Full Day Offshore Fishing Adventures in NC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing adventures 2535 miles into Atlantic watersTarget Mahi, King Mackerel, Amberjack, and Sailfish seasonallyProfessional charter accommodates single angler fishing trips
Looking for a serious offshore fishing adventure that'll put you right in the heart of North Carolina's best blue water action? Hoo Hunter Sportfishing takes you 25-35 miles out into the Atlantic where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the fish get bigger. This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore – we're talking about a full commitment to chasing whatever's running hot that day, from screaming mahi runs to sailfish that'll test your drag system.
When you step aboard with Hoo Hunter Sportfishing, you're signing up for the real deal. We push out past the continental shelf where the Gulf Stream brings in baitfish and the predators that follow them. Depending on what Mother Nature's serving up, we might start the day trolling for mahi and kings, then switch gears to bottom fishing some productive ledges for grouper and sea bass. The beauty of offshore fishing in North Carolina waters is the variety – you never know if you'll hook into a 40-pound king mackerel or watch a sailfish come up hot on the teasers. The captain reads the water, watches the birds, and puts you where the action is happening. Some days we're working weed lines thick with mahi, other days we're grinding on the bottom for keeper grouper. Either way, you'll earn every fish that comes over the gunwale.
Offshore fishing is all about adapting to conditions and using the right approach for the target species. We'll start most trips pulling a spread of trolling lures – ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, cedar plugs, and some flashy spoons that king mackerel can't resist. When we mark mahi under floating debris or weed lines, we switch to spinning gear with jigs or live bait to pick them off one by one. The bottom fishing game is different – we're talking heavy sinkers, stout rods, and the patience to work productive structure where grouper and sea bass hole up. The boat carries all the tackle you need, from 30-pound trolling setups to 80-pound bottom rigs that can haul a big gag grouper up from 120 feet of water. Circle hooks are the standard for most applications – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce mortality when we have to release short fish or out-of-season species.
Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): These gold and green bullets are what offshore dreams are made of. Mahi show up in North Carolina waters when the water temperature hits the mid-70s, usually from late spring through early fall. They travel in schools around floating debris, sargassum weed, or any structure in open water. What makes mahi so special is their fight – they jump, run, and put on a show that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Plus, they're excellent table fare. A good day on the mahi can mean multiple fish in the 10-25 pound range, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40 pounds or more.
Atlantic Sailfish: The king of North Carolina's offshore scene, sailfish are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These magnificent fish show up when conditions are right – usually when blue water pushes in close and baitfish are thick. Sailfish aren't about the meat (we release them anyway), they're about the experience. Watching a sail come up behind the spread, light up in full color, and grab a bait is something you'll never forget. They jump, they run, and they'll test your fighting skills on 20-30 pound tackle.
Gag Grouper: The bottom fishing crown jewel, gag grouper are what serious anglers target when they want both a fight and a fish fry. These bruisers live around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet of water. Gags hit live bait or cut bait hard, then immediately try to get back to their hole. You've got to turn them quick or they'll break you off in the rocks. When they're open, keeper gags (24 inches minimum) provide some of the best eating in the ocean.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – black sea bass are scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. They're year-round residents around structure and artificial reefs, making them a reliable target when other species aren't cooperating. Sea bass hit squid, cut bait, and small jigs with enthusiasm. The 13-inch minimum size and generous bag limits when they're in season make them a favorite for filling the cooler.
Yellow Sea Chub: These schooling fish are often overlooked, but they're fantastic light tackle targets and surprisingly good eating. Chubs show up around bottom structure and will hit small jigs, cut bait, and even sabiki rigs. They fight harder than their size suggests and are perfect for keeping kids and novice anglers engaged when the bigger fish aren't biting.
North Carolina's offshore waters offer world-class fishing opportunities, but the best trips fill up fast during prime season. Hoo Hunter Sportfishing has the local knowledge, quality equipment, and commitment to put you on fish that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Whether you're chasing your first sailfish, looking to load up on mahi for the dinner table, or want to battle some serious bottom fish, this offshore adventure delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. The boat's ready, the captain knows where they're biting, and there's a spot with your name on it. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing what North Carolina's blue water has to offer.
The SeaHunter is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in North Carolina waters. This 37-foot center console cuts through the Atlantic with authority, powered by triple 400HP Mercury engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 58 knots. Built in 2012, she's rigged for business with a fish finder to locate schools, radar for safety, and GPS to mark those productive spots. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long days chasing Mahi, King Mackerel, and Sailfish 25-35 miles offshore. With space for six anglers, onboard head, and multimedia system for downtime, this boat handles everything from high-speed trolling to bottom fishing. Whether you're after the drag-screaming runs of Kings or the aerial acrobatics of Sailfish, the SeaHunter delivers the stability and speed needed for productive days in deep blue water.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate offshore trophy - these bills average 7-8 feet long and around 50 pounds, but it's their aerial show that gets everyone fired up. They're incredibly fast and will jump repeatedly when hooked, putting on a display you'll never forget. We find them in 30-65 feet of water around current breaks and temperature changes, especially during cooler months when they migrate through our waters. Most anglers release them since they're not great table fare, but the fight is what you're after anyway. They hunt in small groups and will light up with brilliant colors when excited. Key tip: when trolling for them, slow down your spread - they like baits that swim naturally, not racing along at high speed like some other billfish.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable bottom dwellers that make for great eating and steady action around wrecks, reefs, and rocky structure. Most fish run 1-4 pounds, though bigger males can hit 8+ pounds and develop that distinctive hump during spawning season. They're available from late spring through fall when they move inshore, with the federal season running May through December. What's cool is they all start as females, then the larger ones change to males - nature's pretty wild. They'll hit squid strips, clams, or small jigs worked near the bottom. Here's what works: use a two-hook rig with fresh squid strips, and don't be surprised if you catch multiple species on the same drop since they share habitat with other bottom fish.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid bottom fish that average around 20 inches but can grow to impressive 50+ inch bruisers weighing 80 pounds. You'll find them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges where they like to ambush prey. They're excellent table fare and put up a tough fight, immediately trying to get back to their holes when hooked. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're more active. What's interesting is they all start as females and change to males as they mature - the big ones with the prominent foreheads are always males. My advice: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them run - they'll head straight for the rocks to break you off.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see, with brilliant gold and electric blue colors that put on a light show when they come to the boat. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds but can reach up to 87 pounds. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 25-35 mile range, especially during warmer months. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, sweet white meat. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled because they often travel in schools, so get another line ready fast for a double or triple hookup.
Kyphosus IncisorYellow Sea Chubs are scrappy little fighters that hang around our offshore reefs and rocky bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches, though the biggest on record hit 35 inches. You'll spot them by their distinctive blue and yellow stripes running along their sides. They're not picky eaters - these omnivores will hit small pieces of cut bait, shrimp, or crab. While they're not prized for the table due to their soft texture, they're fun to catch and great for kids or anyone wanting steady action. They stick close to structure and floating sargassum patches. Pro tip: downsize your hooks and use small baits - their mouths are tiny, but once hooked, they'll surprise you with their fight.
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