Wrightsville Beach Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour offshore charter targets King Mackerel, Sailfish, and Mahi.Ventures up to 30 miles offshore with premium gear included.Small group experience accommodates maximum 4 guests per trip.
Looking for a serious offshore fishing adventure that'll put you on some of North Carolina's best game fish? Circle Bak Charters runs one of the top-rated 8-hour charters out of Wrightsville Beach, and we're talking about the real deal here. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get your lines wet - we're heading up to 30 miles offshore where the big fish live. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters: King Mackerel, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Greater Amberjack, and Atlantic Bonito. With a max of 4 anglers per trip, you get plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the crew. All your gear and fishing license are covered, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and get ready for a day you'll be talking about for years.
This 8-hour charter gives you the time you need to really get after it. We're not rushing back to the dock when the fish start biting - that's when the magic happens. The boat heads out early, usually around sunrise, to make the most of those prime morning hours when predators are actively feeding. Once we clear the inlet and hit the Gulf Stream, you're in a completely different world. The water turns that deep blue color, and you know you're in fish-holding territory. The crew keeps a close eye on water temps, current breaks, and structure - that's where the action is. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing; the captain and crew will walk you through everything. They know these waters like the back of their hand and have been putting clients on fish for years. The boat is rigged with quality tackle and electronics, so we're not just blindly trolling around out there.
Offshore trolling is an art form, and Circle Bak Charters has it dialed in. We're running a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and artificial lures at different depths to cover the water column. The boat maintains a steady 6-8 knots, which is perfect for triggering strikes from Kings, Mahi, and Sailfish. The outriggers keep the baits spread wide, and we're constantly adjusting based on conditions and what the fish are telling us. When something hits, you'll know it - the reel starts screaming and it's game on. The crew uses circle hooks, which are great for hook-ups and fish survival if you're planning to release. All the rods are matched with quality reels spooled with fresh line, and there are different setups for different species. If we find a school of Mahi under debris or a weed line, we might switch to casting or vertical jigging. The key is staying flexible and reading what the ocean is giving you that day.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing around Wrightsville Beach. These incredible billfish show up consistently from late spring through fall, with peak action typically in summer months. When a Sail crashes a ballyhoo, the whole boat knows it - they put on an aerial show that's absolutely mind-blowing. Most fish here run 6-8 feet long, and the fight is pure adrenaline. They're primarily catch and release, which means you get the photo and the fish gets to fight another day. The crew is skilled at quick, safe releases to keep these fish healthy.
King Mackerel, or "Kings" as locals call them, are probably the most consistent offshore target in these waters. Spring and fall see the best action, with fish ranging from 15-pound schoolies up to 40+ pound smokers. Kings are excellent eating, so you can take a few home for the table. They're aggressive predators that absolutely crush slow-trolled live bait or pulled dead bait. When you hook into a big King, they'll make several long runs before you get them to the boat. The key is keeping steady pressure and not trying to horse them in.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are probably the most fun fish you'll encounter offshore. These gorgeous fish with their electric colors and acrobatic fights are a customer favorite for good reason. Mahi travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from 5-pound schoolies up to 30+ pound bulls. Mahi are fantastic table fare and fight incredibly hard for their size. They'll jump, run, and generally put on a show that gets everyone on the boat fired up.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the offshore world. These powerful fish live around structure and ledges, and when you hook one, you're in for a serious battle. AJ's don't jump or make flashy runs - they just pull straight down with incredible power. Most fish here run 20-50 pounds, though bigger ones are always possible. They're excellent eating when prepared properly, and the fight is something every angler should experience. You'll definitely feel it in your arms after battling one of these brutes.
Atlantic Bonito might be smaller than the other target species, but don't let that fool you. These mini-tunas are lightning fast and fight way above their weight class. They're most active in cooler months and are fantastic light-tackle targets. Bonito are also excellent eating - think of them as baby tuna. When schools are around, the action can be non-stop, which is perfect for keeping kids or new anglers engaged.
A world-class offshore fishing charter like this doesn't stay available long, especially during peak season. Circle Bak Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and providing a first-rate experience on the water. The 8-hour format gives you the
Step aboard our classic 26' C-Hawk center console and get ready to chase some serious fish in the waters off Wrightsville Beach. This reliable 1994 workhorse packs a powerful 300HP Yamaha that'll cruise at 24 knots, getting you to the good fishing spots fast. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines without bumping elbows. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water - GPS to mark those honey holes, radar for safety, and a fish finder to locate schools below. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and stay entertained between bites with the onboard sound system. Whether you're targeting kings, sailfish, or mahi, this boat has proven herself in offshore waters time and again. She may not be the newest on the dock, but she knows how to find fish and get you back to the marina safely with a cooler full of dinner.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are like small torpedoes with attitude - silver bullets with dark stripes that can hit 40 mph when they want to. These tuna relatives average 8-12 pounds and travel in big schools that you'll spot feeding on the surface, fins up like mini sharks. They're not great eating here in the States, but man, do they fight hard for their size. We find them in mid-water around 50-60°F temps, often mixed with other pelagic species. Fall migration brings the best action when they're chasing baitfish. Once you locate a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw - small metals, plastics, even flies. The trick is to work fast when you find them active. Use light tackle for maximum fun, and don't be surprised if you hook into something bigger that was following the school.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the show-stoppers of offshore fishing - these blue-gray beauties with their massive dorsal fins can stretch up to 10 feet and hit speeds around 30+ mph. We typically find them in 30-65 feet of water during warmer months when water temps hit 70-83°F. What makes them special? The fight. They'll leap, dive, and put on an aerial display that'll have you grinning for weeks. Average catch runs about 50 pounds and 7.5 feet. They hunt in packs, using color changes and that sail to herd baitfish. Pro tip: when you see one, there's usually more around. Keep a teaser ready and work the school - once they're fired up, they'll often take turns hitting your bait. The key is staying patient during that initial run.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the reef - thick-bodied bruisers that'll test your back and your drag system. These bluish-gray fighters average 39 pounds but can push past 80, and they live up to 17 years around structure. We find them on wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200+ feet, especially during spring and summer. They're popular because they fight dirty - long, powerful runs straight for the bottom to wrap you up. The meat's excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky eaters - live bait, jigs, even plugs work. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let it get back to structure. They know every hiding spot down there and will cut you off in a heartbeat. Heavy tackle and strong drag are your friends with these fish.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your tackle and your patience. These olive-backed rockets typically run 20-30 pounds but can push 90+ pounds if you're lucky. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, cruising the deeper channels and drop-offs. Spring through fall are prime time when water temps hit that 68-84°F sweet spot. They're popular because they fight hard, run fast, and make excellent table fare with their white, flaky meat. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and will bite through your leader if you're not prepared. Here's the trick: use a two-hook rig with wire leader - one hook in the bait's nose, second hook trailing behind. Kings love to attack from the rear, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold and electric blue that puts on a light show when you boat them. These surface dwellers average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. We target them in blue water during the warmer months when they're most active. What makes them special? They're gorgeous, fight like crazy, and taste outstanding on the table - firm, sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They mature fast and don't live long, so the population stays healthy. Look for frigate birds working debris piles - that's your money shot. Here's the deal: when you hook one, keep it in the water and work the school. Mahi travel in groups, and seeing their buddy in trouble often fires up the others. You can turn one fish into a boat full real quick.
Wrightsville Beach, NC