Deep Sea Fishing Wilmington NC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target premium fish species 35 miles offshore including Mahi Mahi and WahooSmall group charter accommodates maximum 4 guests for personalized experienceProfessional crew specializes in deep sea fishing techniques and equipment
Ready to leave the crowds behind and chase some real fish? This offshore adventure with MaTunaHoo Sportfishing takes you 35 miles out into the deep blue where the big boys live. You'll be fishing waters that hold serious gamefish - the kind that make your drag scream and get your heart pumping. With just 4 anglers max on board, you get plenty of elbow room and personal attention from your captain. No packed boat, no fighting for rod space - just you and your crew going after amberjack, wahoo, mahi, grouper, and whatever else wants to play in these productive waters off the North Carolina coast.
Your day starts early with a ride out to the offshore grounds where the continental shelf drops into deep water. This is where the magic happens - temperature breaks, current lines, and structure that hold baitfish and the predators that hunt them. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the conditions and putting you on fish. You'll be fishing in 100+ feet of water where the bottom composition changes from sand to hard structure, creating the perfect habitat for grouper and amberjack. The ride out gives you time to rig tackle, talk strategy, and watch the water color change from that inshore green to the deep offshore blue that signals you're in gamefish territory.
This is serious bottom fishing and trolling country. You'll be dropping heavy jigs and live bait down to structure where grouper and amberjack stack up, using conventional reels spooled with 50-80lb test to handle the power these fish bring to the table. When conditions are right, the captain will put out a trolling spread for wahoo, mahi, and bonito - high-speed lures and ballyhoo that cover water and trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. Circle hooks are the rule here for bottom fishing, both for fish survival and because they hook up better on big grouper that like to inhale baits. The boat carries everything you need, but if you've got your own heavy conventional setup, bring it along. Braided line gets you down faster and gives better feel in deep water.
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect warmup fish and often the first species you'll encounter on the ride out to deeper water. These silver rockets hit small jigs and spoons with surprising violence for their size, typically running 2-4 pounds but fighting like fish twice their weight. Best action happens spring through fall when water temperatures climb above 68 degrees. They're also fantastic table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill.
King Mackerel are the big brothers that pack a serious punch. These toothy speedsters cruise the offshore waters looking for schools of baitfish, and when they find your trolled bait, the reel explodes into action. Kings off Wilmington typically range from 10-30 pounds, with occasional bruisers pushing 40+. Summer and early fall offer the best shots at trophy kings. Their blistering runs and aerial displays make them a favorite among anglers who like their fish with an attitude.
Atlantic Bonito show up in good numbers during their seasonal migrations, usually late summer into fall. These members of the tuna family are built for speed, with torpedo-shaped bodies and incredible stamina. Don't let their smaller size fool you - a 5-pound bonito will give you a workout on light tackle. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters when handled properly, with dark red meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, using their broad bodies and powerful tails to test your tackle and your arms. These fish live around structure in 80-200 feet of water, ambushing prey with surprising speed for such heavy-bodied fish. Wilmington's offshore waters produce amberjack from 15-50 pounds, with the bigger fish showing up over hard bottom and wrecks. They hit live bait and heavy jigs, then immediately head for the bottom trying to break you off. It's a straight power game that separates light tackle from serious fishing gear.
Wahoo Fish are the ultimate speed demons, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they want to. These sleek predators patrol the offshore waters looking for anything that moves fast enough to trigger their predatory instincts. A wahoo strike on a high-speed trolling lure is like getting hit by lightning - the line goes tight instantly and stays that way as the fish makes run after run. Wahoo off Wilmington typically range from 15-40 pounds, with their razor-sharp teeth and incredible speed making every hookup an event. The meat is white, firm, and considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
This deep sea fishing trip gives you the real offshore experience - serious fish, serious fishing, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime. MaTunaHoo Sportfishing knows these waters and puts you on fish, whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the offshore game. The small group size means personalized attention and plenty of chances for everyone to get in on the action. When you're ready to step up from inshore fishing and chase the big boys that live in deep water, this is your ticket. The fish are out there waiting - now it's time to go get them.
Get ready to battle the big ones aboard our 2017 Sportsman Open 282! This isn't your average fishing boat – we're talking about a serious offshore machine built for anglers who want to chase trophy fish in deep water. When you're 35 miles out in the Atlantic, you'll be glad you're on this beast of a boat. The 282 comes loaded with everything you need to find and fight fish. Our GPS keeps you on course to the hotspots, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. When visibility drops, the radar keeps us safe and on target. The VHF radio ensures we stay connected with the fleet and harbor. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines without bumping elbows. The onboard head means comfort during those long runs to the fishing grounds. This boat handles the open ocean like a champ, getting you to where the Amberjack, Mahi, Grouper, Tuna, and Wahoo are waiting. These aren't the small fish you catch near shore – we're talking about the monsters that test your tackle and make your arms burn. The kind of fish that have you telling stories for years.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are mackerel-family fish that school in huge numbers, often with their dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks. They average 8-12 pounds and 24-30 inches, with distinctive black stripes along their silver sides. These pelagic speedsters can hit 40 mph and prefer mid-water column in 60-degree temps, though they'll tolerate the 50s. Spring through fall is prime time when they're chasing bait near the surface. While they're not great table fare in the States, they put up a solid fight and are fun on light tackle. The action gets wild when schools are feeding - they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools. Once you find them, work fast with small metal jigs or soft plastics - when bonito are feeding, the bite can be lights-out for 20 minutes then disappear.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are powerful bottom dwellers that can reach 6 feet and 40+ pounds, with that distinctive amber stripe and dark band through the eye. These bruisers live around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in deeper water, usually 80-200 feet down. Spring and summer are prime seasons, especially April through June when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them special is the initial run - they'll dive straight for the bottom and test every ounce of your drag system. The meat is excellent, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. You'll need heavy tackle, 50-pound test minimum, because they fight dirty around structure. My go-to technique is dropping large live baits or heavy jigs right to the bottom near wrecks. Keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the structure, or you'll be retying. These fish have serious pulling power.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the big bruisers of the mackerel family, averaging 30 pounds but reaching over 90. These olive-backed speedsters cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often around wrecks and ledges where baitfish gather. Summer and fall are your best bet when water temps hit 68-84°F. What gets anglers fired up is their blistering runs - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and will test your drag system hard. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked or grilled fresh. You'll find bigger fish closer to shore in harbors and inlets. Here's the key: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Hook one through the nose, let the other dangle near the tail - kings love to hit bait from behind and those razor teeth will cut regular line in a heartbeat.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast-moving schooling fish that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds. You'll find them in large schools near the surface, often within 35 miles of shore around structures and drop-offs. These silver beauties with yellowish spots are some of the speediest swimmers out there, hitting 18 mph when they're feeding. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps warm up - they migrate south in winter. What makes them popular is their aggressive strikes and decent fight on light tackle, plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. My tip: when you spot diving birds, get ready - that's usually Spanish mackerel driving baitfish to the surface. Use a wire leader and small spoons or live bait, and drift into the school rather than motoring through it.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of 60 mph runs that'll scream line off your reel. These slender, blue-striped torpedoes average 3-5 feet but can push 8 feet and over 100 pounds. They roam open water beyond the shelf, often around floating debris or temperature breaks. Summer through fall brings the best action, especially July through November. What makes wahoo special is that explosive first run - nothing hits a trolled bait faster or harder. The meat is premium table fare, white and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect for fish tacos. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is standard because their razor teeth will slice mono instantly. Pro tip: when you hook up, don't slow the boat immediately - let them run against the drag for a few seconds or they'll throw the hook with those violent head shakes.
Wilmington