Oregon Inlet's Most Challenging Big Game Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
11hour offshore trip targeting sailfish, marlin, and tunaDeparts 5 AM, travels 35 miles into deep watersAdvanced anglers only with professional gear provided
When Captain Gregg fires up the Billy Holton at 5 AM sharp, you know you're in for something special. This isn't your typical half-day charter where everyone gets a participation trophy. We're talking about an 11-hour odyssey that pushes 35 miles offshore into the heart of the Gulf Stream, where the real monsters live. Only six anglers make the cut for each trip, so you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be elbow-to-elbow with a crowd when that marlin decides to put on a show. Pack your cooler with enough food and drinks to fuel a long day because once we reach the fishing grounds, we're staying put until we've given these fish everything we've got.
The pre-dawn departure isn't just for show – it's strategic. By the time most weekend warriors are rolling out of bed, we're already positioning over underwater canyons and temperature breaks where pelagic species congregate. The ride out gives you time to rig baits, check your drag settings, and mentally prepare for what's coming. Captain Gregg has been working these waters long enough to read the signs that separate good days from legendary ones. Water color, bird activity, bait schools – he's constantly adjusting the game plan based on what Mother Nature's serving up. The Billy Holton comes equipped with tournament-grade tackle, but don't hesitate to bring your own rods if you've got a lucky setup. We'll be running a mix of live bait, dead bait, and lures depending on conditions, and everyone needs to stay sharp because when fish are feeding in blue water, things happen fast.
Out here, it's all about covering water and reading the ocean. We'll be pulling spreads of ballyhoo, skirted lures, and teasers at varying depths to trigger strikes from different species. The captain might call for a bait-and-switch when sailfish show up, or shift to chunking when the tuna bite gets hot. Circle hooks are the standard for billfish conservation, and proper technique matters when you're dealing with fish that can strip 200 yards of line in seconds. The fighting chairs aren't just for comfort – when you hook into a blue marlin that's pushing triple digits, you'll appreciate having something solid to brace against. Everyone takes turns on the rods, but don't expect any hand-holding. This crew assumes you know your way around heavy tackle and can handle fish properly. If you're rusty on your wire leader skills or need a refresher on gaff work, speak up early in the day.
Atlantic Sailfish are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and Oregon Inlet consistently produces some of the East Coast's best action. These acrobatic fighters average 40-60 pounds and are notorious for their aerial displays when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the hottest bite typically occurring when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 75-80 degrees. What makes sailfish so special isn't just their speed – they're tactical fighters that will test every knot and connection on your tackle. When conditions are right, double and triple hookups aren't uncommon, creating controlled chaos that separates experienced crews from wannabes.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of offshore angling, and the waters off Oregon Inlet hold some legitimate giants. These apex predators can exceed 400 pounds and possess the raw power to humble even seasoned big game anglers. Late summer brings the best opportunities when baitfish concentrations draw marlin closer to the continental shelf. Unlike their sailfish cousins, blue marlin are ambush predators that strike with devastating force, often taking hundreds of yards of line on their initial run. The fight that follows can last hours, demanding physical endurance and mental toughness from everyone on board. Landing one is a career-defining moment that transforms good fishing stories into legendary ones.
Mahi Mahi bring color and chaos to the party, schooling around floating debris and weedlines in impressive numbers. These brilliant gold and green speedsters typically range from 10-30 pounds, though bull dolphins can push 50. What they lack in size compared to billfish, they make up for in sheer abundance and aggressive feeding behavior. Mahi season peaks during late spring and summer, coinciding with warming water temperatures. They're excellent table fare and fight with a combination of speed and acrobatics that keeps things interesting. When you find a good school, it's not unusual to boat a dozen or more before they wise up and move on.
Wahoo earn their nickname "ocean rockets" through blistering speed and razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire leaders. These torpedo-shaped predators typically weigh 20-60 pounds and are among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of speeds exceeding 60 mph. Fall months offer prime wahoo fishing as they follow baitfish migrations along the continental shelf. Their strikes are explosive and their runs are straight-line sprints that test drag systems and angler reflexes. Wahoo also happen to be outstanding eating, with firm white meat that rivals any fish in the ocean.
This isn't a trip for first-timers or anyone looking for a gentle introduction to offshore fishing. Captain Gregg and the Billy Holton cater to serious anglers who understand that big game fishing requires patience, skill, and a healthy respect for what swims in deep water. The 11-hour commitment weeds out casual participants and ensures everyone aboard shares the same level of dedication. With only six spots available, prime dates fill quickly, especially during peak season when conditions align perfectly. Whether you're chasing a personal best or trying to complete a slam, this top-rated Oregon Inlet charter consistently puts anglers on fish that create lasting memories. The investment in time and money pays dividends when you're connected to a world-class gamefish 35 miles offshore, surrounded by nothing but blue water and endless
The Billy Holton cuts through Oregon Inlet waters like she means business. This 60-foot sportfishing machine packs twin Cat engines delivering 2,300 horsepower total, pushing you to the fishing grounds at 35 knots while you're still sipping your morning coffee. Built for serious anglers who know the difference between weekend fishing and going after the big ones 35 miles offshore. Captain Gregg's setup comes loaded with everything you need for an 11-hour battle with sailfish, marlin, and whatever else is running in the blue water. GPS keeps you on the fish, while the finder shows you what's swimming below. Air conditioning means you can cool off between fights, and the onboard facilities let you focus on fishing instead of logistics. Six anglers max keeps things from getting crowded when someone hooks into a screaming reel. The twin engines get you out to the deep water fast and bring you back with a full fish box. This isn't a sightseeing cruise – it's a working boat for anglers who want to test their skills against some of the Atlantic's toughest gamefish.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of the deep - arguably the fastest fish in the ocean. These beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin they flash when hunting. We find them in warm water between 30-65 feet, usually following baitfish schools. They're most active here from late spring through early fall when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80°F. What makes them special? The fight is pure adrenaline - they'll jump, dive, and put on an aerial show you won't forget. Plus they change colors like a neon sign when excited. My tip: when you see that sail pop up, don't strike too early. Let them take the bait and run before setting the hook, or they'll shake it off faster than you can blink.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - the largest billfish species and one of the most powerful fighters in the ocean. Females can reach 1,000+ pounds (we call those "granders"), while males top out around 350. We target them in deep blue water, usually 35+ miles out where the Gulf Stream runs strong. Summer through early fall gives us our best shot when warm water pushes up the coast. What draws anglers back? That first jump when a big blue comes out of the water - pure raw power. They'll test every piece of gear you've got and push your limits. The meat's decent eating but most get released. Here's the key: when trolling, keep your speed up around 12-15 knots. Blues love a fast-moving bait, and that speed separates them from other billfish that prefer slower presentations.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the perfect mix of beauty, fight, and taste. These golden rockets average 15-30 pounds and put on a color show that'll blow your mind - brilliant blues, greens, and golds that shift like a kaleidoscope. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm offshore water. They're most active during summer months when water temps are right. What guests love? They fight hard with lots of jumps, they're gorgeous fish, and the eating is top-notch - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Males have that distinctive square forehead while females are more rounded. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water and look around - mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Keep a few rods ready for multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed and razor-sharp teeth wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package. These silver bullets with dark blue stripes average 3-5 feet but can hit 8 feet and 180+ pounds. They cruise open water and structure, often near the surface in 60+ feet. Best fishing is summer through fall when they follow baitfish migrations up the coast. Anglers love them for two reasons: they're one of the fastest fish alive (60+ mph), and the meat is outstanding - firm, white, and mild. That speed makes for exciting fights with screaming runs that'll test your drag. Here's the secret: use wire leaders because their teeth will slice through mono like butter. Troll fast at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or ballyhoo - wahoo prefer baits moving at high speed, unlike most other gamefish.
Oregon Inlet