Half Day Or Full Day Fishing Trip On Wrightsville Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Bottom trolling for Snapper, Grouper, and Kingfish offshoreProfessional Captain Jason guides up to 6 guestsHalf day and full day fishing options available
Captain Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. Let's Hook Up Charters operates out of Wrightsville Beach, one of North Carolina's hottest fishing destinations, where the Gulf Stream influence keeps the action hot year-round. Whether you're looking to burn a half day or go all-in with a full day charter, this offshore adventure targets the species that make Carolina fishing legendary. You'll be bottom fishing and trolling in proven spots where Grouper, Snapper, and Kingfish cruise the structure. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip works perfectly for families, buddy groups, or anyone wanting to experience world-class fishing without the crowds of bigger boats.
This isn't your typical party boat experience. Captain Jason runs a tight ship focused on putting fish in the cooler, not just burning fuel. You'll head out to proven bottom structure and ledges where the fish stack up, typically running 15-45 minutes depending on conditions and what's biting. The boat comes rigged with quality tackle and all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and maybe some snacks if you're doing the full day. Jason's approach combines bottom fishing over structure with strategic trolling moves when the bite slows down. He reads the water, watches his electronics, and positions the boat where the fish want to be. The fishing style here is hands-on - you'll be working baits, fighting fish, and learning techniques that'll make you a better angler. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing; Jason breaks it down so everyone can contribute and have success.
The magic happens when you're fishing structure in 60-120 feet of water where Grouper and Snapper call home. Captain Jason uses heavy conventional tackle with circle hooks and enough weight to get your bait down in the current. Fresh cut bait is the ticket - squid, cigar minnows, and whatever baitfish are running. When the bottom bite slows, he switches gears to trolling for the pelagic species like King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel. The trolling spread includes a mix of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait when available. You'll learn to read the drag system, work a fish properly, and understand why certain baits work in different conditions. The electronics on board show the bottom structure, bait schools, and suspended fish, so you're always fishing with confidence. Jason adjusts techniques based on tide, current, and what the fish are telling him through the day.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of this fishery, and Wrightsville Beach sits right in their migration highway. These speedsters run anywhere from 10-40+ pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the best action, with peak season hitting during summer months when the bait schools are thick. Kings love live bait and fast-moving spoons, and they're notorious for their acrobatic jumps. The meat is excellent when properly bled and iced, making them a top target for both sport and the dinner table.
Red Snapper represent the holy grail of bottom fishing, and when they're open for harvest, Captain Jason knows exactly where to find them. These brilliant red fish average 3-8 pounds but can push much larger in deeper water. They're structure-oriented, hanging tight to ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs. Snapper have excellent eyesight and can be finicky, requiring precise presentations with fresh bait. Their white, flaky meat is considered among the best eating fish in the ocean, making every Snapper a prize catch worth the effort.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the bottom, using their powerful bodies and knowledge of structure to test every knot in your tackle. These fish range from keeper size at 24 inches up to true monsters over 40 pounds. They're ambush predators that inhale baits near caves, ledges, and wrecks. Grouper season runs through winter months when they're most accessible to recreational anglers. Their firm, white meat rivals any restaurant fish, and their fighting ability makes them a favorite target for serious bottom fishermen.
Spanish Mackerel provide non-stop action when they're schooled up, often saving slower days with their aggressive feeding behavior. These smaller cousins to the King Mackerel rarely exceed 3 pounds but make up for size with numbers and attitude. They hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait with reckless abandon, making them perfect for newer anglers or when you need to get kids involved. Spanish Mackerel are excellent smoked or grilled whole, and their abundance during peak season means everyone goes home with fish.
White Grunt might not be the most glamorous species, but they're reliable producers that fill the cooler when other fish aren't cooperating. These bottom dwellers average 1-2 pounds and school heavily over hard bottom and reef structure. They make the distinctive grunting sound when handled, giving them their common name. Grunt fishing teaches proper bottom technique and helps newer anglers develop the feel for working baits in current. They're excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat that's perfect for fish tacos or fried whole.
Captain Jason's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak fishing months when the Kings are running thick and the Grouper bite is wide open. This top-rated charter combines proven fishing techniques with local knowledge that only comes from years on these waters. Whether you choose the half day option to get your feet wet or commit to the full day experience for maximum fishing time, you're investing in memories and potentially the best fish dinner of your life. The 6-person capacity means you won't be fighting for rail space or dealing with overcrowded conditions. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so
Meet the Seahunt, your ticket to prime fishing waters off Wrightsville Beach. This 26-foot center console cuts through the waves with twin 150HP Yamaha engines, getting you and up to 5 fellow anglers to the best grouper and mackerel spots at a crisp 45 knots. Captain Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with onboard GPS, radar, and fish finder, you'll be marking targets and dropping lines where the fish are biting. The spacious layout gives everyone room to work their rods without getting tangled up, while the icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Whether you're bottom fishing for snapper and grunt or trolling for kingfish, this boat's got everything you need for a solid day on the water.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their rocky hideouts. These mottled gray fish average 20 inches but can push 30+ pounds and fight twice their size. They live around hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-300 feet, with bigger fish holding deeper structure. Fall and winter are prime when they move shallower to feed. Gag are prized for their firm, white meat that's perfect for any cooking method. They're ambush predators that love live pinfish, mullet, or cut bait. The trick is getting them away from structure fast - once they grab your bait, lock down that drag and pull hard. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you up in the rocks. Circle hooks are required, and heavy tackle is a must for these bruisers.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings," are some of the fastest fish you'll hook around Wrightsville Beach. These silver torpedoes typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see bigger ones pushing 50+ pounds. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time when they migrate through our waters chasing baitfish. What makes kings special is their blazing speed - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for the grill or smoker. Here's the key: use a wire leader and double-hook your live bait. Hook once through the nose, then let a treble hook dangle near the tail. Kings love to hit bait from behind, so that trailing hook saves the day when they short-strike.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the holy grail of bottom fishing - beautiful red fish that fight hard and taste even better. Most run 2-8 pounds around here, but we occasionally see 15+ pounders that'll test your tackle. They live around structure in 60-200 feet, loving wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom. Summer's peak season when they're actively feeding and regulations allow targeting them. Snapper are smart fish with sharp eyes, so fresh bait is crucial. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality and worth every bit of effort. When you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack - they'll head straight for cover to cut you off. My go-to setup is a strong circle hook with fresh cigar minnows or pinfish. Once you locate a good spot, mark it - snapper are homebodies.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are the perfect target for light tackle fun around Wrightsville Beach. These sleek fish with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and school up near the surface in summer and fall. You'll find them in 20-80 feet of water, often chasing baitfish around structure or temperature changes. They hit fast and jump like crazy, making every hookup a blast on spinning gear. The mild, flaky meat is great grilled or smoked - no fishy taste at all. They're aggressive feeders that'll smash small spoons, jigs, or live bait like shrimp and sardines. Key tip: use light wire leaders since their teeth are razor sharp, but keep it thin - heavy tackle spooks them. When you see birds working bait on the surface, get there fast. Spanish macs are usually underneath feeding too.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite grunt might not be the flashiest fish, but they're consistent producers that put meat in the cooler. These silvery-bronze fish with blue stripes average 8-12 inches and make that distinctive grunting sound when you haul them up - it's how they got their name. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 20-100 feet of water. They bite year-round but really turn on during warmer months. Grunt are perfect for beginners since they're not picky eaters, and the flaky white meat is excellent fried up. They school tight, so when you find one, drop back down quickly for more. Pro tip: use small hooks with shrimp or cut bait, and don't overthink it. These guys will hit just about anything that hits the bottom near structure.
Wrightsville Beach, NC