Wrightsville Beach Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore charter targeting King Mackerel and SailfishAll gear and fishing licenses included for groupsVentures up to 30 miles offshore with Circle Bak Charters
When you're looking for a serious offshore fishing adventure, Circle Bak Charters delivers exactly what anglers dream about. Our 8-hour charter from Wrightsville Beach takes you up to 30 miles offshore, where the big fish live and the action never stops. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to finding the fish that'll make your buddies back home jealous. With space for just 4 anglers, you get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your day starts early at the Wrightsville Beach marina, where we'll get you sorted with all the gear you need. No worries about bringing tackle or sorting out licenses – we've got that covered so you can focus on what matters: catching fish. Once we clear the inlet, it's game time. The waters off Wrightsville Beach are legendary for holding big pelagic species, and with 8 hours to work with, we can chase the bite wherever it takes us. Whether we're trolling the blue water for sailfish or working structure for kings and amberjack, every minute on the water is prime time. The Gulf Stream's influence creates perfect conditions for the species that get your heart pumping, and with our local knowledge, we know exactly where to put you on them.
We run a variety of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. Trolling is our bread and butter for pelagics – we'll spread a pattern of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs to cover the water column. When we mark fish or hit structure, we switch to live bait fishing with goggle eyes, cigar minnows, or whatever bait is working best. All our tackle is tournament-grade stuff that can handle whatever we hook into. We're talking Penn and Shimano reels spooled with quality line, matched to rods that have the backbone to move big fish but enough flexibility to fight them properly. Our outriggers let us cover maximum water when trolling, and we always have the downriggers ready if we need to get baits deeper. The boat is rigged for serious fishing – fighting chair, proper rocket launcher setup, and a captain who knows how to position the boat for the best shot at landing whatever we hook.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore waters, and hooking one is something every angler needs to experience. These fish show up year-round but peak from November through April when cooler water brings them closer to shore. Sails average 6-8 feet and put on an aerial display that'll leave you speechless. They're lightning fast on the initial run and love to jump, making them one of the most challenging and rewarding fish you'll ever fight. Most anglers consider landing a sailfish a milestone achievement, and the photos alone are worth the trip.
King Mackerel are our local legends and the fish that built Wrightsville Beach's reputation as a fishing destination. These speedsters can hit 40+ mph and make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. Spring through fall is prime time, with the biggest fish – we call them smokers – showing up when the water temperature is just right. A 30-pound king is a solid fish, but we see plenty in the 40-50 pound range. They're excellent table fare too, so you'll go home with more than just photos and stories.
Atlantic Bonito might not get the respect they deserve, but these fish are pure adrenaline. They show up in huge schools and attack baits with incredible aggression. Bonito are built for speed and stamina, making long runs and fighting way above their weight class. They're fantastic on lighter tackle and perfect for anglers who want non-stop action. When we find a school of bonito, it's game on until your arms give out.
Mahi Mahi are the fish that make offshore fishing magical. Their incredible colors and acrobatic fights make every hookup special, and they're hands-down the best eating fish in our waters. Mahi travel in schools and love floating structure – when we find them, we often find lots of them. Spring and summer are peak season when they follow the Gulf Stream north. A bull mahi over 30 pounds is a fish of a lifetime, but even the smaller ones put up fights that'll leave you grinning.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the offshore world. These fish live around structure and fight with pure power, making long runs to the bottom and testing every piece of your tackle. AJ's can exceed 100 pounds, and anything over 50 is considered a trophy fish. They're most active in warmer months and provide the kind of arm-burning fights that separate the serious anglers from the weekend warriors. Landing a big amberjack requires patience, proper technique, and a lot of determination.
This 8-hour charter gives you the best shot at the fish that make Wrightsville Beach famous. With everything provided and space for just 4 anglers, you're getting a premium experience that focuses on results. The offshore waters hold world-class fishing, and our local knowledge puts you on the fish that other boats are still looking for. Whether you're chasing your first sailfish, looking for a trophy king, or just want a day of solid action, this trip delivers. Don't wait – the best fishing days fill up fast, and the fish are biting now. Book your spot and get ready for the kind of fishing day that becomes the story you'll tell for years to come.
Hit the deep blue aboard our reliable 26' C-Hawk center console, powered by a strong 300HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fishing grounds at 24 knots. This 1994 workhorse handles offshore waters like a champ and comfortably fishes up to 4 anglers. You'll find everything you need onboard - an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a solid fish finder to locate those King Mackerel and Mahi schools. The GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, even when conditions get sketchy out there. With 30 miles of prime fishing territory within reach, this boat puts you right where the Sailfish and other game fish are biting. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during the ride out, but once those lines hit the water, it's all about the fish. Perfect setup for serious anglers who want to get after it on an 8-hour offshore adventure.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are the scrappy fighters that often steal the show on our trips. These silver torpedoes with dark stripes reach 12 pounds and pack serious speed - up to 40 mph. They school in huge numbers and feed aggressively in mid-water, rarely going deeper than 100 feet. Best fishing happens when water temps are in the 60s, typically spring and fall. You'll spot them by watching for diving birds over feeding schools. What makes them fun? Pure aggression - once you find a school, they'll hit almost anything you throw. They're not great table fare here, but the action is non-stop. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water and work the school. Bonito are curious, and that hooked fish will often bring the whole school right to the boat for multiple hookups.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, hitting up to 30+ mph with that signature dorsal fin raised like a battle flag. These blue-gray beauties average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, but can grow much larger. You'll find them in 30-65 feet of water, though they'll dive deeper when hunting. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit 70-80°F. What makes them special? That fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on a show that'll test your endurance. Plus, they change colors when excited, flashing stripes to communicate with other sailfish. Here's a local trick: when you see one, there's usually more around. Keep a teaser ready because once they're fired up, they often hunt in groups and you might get multiple hookups.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, averaging 30-40 pounds but growing to over 100. These bluish-gray bruisers with that distinctive amber stripe live around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 60-200+ feet. Spring spawning season (April-May) offers prime action, though they bite year-round. What draws anglers? Pure power - they'll test your tackle and your back with bulldog runs straight for the bottom. The meat's excellent if you avoid ciguatera by keeping fish under 30 pounds. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, jigs, or cut bait. Here's the deal with amberjack: the moment you hook one, start cranking hard and don't let up. If you give them slack or let them get their head down, they'll wrap you around the structure below. Keep constant pressure and work them up fast - it's a tug-of-war you need to win early.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the workhorses of our offshore trips, averaging 20-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. These olive-backed speedsters cruise in 40-150 foot depths, often around structure or temperature breaks. Fall and spring produce the best action when they're actively feeding on blue runners, menhaden, and squid. What guests love about kings is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat's excellent too, though watch the mercury in larger fish. They're not picky eaters, but here's what works best: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Put one hook in the nose, let the other dangle near the tail. Kings typically grab bait from behind, so that trailing hook often makes the difference between a hookup and a missed opportunity.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the colorful showstoppers that change from brilliant gold and blue to silver right before your eyes. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds but can push 50+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in blue water beyond the continental shelf. Summer through early fall brings the best action when water temps climb above 75°F. What makes mahi special? That spectacular fight with multiple jumps, plus they're absolutely delicious - firm, mild, and perfect on the grill. They're curious fish that often travel in pairs or small schools. Here's the key: when you hook one, don't boat it immediately. Keep it in the water and work around it - mahi are loyal to each other and the hooked fish will often hold the others nearby for double or triple hookups.
Wrightsville Beach, NC