Full Day Bottom Fishing Charter Morehead City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day bottom fishing charter accommodates up to 6 guestsProfessional mate assistance and all tackle included onboardTargets reef species using light tackle and live bait
When you're looking for a solid day of bottom fishing along the Crystal Coast, this full-day charter with From the Bottom Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers want. Starting at 6am sharp, you'll head out from Morehead City with up to 5 other fishing buddies for a no-nonsense approach to catching some of the area's most popular reef fish. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with a professional mate onboard to keep things running smooth, you can focus on what you came here for – putting fish in the box. Everything's included except your lunch, so pack a cooler and get ready for a productive day on the water that won't break the bank.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – it's designed for anglers who want to get down to business. You'll be fishing light tackle with live bait, working the reefs and structures that hold the best concentrations of fish off Morehead City. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels, all the tackle you'll need, and a fishing license that covers everyone onboard. Your mate will be busy all day keeping fresh bait on hooks, helping with tangles, and making sure the fish boxes stay organized. Speaking of fish boxes, you get two 6-foot boxes plus a 25lb ice chest to keep everything fresh. The customary 20 percent gratuity for your mate is well worth it – these guys work hard to make sure you have a successful day. Veterans, first responders, and law enforcement get a 10 percent discount, and your four-legged fishing buddy is welcome aboard too.
Bottom fishing around Morehead City is all about reading the structure and putting your bait where the fish are holding. You'll be using circle hooks with live bait – typically squid, cut bait, or whatever's running fresh that morning. The light tackle approach means you'll feel every bite and fight, making even smaller fish a blast to bring up from the depths. Your captain will position the boat over productive reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas where fish congregate to feed. The key is keeping your bait just off the bottom – not dragging in the sand, but close enough that bottom dwellers can find it. The mate will show you the right technique if you're new to this style of fishing, and experienced anglers will appreciate having someone onboard who knows exactly how to rig for the conditions. GPS and fish finder technology help locate the most productive spots, but it's the captain's local knowledge that really makes the difference.
Spanish Mackerel are hands-down one of the most fun fish to target on light tackle around Morehead City. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and hit live bait like a freight train. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Their razor-sharp teeth make for some exciting fights, and they're excellent table fare when handled properly. What makes Spanish Mackerel special here is their aggressive nature – they'll often hit multiple times even after being hooked, making for some memorable battles on light tackle.
Bluefish are the bruisers of this fishery, with larger specimens pushing 10+ pounds and smaller "snapper blues" providing constant action. These aggressive predators are present year-round but peak during spring and fall migrations. They're known for their hard runs and aerial displays, especially on light tackle where you can really feel their power. Bluefish have serious attitudes and will attack anything that moves, making them perfect for keeping the action going when other species slow down. Their oily, rich meat is fantastic when prepared fresh, and catching a big chopper blue on light tackle is something every angler should experience.
Black Sea Bass are the bread-and-butter species for bottom fishing around the Crystal Coast structures. These chunky fighters typically range from keeper size at 13 inches up to trophy fish over 20 inches and several pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that hold tight to reefs and wrecks, making them reliable targets throughout the season. Sea bass are incredibly good eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for any preparation. What anglers love about black sea bass is their willingness to bite and their habit of traveling in schools – find one and there's usually more nearby.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as locals call them, are the trophy fish of this charter. These pelagic speedsters can range from school-size fish around 10 pounds up to genuine trophies exceeding 30-40 pounds. Kings are most active during the warmer months and are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. When a king hits your live bait, there's no mistaking it – the rod doubles over and line starts screaming off the reel. They're prized both for the fight they provide and their excellent eating qualities, with firm steaks that grill perfectly.
Atlantic Bonito round out the target species list and are often overlooked but shouldn't be. These smaller tunas typically weigh 2-6 pounds but fight like fish twice their size on light tackle. They're fast, strong, and make long runs that'll test your drag system. Bonito show up during cooler months and are known for their schooling behavior – when you find them, the action can be absolutely electric. Their dark, rich meat is different from other species but highly prized by those who know how to prepare it properly.
This full-day bottom fishing charter represents serious value for groups wanting a legitimate offshore fishing experience without the premium price tag. With everything included except your meals, professional guidance from captain and mate, and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds along the Crystal Coast, it's built for anglers who want results. The 6am start means you'll beat the crowds to the best spots and have a full day to work different areas
Hit the productive waters off Morehead City aboard this well-rigged 27' Boston Whaler Outrage, built to handle serious bottom fishing along the Crystal Coast. This center console gives your crew of up to 6 anglers plenty of elbow room with spacious decks and twin 6-foot fish boxes to handle your catch. Equipped with outriggers, GPS, and fish finder electronics to locate structure and reefs where grouper, snapper, and other bottom species hang out. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when positioning over productive spots, while the large icebox keeps your drinks cold during the full day on the water. Professional mate included to help with baiting hooks, landing fish, and keeping the action going from the 6am start until you head back to the dock with coolers full of fresh fillets.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are fast-moving members of the tuna family that typically weigh 2-8 pounds and school up in large numbers during their migrations. They're surface feeders found in open water, usually 10-50 miles offshore, and you can spot them by watching for diving birds or seeing their dorsal fins cutting the surface. Fall is prime time when they're chasing baitfish inshore. While they're not great table fare here, they're fantastic sport fish that hit hard and make screaming runs up to 40 mph. Guests love the action when you find a school - they'll hit almost any lure or live bait you throw at them. The trick is getting there quick when you spot feeding activity, because once the school moves on, they're gone. These fish are built for speed, so be ready for a wild ride on light tackle.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that typically run 1-4 pounds, with males developing a bright blue color and pronounced hump during spawning season. They love hanging around wrecks, reefs, and rocky structure in 40-120 feet of water, making them perfect for our bottom fishing trips. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite - they're not picky eaters and will take squid, crabs, or cut bait readily. They fight hard on light tackle and make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the thing about sea bass: they're curious fish, so if you drop down and don't get bit right away, give it a few minutes. They'll often circle the bait and eventually commit to the bite.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that average 2-8 pounds in our waters, known for their powerful jaws packed with razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them in schools around structure, jetties, and beach drop-offs from late spring through fall, often feeding in shallow water during the evening hours. They're famous for going on feeding frenzies, attacking baitfish even when they're full - we call it a "bluefish blitz" when they churn the water like a washing machine. Guests love the strong fight they put up and their willingness to hit almost any bait or lure. The smaller ones eat great, but handle them carefully - those teeth can do serious damage. Pro tip: when you hook one, get it in the boat fast because they often travel in schools, and you can catch several before they move on.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings," are the speed demons we target, typically running 10-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50+ pounds. They patrol offshore waters from 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. Summer and fall are best when water temps hit the mid-70s and above. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll make blistering runs that can strip 200 yards of line in seconds, often jumping and tail-walking. While the meat can be strong-tasting in larger fish, smaller kings are good eating when prepared fresh. The fight is what brings people back though - it's hard to beat that initial strike and run. Key tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - kings often hit the tail section of live bait first, and that stinger hook in back will get you connected.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, sleek fish that typically run 1-3 pounds around here, with their silver sides marked by distinctive yellow spots. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often over structure or along the beach in 20-80 feet of water during late spring through fall. They're aggressive feeders that hit live bait like menhaden or shrimp hard, and also strike spoons and small jigs. What guests love is their speed - they'll make screaming runs that test your drag and put on a real show jumping. The meat is excellent eating too, with a mild flavor that's great grilled or smoked. Local tip: when you see diving birds, get there fast - the spanish macs are feeding underneath and they'll hit almost anything you throw at them while they're in that frenzy.
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