Half Day Offshore Fishing in Sneads Ferry
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing trips target multiple species up to 10 miles outExpert crew provides guidance and maintained gear for all skill levelsKing Mackerel, Grouper, Amberjack and other quality fish await anglers
When you're looking for some serious offshore action without burning a whole day, this half-day charter out of Sneads Ferry is exactly what you need. We'll run you up to 10 miles offshore where the real fishing happens, targeting some of North Carolina's most sought-after species. King Mackerel, Grouper, Amberjack, Black Seabass, and plenty more are waiting out there. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and they'll put you on fish. This isn't just another boat ride – it's your chance to get into some quality offshore fishing without the full-day commitment.
Your morning starts at the dock in Sneads Ferry, one of the best launching points for offshore fishing along the North Carolina coast. We'll get you rigged up and briefed while heading out to our fishing grounds. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with overcrowded conditions. Once we hit the productive waters, expect to see plenty of action. The crew will have you set up with the right tackle for whatever we're targeting that day – could be trolling for Kings, dropping bottom rigs for Grouper, or working the structure for Amberjack. The beauty of these half-day trips is that fish are usually cooperative in the morning hours, and you'll be back at the dock with time to clean your catch and still have an afternoon. Don't forget to bring your cooler because you're going to need it.
We run a combination approach depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Trolling is our go-to method for King Mackerel and Cobia – we'll pull a spread of baits at different depths and speeds to cover water and find active schools. When we mark fish on the bottom machine or hit known structure, we switch to bottom fishing tactics. Heavy conventional reels with circle hooks and fresh bait get dropped down for Grouper, Black Seabass, and whatever else is hanging around the ledges. Amberjack fishing means working jigs and live bait around wrecks and hard bottom – these fish fight dirty and will test your gear. All tackle is provided and maintained, but if you've got your own setup and want to bring it, that's fine too. The crew will help with everything from baiting hooks to gaffing fish, especially if you're new to offshore fishing or just want to focus on the fun stuff.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Sneads Ferry offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish run anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds regularly, with bigger fish always possible. They're fast, they jump, and they taste fantastic on the grill. Kings are most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round when conditions are right. Look for them around temperature breaks and bait schools. Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the offshore world – pound for pound, nothing fights harder. They hang around wrecks and hard structure, typically ranging from 20 to 60 pounds. These fish will test your arms and your tackle, pulling straight down toward cover the moment they feel the hook. Great Barracuda add some excitement with their aggressive strikes and impressive speed. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit trolled baits or live offerings, and their razor-sharp teeth make for some interesting battles. Gag Grouper are the prize bottom fish – they're smart, strong, and absolutely delicious. These fish require patience and the right presentation, but landing a quality Gag is worth the effort. They're structure-oriented and won't hesitate to cut you off on the rocks if you give them slack. Black Sea Bass round out the mixed bag, providing steady action when other species are finicky. They're smaller than the other targets but make up for it in numbers and eating quality.
This half-day offshore charter gives you everything you want from a North Carolina fishing trip without taking up your entire day. The crew at Badfish Fishing Charters knows how to find fish and put you on them, whether you're after a mixed bag or targeting specific species. With only 6 spots available, trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. The deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're committed when you book. Bring your fishing license, sunscreen, and plenty of water – the offshore sun is no joke. Most importantly, bring your cooler because you're going to need somewhere to put all those fish. These waters off Sneads Ferry produce year-round, and there's always something biting when you know where to look. Book your trip now and see why anglers keep coming back to fish these productive offshore grounds.
This 31-foot Luhrs is a serious fishing machine built for chasing offshore species in North Carolina waters. Twin 340HP Yanmar diesels push her at a comfortable 25-knot cruise, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and back to the dock with your catch. The spacious layout handles up to 6 anglers without feeling cramped, while the fishing tower and outriggers give you the edge when targeting kings, cobia, and grouper. Between fishing spots, you'll appreciate the air-conditioned cabin with full galley, fridge for keeping bait fresh and drinks cold, plus a real bathroom with shower. The fish finder and radar keep you on the fish and safe in changing conditions. When the action slows, fire up the smart TV or catch up online with Starlink WiFi. The large livewell keeps your catch in prime condition, and there's plenty of deck space for fighting those hard-pulling amberjack and barracuda that frequent these waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are scrappy little fighters that make excellent table fare and keep the action steady. Most run 1-4 pounds with the occasional 6-pounder mixed in. They love hanging around wrecks, rocky bottom, and any kind of structure in 40-120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed heavily. The bigger males develop that distinctive hump on their heads and turn bright blue during spawning season. What guests enjoy is the consistent action - where you find one, you'll usually find more. The sweet, white meat rivals any fish in the ocean. They're not picky eaters, so squid strips, cut bait, or small jigs work great. Key tip: use a two-hook bottom rig and keep it moving slightly - they'll often hit on the drop, so stay alert for those subtle taps.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are structure-loving bottom dwellers that average 20 inches but can stretch to nearly 5 feet when you find the right spots. These grey, mottled fish live around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. The males are darker with distinctive markings on their dorsal fins. Spring through early summer gives us prime fishing when they're feeding heavy before spawning. Guests love them for two reasons - they fight like bulldogs trying to get back to their holes, and the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean. The secret is keeping your drag locked tight once you hook up. They'll head straight for the rocks to cut you off, so you've got to muscle them away from structure immediately. Circle hooks and 40-pound line minimum - these fish don't mess around.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the ocean's missiles - streamlined, toothy, and lightning fast. Most run 2-4 feet long, but we occasionally see 5-footers that'll get your attention real quick. They patrol the surface waters around reefs and structure, usually hunting alone except during spring spawning. What makes them fun is the visual game - you'll often see them following the boat, checking out shiny lures with those curious eyes. The fight is all about that initial burst of speed, hitting 35 mph in short bursts before tiring out. While the meat isn't the main draw, the challenge definitely is. The trick with barracuda is keeping your lures moving fast and erratic - they're attracted to flash and commotion. Wire leaders are a must with those razor teeth, and watch your hands when landing them.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjacks are serious bruiser fish that'll test your arms and your drag. These bluish-grey fighters typically run 20-40 pounds around here, but don't be surprised if you tie into something pushing 60. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. Spring spawning season from April through May brings the best fishing when they're aggressive and feeding heavily. Guests love the challenge - Amberjacks fight dirty, diving straight down and using every bit of structure they can find. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality when prepared right. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the bottom. They'll use every piling and piece of structure against you, so winch them up quick and keep that rod pumping.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average around 30 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+ pounds out here. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths, especially around temperature breaks and bait schools. These silver rockets with olive backs are built for speed - they'll hit trolled spoons, live bait, or jigs with authority. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps stay between 68-84°F. What guests love most is that initial screaming run when you hook one - they're pure adrenaline. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when using live bait, rig two hooks on a wire leader - one through the nose, another trailing behind. Kings often attack from the rear, so that back hook saves a lot of cut-offs.
Sneads Ferry, NC, United States