World-Class Wreck Fishing in Morehead City
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
8hour wreck fishing charter targeting cobia, barracuda, and mahimahiCaptain Dale provides expert guidance with professional fishing equipmentSmall group experience limited to maximum 4 guests
Captain Dale and the crew at Bubba Thing Charters have been putting anglers on fish around Morehead City's legendary wreck sites for years. This 8-hour charter takes you straight to the productive offshore structure where big fish hang out, and with only 4 spots available, you're getting personalized attention that the bigger party boats just can't match. We're talking about targeting serious gamefish like cobia, mahi-mahi, and barracuda around some of the most fish-rich artificial reefs off the North Carolina coast. Captain Dale knows these wrecks like the back of his hand, and he's got the tackle and techniques to put you on whatever species are biting that day.
Your day starts early at the Morehead City waterfront, where Captain Dale will have the boat fueled up and ready to run. The ride out to the wreck sites takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on which structure we're hitting that day. Captain Dale picks spots based on current conditions, bait movement, and what's been producing lately. Once we reach the wrecks, you'll see why these artificial reefs are so special – they're magnets for baitfish, which means predators stack up around them like apartments. The fishing style varies depending on what we're targeting, but expect to do some bottom fishing, live bait fishing, and maybe some jigging if the conditions are right. The intimate group size means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal coaching from Captain Dale, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time.
Wreck fishing is all about precision and understanding structure. Captain Dale uses top-shelf electronics to position the boat perfectly over productive spots on each wreck. We'll anchor up or drift depending on current and wind conditions. For bottom species like black sea bass, we're talking about dropping baited rigs right into the structure using circle hooks and enough weight to stay put in the current. When cobia and barracuda are around, we switch tactics to sight fishing with live bait or casting bucktail jigs. For mahi-mahi, we might troll the edges of the wreck with ballyhoo or work floating debris that collects around the structure. Captain Dale provides all the tackle, from heavy conventional reels for the big fish to lighter spinning gear for the smaller species. He's got a full selection of jigs, hooks, sinkers, and fresh bait to match whatever the fish want that day. The boat is rigged with quality rod holders, a large cooler for your catch, and all the safety equipment you need for a day offshore.
Redfish around these offshore wrecks are typically the larger bull reds that have moved out of the inshore waters to spawn. These copper-colored fighters can push 30 to 40 pounds and will test your tackle when they make their signature runs along the bottom. Fall and early winter are prime time for big reds around the wrecks, and they'll hit cut bait, live mullet, or large jigs worked near the structure. The fight is all about power and endurance – these fish use the current and structure to their advantage.
Mahi-mahi show up around the wrecks from late spring through fall, especially when there's floating debris or sargassum collecting around the structure. These fish are pure electricity when hooked, with their aerial displays and blazing runs. Most mahi around Morehead City wrecks run 10 to 25 pounds, with occasional larger bulls pushing 40 pounds or more. They'll hit trolled baits, live bait, or jigs, and once you hook one, there are often more in the area. The bright colors and excellent table fare make them a customer favorite.
Great barracuda are year-round residents around these wrecks, and they provide some of the most explosive strikes you'll experience. These toothy predators can reach 4 to 5 feet long and hit baits with incredible speed. They're ambush hunters that hang around the edges of wrecks waiting for baitfish, and they'll absolutely destroy a well-placed live bait or shiny jig. The initial run is lightning fast, and you'll need wire leader to prevent bite-offs. Barracuda are catch-and-release fish that provide pure adrenaline.
Cobia cruise around these wrecks from April through October, with peak action in late spring and early summer. These brown sharks of the reef can exceed 50 pounds and are known for their curious nature – they'll often follow the boat or swim right up to check out anglers. Captain Dale excels at sight fishing for cobia, positioning anglers to drop live baits or jigs right in front of cruising fish. The fight is bulldogging power with long runs, and they're fantastic eating fish that many consider the best-tasting species in these waters.
Black sea bass are the bread-and-butter species around Morehead City wrecks, especially from fall through early spring when they're in deeper water. These chunky bottom dwellers range from keeper-size fish around 13 inches up to trophy-class fish over 5 pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that stack up in large numbers around wrecks, providing consistent action when other species are finicky. Black sea bass hit bottom rigs baited with squid, cut bait, or small jigs, and they're excellent table fare with firm white meat.
Captain Dale's 8-hour wreck fishing charters book up fast, especially during prime fishing months when the bite is hot. With only 4 spots available, you're getting a premium experience that larger head boats simply can't provide. The combination of Captain Dale's local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to productive wreck sites makes this one of the top-rated fishing experiences in Morehead City. Whether you
Captain Dale's 2022 Sea Fox center console is built for serious wreck fishing off Morehead City. This 24-footer packs a Yamaha 300HP engine that'll get you out to the productive fishing grounds fast, hitting speeds up to 50 knots when conditions allow. The center console design gives all four anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day targeting Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, and Black Seabass around the wrecks. GPS navigation keeps you on the productive spots, while the fish finder shows you exactly what's happening below. When you need to position quietly over structure, the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on fish without spooking them with engine noise. Captain Dale knows these waters and where the fish are biting. The Sea Fox handles the sometimes rough offshore conditions with ease, so you can focus on putting fish in the cooler rather than worrying about the ride. Perfect setup for small groups who want personalized attention and prime fishing spots.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable crowd-pleasers and excellent table fare. These chunky bottom dwellers typically run 1-4 pounds, though we catch some pushing 8 pounds around deeper wrecks and structure. They love rocky bottoms, artificial reefs, and wrecks in 40-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What makes them fun is they're aggressive biters and great for families - kids love catching them. The meat is fantastic too, sweet and flaky like grouper. They'll hit live bait, cut bait, and small jigs readily. Pro tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid or fish strips, and keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom. They're curious fish that respond to movement, and a little jigging action often triggers strikes.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of the most prized catches off Morehead City. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds. They're loners, cruising around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water during spring and summer. May through July is peak season when they migrate through our area to spawn. Anglers love them because they fight hard and make long runs, plus the meat is premium - firm, white, and tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. They're curious fish that often come up to investigate the boat. Here's my tip: when sight-fishing for cobia, cast a bucktail jig ahead of them and work it slowly along the bottom. Don't cast directly at them or you'll spook these smart fish.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 35 mph in short bursts. These silver torpedoes typically run 2-4 feet long, though we see some pushing 6 feet around here. They patrol reefs, wrecks, and nearshore structure in 20-100 feet of water. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're actively hunting. What anglers love is that explosive strike and initial run - they'll test your reflexes and drag system. They're aggressive hunters that hit fast-moving lures hard. Fair warning though, we typically release these since they can carry ciguatera toxin. My go-to technique: use wire leaders and keep your lures moving quickly. Barracuda are attracted to flash and speed, so shiny spoons and fast-retrieved plugs trigger their predator instincts.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are pure excitement on the line. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when we find the big bulls offshore. They live around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in blue water, usually 20-60 miles out. Summer months are prime time when water temps heat up and baitfish move in. What gets anglers hooked is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is top-shelf too, with that firm white flesh and mild flavor that grills perfectly. Here's what works: when you hook one, keep others in the school interested by leaving hooked fish in the water while rigging fresh lines. Mahi travel in groups, so one fish often means multiple shots.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets around Morehead City, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-30 inches and love hanging out in shallow water from 1-4 feet deep around oyster bars, grass flats, and structure. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespots near the tail. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and strong fight - they'll pull drag and make long runs. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that mild, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait settle quietly. They spook easy in skinny water, so patience pays off.
Morehead City