Charter Fishing Outer Banks
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Expert crew targets Tile, Seabass, and Amberjack offshoreSeasonal trolling opportunities include Dolphin, Tuna, and MarlinSmall group charter accommodates up to six guests
When you're looking for serious offshore action in the Outer Banks, Grandpa Charters delivers the goods. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish. This isn't some cookie-cutter tourist trip – we're talking about a legitimate fishing charter that targets the species you actually want to catch. With room for up to six anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows, and the early morning departures mean you'll be on the grounds when the fish are biting.
Your day starts early – and I mean early. Departure times run anywhere from 4:30 to 6:00 AM depending on conditions, but trust me, it's worth dragging yourself out of bed for. The crew at Grandpa Charters doesn't mess around with weather or sea conditions, so when they say it's time to go, you know you're in for quality fishing. The boat heads out to proven bottom fishing spots where Tilefish, Sea Bass, and Greater Amberjack live, but don't be surprised if the captain decides to put out some trolling lines for pelagic species like Dolphin, King Mackerel, or even Tuna if conditions look right. These guys read the water, watch the weather, and adjust the game plan based on what's happening that day. It's this kind of flexibility that separates the real charter operations from the rest of the pack.
The bread and butter of this trip is bottom fishing, and there's good reason for that – the structure off the Outer Banks holds some serious fish. We're talking about dropping baits down 200-400 feet where the big Tilefish and chunky Sea Bass hang out. The crew provides all the tackle you need, including the heavy rods and reels required to haul fish up from those depths. When you hook into a Golden Tilefish, you'll know it – these fish fight hard and put serious bend in your rod. Between bottom fishing spots, the captain might decide to run some trolling passes if the conditions and season are right. Trolling for King Mackerel and Dolphin requires different techniques entirely – we're talking about covering water with lures and baits designed to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagic species. The crew handles all the rigging and knows exactly which lures to run based on current conditions.
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish are the crown jewel of bottom fishing in these waters, and for good reason. These fish grow big – we're talking 20-50 pounds regularly – and they taste absolutely fantastic. Tilefish season runs through July 26th, so timing matters if you want a shot at these golden beauties. They live in deeper water around 250-400 feet, often near muddy bottoms where they dig their characteristic burrows. What makes Tilefish special is their willingness to bite and their incredible table fare – many anglers consider them the best eating fish in the ocean.
Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they're scrappy fighters that make up in numbers what they lack in size. Black Sea Bass in these waters typically run 1-5 pounds, but they're aggressive biters and excellent eating. They hang around hard bottom structure and artificial reefs, and once you find a school, the action can be fast and furious. Kids love catching Sea Bass because they bite readily and fight hard for their size.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the bottom fishing world. These fish can grow massive – 50-80 pound fish aren't uncommon – and when you hook one, you'll know you're in a fight. Amberjack are incredibly strong and will test your arms and your drag system. They're most active during warmer months and tend to hang around wrecks and hard bottom areas. The bigger ones are catch-and-release due to regulations, but the experience of fighting a big AJ is something you won't forget.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish, are pure excitement when conditions align for trolling. These fish are fast, acrobatic, and absolutely beautiful with their bright gold and green colors. Dolphin typically show up in warmer months when the Gulf Stream is closer to shore, and they often travel in schools. When you find one, there are usually more around. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, making them a favorite target for both sport and the dinner table.
King Mackerel are speed demons that provide heart-pounding action when trolling. These fish can reach 20-40 pounds and make blistering runs that will have your drag screaming. Kings are most active during spring and fall migrations when they move through Outer Banks waters in large numbers. They're excellent eating when handled properly, and the fight they put up makes them a top target for serious anglers.
This is the kind of fishing charter that books up fast, especially during peak season. Grandpa Charters has built a solid reputation by consistently putting anglers on fish, and word gets around quickly in the fishing community. The boat only holds six passengers, which means you're not dealing with crowds but also means availability fills up. If you're serious about getting out there, especially during Tilefish season before July 26th, don't wait around. Give them a call at (252) 305-8862 or (252) 202-8546 to check availability and lock in your dates. The crew knows these waters better than anyone, and they're committed to making sure you have a successful day on the water. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just want to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this charter delivers the goods.
The "Grandpa" is a battle-tested 40-foot Northshore that's been hauling in fish since 1998. This reliable workhorse cuts through offshore waters with ease, equipped with GPS, radar, and fish finders to locate the best fishing spots. Her outriggers and fighting chair handle everything from bottom fishing for Tilefish and Seabass to trolling for Dolphin and King Mackerel. With room for 6 anglers, she's perfect for family trips or groups wanting to target Amberjack, Tuna, and even Marlin when conditions are right. The experienced crew knows these waters inside and out, making early morning departures to reach prime fishing grounds. Whether you're after deep water giants or working the bottom structure, this proven charter boat delivers consistent results trip after trip.
Caulolatilus ChrysopsTilefish are one of our best-kept secrets for excellent eating - think lobster-like texture with sweet, white meat. These golden beauties with olive-green backs run 24-39 inches and can weigh 40-65 pounds. They live in deeper water, typically 250-800 feet on muddy bottom where they dig burrows. Our season runs until July 26th, so don't wait too long to book. They're bottom dwellers that feed on crabs, shrimp, and worms, making them fairly easy to catch once you locate them. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom with enough weight to stay there. Fresh squid or eel strips work best. Once hooked, they don't fight as hard as amberjack, but their size still makes for a good battle.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldozers of bottom fishing - thick, powerful fish that average around 39 pounds but can reach 6 feet long. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time before they head deeper. These fish are pure muscle and will test your arms and tackle with long, powerful runs straight for the bottom. The meat's good eating too, firm and white. My advice: use heavy tackle - at least 50-pound line - and don't try to horse them up too fast. Let them make their runs, then work them up gradually. Keep steady pressure but don't try to stop their initial dive or you'll likely get spooled.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that average around 30 pounds, though we've seen some push 90+ pounds out here. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth cruise the 40-150 foot range, often near structure or temperature breaks. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them special? Pure speed and fight - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish in these waters. The meat's excellent when fresh, though it's got higher mercury levels. Here's a local tip: when trolling, use a strong wire leader and double-hook your bait - kings love hitting the tail end of live baits, so that trailing hook will save you from a lot of cut-offs.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean - bright gold and green colors that change like a light show when hooked. They average 15-29 pounds and live fast, growing quickly but rarely living past four years. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm water. Spring through fall are prime seasons here. What makes them popular? They fight hard, jump often, and taste amazing - firm white meat that's perfect grilled. Plus, their colors make for great photos. Pro tip: when you hook one mahi, keep other lines in the water nearby. They travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the workhorses of our bottom fishing trips - reliable, tasty, and fun for the whole family. They average about a foot long and 9 pounds, with jet-black scales and big mouths full of sharp teeth. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom from Massachusetts down to Florida. They're active most of the year but spawn coastal from January through July. Families love them because they bite readily and make excellent table fare - sweet, firm white meat that restaurants pay top dollar for. They travel in schools, so once you find them, you can usually catch several. Use medium tackle with cut squid or clams, and don't be afraid to try small jigs - they're aggressive feeders.
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