10 Hour Oak Island Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full 10-hour offshore fishing charter for up to 6 guestsTrolling and bottom fishing methods target diverse seasonal speciesAll equipment, tackle, bait, ice, and licenses included onboard
When you're serious about putting lines in the water and want maximum time chasing pelagics, this 10-hour deep water adventure off Oak Island is exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about a full commitment to offshore fishing – the kind of day where you leave the dock before sunrise and come back with arms tired from fighting fish. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and with 10 hours to work with, they can run you out to the prime spots where the big boys hang out. Whether the bite is hot on the trolling spread or the bottom fish are stacked up thick, you'll have plenty of time to make the most of whatever Mother Nature serves up.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. With 10 solid hours, the captain has the flexibility to chase the bite wherever it takes you. Maybe that means running 20+ miles offshore to hit the blue water where sailfish are tailing, or sliding over to structure where the snappers and grouper are holding tight. The beauty of this extended timeframe is adaptability – if one spot isn't producing, there's plenty of time to relocate and try different tactics. You'll be fishing with top-shelf gear that's maintained and ready to go, so when that drag starts screaming, you know your equipment won't let you down. The boat carries everything you need including fresh bait, ice for your catch, and even handles the fishing licenses so you can focus on what matters most – fishing. Return time stays flexible based on how the fish are biting and what the group wants to do, which means if they're chewing late in the day, you might just stay out there and capitalize on the action.
You'll be working two main approaches out there – trolling the blue water and dropping down on structure. The trolling spread typically runs a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs designed to mimic the baitfish that pelagics can't resist. When you're covering water, the captain will read the conditions and adjust speed, depth, and lure selection based on what's working. The boat's electronics help locate temperature breaks, current edges, and bait schools that hold fish. For bottom fishing, you'll be using circle hooks and heavy sinkers to get down to where the snappers, grouper, and amberjack live. The crew knows exactly which reefs, wrecks, and ledges produce, and they'll coach you through the technique of feeling the bite and setting the hook properly. Live bait often gets deployed when targeting the bigger predators like cobia and king mackerel – there's nothing quite like watching a 40-pound cobia emerge from the depths to crush a live bait right at the boat.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Oak Island's offshore scene, and these acrobatic fighters show up consistently from late spring through early fall. These fish average 6-8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll have your heart pumping – they'll jump, tail-walk, and throw the hook if you're not paying attention. Sailfish love the Gulf Stream edges where the water turns that deep blue color, and they're suckers for a well-presented ballyhoo or live bait. The thrill isn't just in the fight; it's watching that distinctive dorsal fin slice through the surface before the fish goes airborne.
Mahi Mahi bring both beauty and incredible table fare to your cooler. These fish love floating debris, sargassum lines, and current breaks, often traveling in schools that can provide non-stop action when you find them. Bulls can push 30+ pounds while the smaller schoolies still put up a respectable fight on lighter tackle. Their brilliant gold and green colors are something to see, and they're arguably the best eating fish you'll encounter offshore. Peak season runs from late spring through summer, but they can show up anytime conditions are right.
Greater Amberjack are the powerhouses that'll test your endurance and tackle. These fish live around structure – wrecks, reefs, and ledges – where they ambush anything that looks like an easy meal. A big AJ will make multiple runs toward the bottom, using their broad tail and thick body to leverage every advantage. They're not the prettiest fish, but they're pure muscle and can reach 50+ pounds in these waters. Fall and winter months often produce the biggest specimens when they're feeding heavily.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up anywhere from the beach to 30 miles offshore. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you a shot with live bait or even sight-casting with jigs. They're excellent table fare and strong fighters that make long runs. Spring and summer are prime time when they're moving along the coast, often following rays and sharks looking for an easy meal.
Red Snapper represent some of the finest bottom fishing available when they're in season. These fish have made a strong comeback in recent years, and when you find a good school, the action can be fast and furious. They're structure-oriented fish that live around reefs and wrecks, typically in 60-120 feet of water. A quality red snapper will bend your rod and make you work for it, plus they're fantastic on the dinner table. The key is getting your bait down quickly before the smaller fish steal it.
This 10-hour offshore adventure represents serious value for anglers who want maximum time on productive water without the expense of multiple shorter trips. You're getting access to the captain's local knowledge, quality gear, and the flexibility to adapt as conditions change throughout the day. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or ready to step up from inshore fishing, this extended trip gives you the best shot at experiencing what Oak Island's deep water fishing is all about. The boat accommodates
Istiophorus AlbicansThese magnificent speedsters are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching up to 10 feet long and averaging around 50 pounds. You'll find them in the surface waters between 30-65 feet, especially around current breaks and floating debris. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 70-83°F. What makes sailfish special is their spectacular fight - they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times, putting on a show you'll never forget. The distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and that sword-like bill make them unmistakable. Their meat is decent, but most folks target them for the pure thrill. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface and don't set the hook too hard on the initial strike - let them run with it first, then tighten up when they sound.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks with their single dorsal fin and brown coloration. These solitary hunters average 20-40 pounds but can reach 60+ pounds and 6 feet long. You'll typically find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-100 feet of water, though they'll cruise shallow flats too. Late spring through early fall is prime time, especially during their spawning migration. What makes cobia special is they're usually sight-fished - you'll spot them cruising near the surface. They're aggressive feeders and excellent table fare with firm, white meat similar to shark. The fight is strong and stubborn rather than flashy. Here's the key: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where they're swimming. Cobia are curious but spook easily, so don't splash your bait right on their head.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, averaging 30-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 60+ pounds. These bruisers live around structure - wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. That amber stripe along their sides and pointed head makes them easy to identify. Spring and fall are your best bets when they're most active and feeding heavily before and after spawning season. What makes amberjack a favorite target is their raw power - they'll make long, hard runs straight for the bottom, testing your tackle and your back. The meat is excellent when prepared right, with firm white flesh. Be ready for a serious fight; they don't give up easy. My advice: use heavy tackle, at least 50-pound test, and when you hook one, pump and wind steadily. If you let them get their head down and run back to structure, they'll cut you off every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter offshore, flashing gold, green, and blue until they hit the deck. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds, living only about 4 years. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in the top 100 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when water temperatures warm up. What guests love about mahi is their aggressive strike, strong runs, and absolutely fantastic eating - firm, white meat with a mild, sweet flavor. They're not picky eaters, going after both live bait and lures. Here's a local trick: once you hook one, keep a few rods ready because mahi often travel in schools. Leave the first fish in the water while you work the school - they'll stick around their hooked buddy.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing, with their bright red color and excellent table fare. These fish average 2-5 pounds inshore, but the deep water monsters can hit 10-20 pounds or more. You'll find them on hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 60-300 feet of water. Summer months offer the best fishing when they're most active and the season is typically open. What draws anglers to red snapper is the combination of great eating and solid fights - they'll make strong runs for cover when hooked. The meat is simply outstanding with a mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. They can be finicky, so fresh bait is key. Pro tip: use circle hooks and don't jerk when you feel the bite. Let them load up on the rod, then start reeling. Snapper have soft mouths, and too much pressure will pull the hook right out.
Oak Island