8 Hour Private Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore charter targeting King Mackerel, Barracuda, and GrouperLive bait and trolling methods for fish up to 40 poundsProfessional First Mate assistance with all fishing licenses included
Picture this: you and up to five buddies heading out into the deep blue off Carolina Beach for a full day of serious fishing action. This isn't your typical half-day harbor cruise – we're talking eight solid hours chasing some of the most aggressive predators and hard-fighting reef fish these waters have to offer. FoxSea Lady Charters runs a top-rated operation that knows exactly where to find the fish, whether you're itching to troll the open water or drop live bait on structure where the big boys hide.
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth every minute. We'll spend the first part of the trip covering ground with our trolling spread, hunting down King Mackerel, Barracuda, and Bonito that cruise these productive offshore waters. The Carolina Beach area sits right in the path of major baitfish migrations, making it a magnet for fast-moving predators. Once we've had our fill of the trolling action – or when conditions call for it – we'll switch gears and head to known wrecks and structure. That's where the real muscle lives. Amberjack, Cobia, and Gag Grouper don't mess around, and when they hit your live bait, you'll know it immediately. Our experienced first mate stays busy all day keeping you rigged up, netting fish, and sharing the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good trip and a legendary one. These guys work hard to put you on fish, so that 20% tip is well-deserved and greatly appreciated.
We run a proven two-pronged approach that maximizes your shots at different species throughout the day. The trolling game revolves around covering water with a spread of lures and rigged baits that mimic the forage fish these predators can't resist. We're talking spoons, diving plugs, and ballyhoo rigs pulled at just the right speed to trigger strikes from Kings, Cuda, and Bonito. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with enough line to handle those screaming runs. When we switch to live bait fishing, that's when things get interesting. We'll position over wrecks, ledges, and artificial reefs where the bottom fish stack up. Fresh-caught bait fish get dropped down on circle hooks, and the waiting game begins – though it's rarely a long wait. The structure holds baitfish, and where there's bait, there's always something bigger looking for an easy meal. Your job is simple: hang on tight when something grabs hold.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of Carolina Beach offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can stretch over three feet and pack serious weight – we're talking fish that'll test your arm strength and your drag system. Kings are most active during the warmer months, and they're absolute suckers for a well-presented trolled bait. When one hits, you'll hear the reel scream before you see the fish, and their blistering initial run will get your heart pumping. What makes them so popular with anglers is their combination of speed, size, and pure fighting spirit.
Greater Amberjack earn their nickname "reef donkeys" through sheer pulling power. These bruisers live around structure and when hooked, their first instinct is to head straight back to the rocks they call home. A big AJ will test every knot in your tackle and push your endurance to the limit. They're year-round residents, but the larger fish show up more consistently in cooler months. Landing a 40-pound Amberjack on live bait is a rite of passage for serious bottom fishermen – it's a battle you won't forget.
Cobia are the wildcards of offshore fishing trips. These curious, shark-looking fish often cruise near the surface around structure, and they're known for their habit of following hooked fish right up to the boat. Smart anglers keep a rod ready with a live bait or jig because Cobia will often hang around for a second look. They fight with a different style than Amberjack – less bulldogging, more head-shaking runs – but their size and table quality make them a prized catch.
Gag Grouper represent the ultimate bottom-fishing challenge. These fish are smart, structure-oriented, and incredibly strong for their size. A 20-pound Gag will fight like a fish twice its weight, using every rock, ledge, and crevice to try to break you off. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Gags are most active during their fall and winter spawning seasons, when they gather in larger numbers around offshore structure.
This eight-hour private charter gives you the flexibility and fish-finding power that separates the serious anglers from the weekend warriors. With your fishing license included and a first mate who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Remember to pack non-aerosol sunblock, polarized glasses, and plenty of drinks – canned only, no glass. Moderate alcohol is fine, but stay sharp because when these fish hit, they don't wait around. Carolina Beach's offshore waters are some of the most productive on the East Coast, and FoxSea Lady Charters has the local knowledge to put you on the best action of the day. Don't sleep on this opportunity to tangle with some serious fish in waters that consistently produce trophy catches for anglers who come prepared to fish hard.
The FoxSea Lady is your ticket to serious offshore action at Carolina Beach. This classic 35' Bertram runs on reliable twin Cummins diesels that'll get you out to the productive waters where the big fish live. With comfortable seating for six anglers and a private head onboard, you can focus on what matters - putting fish in the boat. She's loaded with everything you need for a successful day targeting kings, barracuda, and heavyweight bottom dwellers. The GPS and fish finder help locate those productive wrecks and ledges, while the VHF keeps you connected. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and grab cold drinks from the onboard fridge between fights with amberjack and cobia. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting birds and bait, plus there's a galley for snacks during those 8 hours on the water. All your tackle, bait, and safety gear comes standard - just bring your fishing license and get ready for some rod-bending action over Carolina's best offshore spots.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are sight-fishing gold that gets everyone's heart pumping. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds and cruise shallow waters around our wrecks and buoys in 30-100 feet. Spring migration from April through June is peak time, but they stick around through fall. What makes cobia fishing special is often seeing them before you cast - they'll swim right up to the boat out of curiosity. The fight is strong and steady, and the white meat rivals any fish in the ocean for eating quality. They're loners, so it's usually one fish per spot. Best technique: when you spot one, pitch a bucktail jig or live bait ahead of where they're swimming and work it naturally. Stay calm - they spook easily.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the classic wreck fish that epitomize bottom fishing around here. These gray, marbled beauties typically run 15-30 pounds, with some bruisers hitting 40+. They live around hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet, staying tight to structure year-round. Fall and winter are prime time when they're feeding up before spawn. What anglers love is the solid thump when they hit, followed by that classic grouper dive for the rocks. They're top-shelf eating with firm, white meat. The key with gags is stopping that initial run - once hooked, lock the drag and lift hard to get them off bottom. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and keep your offering close to structure where they ambush prey.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the wreck fishing world. These thick-bodied fighters average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ on our deeper wrecks. They hang around structure in 60-200 feet, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. What guests love about AJs is the immediate battle - they dive straight for the bottom and test every piece of your gear. The white meat is fantastic eating too. Best months are April through October when they're feeding heavy before winter. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, jigs, or cut fish. My go-to trick: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get their head down. If they reach the wreck, you're probably done.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These olive-backed beauties typically run 10-30 pounds, but fish pushing 50+ show up regularly off Carolina Beach. They cruise the 40-150 foot range, often following baitfish along temperature breaks and current lines. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line like few other fish. The meat's excellent if you bleed them quickly. Pro tip: when trolling, use a wire leader and keep your baits 75-100 feet behind the boat. Kings are line-shy, and that extra distance makes all the difference between getting bit and watching them follow.
Seriola FasciataLesser Amberjack are the surprise catch that keeps deeper fishing interesting. These smaller cousins of Greater AJs typically run 5-15 pounds and live in 180-400 foot depths around our offshore wrecks. They're open year-round but bite best during cooler months when they move up in the water column. What makes them unique is their rarity - most anglers never see one, so landing one always creates excitement on the boat. The gold stripe along their side helps distinguish them from other jacks. They're solid table fare despite being less known. Fishing tip: when you're dropping for grouper in deep water and feel that distinctive jack headshake, don't be surprised if it's a lesser AJ coming up.
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