5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Offshore Fishing - North Carolina Coast
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing targeting cobia and amberjack speciesExtended range beyond 25 miles for optimal fishing opportunitiesSmall group experience with maximum capacity of four guests
Picture this: you're starting before sunrise with your coffee in hand, watching the North Carolina coastline fade behind you as Captain Phil fires up the engines. This isn't your typical half-day quickie – we're talking about a real fishing adventure that gives you time to work both nearshore structure and blue water beyond the 25-mile mark. With Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures, you'll get the full treatment on these waters that have been feeding fishing obsessions for generations. We keep our groups small at just 4 anglers max, so you're not fighting for rod time or battling crowds at the fish box.
Here's how a typical day unfolds: we'll start early nearshore, working the structure and temperature breaks where Spanish mackerel and cobia like to hang out. As the sun climbs and the water temperature starts shifting, we'll make the run offshore where the real magic happens. You're looking at waters that can produce everything from screaming king mackerel runs to the bulldogging fight of a big amberjack. The beauty of a full day trip is flexibility – if the fish are biting nearshore, we can stay and capitalize. If the offshore bite is hot, we've got the fuel and time to chase it. Captain Phil knows these waters like his own backyard, and he's constantly reading conditions, watching the fish finder, and adjusting the game plan to put you on fish.
We run a mix of trolling and live bait fishing depending on what's working. For kings and mahi, we'll pull a spread of spoons, drones, and ballyhoo rigs at different depths and distances. The key is covering water and finding active fish. When we mark good bottom structure for amberjack and cobia, we'll switch to live bait or heavy jigs, dropping down to where these bruisers like to ambush prey. All tackle is provided, but if you've got favorite rods or lucky lures, bring them along. We're running serious fishfinding electronics, so we're not just hoping for the best – we're targeting specific structure, temperature breaks, and baitfish schools that hold the species you want to catch.
"Captain Phil was awesome. Went above and beyond to make the trip awesome. Will definitely book again" - JESSICA
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect warm-up fish – they're aggressive, abundant, and fight way above their weight class. These silver bullets typically run 2-4 pounds and hit fast-moving lures with authority. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're fantastic on light tackle. What makes them special is their willingness to bite when other species are being finicky, plus they're excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of blistering runs that will test your drag system and your nerves. These fish can range from school-sized 10-pounders to trophy kings pushing 40+ pounds. Summer and early fall produce the best action, and they're notorious for their acrobatic jumps and line-burning runs. Kings are what separate the rookies from the seasoned anglers – they'll humble you quick if you're not ready.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical vibes to North Carolina waters, especially during summer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. These brilliant gold and green fish are pure fun – they jump, they're beautiful, and they travel in schools. When you find one, there are usually more around. Mahi are also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Greater Amberjack are the heavyweight champions of the reef, with fish over 50 pounds common in deeper waters. These fish don't jump or run like kings – they just pull straight down with the power of a freight train. Amberjack fishing is all about heavy tackle, strong backs, and patience. They're year-round residents on our offshore structure, though summer months produce the biggest fish.
Cobia are the wildcards that can show up anywhere from nearshore structure to blue water. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) are curious fish that will follow the boat and inspect lures before deciding to eat. They're strong fighters and excellent table fare, plus they can reach impressive sizes. Spring and fall migrations produce the most consistent action, but resident fish are around all season.
A full day offshore trip isn't just about catching fish – it's about experiencing North Carolina's incredible fishery the way it's meant to be fished. You'll have time to learn techniques, enjoy the ocean environment, and really get a feel for what offshore fishing is all about. With Captain Phil's experience and our top-rated approach to customer service, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're investing in memories that'll last long after the fish photos fade. Don't wait around hoping for perfect conditions that may never come. The best fishing trip is the one you actually book, and our calendar fills up fast during prime season. Reserve your spot now and get ready to see why anglers keep coming back to fish these waters with Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of the most exciting fish to target because you actually see them before you cast - they cruise just under the surface looking like small sharks with that dark brown color. These solitary fish run 20-60 pounds and hang around buoys, pilings, and floating debris from spring through fall. What makes them special is the sight-fishing aspect and their bulldogging fight once hooked. The meat is top-shelf - firm, white, and rivals any fish in the ocean. We spot them cruising shallow structure or following rays and turtles. When you see one, cast a bucktail jig or live eel right in front of them. Key tip: don't cast directly at a cobia or you'll spook them - lead them by a few feet and work the bait naturally.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the muscle cars of the reef - thick, powerful fish that average 30-50 pounds and can easily hit 70+. These bruisers hang around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water year-round, though spring and fall offer the best action. What makes them a favorite is their bulldogging fight straight down to the structure - they'll test your tackle and your back. The meat is excellent when prepared right, firm and white like grouper. We catch them on heavy jigs, live bait, and cut fish around structure. The trick is getting them up fast before they wrap your line around the wreck. Use at least 50-pound tackle and don't be afraid to put the pressure on - these fish respect strength and will use every piece of structure against you.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the big brothers of the mackerel family, commonly running 15-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 60+ pounds. These speed demons cruise offshore waters from 40-150 feet, especially around wrecks, reefs, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What gets anglers hooked is their blistering runs - they'll peel drag like few other fish. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though larger fish can have higher mercury levels. We target them by trolling live bait or pulling spoons and diving plugs. Here's the key: use a strong wire leader with two hooks - one through the bait's nose, another trailing behind, since kings love to bite the tail section first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are absolute showstoppers with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs that light up like Christmas when hooked. These 15-30 pound bulls (males have that distinctive blunt forehead) love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in deeper water. Summer months bring them closer to our area when water temps hit the 70s. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, the meat is some of the best eating you'll find - firm, white, and mild. We target them by trolling around any floating structure or working live bait under birds. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for more - mahi often travel in small groups.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are one of the most reliable catches off our coast, typically running 1-3 pounds with their silver sides dotted with yellow spots. These fast swimmers love nearshore waters from spring through fall, often found in schools around structure and baitfish. They're not picky eaters - small spoons, jigs, or live shrimp work great. What makes them popular is their tasty, mild meat that grills beautifully, plus they fight hard for their size. During warmer months, look for them closer to shore around piers and jetties. My tip: use a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. They're perfect for families since kids can handle the fight, and you'll usually catch several once you find a school.
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