10-Hour Offshore Adventure with Buddy Buoys
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesCaptain Paul guides trips for Wahoo, Tuna, and MahiSmall group charter accommodates up to 4 guests
Captain Paul knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his boat for this 10-hour deep sea adventure, you're signing up for some serious fishing action off the Crystal Coast. Based out of Beaufort, NC, this charter takes you where the big fish live – whether that's working the nearshore structure for hard-fighting kings and reds, or pushing out to the blue water where wahoo and blackfin tuna patrol the currents. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows, and Captain Paul's decades of experience mean you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – 10 hours gives you real time to cover water and find the bite. You'll start early, meeting at the dock while it's still dark to maximize your fishing time. Captain Paul will brief you on the game plan based on current conditions, recent reports, and what species are most active. The first part of your day might involve working the nearshore reefs and structure for kingfish and redfish, using live bait and trolling tactics that have produced fish in these waters for generations. As the day progresses, you'll likely push further offshore where the water turns that deep blue color that gets every angler's heart racing. Out here, you'll deploy a spread of lures and baits designed to trigger strikes from pelagic species like wahoo, blackfin tuna, and the occasional mahi that might be following floating debris or weed lines.
Captain Paul runs a well-equipped boat with quality tackle sized for the fish you're targeting. For the offshore portion, expect to see a combination of high-speed trolling for wahoo and blackfin tuna, along with some slower trolling when conditions call for it. The boat carries an arsenal of proven lures – ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, spoons, and diving plugs that have fooled countless fish in these waters. When working inshore structure, you'll likely switch to live bait fishing and bottom rigs designed to entice redfish and kingfish holding around reefs and ledges. The captain provides all rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but if you have a lucky lure or favorite rod, bring it along. The key to success out here is covering water efficiently while reading the signs – bird activity, bait schools, water temperature breaks, and bottom structure all play into where you'll set up and how you'll fish.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, and the waters off Beaufort hold some quality fish, especially during the cooler months from November through March. These silver bullets can reach speeds over 60 mph and will test your reflexes when they hit a high-speed trolled lure. Wahoo typically run 15-40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional fish pushing 50+ pounds. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs, making them one of the most exciting catches you can hook into. The meat is white, flaky, and considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Northern Kingfish, or king mackerel as they're commonly called, are the bread and butter of many Carolina fishing trips. These aggressive predators patrol the nearshore waters and offshore structure, typically ranging from 10-30 pounds with trophy fish exceeding 40 pounds. Kings are most active during the warmer months from April through October, and they'll hit both live bait and trolled lures with authority. Their initial run is legendary among anglers – they'll peel line off your reel while jumping and tail-walking across the surface. The fight combines speed, power, and aerial acrobatics that make every hookup memorable.
Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of the offshore scene, and while they might not grow as large as their yellowfin cousins, they make up for it with sheer numbers and fighting ability. Most blackfins in these waters run 5-15 pounds, but they're built like footballs and fight with the tenacity of fish twice their size. They school heavily during certain times of the year, particularly in fall and winter, and when you find them, fast action is almost guaranteed. Blackfins are also fantastic table fare – their dark red meat is perfect for searing, and many anglers consider them superior to yellowfin for sashimi.
A 10-hour charter with Captain Paul represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. You're getting access to prime fishing grounds, professional guidance, and the kind of comprehensive fishing experience that creates lasting memories. The Crystal Coast's reputation as a world-class fishing destination didn't happen by accident – these waters consistently produce quality fish year-round, and Captain Paul's local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots. Whether you're looking to check some bucket-list species off your list, planning a special celebration, or just want to experience what Carolina offshore fishing is all about, this charter delivers the goods. Book early, especially during peak seasons, as spots fill up quickly for quality captains running full-day trips.
Captain Paul's 32-foot Wellcraft center console is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in Beaufort's productive waters. This 2004 boat got a complete makeover in 2016 and runs on twin 250HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 34 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, and Mahi Mahi. The fish finder helps locate the action while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe. A wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them, and there's a head onboard for those long 10-hour trips. Built for comfort and performance, this center console handles the open water with ease while giving everyone room to fight fish and move around the deck.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but don't let that fool you - these fish are pure muscle and attitude. Most of ours run 5-15 pounds with dark backs, yellow highlights, and that classic tuna build. We target them in 80-200 feet of water around structure and temperature changes, especially during cooler months when they move closer to shore. They school up tight and feed aggressively on baitfish. What makes them popular is that classic tuna fight - long, powerful runs that'll burn drag fast. The meat is dark red and rich, perfect for sashimi or searing. These fish have incredible eyesight, so scale down your tackle. Use light fluorocarbon leaders with small circle hooks, and try vertical jigging or chunking with pilchards. When you find one, there's usually more around.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern kingfish are scrappy little fighters that'll surprise you with their tenacity. These bronze and silver beauties average 10-14 inches and rarely top two pounds, but they punch way above their weight class. You'll find them rooting around sandy and rocky bottoms in shallow water, using that single barbel under their chin to hunt crabs, worms, and small fish. Late summer is when they're thickest along our beaches and nearshore waters. What guests love is how they fight - constant head shakes and runs despite their size. The white meat is sweet and flaky too. Being in the drum family, they're built to scrap. Best approach is light tackle with small hooks and fresh bloodworms or clam strips on the bottom. Keep your bait right on the sand where they feed.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are absolute rockets - hitting speeds up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. These beautiful fish sport bright blue backs with zebra-like stripes and razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono like butter. Most run 20-40 pounds around here, though they can push 100+. We find them year-round off Beaufort, but summer through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavy in 100-300 feet of water near structure and temperature breaks. What makes them special is that blistering run when hooked - pure adrenaline. Plus, the meat is white, flaky, and delicious. Pro tip: always use wire leader and troll fast with ballyhoo or high-speed lures at 12-15 knots. When you hook one, hang on tight because they'll test your drag system right off the bat.
Beaufort, NC