Nags Head Fishing Charter - 6 Hour Wreck Trip
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
6hour nearshore charter targets multiple species near Nags HeadCaptain Bob guides trips on wrecks for all skill levelsSmall groups of 6 guests fish for cobia, red drum, and mackerel
Captain Bob's got you covered for a solid 6-hour fishing adventure targeting the productive wrecks off Nags Head. Fish-N-Fool Charters runs a top-rated operation that knows these waters like the back of their hand, and you'll be fishing some of the most consistent wreck sites along the North Carolina coast. This nearshore charter handles up to 6 anglers, so whether you're bringing the family or a crew of buddies, everyone gets plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up.
You'll meet Captain Bob at the dock bright and early, and after a quick safety rundown, you're heading out to his favorite wreck spots. The ride out takes about 20-30 minutes depending on conditions, giving you time to get your gear sorted and maybe grab a coffee. These Nags Head wrecks sit in anywhere from 30 to 60 feet of water, creating perfect structure for holding baitfish and the predators that follow them. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle, plus a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's hanging around each wreck. Captain Bob's been working these spots for years, so he knows which wrecks fire up on different tides and weather patterns. Some days you'll hit three or four different structures, other days one wreck is so hot you'll stay put and work it hard.
Most of your fishing happens with medium-heavy spinning gear using live or cut bait. Captain Bob typically runs a mix of bottom rigs and float rigs depending on what's biting. You'll be dropping baits right down into the wreck structure where the fish are holding, so expect to lose some tackle - that's just part of wreck fishing. The key is keeping your bait in the strike zone without getting hung up every cast. When the Spanish mackerel are running, you'll switch to lighter tackle with small spoons or gotcha plugs, working the water column above the wreck. For cobia, it's often sight fishing when they come up to check out the boat or float by the wreck. The captain provides all the gear, but if you've got your own setup, bring a medium spinning rod with 15-20 pound test and you'll be golden.
Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially from late spring through early fall. These aggressive feeders hit fast and fight hard for their size, typically running 1-3 pounds with the occasional bigger fish pushing 4-5 pounds. They school up around the wrecks chasing baitfish, and when you find them, you can catch them two at a time on sabiki rigs or small spoons. What makes Spanish mackerel so fun is their speed - they'll rip drag and make several runs before you get them to the boat. Plus, they're excellent eating when kept on ice.
Bluefish are another customer favorite that shows up consistently around these wreck sites. These toothy predators range from small snappers up to chopper blues in the 5-8 pound range, and they're absolutely vicious when feeding. Bluefish will hit just about anything you throw at them - cut bait, live bait, spoons, or bucktails. They're known for their hard initial run and bulldogging fight, plus they travel in schools so once you hook one, there's usually more around. The bigger blues make great fillets, and even the smaller ones are perfect for fish cakes or smoking.
Cobia are the trophy fish that keep anglers coming back to these Nags Head wrecks. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) cruise the wrecks looking for crabs and small fish, often coming right up to the surface where you can sight cast to them. A good cobia runs 20-40 pounds, with fish over 50 pounds caught regularly in these waters. They're curious fish that will often follow hooked fish to the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. When you hook a cobia, get ready for a long, powerful fight - they'll sound deep and use their broad tail to pull hard. The meat is white, flaky, and considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
This 6-hour wreck fishing charter gives you the perfect taste of what North Carolina's nearshore fishing is all about. Captain Bob's local knowledge and Fish-N-Fool Charters' reputation for putting clients on fish makes this a smart choice for your Nags Head fishing adventure. The wrecks are productive year-round, but each season brings different opportunities - spring cobia runs, summer Spanish mackerel action, and fall bluefish blitzes. Remember to bring snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and a cooler with ice for your catch. No fishing license needed since you're on a licensed charter, and all the gear is provided. Book early during peak season because these 6-person trips fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Step aboard this classic 36-foot sport fishing boat and feel the difference that comes with a vessel built for serious anglers. Originally crafted in 1971 and completely restored in 2010, she combines old-school charm with modern reliability. Twin 300HP Cummins engines provide the muscle needed to reach productive wreck sites off Nags Head's coast, while the flybridge gives you an elevated view of the action below. Captain Bob has outfitted this beauty with everything you need for a successful day targeting the wrecks. The fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish around sunken vessels, while GPS ensures we hit the hot spots every time. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour adventure. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, and with space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rails when the bite gets hot. Whether you're after cobia cruising the structure or drum hanging tight to the bottom, this restored classic delivers the stable platform and fishing features that make the difference between stories and fish in the cooler.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that typically run 3-10 pounds, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 20. These blue-green predators have razor-sharp teeth and feed in a frenzy, often churning the water when they attack baitfish schools. You'll find them around structure, in the surf, and over sandy bottoms from late spring through fall. What guests love about blues is their hard pulls and acrobatic jumps - they fight dirty and never give up easy. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids to cut their teeth on. Blues make good table fare when iced immediately and cooked fresh. One tip I always share: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will slice through mono like butter, and nothing's worse than losing a good fish to a bite-off.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing prize - these brown, shark-looking fish cruise solo near the surface and can hit 50+ pounds. They love hanging around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're moving through our area. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll actually come check out your boat, giving you shot after shot. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. The fight is pure power - long, bulldogging runs that'll test your drag. Pro tip: when you spot one, cast past it and work your jig back slowly. Cobia are smart and spook easy, so patience pays off big time.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, silvery speedsters that run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds on average. You'll spot them by their greenish backs and distinctive yellow spots along their sides. These fish travel in massive schools near the surface, making them perfect targets for light tackle fishing. They show up best in our waters during warmer months when they're chasing baitfish close to shore. What makes them so popular is their aggressive strikes on spoons and jigs, plus they're fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Here's a local trick: when you hook into a school, keep your boat drifting instead of anchoring. Spanish mackerel spook easily, so staying mobile keeps you on the fish longer.
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