Extended Gulf Stream Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
14hour Gulf Stream charter targeting wahoo, mahi, and billfishAccommodates six guests with professional guidance and equipment includedDeparts 4:30 AM aboard climatecontrolled 31foot Luhrs vessel
You want to get serious about offshore fishing? This 14-hour Gulf Stream charter out of Sneads Ferry is where the real action happens. We're talking about a full commitment to the deep blue – leaving the dock at 4:30 AM when most folks are still dreaming about their morning coffee. But trust me, when you're hooked up to a screaming wahoo 40 miles offshore while the sun's coming up, you'll forget all about that early wake-up call. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you've been doing this for decades or just picked up a rod last week.
This isn't your typical half-day trip around the inlet. We're making the run to the Gulf Stream ledge where the big boys live, and that means serious fishing in serious water. You'll be aboard a 31-foot Luhrs that's built for these conditions – twin diesels to get you there fast and a climate-controlled cabin so you can warm up between hookups. The boat's rigged with top-shelf tackle and electronics, plus the crew stocks all your bait and handles the fishing licenses. Six anglers max means everyone gets plenty of room to work and plenty of shots at the cooler. The Gulf Stream's thermal break is where the magic happens – that's where the blue water meets the green, and where predators stack up to feed.
Out here, we're trolling ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and lures that have proven themselves in these waters. The captain reads the water temperature breaks and current edges like a roadmap, positioning the spread where fish are most likely to be cruising. You'll learn how different lure positions work in the spread – long riggers for wahoo, short corners for mahi, and that perfect teaser setup that drives billfish crazy. The ledge structure creates upwellings that bring baitfish to the surface, and that's dinner bell for everything we're targeting. When something hits, the crew talks you through the fight – proper rod angle, when to pump and wind, how to work a fish to the boat without pulling the hook.
King mackerel are the bread and butter out here, especially during their fall migration when they're feeding heavily before winter. These fish run anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional smoker king pushing 50. They hit fast and fight dirty, making long runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Spring through fall is prime time, but fall fishing can be absolutely lights-out when the bait's thick. Scup might sound like an odd target, but these deep-water porgies are fantastic eating and they'll bend your rod when you find a good school. Spanish mackerel are speed demons – smaller than their king cousins but they make up for it with acrobatics and numbers. When they're feeding on top, you can catch them back-to-back until your arms give out. Bluefish bring the aggression, hitting lures like they're mad at the world, and a good-sized blue will give you a memorable scrap. Black sea bass love structure and they're always hungry – plus they're some of the best eating you'll find in these waters.
Look, 14 hours on the water isn't for everyone, but if you want to fish where the real offshore action happens, this is your trip. The $2450 covers your whole group up to six people, and when you break that down per person for a world-class offshore experience with all gear included, it's a solid value. The Gulf Stream doesn't come to you – you've got to make the run to where the water's blue and the fish are hungry. Book this charter when you're ready to see what North Carolina's offshore waters are really about, and when you want to come home with stories worth telling and a cooler full of fish worth eating.
This fully-equipped 31' Luhrs is built for serious Gulf Stream fishing. Twin 340HP Yanmar diesels push you to the fishing grounds at 25 knots, while the climate-controlled cabin keeps you comfortable during long offshore runs. The fishing tower and outriggers are perfect for trolling the ledge, and the large livewell keeps your catch fresh. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin with full kitchen, fridge, shower, and toilet. Starlink WiFi keeps you connected, while radar and fish finder help locate schools and navigate safely. The multimedia system and TV provide entertainment during transit. With space for up to 6 anglers and twin diesels for reliability, this boat handles everything from wahoo runs to billfish battles in North Carolina's productive offshore waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that make fantastic table fare and put up a solid scrap. Most fish run 1-4 pounds, with bigger males holding in deeper water around structure. They love wrecks, rocky bottom, and hard structure from 30-120 feet deep. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. Guests enjoy them because they bite well, fight hard for their size, and are some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit squid strips, clams, and jigs bounced near bottom. Pro tip: use a double-hook rig and keep your bait moving slightly. These fish are curious and that subtle action often triggers strikes when they're being finicky.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll give you a real workout. These hard-fighting fish average 3-8 pounds but can reach 15-20 pounds when the big snappers show up. They roam everywhere from surf to offshore structure, hunting in savage feeding frenzies. Late spring through early fall is peak season around here. What guests love about bluefish is their attitude - they hit hard and fight dirty all the way to the boat. Fresh blues are excellent eating when bled immediately and kept cold. They'll smash everything from topwater plugs to cut bait. Watch your fingers though - those razor teeth mean business. My tip: when you hook one, expect company. Blues travel in schools and one hooked fish often triggers a feeding frenzy that brings the whole gang in.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are serious fish that'll test your tackle and skills. These silver rockets typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we see some monsters pushing 60-plus. They cruise the 40-150 foot range, especially around structure and bait schools. Summer through fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot above 68 degrees. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll scream line off your reel like nothing else. The meat's excellent if you bleed them right away. My go-to tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait. Kings love to hit the tail section first, so that trailing hook saves the day. These fish don't mess around - when one hits, hang on tight.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are scrappy little fighters that make for great table fare. Most run 12-16 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, but they pack a punch on light tackle. You'll find them around structure - wrecks, rocks, and ledges in 20-80 feet of water. They move inshore from May through October when waters warm up, then head deeper for winter. What guests love about scup is they're willing biters and excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. They're also perfect live bait for bigger game like stripers. Bottom fishing with squid, clams, or marine worms works best. Pro tip: use a two-hook rig and jig it slowly off the bottom. These bottom feeders can't resist that action.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are pure fun on light tackle - fast, aggressive, and always ready to eat. These sleek silver fish with golden spots typically run 1-4 pounds and are absolute speed demons. They school up near the surface around structure, bait balls, and temperature breaks from spring through fall. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit almost anything - spoons, jigs, live bait, you name it. The meat's mild and excellent grilled or smoked. They're also fantastic for getting kids hooked on fishing since they bite readily. Here's the trick: when you see birds working or bait flipping on the surface, get there fast. Use small, shiny lures and retrieve them quickly. Spanish macks hunt in packs, so where there's one, there's usually more.
Sneads Ferry, NC, United States