Full-Day Offshore Bottom Fishing in Corolla, NC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore charter targeting snapper and grouper speciesCaptain Keith Cummings guides trips to deepwater wrecksHeavy tackle bottom fishing techniques over productive structure
Captain Keith Cummings knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his 8-hour offshore bottom fishing charter out of Corolla puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking deep-water wrecks, productive reefs, and gnarly hard-bottom structure that holds snapper, grouper, and a mixed bag of reef species year-round. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're making the run to the good stuff where the bottom drops off and the fish stack up thick. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows, and Captain Keith's local knowledge means we're fishing the spots that consistently produce.
Your day starts early with a serious offshore run to reach the prime fishing grounds off the Outer Banks. We're not messing around with shallow water here – this is deep-structure fishing where the real action happens. The extended time on the water gives us flexibility to hit multiple spots and adjust based on what's biting. Captain Keith reads the conditions like a book, whether we're working the edges of underwater ledges or dropping baits over known wrecks that hold fish consistently. The Outer Banks structure is legendary for good reason – these underwater features create the perfect ambush points for predator fish, and that's exactly where we'll be setting up shop. Expect to feel the weight of serious fish on heavy tackle, and don't be surprised when something bigger than expected grabs your bait and starts peeling drag.
We're fishing with purpose out here, using heavy bottom rigs designed to get down fast and stay put in the current. Captain Keith runs quality tackle that can handle the big boys – we're talking stout rods, reels with serious drag systems, and terminal tackle built for the job. The technique is all about precision: dropping your rig to the bottom near structure, feeling for that perfect spot where the fish are holding, and being ready when something grabs hold. We'll be working deep ledges where the bottom changes dramatically, using everything from chicken rigs to knocker rigs depending on what the fish want that day. The key is reading the bottom through your rod tip and knowing when you're in the strike zone. Captain Keith will put you on the fish, but it's up to you to feel the bite and set the hook when a grouper or big snapper decides your bait looks like dinner.
The Goliath Grouper around these parts are absolute monsters that'll test every ounce of your fishing skills. These prehistoric-looking giants can push 200+ pounds and call the deep wrecks home year-round. When you hook into one, you'll know it immediately – they hit like a freight train and then try to drag you straight down to their rocky hideout. The fight is all about patience and steady pressure because these fish know exactly how to use the structure to their advantage. Landing a Goliath is a bucket-list experience that'll have your arms burning and your heart pounding.
King Mackerel patrol these offshore waters with serious attitude, and they're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth to match. Spring through fall brings the best King action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized 15-pounders up to smoker Kings pushing 40+ pounds. They hit fast and run hard, making screaming runs that'll test your drag settings. The meat is excellent, and there's nothing quite like watching a big King launch itself out of the water during the fight.
Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish out there, but they make up for it with numbers and attitude. These chunky bottom-dwellers stack up thick around structure and provide consistent action when the bigger fish are being picky. They hit hard for their size and are excellent table fare. During peak season, it's not unusual to boat dozens of keeper-sized Sea Bass along with your other catches.
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish are the deep-water specialists that most anglers never get a shot at. These colorful bottom-dwellers live in the deepest parts of our fishing grounds and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. They're not common catches, which makes landing one even more special. The unique coloration and the fact that you're pulling them up from serious depths makes every Tilefish a trophy in its own right.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they want to. While we're primarily bottom fishing, these aggressive predators sometimes show up when you least expect them, especially around high-relief structure. When a Wahoo grabs your bait, you'll experience one of the most explosive strikes in saltwater fishing. They're relatively rare catches on bottom rigs, making them extra special when they happen.
This top-rated offshore charter gives you access to some of the most productive bottom fishing grounds on the East Coast. Captain Keith's local expertise and quality equipment mean you're fishing with a serious advantage, and the 8-hour format provides plenty of time to work multiple spots and adapt to conditions. The Outer Banks structure holds fish year-round, so whether you're looking to put meat in the cooler or chase a personal-best grouper, this charter delivers the goods. Don't sleep on booking – the best offshore days fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is absolutely on fire.
This custom Carolina Express sportfisher is built tough for the demanding waters off Corolla's Outer Banks. Her deep-V hull cuts through chop while delivering the stability serious bottom fishermen need when working deep wrecks and reef structure. The spacious cockpit gives your crew of 6 plenty of room to work heavy tackle and fight big snapper and grouper without getting tangled up. The flybridge puts you in command with clear sightlines to spot working birds and structure, while the fish finder and GPS keep you locked on productive bottom. When you're grinding it out over 60-80 foot ledges all day, the onboard head and shower become essentials, not luxuries. The icebox keeps your bait fresh and drinks cold during those long runs to the offshore grounds where the real fish live. Captain Keith knows these waters and this boat will get you there safely and put you on the fish.
Caulolatilus ChrysopsGoldeneye tilefish are deep water gems we target in 250-800 feet around the outer ledges. These colorful fish with their golden spots and olive backs typically run 8-15 pounds and make great table fare. They're bottom dwellers that feed on crabs, shrimp, and worms, so they respond well to cut bait like squid or eel strips. What's nice about tilefish is they're not line-shy - they'll bite readily once you get down to them. The challenge is the depth and current. Spring and summer are best when they're more active. My advice: use enough weight to stay on bottom and don't rush the hookset. Let them eat the bait before lifting the rod. They're excellent eating with firm, white meat that's worth the deep drop.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants are the monsters of the reef - we're talking fish that can hit 8 feet and 800 pounds. Around Corolla, you'll find them on deep wrecks and ledges in 80-150 feet, usually as loners holding tight to structure. They're incredibly strong but protected, so it's strictly catch and release. What makes them special is that raw power - the initial run will test every piece of gear you own. They're curious fish that aren't spooked easily. My tip: use heavy circle hooks and keep steady pressure once hooked. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the wreck. The fight is short but intense, and seeing one of these prehistoric-looking fish surface is something you'll never forget.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll average 20-30 pounds but can push past 50. We find them cruising the 40-150 foot range around structure during warmer months, with fall being prime time off the Outer Banks when bait schools move through. They're aggressive predators that hit hard and make screaming runs - that's what hooks most anglers. The meat is decent eating if you know how to handle the dark line. While we're primarily bottom fishing, kings will often show up when we're working mid-water around the wrecks. Pro tip: if you see kings busting bait on the surface near our spots, grab a wire leader and live bait - they'll bite the tail end of your offering, so rig accordingly.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the bread and butter of our reef fishing - reliable, tasty, and fun to catch. These guys typically run 1-3 pounds and love hanging around wrecks, hard bottom, and structure in 60-200 feet. They're aggressive feeders that travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more. The fight is scrappy for their size, and they're some of the best eating fish we catch - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. Spring through fall is prime time, but they bite year-round if you find the right spots. My go-to trick: once you hook up, keep your bait in the water - the rest of the school often stays fired up. Squid strips and clams work great, but bucktails tipped with bait are deadly.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the ocean - sleek, fast, and built for speed. While we're focused on bottom fishing, these 20-60 pound speedsters sometimes cruise our offshore grounds, especially around floating debris or during bait migrations. They're typically found in the upper water column but will venture near structure when chasing food. Summer through fall brings them closer to our area. What makes wahoo special is that blistering initial run and the quality of the meat - firm, white, and delicious. They're solitary hunters with razor-sharp teeth. If you spot one while we're fishing, switch to a wire leader and work a lure or live bait through the water column. Move it fast - wahoo like their meals on the run.
Corolla, NC