Deep Sea Fishing North Carolina Full Day Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targets marlin, tuna, and mahi species1012 hour trips accommodate up to 6 guests maximum capacityTrolling and bottom fishing techniques based on seasonal conditions
When you're ready to leave the shallow water behind and chase the big boys in the deep blue, this full-day offshore charter with Cost Of Living Sportfishing is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about a serious 10-12 hour fishing adventure that'll take you way out into the Gulf Stream where the real action happens. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're going after the fish that make your arms burn and your drag scream. From massive Blue Marlin that'll test every ounce of your strength to coolers packed with fresh Yellowfin Tuna and Mahi, this charter delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
Let me be straight with you – this is the real deal. We launch early and stay out late, covering serious ground to find where the fish are biting. Depending on what Mother Nature gives us and what you're hoping to target, we'll either be trolling the blue water for pelagics or dropping down to structure for some serious bottom action. The Gulf Stream off North Carolina is legendary for a reason, and we know exactly where to put you on fish. With only 6 anglers max, you're not fighting for rod time or elbow room. Every person on board gets their shot at hooking into something special. Fair warning though – if you're bringing young kids or anyone who gets queasy easily, this probably isn't their trip. We're going out where the water gets big and blue, and comfort isn't always guaranteed when you're chasing world-class gamefish.
We run a tight operation with top-shelf gear that can handle anything swimming in these waters. When we're trolling, we'll have multiple lines out with a spread of lures and baits designed to trigger strikes from whatever's cruising the thermoclines. Circle hooks, heavy tackle, and fighting belts – everything you need to battle fish that can top 200 pounds. For bottom fishing, we're talking about dropping baits to structure where the big Red Drum and King Mackerel like to hang out. We've got the electronics to find the fish and the experience to put baits right in their faces. You don't need to bring anything except your fishing license and some snacks – we've got rods, reels, tackle, and all the bait covered. Just show up ready to fish hard and follow the captain's lead when something big eats.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and North Carolina's waters produce some absolute monsters. These fish can push 500+ pounds and will give you the fight of your lifetime. Summer months are prime time when the water temps hit their sweet spot, and seeing that distinctive bill and dorsal fin cutting through the water never gets old. When one eats, everything stops – this is what offshore fishing is all about.
Yellowfin Tuna are the perfect combo of fight and table fare. These football-shaped torpedoes will smoke drag off your reel and put serious bend in heavy tackle. They school up around temperature breaks and current edges, typically running 30-80 pounds in our waters. Peak season runs late spring through early fall, and there's nothing quite like watching your rod tip slam down when a school fires up on your spread.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish, are pure fun on a fishing rod. They're aggressive, acrobatic, and absolutely beautiful with those electric colors. These fish love floating debris and weed lines, often traveling in schools that can keep you busy for hours. They're also fantastic eating, making them a favorite target for anyone wanting to fill the cooler with premium fish.
King Mackerel are North Carolina speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. These toothy predators patrol the offshore waters and structure, hitting trolled baits with authority. They're excellent fighters and make great table fare when handled properly. Spring and fall migrations can produce some serious action.
Redfish might surprise some people on an offshore list, but the big bull reds that cruise the outer waters are a completely different animal from their inshore cousins. We're talking about fish pushing 40+ pounds that will absolutely punish your gear. They're often found around structure and can provide steady action when the pelagics are finicky.
This full-day offshore adventure represents serious value for serious anglers. You're getting 10-12 hours on the water with experienced guides who know these waters inside and out, targeting some of the most sought-after gamefish on the East Coast. Whether you're chasing your first Blue Marlin or looking to fill boxes with premium eating fish, this charter delivers the goods. The boat only holds 6 anglers, so spots fill up fast, especially during prime season. Don't wait until the last minute to book – the best fishing days get claimed early by anglers who know what they want. Give Cost Of Living Sportfishing a call and secure your spot for an offshore adventure that'll remind you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.
This restored 1986 Bertram is built for serious offshore action in North Carolina waters. Twin 465HP Cummins engines push this sport fishing machine to 27 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and keeping you there all day. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for big game fishing - downriggers, outriggers, a proper fighting chair, and fish finder to locate those trophy targets. Whether you're trolling for that bucket-list Blue Marlin or bottom fishing for a cooler full of Yellowfin Tuna and Mahi, this vessel handles it all. Air conditioning keeps you comfortable between hookups, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 10-12 hour battles. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation, and the VHF radio keeps you connected. With room for 6 anglers and a private head onboard, it's perfect for groups ready to tackle North Carolina's offshore fishing scene. This isn't a gentle harbor cruise - expect real ocean conditions and the chance to fight serious fish that'll test your skills and fill your cooler.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - the females can push 1,000+ pounds while males typically stay under 350. These magnificent billfish roam the deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, usually 30+ miles offshore where water temps stay above 70°F. Summer months bring our best shot at hooking one, especially around current edges and temperature breaks. What makes marlin fishing special is the pure adrenaline rush - when one crashes your spread, it's game on with powerful runs and spectacular jumps. Most folks are here for the thrill since we practice catch and release on these apex predators. My advice: keep your drag smooth and don't horse them. Let the fish work against steady pressure, and always have your camera ready for that money shot before release.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter off the Carolina coast, typically running 15-30 pounds with the occasional trophy hitting 50+. These silver torpedoes cruise the 40-150 foot depths, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot above 68°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line like nothing else and put on aerial shows that'll get your heart pumping. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: always rig with dual hooks on a wire leader because these toothy critters love to bite baits in half. Target the tail end of your live bait, and you'll land more fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing, flashing brilliant gold, green, and blue colors that'll change right before your eyes. Most run 15-25 pounds, though we get some bull dolphins over 40. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in warm blue water. Spring through fall brings steady action when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes mahi special is their aerial acrobatics and lightning-fast strikes - plus they're absolutely delicious with sweet, flaky white meat. They're also schooling fish, so where there's one, there's usually more. My go-to technique: when we hook the first one, keep it in the water near the boat while rigging fresh baits. The hooked fish will often call in the whole school for multiple hookups.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are inshore favorites that'll average 28-33 inches, though we see plenty of bull reds pushing 40+ pounds. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow flats, oyster bars, and structure in 1-10 feet of water. Look for that distinctive black spot near their tail - it's their calling card. Fall and spring offer prime action when they school up for spawning runs. What guests love about reds is their bulldogging fight and excellent table fare - firm, mild meat that's perfect for the grill. They're sight-fishing dreams too, often feeding so shallow their backs show above water. Pro tip: when you spot a red, cast well ahead and let your bait drift into their path. These fish spook easily, so keep noise to a minimum and your movements smooth.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 50 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. Most of our catches run 30-100 pounds, though giants over 200 show up each season. These warm-blooded fighters roam the upper water column in depths of 100+ feet, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Late spring through early fall produces our best yellowfin action off the Carolina coast. What anglers love is the sustained power - these fish will test your endurance with long, burning runs. Plus, yellowfin are sushi-grade table fare, prized for their rich, red meat. When you're marking fish deep but getting no bites on the troll, drop jigs down to them. Often they're feeding below the spread, and a butterfly jig will trigger strikes when nothing else works.
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