5.0(4 Reviews)Wanchese NC Charter | 12 Hour Private Charter Trip
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore charter targets bluefish, mahi, and sailfishPrivate boat accommodates up to 6 guests with expert captainsExtended trip allows exploration of diverse Outer Banks fishing grounds
When you're ready to experience some of the best offshore fishing on the East Coast, this 12-hour private charter out of Wanchese puts you right in the heart of the action. Captain Otto and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you hooked up to some serious fish before you know it. The Outer Banks offer some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Atlantic, and with a full day on the water, you'll have plenty of time to work the hotspots where the big pelagics love to hunt. Your group of up to 6 anglers will have the boat all to yourselves, which means no fighting for rod time and no rushing to accommodate other parties.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Twelve hours gives you the luxury of really exploring different areas and adjusting your game plan based on what the fish are doing. You'll start the day running out to the blue water where the Gulf Stream creates the perfect conditions for billfish and pelagics. The crew will set up a solid trolling spread with outriggers, and you'll cover water while keeping your eyes peeled for birds, debris lines, and temperature breaks that hold fish. When the action heats up, you'll have time to really work an area instead of having to move on. The boat comes equipped with all the tackle you'll need, from heavy trolling gear to lighter spinning setups for when you want to throw live bait or work the surface.
The crew runs a professional trolling operation with multiple lines in the water targeting different zones of the water column. You'll see everything from big ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks to colorful lures that mimic flying fish and squid. The outriggers let you spread your pattern wide, and the captain knows exactly what speed to run based on conditions and target species. When you hook up to a marlin or sailfish, the crew will clear the other lines fast so you can fight your fish without tangles. They'll coach you through the fight, helping you work the fish properly and get the best photos before a healthy release. For the hard-fighting tunas and mahi, you'll appreciate having quality drag systems and comfortable fighting belts when these fish make their runs.
"Captain Otto and Ian are an excellent crew to fish with! They had us catching fish as soon as we had reached our destination. I highly recommend Deep Blue! Thanks for the memories!!" - Stephanie Earle
"fished the Alice Kelly women's tournament with captain Otto and is awesome mate Ian had the best time and really put use on the fish great boat!" - Angela
"First time going deep sea fishing and had a awesome time, we were blessed enough to bring home coolers full of wahoo. From the captain to the maté overall did an amazing job. Thank you so much" - Brooks
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the billfish world, and when one crashes your spread, get ready for a show. These fish average 40 to 80 pounds and are famous for their multiple jumps and tail-walking displays. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water pushes them closer to shore. What makes sailfish so special is their aggressive nature – they'll often come in hot on a teaser and switch to your bait right at the boat. The fights are spectacular but manageable for most anglers, making them perfect for first-time billfish encounters.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate trophy for most offshore anglers, and the waters off North Carolina produce some genuine giants. These fish can range from school-sized 200-pounders up to true granders exceeding 1,000 pounds. Summer months from June through September offer your best shot when these fish follow the warm water and baitfish north. Blues are known for their incredible power and stamina – a good fish will test your equipment and your endurance. Even a smaller blue marlin will give you a fight you'll remember for years.
Mahi Mahi, also called common dolphinfish, bring nonstop action and some of the best eating you'll find offshore. These fish travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and temperature changes, making them perfect targets during your long day on the water. Mahi hit hard, jump repeatedly, and their brilliant colors make for amazing photos. They're also one of the few pelagic species that taste as good as they fight, so you'll want to keep a few for the dinner table.
Yellowfin Tuna are pure muscle and represent some of the toughest fights you'll encounter offshore. These fish can exceed 200 pounds in local waters and are known for their initial blistering runs followed by sustained deep fights. They often travel with dolphins, creating some of the most exciting fishing scenarios when you find a feeding school. Yellowfins are also prized for their sashimi-grade meat, making them a favorite target for anglers who appreciate both the fight and the table fare.
White Marlin might be smaller than their blue cousins, but they make up for size with attitude and acrobatics. These fish typically range from 50 to 100 pounds and are known for their aggressive strikes and spectacular jumps. They're often the most cooperative billfish when it comes to teasing and switching baits, providing consistent action throughout the season. White marlin fishing peaks during summer months, and these fish often travel in small groups, giving you multiple shot opportunities during a single encounter.
A 12-hour private charter represents serious value for groups who want to maximize their time on the water and target trophy fish without the constraints of shorter trips. You'll have the flexibility to
Step aboard our beautifully restored 57ft Island Boat Works sportfisher, your home base for a full day chasing trophy fish off the Outer Banks. This meticulously maintained vessel got a complete makeover in 2014 and packs twin 580HP Caterpillar engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising comfortably at 29 knots. Built specifically for serious anglers, she's equipped with everything you need including GPS navigation, advanced fish finder technology, air conditioning to beat the heat, plus a bed and head for those long offshore runs. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines whether you're targeting bluefish, mahi mahi, or hoping to tangle with sailfish. The combination of modern electronics, reliable power, and fishing-focused design makes this the perfect platform for your 12-hour adventure in these legendary North Carolina waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter off the Outer Banks. These striking fish average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin and brilliant blue coloring that changes when they're fired up. We typically find them in 30-65 feet of water during warmer months, especially spring through fall when water temps hit that sweet spot above 70 degrees. What makes them special is their speed and acrobatics - they'll leap, dive, and put on a real show when hooked. Plus, they're one of the fastest fish in the ocean. Here's a local tip: when trolling for sails, slow your spread down and watch for that telltale fin cutting the surface behind your baits. Once you get a bite, don't horse them - let them run first, then work them steady.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate offshore prize and the biggest billfish we target out here. These massive fish can reach over 1000 pounds, though most we see run 200-400 pounds. The females are much larger than males, sometimes four times the size. They roam the deep blue water along temperature breaks and current edges, usually in 100+ feet. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when warm water pushes closer to shore. What makes them legendary is their raw power and aerial displays - they'll sound deep, then come up tailwalking across the surface. The meat's excellent too, though many folks release these giants. Here's something most don't know: when you see a marlin behind your spread, resist the urge to speed up. Keep that bait swimming natural and let the fish make the decision to eat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most colorful and tasty fish we target offshore. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds, with those distinctive blunt heads on males and brilliant gold sides that light up like neon when they're hooked. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when they move through our area following warm water. What guests love is their aggressive strikes, strong runs, and that amazing color show they put on during the fight. Plus, they're fantastic eating - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Here's a tip from years of chasing them: when you hook one, keep it in the water and work the area hard. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the smaller, more abundant cousins to blue marlin, but they're no less exciting to catch. These sleek billfish typically run 40-80 pounds and about 6-7 feet long, with that classic blue-black back and white belly. They cruise the deep water along canyon edges and temperature breaks, usually in 100+ feet. Summer is prime time when they follow baitfish north along our coast. What makes white marlin special is their acrobatic fighting style - they'll greyhound across the surface and make multiple jumps. They're also more likely to bite than blues, giving you better odds at a billfish. The key is trolling dead ballyhoo or small lures at 6-8 knots around structure. Here's something I've learned over the years: when you see a white marlin teasing behind the spread, don't get excited and change speeds. Stay steady and let the fish commit.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are powerful, fast fish that'll test your tackle and endurance. Most we catch run 30-100 pounds, though they can reach 400+ pounds. These torpedo-shaped fish have bright yellow fins and can hit 50 mph - they're built for speed and stamina. We find them in the upper water column, usually 50-300 feet deep around structure, temperature breaks, and bird activity. Peak season is summer into fall when baitfish are thick offshore. What makes yellowfin special is their incredible strength and the way they dive deep, then make long runs that'll burn your arms. The meat is premium sushi-grade, deep red and rich. Trolling, chunking, and jigging all work well. Here's a local secret: when they're finicky, try switching to smaller baits and lighter leaders. Sometimes that 60-pound leader instead of 80 makes all the difference.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Otto and Ian are an excellent crew to fish with! They had us catching fish as soon as we had reached our destination. I h...
fished the Alice Kelly women's tournament with captain Otto and is awesome mate Ian had the best time and really put use on the fi...
We just went out in a trip and it was awesome cant wait to go again
First time going deep sea fishing and had a awesome time, we were blessed enough to bring home coolers full of wahoo. From the cap...
Raleigh