Oak Island Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore fishing trip travels 30+ miles into deep watersTarget species include Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Kingfish, and TriggerfishSmall group experience accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
Get ready for a serious offshore fishing experience that'll take you 30+ miles into the deep blue waters off Oak Island. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking a full 10-hour charter that gives you real time to work the water and connect with some of North Carolina's best fish. Captain and crew from Ava Lynn Fishing Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on the fish while sharing stories and tips that only come from years on the water. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably without feeling crowded.
We're heading way out where the continental shelf drops off and the real action happens. You'll be fishing in 100+ feet of water where structure and currents create perfect conditions for multiple species. The trip starts early – usually around sunrise – to maximize your time on the fishing grounds. Once we reach our spots, you'll be working bottom rigs, live bait, and cut bait depending on what's biting. The boat comes equipped with all the heavy tackle you'll need, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. Expect to move around to different spots throughout the day as we follow the fish and work the most productive areas. The crew will handle all the rigging, netting, and fish cleaning so you can focus on what you came for – catching fish.
Most of your fishing will be done with heavy bottom rigs loaded with circle hooks and weighted to hold in the current. We'll be using a mix of live bait like pinfish and cigar minnows, plus cut bait including squid and ballyhoo. The crew knows exactly how much weight to use and where to drop your line based on current conditions and structure. When you're targeting grouper and triggerfish around the ledges, you'll need to get your bait right on the bottom and be ready for that thump. For the mahi and kingfish, we'll often switch to trolling or live lining baits in the water column. The key out here is being patient and keeping your bait in the strike zone – these fish don't mess around when they bite.
Gag Grouper are the prize catch on most offshore trips, and Oak Island's deep waters hold some real quality fish. These guys can push 20-30 pounds and fight like bulldogs once hooked. They love structure and ledges, hiding in holes and ambushing bait that drifts by. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, though you can catch them year-round in deeper water. What makes gag grouper so special is their incredible table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Grey Triggerfish might look funny with their big teeth and attitude, but don't let that fool you – they're excellent eating and put up a scrappy fight. These fish are abundant around structure and wrecks, often stealing your bait before bigger fish get a chance. They're most active during warmer months and can be caught in good numbers when you find a school. Triggerfish have a reputation for being bait stealers, but once you figure out their feeding pattern, you can fill the cooler.
White Grunt are the bread and butter of offshore bottom fishing around Oak Island. These silvery fish school up in large numbers over hard bottom and provide consistent action when the bigger fish aren't cooperating. They typically run 1-2 pounds and are perfect for families or newer anglers looking to bend the rod. Grunt are most active during summer months and will hit cut bait, squid, or small live baits without much fuss.
Mahi Mahi bring the excitement factor to any offshore trip with their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights. These fish show up around floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks, usually during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. A good mahi can go 15-25 pounds and will jump, run, and put on a show that'll get everyone on the boat excited. They're also fantastic on the dinner table with their mild, flaky meat.
Sea Bass round out your target species and provide steady action throughout the trip. These fish are bottom dwellers that love structure and are willing biters on most baits. Black sea bass are regulated with specific seasons and size limits, but when they're open, they're a favorite among anglers for their consistent bite and excellent taste. They typically run 1-3 pounds and can be caught in good numbers when you find the right spots.
This 10-hour offshore charter with Ava Lynn Fishing Charters gives you the real deal – enough time to fish multiple spots, target different species, and experience what Oak Island's deep waters have to offer. The crew's local knowledge combined with top-notch equipment means you'll spend more time fighting fish and less time wondering if you're in the right spot. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for your next trophy or someone wanting to experience serious offshore fishing for the first time, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait around – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.
This restored 35' Kevlcat sportfish catamaran is your ticket to Oak Island's best offshore fishing grounds. Built in 2000 and completely refreshed in 2021, she's powered by twin 370HP Yanmar engines that'll cruise at 28 knots to get you out to the productive waters fast. The catamaran design gives you a stable platform when you're fighting those deep-water species like Mahi, Grouper, and Kingfish over 30 miles offshore. She's equipped with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS to hit the hotspots, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting birds and baitfish, while the A/C, head, and sleeping area keep your crew comfortable during those long 10-hour fishing days. With room for up to 6 anglers, this sportfish cat is built for serious offshore action where the big fish live.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that'll test your gear when we hit those offshore reefs and wrecks. These guys average around 20 inches but can grow massive - we've seen 50+ pounders that'll give you a real workout. They love hanging around structure in 60-100 feet of water, especially rocky bottoms and ledges. Spring through fall are your best bets when they're most active. What makes them special is that tough fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. The meat's excellent too, firm white fillets that taste great. Here's a local trick: when you feel that initial bite, lock your reel immediately and don't give them any slack. Let them run to structure and you'll lose them every time.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that make our offshore trips fun for the whole family. They average 12-17 inches and rarely go over a few pounds, but don't let size fool you - these fish have attitude. You'll find them around hard bottoms, reefs, and ledges in 60-180 feet of water. Summer months are prime time when they're feeding heavy. What guests love is how aggressive they are - they'll hit almost any bait you drop down, making them great for kids and beginners. They're also excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. Here's the trick with triggers: they're notorious bait stealers, so use smaller hooks and keep your bait chunks about an inch wide. Drop it near other fish and watch them charge in to steal the meal.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the crown jewel of our offshore trips - absolute rockets that'll light up in brilliant colors when hooked. These beauties average 15-30 pounds but can push 40+ pounds out here. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the blue water 30+ miles out. Spring through fall brings the best action, especially when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them special is that blistering run and aerial show - plus the meat is some of the best eating in the ocean. Firm, sweet fillets that grill perfectly. Here's the key: when trolling for mahi, always keep a spinning rod ready with live bait. Once you hook one, there's usually a school below, and that second bait will often get hammered immediately.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable bottom dwellers that put up a solid scrap on light tackle. These dark, chunky fish average around 12 inches and 1-2 pounds, with the occasional bruiser pushing 5 pounds. They live around hard bottom structure - wrecks, reefs, and rock piles in 40-120 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime seasons, especially when they're feeding heavy before winter. What guests love is the consistent action and excellent table fare - sea bass are restaurant-quality fish with sweet, flaky meat. They travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll usually find more. Here's a guide tip: use braided line with a sensitive rod. These guys have a subtle bite, and braid helps you feel when your jig hits bottom and detect those light taps.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite grunt are perfect starter fish that keep the action going all day long. These silver beauties with their distinctive red snouts typically run 6-12 inches and make that famous grunting sound when you bring them up. You'll find schools of them around reefs, docks, and rocky areas in 20-80 feet of water. They bite year-round but really turn on during warmer months. Guests love them because they're easy to catch and make excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect fried up. Since they're opportunistic feeders, they'll hit just about any bait you put down. Pro tip: once you find one grunt, there's usually a whole school nearby. Keep your bait in the same spot and you'll often limit out quickly.
Wilmington