Beaufort NC Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore charter targeting Mahi, Wahoo, and Sailfish10-hour trip aboard 27' Contender accommodating up to 4 anglersAll fishing gear included with seasonal operation May through November
Looking for some serious offshore action? This Beaufort charter puts you on the Gulf Stream where the big pelagics roam. We're talking a full 10-hour day targeting some of North Carolina's hottest species - Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Blackfin Tuna. Captain runs a tight 27' Contender that's built for these waters, keeping groups small at just 4 anglers so everyone gets prime time on the rods. Season runs May through mid-November when the fish are stacked up and feeding heavy.
Your day starts early - 5:00 AM sharp from Beaufort Inlet. No worries about gear; everything's dialed in with quality rods, reels, and a tackle box full of proven lures. The game plan mixes high-speed trolling for the pelagics with some bottom drops on the way back to port. Captain knows these ledges and temperature breaks like the back of his hand, adjusting the spread based on what's biting and where the bait's showing up. The 27' Contender handles the offshore chop beautifully, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting a screaming wahoo or working a sailfish to the boat. Expect to cover serious water - we're not just fishing the nearshore stuff, we're getting out where the blue water starts and the real action happens.
This is where the magic happens. Captain runs a full spread of lures designed to trigger strikes from multiple species. We're talking ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, and skirted trolling lures pulled at different speeds and depths to cover the water column. The key out here is reading the water - looking for temperature breaks, weed lines, and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. When we mark bait on the sounder or spot diving birds, that's when things get interesting. The boat's rigged with outriggers to spread the pattern wide, and downriggers to get baits deeper when needed. Captain adjusts trolling speed based on conditions and target species - wahoo like it fast while mahi prefer a more moderate pace. Bottom fishing happens on structure during the ride back, switching to heavier tackle and cut bait for whatever's holding on the ledges.
Mahi Mahi are the crowd favorites out here, and for good reason. These fish are absolutely gorgeous with their electric blues and greens, and they fight like crazy - jumping, tail-walking, and making long runs. Peak season runs June through September when schools of bulls and cows move through following the weed lines. What makes mahi special is they're curious fish - when you hook one, others often stick around, leading to multiple hookups that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for rods. Average fish run 10-20 pounds, but don't be surprised when a bull over 30 pounds crushes your bait.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, hitting trolled baits at 40+ mph and peeling line off reels faster than you can believe. These torpedo-shaped predators are pure muscle, making blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your arms. Best action typically happens early morning or late afternoon when they're actively hunting. The wahoo bite peaks from September through November around Beaufort, with fish averaging 20-40 pounds. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes make every hookup an adrenaline rush - there's nothing quite like hearing that reel scream when a wahoo takes off.
Atlantic Sailfish bring the acrobatics to your fishing day. When one of these billfish hits your spread, get ready for a show - they'll dance across the surface, throwing spray and showing off that massive dorsal fin. Sailfish are catch-and-release only, but the fight is what it's all about. They're smart fighters, using their bill and sail to try shaking the hook, often jumping multiple times in spectacular fashion. The sailfish bite is strongest from May through July and picks up again in late fall. Most fish run 6-8 feet long and 40-60 pounds, providing battles that can last 20-30 minutes on appropriate tackle.
Blackfin Tuna round out the main targets and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent action. These smaller cousins of the yellowfin are built for speed and endurance, making long, steady runs that'll put a serious bend in your rod. They school up in good numbers, so multiple hookups are common when you find them. Blackfins average 10-25 pounds and are excellent table fare - their dark red meat is perfect for searing or making into sushi. They're most active during temperature changes and low-light conditions, often showing up early morning or late in the day when other species slow down.
This charter delivers exactly what serious offshore anglers are looking for - professional guidance, quality gear, and access to some of the best blue water fishing on the East Coast. The captain knows these waters inside and out, putting you on fish while keeping the day fun and educational. With only 4 spots available, you're guaranteed plenty of rod time and personalized attention. Don't forget your valid NC fishing license, plenty of sunscreen, and snacks for the day - the captain provides some beverages, but bring whatever keeps you comfortable during 10 hours on the water. The seasonal window from May to November offers the prime months when these species are most active, so plan accordingly and book early to secure your dates.
This fully restored 1993 Contender 27' center console is purpose-built for serious offshore fishing in North Carolina waters. Twin 200HP Suzuki engines push this fishing machine to a max cruising speed of 40 knots, getting you to the blue water fast when targeting mahi, wahoo, and sailfish. The 2016 restoration brought this classic fishing boat back to peak performance while maintaining the legendary Contender ride quality that cuts through rough seas. Equipped with GPS navigation, radar for early morning runs or weather conditions, and fish finder electronics to locate structure and baitfish, this boat has everything needed for productive offshore fishing. The center console layout maximizes fishing space for up to 4 anglers while providing 360-degree fishability around the entire boat. Whether you're trolling the Gulf Stream edge or working bottom structure on the way back to Beaufort Inlet, this Contender delivers the speed, stability, and fishing capability that serious anglers demand for long offshore runs.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore trips - those massive dorsal fins and electric-blue colors make them absolutely stunning. These billfish average around 50 pounds and 7 feet long, cruising the warm blue water between 30-65 feet deep. They're most active during our season from late spring through fall, especially when the Gulf Stream is pushing in close. What makes them special is that aerial show - they'll jump, tailwalk, and fight like nothing else in the ocean. Most anglers release them since they're not great table fare. The key is getting your baits down in that 30-60 foot zone and staying patient. When one lights up your spread, keep steady pressure but let them run - trying to horse them in just makes them jump more.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish aren't what we typically target on this Beaufort charter since they're mainly a Pacific species found from Alaska to California. These dark-colored bottom dwellers prefer rocky reefs and structure in depths up to 1,200 feet. They average 4-5 pounds but can reach over 10 pounds, living up to 50 years. Anglers like them because they're aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything - jigs, cut bait, or live anchovies work well. They've got venomous spines, so handle with care. The fight isn't spectacular since they're bottom fish, but they're good eating and fairly easy to catch once you find them. Use medium tackle with enough weight to get down to their level near rocky structure and jetties.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, or false albacore as some call them, are the scrappy fighters that'll test your arms and your tackle. These torpedo-shaped fish average 10-12 pounds but punch way above their weight class. They school up near the surface around jetties, inlets, and temperature breaks, making plenty of noise when they're feeding. We see them best during the warmer months when bait is thick. What makes them fun is that relentless fight - they'll pull drag and keep pulling until you're both worn out. The dark red meat isn't for everyone, but it's actually pretty tasty when handled right. Listen for the commotion when they're feeding on bait schools - they get loud and messy. Troll bright feathers or cast into the feeding frenzy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with those brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that light up like a neon sign when they're hooked. They average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in the warm offshore waters. We find them best from late spring through fall when water temps are up. What makes them special is that wild fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus, the meat is fantastic - white, flaky, and perfect for the grill. Here's a local tip: when you see one, stick around. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Keep a few baits in the water after landing your first fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, hitting up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth. These sleek predators typically run 3-5 feet long and cruise the open blue water, often showing up near temperature breaks and current edges. Summer through fall is prime time around here, especially during the cooler morning hours. What gets anglers fired up is that blistering initial run - they'll scream line off your reel like nothing else. The meat is top-shelf too, white and delicate like premium tuna. Pro tip: run your lures fast, around 12-15 knots, and always use wire leaders. Those teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When you hook one, hang on tight because the first few seconds are pure chaos.
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