5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Guided Fishing Trip In North Carolina
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing trip targeting cobia and amberjackExplores waters beyond 25-mile range for premium fishing spotsSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per charter
Captain Phil and the crew at Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures know exactly where to find the fish along North Carolina's productive offshore waters. This full-day charter gives you the best of both worlds – starting nearshore in the early morning when the bite is hot, then pushing out beyond the 25-mile mark as conditions allow. You'll have plenty of time to work different structures, follow temperature breaks, and chase whatever's biting hardest that day. With just four anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines.
Your day kicks off early, typically around sunrise when the nearshore bite is most active. We'll start working structure and bait schools close to shore, targeting spanish mackerel and whatever else is feeding in the shallows. As the sun climbs higher and nearshore action slows, we'll make the run offshore to deeper waters where the big boys hang out. This progression gives you the best shot at multiple species throughout the day. The boat's equipped with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. We'll handle the bait, ice, and navigation while you focus on keeping your drag tight and your rod bent. Plan on being out for a solid 8-10 hours, so pack sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water.
Once we hit the deeper water, we'll deploy a spread of trolling lures designed to attract pelagic species like mahi, king mackerel, and cobia. The boat runs a combination of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs at different depths to cover the water column. When we mark bait or structure on the fish finder, we'll often stop to vertical jig or live bait for amberjack and cobia. The captain reads water temperature, current breaks, and bird activity to put you on fish. All tackle is provided, including heavy spinning gear for the bigger fish and lighter setups for the smaller species. Circle hooks are standard for conservation, and we'll coach you through proper fighting techniques to land fish quickly and safely.
"Captain Phil was awesome. Went above and beyond to make the trip awesome. Will definitely book again" - JESSICA
Spanish Mackerel are usually the first fish to show up on your cooler list. These aggressive feeders hit fast-moving lures and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action happening in the morning hours nearshore. They school heavily around structure and bait pods, so when you find one, you'll often find dozens. Their razor-sharp teeth and acrobatic jumps make them a blast on spinning gear, plus they're excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
King Mackerel are the apex predators of the mackerel family and a true prize catch off North Carolina. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can stretch over 40 inches and put serious strain on your drag system. They're most active from late spring through October, following bait schools and temperature breaks in 40-100 feet of water. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and aggressive strikes on trolled baits. The fight is intense but usually brief – they'll either throw the hook early or commit to a drag-screaming battle to the boat.
Mahi Mahi bring the colors and acrobatics that make offshore fishing addictive. These brilliant green and gold beauties average 10-25 pounds in North Carolina waters and are most abundant during the warmer months from May through September. They're drawn to floating debris, weed lines, and temperature changes, making them perfect targets when trolling offshore structure. Mahi are famous for their aerial displays and rapid color changes when hooked. They often travel in schools, so catching one usually means there are more below the boat.
Greater Amberjack are the heavyweight brawlers of the offshore scene. These deep-water bruisers can exceed 50 pounds and will test both your tackle and your endurance. They hang around bottom structure in 80-200 feet of water, ambushing baitfish and crushing vertical jigs. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they move into shallower water to feed. The fight is all about power and endurance – amberjack will pull straight down and keep pulling until your arms burn. They're one of the most challenging fish to land on appropriate tackle.
Cobia are the wildcards of North Carolina offshore fishing. These chocolate-brown giants can reach 40-50 pounds and are known for their curious nature and powerful runs. They're most active from late spring through early fall, often found around structure, floating debris, or even following rays and sharks near the surface. Cobia will eat live bait, jigs, and even topwater plugs when they're fired up. The fight combines long runs with bulldog power, and they're notorious for making last-second surges at the boat. Their excellent table quality makes them one of the most sought-after species in these waters.
This full-day charter delivers the complete North Carolina offshore experience without the commitment of a multi-day trip. You'll cover water from the nearshore reefs to the blue water beyond the continental shelf, giving you shots at everything from schooling spanish mackerel to trophy amberjack. Captain Phil's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has earned repeat customers and glowing reviews. With limited space for just four anglers, these trips fill up fast during peak season. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of serious fishing action off one of the East Coast's most productive fishing destinations.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the sharks that aren't sharks - dark brown, powerful fish with that distinctive single dorsal fin. These 30-60 pound bruisers cruise shallow water around buoys, wrecks, and structures in 20-80 feet. Peak season runs May through September during their spawning migration. What makes cobia fishing special is the sight-fishing aspect - you'll often see them cruising just under the surface, looking like small sharks. They fight hard and are some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. We typically sight-cast bucktail jigs or live bait to fish we spot. Pro tip: when you see one, cast well ahead of where it's heading and let your jig sink. Cobia are curious but spooky - drop it right on their head and they'll bolt.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the deep - thick, powerful fish that average 30-50 pounds and can hit 80+ pounds. Look for that amber stripe running down their bluish-gray sides. They live around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet, using the bottom to their advantage during fights. Spring and fall fishing is best when they're most active. What draws people to AJs is the pure brute strength - they'll drag you straight down to the wreck and test every knot you tied. The meat's great when prepared right, though bigger fish can carry ciguatera. We vertical jig or use live bait dropped to the bottom. Key tip: when you hook one, apply steady pressure and try to turn their head up immediately. If you let them get their nose pointed down toward structure, they'll wrap you up every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the heavy hitters of the mackerel family, typically running 20-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 60+ pounds. These olive-backed speedsters cruise 40-150 feet depths around wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs. Peak season runs May through October when they migrate through our waters. What guests love is the raw power - kings make blistering runs that'll test your drag and stamina. The fight alone is worth it, plus they're solid table fare when prepared fresh. Best technique is trolling with planers or live bait rigs. Here's the key: use a two-hook setup with wire leader. Hook live bait through the nose, then add a trailing treble hook since kings hit from behind. They'll cut you off in seconds without proper wire.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish we catch - golden sides with electric blues and greens that light up like Christmas when they're hooked. These 15-30 pound dynamos love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Best fishing happens late spring through early fall when water temps hit the 70s. What makes mahi special is their aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real display. Plus they're phenomenal eating with firm, mild meat that's perfect for the grill. We typically troll around floating objects or cast to fish we spot cruising the surface. My go-to trick: once you hook one, keep it in the water while fighting it. The school often stays around to check out their hooked buddy, giving you shots at multiple fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds around here. You'll spot their silvery bodies with yellowish spots racing through schools near the surface. They hang around structures, flats, and oyster bars in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time when water warms up - they move closer to shore and piers. What makes them fun is their speed and willingness to hit spoons, jigs, or live bait like shrimp and small fish. The meat's excellent - mild flavor that grills or fries beautifully. Pro tip: when you see them schooling, drift to the area instead of motoring right up to them. The engine noise will scatter the whole school before you get a cast off.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Phil was awesome. Went above and beyond to make the trip awesome. Will definitely book again
Topsail Beach, NC