Oak Island Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting premium deep-sea speciesJourney 30+ miles offshore for Mahi, Grouper, and KingfishSmall group charter accommodates maximum 6 guests per trip
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, this 10-hour deep sea charter with Ava Lynn Fishing Charters is what you've been looking for. We're talking about a real blue water adventure here - pushing 30+ miles off Oak Island's coast to reach those productive fishing grounds where the big boys live. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushing back to the dock just when the bite picks up. With 10 full hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to work the spots, adjust your tactics, and put some serious fish in the cooler.
This charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, which means you'll have room to spread out and work your lines without bumping elbows. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll position you over structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where gamefish congregate. The boat is equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for everything from bottom fishing to trolling presentations. You'll be targeting multiple species throughout the day, so expect to switch up techniques as conditions and fish behavior dictate. The crew handles all the rigging, baiting, and gaffing - your job is to enjoy the fight and reel 'em in. Pack your own food and drinks since meals aren't provided, but trust me, you'll work up an appetite out there.
Offshore fishing at these distances opens up a world of possibilities. You'll likely start with bottom fishing over hard structure using conventional reels spooled with heavy braid. Think knocker rigs, chicken rigs, and heavy jigs tipped with cut bait or live offerings when available. For pelagic species like Mahi, the crew will deploy trolling spreads with colorful lures, ballyhoo, and teasers to draw fish into the spread. When you hook into a Mahi, get ready for aerial displays and blazing runs that'll test your drag settings. The boat carries a variety of weights and sinkers to handle different depths and currents, plus a selection of hooks sized appropriately for each target species. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom fishing to improve survival rates on released fish. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day - sometimes that means drifting over structure, other times it's covering water with the trolling gear deployed.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of these offshore grounds. These bruisers inhabit rocky bottom and structure in 60-150 feet of water, and they'll test every ounce of your tackle when hooked. Gags are notorious for their initial run straight back to the rocks, so you need to turn their head quickly and keep steady pressure. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from keeper size around 24 inches up to true trophy specimens pushing 30+ pounds. What makes Gag Grouper so sought after isn't just their fighting ability - they're exceptional table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Grey Triggerfish bring a different kind of challenge to the mix. These compressed, powerful fish have small mouths but big attitudes. They're abundant around structure and artificial reefs, often found in large schools during summer months. Triggerfish require smaller hooks and baits, but don't let their size fool you - they pull hard and fight all the way to the boat. Many anglers overlook triggers, but locals know they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. Their unique appearance and feisty nature make them a favorite with kids and novice anglers.
White Grunt might not win any beauty contests, but they're reliable producers and fantastic on the dinner table. These silver-sided bottom dwellers congregate around structure in good numbers, making them excellent action fish when the bite is steady. Grunt respond well to small pieces of cut bait, shrimp, or squid presented near the bottom. They're most active during summer months and provide consistent action when other species are finicky. Many charter captains use grunt fishing to keep rods bent while searching for larger gamefish.
Mahi Mahi represent the glamour species of this charter - fast, colorful, and absolutely explosive when hooked. These pelagic predators roam blue water in search of baitfish and are drawn to floating debris, weedlines, and current edges. Mahi are most abundant during warmer months, typically May through October in these waters. When you find a school, it's possible to catch multiple fish before they scatter. Their distinctive golden sides and green backs make them one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, and their white, flaky meat is prized by chefs and home cooks alike.
Sea Bass round out the target species list with their dependable presence and excellent eating qualities. Black Sea Bass are structure-oriented fish found around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom. They're particularly abundant during cooler months and respond well to small jigs, cut bait, and live offerings. These fish might not make blazing runs, but they're scrappy fighters that use their broad sides to create leverage against your tackle. Sea Bass have liberal bag limits in most areas and are considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean.
A 10-hour offshore charter represents serious fishing time in some of North Carolina's most productive waters. You're getting access to fishing grounds that small boat anglers simply can't reach, along with the expertise of a professional crew who knows how to put fish in the boat. The extended trip duration means you're not watching the clock - you can settle in, enjoy the process, and really work the water properly. Whether you're after that trophy Gag Grouper for the wall or a cooler full of Sea Bass for the freezer, this charter delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready to experience what real offshore fishing is all about.
This restored 35' Kevlcat sportfish catamaran cuts through Oak Island waters with authority, powered by twin 370HP Yanmar engines that'll cruise at 28 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. The 2000-built vessel received a complete makeover in 2021, blending classic sportfishing design with modern reliability. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's equipped with everything serious fishermen need - a quality fish finder to locate schools, GPS for precise navigation, and an icebox plus refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting fish activity, while the onboard head and sleeping quarters mean comfort during those long offshore runs. With air conditioning for relief between fish, this cat handles the 30+ mile runs to deep water where mahi, grouper, and kingfish roam. Her stable catamaran hull design provides a solid platform for fighting fish, whether you're battling a feisty triggerfish or wrestling with a stubborn seabass. The spacious cockpit gives everyone room to fish without tangling lines, while the twin engines ensure you'll reach productive waters quickly and return safely with your coolers full.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are serious bottom fighters that average 20 inches but can grow over four feet and 80 pounds. These grey, marbled fish love hanging around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 60-200 feet of water. Males are darker with distinctive patterns on their dorsal fins. They're ambush predators that hit live bait hard - mullet and pinfish work great. What makes them special is the fight - once hooked, they'll bolt straight for the rocks trying to break you off. The meat is top-notch white and flaky. Here's the key: when you hook one, lock that drag and keep your rod tip low. Don't give them an inch or they'll dive into a hole and you're done. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavy.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that make our offshore trips interesting. They average around 17 inches but can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds. These greyish fish with tough, leathery skin hang out on hard bottom, reefs, and ledges in 60-180 feet. They're curious and aggressive, hitting almost any bait you drop down. Squid works best since it stays on the hook better - cut it into inch-wide chunks. What's fun about triggers is they'll steal bait from other fish, so drop your line near feeding snappers or grouper and watch them charge in. They nibble first, so keep tight line and be ready. When you feel that bite, reel fast and steady. The meat's good eating, and they put up a solid fight for their size. Summer and fall are prime time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the prize of our offshore trips - fast, colorful, and absolutely delicious. These golden beauties average 15-29 pounds and 39 inches, with bulls getting massive blunt heads. They're surface fish that love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in blue water. When we're 30+ miles out, look for birds working or floating sargassum. They hit trolled ballyhoo and artificials hard, then put on an aerial show jumping and changing colors. The fight is electric - long runs and multiple jumps. The meat is firm, mild, and perfect grilled. Best action is late spring through early fall when the Gulf Stream pushes close. Here's my tip: when you hook one, leave your lines out. Mahi travel in schools, and while you're fighting one, his buddies are often right there waiting for the next bait.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable bottom fish that keep the action going steady. These dark, mottled fish average around a foot long and 9 pounds, but can reach 26 inches. They love hard bottom around wrecks, reefs, and jetties in 30-150 feet of water. Sea bass are aggressive feeders - they'll hit squid, clams, cut bait, and jigs equally well. Travel in schools, so when you find them, you'll usually catch several. The meat is excellent - white, firm, and sweet. What I like about sea bass is they're perfect for mixed bags when other species are slow. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, especially around structure. Pro tip: use braided line with no stretch so you can feel them picking at your bait on the bottom, and don't be afraid to jig it up and down to get their attention.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite grunt are steady producers that make great action fish on our deep water trips. These silvery fish with blue and yellow stripes typically run 6-12 inches, though some reach 20 inches and 15 pounds. They school up around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 20-100 feet of water. You'll know when you find them - they actually grunt when you bring them up, grinding their throat teeth together. They're night feeders but bite all day on shrimp, squid, and small crabs. The meat is white, flaky, and sweet - perfect for the dinner table. Since they travel in schools, when you catch one, drop back down quick for more. Spring through fall gives the best bite. These fish are great for kids and beginners since they're eager biters and fun to catch.
Wilmington