10+ Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure in Swansboro
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10+ hour offshore adventure targeting grouper, snapper, and amberjackTravels up to 50 miles offshore with professional crewAll gear, bait, licenses, and refreshments included in trip
When serious anglers talk about deep water fishing off the North Carolina coast, Swansboro consistently comes up in conversation. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a full commitment to the offshore game, heading up to 50 miles out where the real fish live. Captain Gunny B knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's built a reputation for putting clients on fish that'll have you talking for years. With only 4 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and prime fishing real estate at the rail.
Your day starts early at Dudleys Marina – we're talking 6 AM departure, so grab your coffee and get ready for a proper offshore adventure. The ride out can take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on where the fish are biting, but that's all part of the game. Once we hit our first spot, you'll understand why we make the run. We're targeting structure and ledges that hold everything from hefty grouper to aggressive amberjack, and the variety keeps things interesting all day long. Your fishing license, all tackle, fresh bait, ice for your catch, and water are included – just bring yourself, some snacks, and maybe a cooler for your fish. The boat's equipped with quality gear that can handle whatever we hook into, from light tackle for the smaller reef fish to heavy setups for the bruisers.
This trip is all about working the bottom and targeting structure that holds fish. We'll be dropping down to depths of 60-120 feet in most cases, using everything from chicken rigs for the smaller stuff to heavy sinkers and circle hooks for the big boys. The key out here is reading the bottom and understanding how these fish relate to structure. Grouper love their holes and ledges, while snapper will suspend just off the bottom around rocky areas. We'll move between spots based on what's biting, and Captain Gunny's got a whole arsenal of GPS numbers that produce fish year after year. Don't worry if you're new to bottom fishing – the crew will get you set up with the right rig and show you how to feel the bottom and detect those subtle bites that often signal the biggest fish.
The Red Snapper fishery off Swansboro has been phenomenal, with fish ranging from keeper size up to true trophy specimens pushing 8-10 pounds. These guys are scrappy fighters that'll test your drag, and they're absolutely delicious on the table. They tend to school up around structure, so when you find them, you often find them in numbers. Best action typically happens during the summer months when the season's open, but even during closed periods, you'll catch plenty to photograph before releasing. Gag Grouper are the prize fish for many anglers – these powerful bottom dwellers can exceed 20 pounds and will head straight for the rocks when hooked. They're ambush predators that sit in holes and under ledges, so you need to get them up quick once the hook sets. Black Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish in the ocean, but they're consistent biters and excellent eating. These guys are around year-round and often save the day when other species aren't cooperating. Grey Triggerfish have made a strong comeback in recent years, and while they can be bait stealers, the larger ones put up a surprising fight and make great table fare. Barracuda add some serious excitement to any offshore trip – these toothy predators are lightning fast and will absolutely smoke a drag when they get hooked.
A 10+ hour offshore trip with Gunny B Outdoors isn't just a fishing charter – it's a full day commitment to doing things right. With decades of local knowledge and a genuine passion for putting clients on fish, this is the kind of trip that separates the weekend warriors from the serious anglers. The small group size means you're not fighting for space or waiting your turn, and the long day format gives us time to work multiple spots and target different species as conditions change. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or chase that personal best, this trip delivers the goods. These spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around if you're serious about getting offshore. Book your trip today and get ready to experience some of the best bottom fishing the Carolina coast has to offer.
Hit the deep waters off Swansboro aboard our well-equipped motorboat, designed to get you to the prime fishing grounds up to 50 miles offshore. This fishing machine comes loaded with GPS navigation to pinpoint the best spots and a quality fish finder to locate schools of Grouper, Snapper, Sea Bass, and Amberjack lurking in the depths. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work the rails without getting tangled up. Captain Gunny B knows these Carolina waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish that call the offshore structure home - from bottom-dwelling Triggers and Porgy to the hard-fighting pelagic species that cruise the blue water. Everything's included for your 10+ hour adventure: fishing license, all tackle and gear, fresh bait, ice for your catch, and water to keep you hydrated. We launch from Dudley's Marina bright and early at 6 AM to maximize your time on the productive offshore grounds where the big fish live.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are speed demons that turn any fishing trip into an adrenaline rush. These torpedo-shaped predators can stretch 3-6 feet and hit speeds up to 35 mph when they strike your lure. You'll find them prowling shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 20-100 feet, hunting by sight for anything shiny that moves. They're year-round targets, but spring through fall offers the most consistent action. What guests love is the explosive strike and blistering runs - they'll test your drag and reflexes every time. Fair warning: those razor-sharp teeth can slice through most leaders, so wire is a must. They're decent eating when prepared right, though many folks prefer the fight over the fillet. Pro tip: cast shiny spoons or tube lures near structure and retrieve fast with erratic jerks - their predator instincts can't resist that wounded baitfish action.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy fighters that make for great action on our deep trips. These chunky members of the grouper family average 2-4 pounds but can reach 8+ pounds, with males turning brilliant blue during spawning and developing that distinctive head hump. You'll find them around wrecks, rocky bottom, and structure in 60-120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them fun is the steady bite and good fight for their size - they'll battle hard until they break the surface. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's something cool: they all start as females and change to males as they grow. Local tip: use squid strips or small jigs near bottom, and don't be surprised if you catch several in the same spot - they school up tight around structure.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the deep that'll test your tackle and technique. These chunky fighters average around 20 inches but can push 4 feet and 80 pounds when you find the big boys. Look for them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges in 60-300 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What guests love about gags is the raw power - once hooked, they'll try every trick to get back to their rocky hideouts. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm white meat. They start life as females and change to males as they grow, which always gets people talking. Pro tip: use live pinfish or cut squid, keep your drag locked tight, and don't let them run - yank hard immediately or they'll wrap you up in structure and break you off.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are the bait thieves that'll keep you on your toes all day. These tough-skinned characters average around 17 inches but can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 30-180 feet, where they use their razor-sharp teeth to crush crabs and sea urchins. Summer and fall offer the best action when they're most active. What makes triggers fun is their attitude - they're aggressive, sneaky, and will steal bait right off your hook if you're not paying attention. They're also surprisingly good eating despite their rough appearance. These fish are smart and will often inspect your bait before committing. Here's the trick: when triggers are around other fish like snapper, drop your squid chunk near the competition - their greed kicks in and they'll charge the bait to beat the others to it.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the trophy fish everyone hopes to bring home. These beauties start pink when young and turn that classic red color as they grow, averaging 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, though monsters over 30 pounds are possible. You'll find them hugging structure in 30-200 feet - wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom are prime spots. They're year-round targets, but summer and fall offer the best action when water temps hit that sweet 60-70 degree range. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste amazing with that mild nutty flavor, and look great in photos. Here's a local tip: use fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish, and when you hook one, crank hard right away - they'll dive straight for cover to cut your line if you give them slack.
Swansboro, NC