Family Offshore Fishing Charter – Hatteras NC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing charter targeting tuna, mahi, and marlinFamilyfriendly trip accommodates all experience levels comfortablyGulf Stream access from closest East Coast entry point
Looking for a serious offshore fishing adventure that works for the whole family? This 11-hour charter out of Hatteras puts you right in the heart of some of the best blue water fishing on the East Coast. We're talking about getting to the Gulf Stream faster than almost anywhere else along the Atlantic, which means more time with lines in the water and less time burning fuel to get there. Whether you've got seasoned anglers in your crew or someone who's never held a rod, this trip is designed to keep everyone engaged and excited about what might come up from the deep.
When you roll out of Hatteras inlet in the early morning darkness, you're heading to one of the most productive offshore fishing grounds you'll find. The Gulf Stream runs closer to shore here than just about anywhere else, which means we're talking about a relatively short run to get into that beautiful blue water where the big fish live. You'll spend a full day targeting pelagic species – those are the fish that roam the open ocean and put up the kind of fights that make offshore fishing so addictive. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether conditions call for trolling the weed lines, working structure, or running and gunning to find active schools. This isn't a rushed half-day trip where you barely get settled before heading back – with 11 hours on the water, there's time to really fish and adapt to what the ocean gives you that day.
Most of your day will be spent trolling, which is the bread and butter of offshore fishing out here. The boat will be rigged with a spread of lures and baits designed to attract everything from mahi mahi to marlin. You'll see ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, colorful skirted lures that mimic baitfish, and maybe some cedar plugs or other specialty baits depending on what's been producing. The captain will work the temperature breaks where warm Gulf Stream water meets cooler inshore water – these edges are fish highways where predators come to feed. When something hits, you'll know it immediately. Circle hooks are standard for most of the fishing, which makes it easier for less experienced anglers to hook up without worrying about timing the hookset perfectly. The boat carries quality tackle sized appropriately for the target species, from lighter spinning gear for mahi and smaller tuna to heavy conventional reels that can handle a marlin if one decides to eat.
White marlin are the crown jewel of Hatteras offshore fishing, and these waters consistently produce some of the best white marlin action on the East Coast. These fish typically run 40 to 80 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked – expect multiple jumps and long runs that will test your endurance. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with July and August being particularly hot. Most charter captains practice catch and release with billfish, so you'll get the fight of a lifetime and some amazing photos before sending them back to fight another day. Atlantic sailfish show up in good numbers too, especially during their winter migration when they're moving through in schools. They're smaller than white marlin but even more aerial, and hooking into a daisy chain of sailfish is something you'll never forget.
Blue marlin are the stuff of legends, and while they're less common than whites, Hatteras produces its fair share of these ocean giants. These fish can range from 200 pounds to over 500 pounds, and even a smaller blue marlin will give you a workout you'll feel for days. They tend to show up around structure and temperature breaks, often when you're least expecting it. King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call them, are excellent eating and great fighters on lighter tackle. They're abundant from spring through fall and can range from school-size fish around 10 pounds to trophy kings pushing 40 pounds or more. They're perfect for younger or newer anglers because they fight hard but aren't quite as overwhelming as the larger pelagics.
Mahi mahi, also called dolphinfish or just "mahi," are arguably the most fun fish to catch out here. They're beautiful, great eating, and absolutely crazy when hooked – jumping, tail-walking, and changing colors as they fight. Mahi are often found under floating debris, around sargassum weed lines, or following schools of baitfish. They typically travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They can range from small schoolies to bull mahi over 30 pounds, and they're one of the few fish that tastes as good as they fight. The bite is usually best from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warmest.
This charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hottest and families are looking for that perfect day on the water. With only six spots available, you're getting a more personal experience than those crowded party boats, but it also means availability gets tight quickly. The combination of Hatteras' legendary fishing reputation and the convenience of a full-day family-friendly trip makes this one of the most sought-after charters on the Outer Banks. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to offshore fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just scratch that itch for some serious blue water action, this trip delivers the goods. The crew handles everything from tackle and bait to cleaning your catch, so all you need to worry about is holding on when something big decides to eat. Book early, bring your appetite for adventure, and get ready for the kind of fishing day that turns into stories you'll tell for years.
Get ready to fish the legendary Gulf Stream aboard this impressive 51' Buddy Cannady sportfisher! Powered by an 825HP Detroit Diesel, this boat cruises at 24 knots to get your crew of up to 6 anglers to the productive offshore waters quickly. The captain has all the gear you need – top-quality tackle, fresh bait, radar, and fish finders to locate those trophy tuna, mahi, and marlin. Stay comfortable during your 11-hour adventure with air conditioning, an icebox for cold drinks, and a convenient onboard restroom. The flybridge gives you great visibility while watching lines and scanning for fish. Hatteras offers one of the closest access points to the Gulf Stream on the East Coast, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time traveling. Whether you're an experienced angler or bringing the family for their first offshore adventure, this fully-equipped vessel puts you in prime position for an amazing day targeting pelagic species in some of the Atlantic's most productive fishing grounds.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These speed demons average 6-7 feet and 40-60 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them in 60-200 feet of water along temperature breaks in the Gulf Stream, especially where the current creates upwellings. Late spring through summer is prime time here off Hatteras when water temps hit 75-80 degrees. What guests love most is the aerial show – sailfish will jump repeatedly, shaking their heads and flashing that huge dorsal fin. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key to landing them is patience during the initial run. When one grabs your bait, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them eat it first, then come tight slowly. Their mouths are bony and hooks pull easily if you rush it.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing – true giants that can top 500 pounds and give you the fight of a lifetime. These apex predators roam the deep blue water of the Gulf Stream, usually in 100+ feet where the water's that perfect cobalt color. Summer's our best season when they're chasing tuna and mahi along the current breaks. What makes blues special isn't just their size – it's their raw power and aerial displays that'll leave you shaking. Females get much larger than males, and anything over 300 pounds is a fish to remember forever. The meat's good eating but most get released due to their importance as breeding stock. Key tip: when a blue marlin shows up behind your spread, resist reeling in the other baits. They're curious and will often eat a bait they've been following for several minutes.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed burners of our local waters, and they'll test both your drag and your nerves. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds, with the occasional smoker hitting 50-plus. We find them anywhere from 60-150 feet, usually around structure, temperature breaks, or following bait schools along the Gulf Stream edge. Spring and fall are peak times when they're migrating through our area in big numbers. Kings are popular because they hit hard, make blazing runs, and are some of the best eating fish in the ocean – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Just remember they're loaded with sharp teeth. My go-to rig is a wire leader with two hooks – one through the nose of a live bait and a stinger hook near the tail. Kings love to bite baits in half.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the crowd-pleasers of offshore fishing – beautiful, great fighters, and fantastic eating. These colorful fish typically run 10-25 pounds, though we see bulls pushing 40-plus during peak season. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the Gulf Stream, usually in 100-400 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they're thick along the temperature breaks. Guests love mahi because they're aggressive, jump when hooked, and change colors like a neon light show. Plus, the white, flaky meat is some of the best table fare in the ocean. Pro tip: when you hook one mahi, keep the others in the boat fishing. These fish school up, and where there's one, there's usually more. The hooked fish will often keep the school around the boat.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the smaller cousins of the blue marlin, typically running 50-80 pounds but putting up fights way bigger than their size suggests. These billfish love the Gulf Stream's warm blue water, especially around temperature breaks and current edges. Summer through early fall gives us our best shots at them when they're chasing flying fish and small tunas near the surface. What makes white marlin special is their acrobatic show – they'll jump, tailwalk, and greyhound across the surface when hooked. The meat's decent eating too, though most folks release them since they're not as common as they used to be. My tip: when trolling ballyhoo, watch the baits closely. White marlin are sneaky – they'll often come up behind the bait and whack it with their bill before eating it.
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