Charter Fishing Wrightsville Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning charter targeting Bluefish and Spanish MackerelExperienced captain provides local knowledge and swift boat accessSmall group fishing adventure accommodates up to four guests
Picture this: you're standing on the deck at sunrise, coffee steaming in your hand, watching the sun paint Wrightsville Beach's waters in gold. That's how your four-hour morning fishing adventure with Circle Bak Charters kicks off. Our captain has been working these waters for years and knows every productive ledge, structure, and drop-off where the fish like to hang out. This isn't just another boat ride – it's a genuine North Carolina inshore fishing experience that'll have you talking about it long after you've cleaned your catch.
Circle Bak Charters runs a fast boat that'll get you to the honey holes without burning half your fishing time getting there. We keep our groups small – just four anglers max – so you're not fighting for elbow room or waiting forever for your turn at the hot rod. The captain's got the local knowledge that makes all the difference, from reading the water temperature to knowing which baits are working on any given day. You'll spend most of your time with lines wet, working the productive inshore waters where Wrightsville Beach's fish populations thrive. The morning bite is typically the most productive time, and we make sure you're positioned right when the action starts heating up.
We fish smart on these charters, using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are telling us. The captain will have you working with spinning gear that's perfectly matched to the species we're targeting. Some days we're drifting live shrimp over structure for grouper, other mornings we're casting spoons and jigs to breaking fish. The beauty of Wrightsville Beach's inshore waters is the variety – we might be bottom fishing one minute and sight-casting to surface feeding fish the next. All your tackle and bait comes with the trip, though you're welcome to bring your own lucky rod if you've got one. The boat's rigged with quality gear that can handle everything from scrappy Spanish mackerel to bull-strong grouper.
Atlantic Bonito show up in good numbers during their seasonal runs, typically from late fall through early spring. These fish are absolute rockets – they'll scream drag and test your arms with blistering runs that can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. What makes bonito so special here is how they hunt in packs, often creating feeding frenzies that'll have every rod on the boat bent at once. They're fantastic table fare too, with meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the old-timers call them, are the crown jewel of any inshore charter when they're around. These fish hit like freight trains and put on an aerial show that'll have you scrambling for your phone. The bigger bulls can push 20-30 pounds and fight with a combination of power and acrobatics that few fish can match. Peak mahi season runs late spring through early fall, and when we find floating debris or weed lines, that's where these beauties like to hang out.
Spanish Mackerel are Wrightsville Beach bread-and-butter fish that provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. They're speed demons that love small spoons and jigs, and they'll often save the day when the bite gets tough. Don't let their size fool you – a good Spanish will bend your rod and make multiple runs. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the inshore scene. These bottom dwellers are ambush predators that live around structure and ledges. When a gag hits, there's no mistaking it – they grab your bait and head straight for the rocks. The fight is all about power and determination, and landing a keeper gag is something to be proud of. They're also fantastic on the dinner table, with firm white meat that's perfect for any preparation.
Bluefish are the aggressive feeders that can turn a slow day into non-stop action in minutes. When blues move in, they attack everything that moves, creating some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere. They travel in schools and feed with a ferocity that's amazing to witness. Blues fight hard for their size and are excellent smoked or grilled fresh.
This top-rated morning charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing season. Circle Bak Charters has built a reputation for putting anglers on fish, and word gets around quickly in the Wrightsville Beach fishing community. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some North Carolina species to your list or a newcomer wanting to experience world-class inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The four-hour format gives you plenty of fishing time without eating up your whole day, leaving you time to explore Wrightsville Beach or get your catch cleaned and iced down. Don't wait – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is just a phone call away.
This 26' C-Hawk center console is your ticket to prime fishing waters around Wrightsville Beach. Built in 1994 and powered by a reliable 300HP Yamaha, she cuts through the waves at 24 knots to get you to the hot spots fast. The spacious deck gives up to 4 anglers plenty of room to work the rods without bumping elbows. Captain keeps drinks cold in the onboard icebox while you're battling Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel. Modern fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, and GPS navigation keeps you on the productive grounds. Radar handles those early morning runs when visibility gets sketchy. Perfect setup for serious anglers who want to maximize their time with lines in the water instead of burning daylight getting there.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are silver speedsters that look like small tuna but pack serious speed - up to 40 mph. These 8-12 pound fighters travel in large schools and feed aggressively at the surface, often with their fins showing like mini sharks. You'll find them in open water during warmer months, typically 60+ degree temps. They're not great eating here, but the fight is wild - they'll strip line fast and jump when hooked. Best caught trolling fast-moving lures or casting into feeding schools. Watch for diving birds - they'll lead you right to the action. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure since they can't stop swimming to breathe and will tire quickly if you stay on them.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that travel in schools and provide non-stop action when feeding. These blue-green fighters typically run 2-8 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and attitudes to match. You'll find them in surf, inlets, and nearshore waters from late spring through fall, often creating feeding frenzies called "bluefish blitz." They hit hard and fight dirty - perfect for anglers wanting fast action. Smaller ones are excellent eating, especially when bled and iced immediately. They'll take almost anything - spoons, plugs, cut bait, or live offerings. My advice: use a wire leader since they'll cut regular line instantly, and watch your fingers when handling - those teeth mean business and can deliver nasty cuts.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 20 inches but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These bottom dwellers love rocky structure, wrecks, and hard bottom in 40-120 feet of water. Peak season runs late fall through early spring before they head offshore to spawn. What makes gags special is that bone-jarring strike followed by a bulldozing fight straight for the rocks. They're primo table fare too - sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Use live pinfish, mullet, or cut bait on circle hooks with heavy tackle. The trick is setting the drag tight and horsing them up immediately after hookup. Give them an inch and they'll dive into structure and cut you off every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the golden beauties of offshore fishing, growing fast to 15-30 pounds with stunning color changes when hooked. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and warm Gulf Stream waters. Best fishing happens late spring through early fall when water temps hit the 70s. What makes them special is that amazing fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a show while flashing brilliant yellows and blues. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish out there with sweet, firm white meat. My tip: when you boat one mahi, keep the school around by leaving one in the water while you rig fresh lines - they rarely travel alone and you'll often get multiple hookups.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, flashy fighters that run 1-3 pounds and hit like lightning. These silver speedsters with yellow spots school up near the surface and are perfect for light tackle action. You'll find them around structures, jetties, and open water from late spring through fall when the water warms up. They're fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that's great grilled or fried. What guests love is the non-stop action when you find a school. Use light spinning gear with small spoons or live shrimp. Here's the key: fish fast and keep moving. Once a school moves on, don't waste time - they're chasing bait and won't sit still. Wire leaders help since their teeth can cut mono.
Wrightsville Beach, NC