater action, Atlantic Blue Charters delivers the kind of offshore fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back to Topsail Beach season after season. Captain Drew isn't just another charter captain – he's been working these waters his entire life, and it shows in every trip he runs. This full-day adventure gives you eight solid hours to chase everything from screaming king mackerel to hefty gag grouper, with plenty of time to work both the blue water and the bottom structure that makes this stretch of North Carolina coast so productive.
Your day starts early with a pre-dawn departure, because that's when the fish are most active and the water's at its calmest. Captain Drew keeps his groups small – just six anglers max – so you're not fighting for rod space or waiting in line to get your bait in the water. The boat heads out to his proven spots, some close to shore for the bottom fish, others further offshore where the pelagics roam. You'll spend the morning working the productive zones, then shift tactics as conditions and fish activity dictate. Don't worry about bringing gear – everything's provided, from the rods and reels to the bait and tackle. Captain Drew knows exactly what works in these waters and when to use it.
This trip combines the best of both offshore worlds: trolling for the speed demons and bottom fishing for the heavyweights. When you're chasing kings and mahi, you'll be pulling spreads of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait behind the boat at varying speeds and depths. Captain Drew reads the water temperature breaks, current edges, and baitfish schools to put you right where the action is. For the bottom fishing, you'll be working heavy tackle over structure – wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom that hold the grouper, snapper, and sea bass. The key is knowing exactly where these spots are, and that's where Captain Drew's decades of experience really pay off. He'll have you dropping baits right on the money, whether it's live bottom fish or cut bait for the bigger predators.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of North Carolina offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are pure speed and power, making blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your arms. Kings typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional trophy pushing 50-plus. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot between 72 and 78 degrees. They love to follow the baitfish schools, and when you find the bait, you'll find the kings. The fight is what keeps anglers hooked – these fish don't give up easy.
Mahi mahi bring the tropical feel to North Carolina waters during the warmer months. These gorgeous fish are as beautiful as they are delicious, with their brilliant gold and green colors that light up when they're fighting. Mahi are typically found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks, usually in the 10 to 30-pound range. What makes them special is their willingness to eat just about anything you put in front of them, plus they often travel in schools. Hook one, and there's usually more around. They're acrobatic fighters that'll jump and tail-walk, putting on a show that's worth the price of admission alone.
Red snapper represent the holy grail of bottom fishing when they're in season. These deep-water warriors live around structure in 60 to 200 feet of water, and they're some of the smartest fish in the ocean. A good red snapper will test your patience and your tackle, often requiring finesse and the right presentation to get them to bite. They're built like tanks, with broad shoulders and powerful tails that make them tough to pull off the bottom. When regulations allow targeting them, it's always a special day on the water.
Black sea bass might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they're one of the most reliable and tasty. These bottom dwellers are abundant around the nearshore reefs and wrecks, typically running 1 to 4 pounds with the occasional jumbo pushing 6 or 7. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit cut bait, squid, or small jigs, making them perfect for filling the cooler when the bigger fish aren't cooperating. Sea bass are also great for getting kids or new anglers into the action since they bite readily and fight hard for their size.
Gag grouper are the bruisers of the bottom fishing world. These powerful fish live in caves and under ledges, using their incredible strength to try to break you off in the rocks. A good gag will run anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds, with their massive heads and broad tails built for short, powerful bursts. The key to landing them is getting them up and away from structure quickly – once they get their heads down and start for cover, you're in trouble. They're ambush predators that prefer live or fresh dead bait, and when one grabs your offering, you'll know it immediately.
Captain Drew's reputation speaks for itself – he's the kind of guide who puts fish in the boat consistently, trip after trip. With over a lifetime of experience in these waters, he knows where to find the fish when they're biting and how to adjust when they're not. This eight-hour adventure gives you the time you need to really work the water properly, whether you're trolling the blue water or grinding it out on the bottom. The small group size means personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. If you're serious about offshore fishing and want to experience what Topsail Beach waters have to offer, this is the charter that'll deliver the goods. Contact Atlantic Blue Charters today and get your spot locked in – the fish are waiting.
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard this 34-foot Caymas, the ultimate offshore machine operating out of Topsail Beach! This boat stands apart from everything else in the Sneads Ferry area with its game-changing Seakeeper 2 stabilization system that keeps you steady when the seas get rough. Captain Drew knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on king mackerel, amberjack, mahi, and bottom fish like gag grouper and snapper. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With space for up to 6 anglers, onboard facilities including a head and shower, and wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, you'll have everything covered for a full day of serious fishing. Whether you're after pelagic species or working the bottom structure, this Caymas delivers the ride quality and fishability that separates the pros from the weekend warriors.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the heavyweights of our reef fishing, averaging 20 inches but capable of reaching 50+ pounds. These gray-mottled bruisers live around offshore wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges in 80-200 feet of water, using every piece of structure as their personal hideout. Summer and fall fishing is prime time when they're most active. What makes gags special is the pure power - once hooked, they make one determined run straight back to their hole and you've got to stop them or lose the fight. They're also excellent table fare with thick, flaky fillets. The trick is heavy tackle and quick reflexes. Soon as you feel that thump, lock down your drag and pump hard. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the nearest piece of structure and it's game over.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are some of the fastest fish we target out here, averaging 20-30 pounds with trophy fish pushing 50+. These silver speedsters cruise offshore waters from 40-150 feet, often following bait schools along temperature breaks and current edges. Summer through fall gives us the best action when they're feeding heavy before their winter migration. What makes kings special is that blistering first run - they'll peel line like nothing else and jump clear out of the water. The meat's excellent grilled or smoked too. Pro tip: when fishing live bait, always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one through the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit from the rear and that back hook saves a lot of cut-offs.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure gold when we find them during summer months - literally. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds and put on a light show when hooked, changing from brilliant blues and greens to golden yellow. We target them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. They're aggressive surface feeders that'll attack trolled baits or live bait with serious attitude. What guests love most is the acrobatic fight - they jump, tail-walk, and never quit until they're in the boat. Plus, mahi meat is some of the best eating you'll find offshore - firm, white, and perfect for the grill. My advice: when you hook one, look for more. Mahi usually travel in schools, so get another line out quick.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing around here. Most fish we catch run 2-8 pounds, but 20+ pounders show up on good structure in deeper water. These bright red fighters live around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 60-200 feet, and they'll give you a solid tug-of-war all the way to the surface. Best fishing happens May through September when they're most active. What makes snappers special is the combination of great fight and even better eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality every time. They're smart though, so fresh bait matters. Here's the key: when you feel that bite, set the hook hard and keep steady pressure. Don't give them slack or they'll dive straight back to their rocky home and cut you off.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are some of the most reliable fish we catch on offshore structure. These chunky fighters typically run 1-4 pounds, but the bigger males can push 6-8 pounds and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom from 60-120 feet, especially late spring through summer when they move inshore to spawn. Bass are scrappy little bulldogs that dive straight down when hooked, but they make up for it at the dinner table - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for beginners since they bite consistently. My go-to setup is squid strips on a double-drop rig with circle hooks. Keep your bait right on bottom and be ready - these guys hit fast and try to run straight back to their hole.
North Carolina