Premium Oak Island Fishing Charter Adventures
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six and eighthour offshore fishing charters availableTarget species include Grouper, MahiMahi, Kingfish, and SnapperSmall group trips accommodate up to six guests
Get ready for some serious fishing action off the coast of Oak Island! With Captain Ava and the crew at Ava Lynn Fishing Charters, you're looking at prime offshore waters where the fish are biting year-round. We're talking about real deal deep sea fishing here – the kind where you'll be telling stories for years to come. Our top-rated charters run 6 to 8 hours, taking you anywhere from 10 to 25 miles out where the big boys live. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned angler, these waters deliver the goods every single trip.
Your day starts early at the dock, but trust me, it's worth every minute of lost sleep. We've got two charter options that'll knock your socks off. The 6-hour trip takes you 10 to 15 miles offshore – perfect for targeting Amberjack, Kingfish, Sea bass, Grunt, and Grouper. If you're feeling ambitious and want the full experience, our 8-hour expedition pushes out to the 20-25 mile mark where Mahi Mahi patrol the blue water along with monster Grouper and Snapper. The boat handles up to 6 anglers, so you've got plenty of elbow room and won't be fighting for rail space. Captain Ava knows these waters like the back of her hand, hitting structure and drop-offs that consistently produce fish. You'll spend your time working different depths and techniques as we move from spot to spot, chasing the bite wherever it's hottest.
We run a mix of bottom fishing and trolling depending on what's biting and where we find the action. All your tackle is provided – we're talking heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait. For the bottom bite, we'll have you dropping chunks of cut bait and live offerings down to structure where Grouper and Snapper hang out. When we're targeting the pelagic species like Mahi and Kingfish, we switch to trolling spreads with ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures. The captain reads the water constantly, looking for birds, bait schools, and temperature breaks that hold fish. You'll learn to watch for these signs too – it's part of what makes offshore fishing so addictive. We carry circle hooks to help with conservation, and the crew will coach you through proper fighting techniques so you can land these fish without wearing yourself out.
Mahi Mahi are absolute dynamite when they're around – these fish are pure adrenaline on a hook. They show up in warmer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore, usually running from late spring through early fall. Bulls can hit 30-40 pounds and they fight like nothing else, jumping clear out of the water and making blistering runs. What makes Mahi special is they travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more underneath. They're also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef – these fish will test your back and your drag system. They average 20-50 pounds in our waters, but we see plenty pushing 60-70 pounds throughout the year. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most aggressive, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. AJs fight deep and dirty, using every piece of structure they can find to try and break you off. The trick is stopping that first run before they get you wrapped up in the rocks.
Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish out there, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating. These guys are around all year, holding tight to bottom structure in 60-120 feet of water. They're perfect for when the bite is tough – you can always count on Sea Bass to keep the action going. They've got a sweet, mild flavor that even picky eaters love, and there's no shame in filling the cooler with these tasty fish.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll surprise you with their fight relative to their size. These sleek predators show up in big numbers during their migration periods, usually spring and fall. They're perfect light tackle targets, but we often catch them while bottom fishing too. Speckled trout tactics work great – small jigs, spoons, and cut bait all produce. They're oily fish that are fantastic smoked or grilled with some blackening seasoning.
Gag Grouper are the prize of the reef – smart, powerful, and absolutely delicious. These fish are masters of their environment, using rocks and ledges to their advantage in every fight. Gags are most active during cooler months, with winter being prime time for trophy fish in the 20-40 pound range. They're ambush predators that require patience and the right presentation. When you hook a good Gag, be ready for a battle – they'll head straight for the rocks and test every knot you've tied.
Oak Island's offshore fishing scene is world-class, and trips with Ava Lynn Fishing Charters book up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you choose the 6-hour adventure or go all out with the 8-hour expedition, you're looking at a customer favorite experience that delivers consistent action. The boat's well-maintained, the crew knows how to put you on fish, and these waters produce year-round. Don't let another season slip by watching from the dock – grab your crew, pack the sunscreen, and get ready for some serious fishing. Your next trophy is waiting out there in the blue water off Oak Island.
Our restored 35' Kevlcat sportfish catamaran cuts through Oak Island waters with twin 370HP Yanmar engines, hitting 28 knots when heading to the fishing grounds. This 2000-built cat got a complete makeover in 2021, so everything's dialed in for serious offshore action. The stable catamaran hull keeps you comfortable while fighting Kingfish and Grouper, plus there's AC when the sun gets hot. You'll find an icebox and fridge for keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the fish finder helps locate those productive bottom spots and structure. The flybridge gives your captain great visibility for spotting bird activity and bait schools. With a private head, comfortable sleeping area, and GPS keeping you on the best fishing zones, this boat handles both 6-hour trips to the 15-mile grounds and extended 8-hour runs out to 25 miles where the big Mahi and Snapper live. Perfect setup for up to 6 anglers ready to load the coolers.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the ambush masters of the reef - grey, marbled fish that hide in every nook and cranny waiting to strike. They average around 20 inches but can reach over 50, and here's something wild - they all start as females and change to males as they grow. You'll find them around rocky structure, wrecks, and drop-offs, especially in our offshore range. Spring and summer give us prime fishing when they're most active. What guests love is the initial strike - it's like setting the hook on a truck. They'll immediately dive for cover, so you better be ready to muscle them up. The meat's white, flaky, and delicious. Pro tip: once you hook one, lock that reel down and keep steady pressure - give them any slack and they'll disappear into a hole you'll never get them out of.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the deep - powerful fish that'll test your arms and your tackle. These bruisers average around 39 pounds but can push much bigger, with that distinctive amber stripe running down their bluish-grey sides. You'll find them around structure in our offshore waters, especially wrecks and hard bottom areas where they ambush smaller fish. Spring spawning season brings some of the best action when they're feeding heavy. What guests love about jacks is the pure strength - they'll make long, punishing runs straight for the bottom trying to cut you off on structure. The meat's excellent too, though watch for ciguatera in larger fish. My advice: use heavy tackle and don't give them an inch once hooked, or they'll wrap you around the nearest wreck.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most colorful fish you'll encounter out here - brilliant blues and golds that put on a light show when they hit the boat. These beauties average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris or weed lines in our 10-15 mile range. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb. What makes mahi special is their incredible fight - they'll jump, run, and give you everything they've got. Plus, they're some of the finest eating fish in the ocean with that sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for others nearby. They travel in schools, so where there's one mahi, there's usually more waiting for your next cast.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are steady producers that love structure - wrecks, jetties, and hard bottom areas where they can ambush prey. These dark, spiny fish average about a foot long and 9 pounds, with that big mouth full of sharp teeth. They're year-round residents, but spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes sea bass great targets is their aggressive feeding and excellent table fare - restaurants pay top dollar for these guys. They'll hit cut bait like squid or clams, but soft plastics and bucktails work just as well. Here's the key: they travel in schools, so once you find one good spot, work it thoroughly. Drop your jig right to the bottom and bounce it - when you feel that thump, set the hook quick before they spit it out.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons with those silver bodies covered in yellow spots - some of the fastest swimmers we target. They typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds, traveling in massive schools that can stretch for miles. Spring through fall brings the best fishing when they move into our nearshore waters chasing baitfish. What makes these fish fun is their aggressive strikes and blistering runs - they'll hit trolled spoons or cast jigs with authority. The meat's fantastic too, with a mild flavor that's perfect grilled or smoked. They're also popular for sushi. When you find a school, work fast because they move constantly. My tip: look for diving birds and bait activity on the surface - that's where you'll find spanish macs feeding in a frenzy.
Wilmington