Half Day Barracuda And Mackerel Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Four-hour near shore fishing trip targeting barracuda and mackerelMaximum four guests with Captain Shad's Coastal ChartersShore-based fishing adventure in Calabash's coastal waters
Looking for some serious action on the water? This 4-hour near shore fishing adventure out of Calabash puts you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's best mackerel and barracuda territory. Captain Shad knows exactly where these fish hang out, and he's got the boat positioned perfectly to get you hooked up fast. With room for up to 4 anglers, this trip keeps things personal - no crowded decks or waiting your turn to fish. You'll be casting into clear coastal waters where the Spanish mackerel are schooling up and those toothy barracuda are prowling the edges, ready to slam your bait. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're just getting your feet wet, this half-day charter delivers the kind of bent-rod action that keeps people coming back.
Captain Shad runs a tight ship, and you'll feel that confidence the moment you step aboard. The morning starts with a quick run to the fishing grounds - usually just a short hop from the Calabash inlet to where the structure and current create perfect hunting grounds for our target species. The boat's rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from the lightning-fast runs of a king mackerel to the explosive strikes of a barracuda. You'll be fishing in 20 to 60 feet of water, where the bottom structure and bait schools create an underwater highway for these predators. The captain reads the water like a book - watching for diving birds, bait schools, and those telltale signs that fish are feeding. When the bite's on, it's go time, and you'll find yourself in the middle of some serious fish-catching action that makes those 4 hours fly by way too fast.
This charter runs a mix of trolling and live bait fishing, depending on what the fish are telling us on any given day. The trolling spread typically includes a combination of spoons, diving plugs, and rigged ballyhoo that cover different depths and speeds to target both mackerel species and barracuda. Captain Shad adjusts the trolling speed based on water temperature and fish activity - sometimes we're pulling baits at 6 knots for kings, other times we're slowing it down for Spanish mackerel that prefer a more subtle presentation. When the fish are holding tight to structure, we'll switch to live bait fishing with spinning gear, using everything from live shrimp to small baitfish. The boat carries a full selection of tackle, from 20-pound class spinning outfits perfect for Spanish mackerel to heavier conventional gear that can handle a big king or cuda. All gear is included, but if you've got a lucky rod or favorite reel, feel free to bring it along.
The Spanish mackerel have been the consistent performers this season, with fish ranging from 2 to 4 pounds providing steady action throughout the trip. These aggressive feeders school up in large numbers, and when you find them, it's common to hook doubles and triples. King mackerel have been showing up in better numbers lately, with several fish in the 15 to 25-pound range coming over the rail. The barracuda fishing has been exceptional, particularly around the nearshore wrecks and ledges where these ambush predators wait for an easy meal. Most cuda are running 3 to 8 pounds, but don't be surprised if something bigger crashes the party. The beauty of this fishery is the variety - you never know if the next strike is going to be a screaming king mackerel or a lightning-fast barracuda that jumps three feet out of the water.
Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These streamlined speedsters hit hard and fight with incredible determination for their size. Running typically 1 to 4 pounds, they're perfect on light tackle and provide consistent action throughout the warmer months. Spanish mackerel school heavily from late spring through early fall, and they're not shy about their feeding - you'll see them busting bait on the surface and creating those telltale slicks that get every angler's heart racing. They're also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill.
King mackerel are the heavyweight champions of this trip, and landing one is always a highlight. These fish can reach impressive sizes, with anything over 20 pounds considered a really nice fish in these waters. Kings are known for their blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked, often jumping multiple times before you get them to the boat. They're most active during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant, and they tend to patrol the edges of structures and current breaks. The best king fishing typically happens from late spring through early fall, with peak action during the summer months when water temperatures hit their stride.
Barracuda bring a different kind of excitement to the table with their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. These toothy predators are ambush hunters that can appear out of nowhere to slam a bait, often launching themselves completely out of the water in the process. Most barracuda in these waters run 3 to 10 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. They're year-round residents but are most active during warmer months. Cuda are also curious fish - they'll often follow a hooked fish right to the boat, giving you a great look at these impressive predators before they disappear back into the blue.
This half-day charter hits the sweet spot for both experienced anglers and families looking to get into some serious fish. With only 4 spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention from Captain Shad and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The near shore waters off Calabash are some of the most productive fishing grounds on the Carolina coast, and this
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 23' Triton Seahunt center console, powered by a robust 150HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast with speeds up to 45 knots. This 2001 workhorse comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing barracuda and mackerel in Calabash waters. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools, GPS keeps us on productive spots, and radar ensures safe navigation. VHF radio maintains contact with other boats and shore. Whether you're targeting aggressive barracuda or battling king mackerel, this boat's stable platform and open layout make landing fish easier. The coastal waters around Calabash offer excellent near shore fishing, and this versatile boat handles the conditions perfectly while providing the speed and comfort needed for a productive half-day trip.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are pure excitement on light tackle - aggressive predators with attitude and speed to match. These torpedo-shaped fish average 3-8 pounds around here and can hit 35 mph when they want your lure. You'll find them prowling shallow water near structure, grass beds, and drop-offs, usually in 10-30 feet. They're year-round residents but most active in warmer months. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and generally raise hell. The meat's decent eating if prepared right, but most folks fish them for the sport. Use anything shiny that moves fast - spoons, tube lures, or live bait work great. Just remember to use a wire leader - those razor teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the heavy hitters of the mackerel family and a real prize catch on our nearshore trips. These bruisers average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, and they'll test your drag system with blistering runs. We typically find them in 40-100 feet of water around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're moving through our area. What makes kings special is their incredible speed and stamina - they're built like torpedoes and fight like it. The meat's rich and oily, great for the grill. My go-to setup is live bait on a wire leader with two hooks - one through the nose, one free-swinging near the tail, because kings love to bite bait in half.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver speedsters are some of the most fun fish you'll encounter off Calabash. Spanish mackerel typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in big schools near the surface, making them perfect for action-packed trips. You'll find them around structure in 15-40 feet of water, especially during warmer months from late spring through early fall. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, plus they're fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key to success is using light tackle with shiny spoons or small jigs. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep working the same area quickly - where there's one Spanish, there's usually a whole school ready to bite.
Calabash