Fishing Charters Wrightsville Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing charter with MaTunaHoo SportfishingTarget species include Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Tuna, and WahooSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests
Six hours on the water with MaTunaHoo Sportfishing means serious time to land your dream catch off Wrightsville Beach. This isn't some quick tourist ride – we're talking about a full day charter where you'll work the waters that hold some of North Carolina's most sought-after gamefish. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're after hard-fighting tunas or table fare like grouper. With just four anglers max, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great one.
Your six-hour adventure starts early when you meet the crew at the marina. MaTunaHoo runs a tight ship, literally – their boat is set up specifically for the kind of fishing that puts Wrightsville Beach on the map. You'll head out through Masonboro Inlet and depending on conditions and what's biting, the captain will decide whether to work the nearshore structure or push out to the blue water. The boat comes equipped with quality tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, bring them along. The crew's job is to keep you in fish all day, which means moving spots when needed and adjusting techniques based on what the fish want. Pack sunscreen, bring snacks and drinks since meals aren't included, and get ready to work – these fish don't come easy.
This crew knows how to adapt their approach based on the bite. When mahi are schooled up around floating debris, you'll be casting live bait or working jigs in the current. For wahoo and tuna, expect to troll a spread of lures at varying depths until something screams line off the reel. The grouper bite often means dropping baits to structure where these bottom dwellers hang out waiting for an easy meal. Circle hooks are the standard here – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce deep hooking, which is better for the fish and better for you when dinner time rolls around. The captain reads the water constantly, watching for birds, bait schools, and temperature breaks that hold fish. Electronics play a big role too – the boat's fishfinder and GPS help locate structure and mark productive spots for future trips.
Mahi mahi are absolute crowd pleasers and for good reason. These gorgeous fish light up in electric blues and greens when they're fighting, and they hit lures with an aggression that'll surprise first-timers. Most mahi in these waters run 10-30 pounds, though bigger bulls push 40-plus. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action happening when water temps climb above 75 degrees. They school around floating grass lines and debris, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. What makes mahi special is they're beautiful to look at, fight hard, and taste even better.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of stripping 100 yards of line in seconds. These torpedo-shaped predators patrol the blue water and hit trolled lures with bone-jarring strikes. A typical wahoo runs 20-50 pounds, with their razor-sharp teeth requiring wire leaders to prevent cutoffs. Fall and early winter offer the most consistent wahoo fishing as they migrate through North Carolina waters. The thrill factor is off the charts – one second you're watching lures behind the boat, the next second a wahoo explodes on your bait and takes off like a rocket.
Snowy grouper live in deeper water and represent a real trophy for most anglers. These fish can live over 100 years and grow massive – 20-40 pounders are common, but 60-pound snowies swim these waters. They're typically caught in 200-400 feet of water around hard bottom and wrecks. What makes snowy grouper special is their fight – they use their bulk and the current to try pulling you into the structure. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Yellowfin tuna are probably the most versatile fighters you'll encounter. Smaller school-sized fish (20-40 pounds) show up in good numbers and provide steady action, while the occasional larger fish can push 100-plus pounds. Yellowfins are strong, fast, and smart – they'll test your tackle and your endurance. The meat is sushi-grade when handled properly, making them valuable both as sport and table fare. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when warm water pushes close to shore.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail for many serious anglers. These powerful fish are built for speed and endurance, and a big bluefin will test everything – your tackle, your technique, and your stamina. North Carolina sees bluefins during their winter migration, typically December through March. They range from school fish around 30-60 pounds up to giants exceeding 200 pounds. The commercial value is enormous, but most recreational anglers are in it for the incredible fight these fish provide.
A six-hour charter with MaTunaHoo Sportfishing gives you real time to get into quality fish without feeling rushed. The small group size means you're not competing with a crowd, and the crew can focus on putting each angler on fish. Whether you're looking to check a species off your bucket list or stock the freezer with quality fillets, this trip delivers the goods. Wrightsville Beach's proximity to both nearshore structure and deep water means options when conditions change, and Captain knows how to make the most of every trip. Don't wait too long to book – the best captains fill their calendars fast, especially during peak fishing months. Bring your cooler, charge your camera, and get ready for the kind of fishing day that makes great stories back at the dock.
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard our 2017 Sportsman Open 282 at Wrightsville Beach! This fully equipped fishing machine is built for serious anglers who want to target Amberjack, Bonito, Mahi Mahi, Groupers, Mackerels, Tunas, and Wahoo during six hours on the water. The boat comes loaded with GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, VHF radio, and a fish finder to locate your next catch. With room for up to 4 guests and convenient onboard facilities, you'll have everything needed for a productive day of inshore fishing. The Sportsman's open design gives you plenty of space to fight fish and move around the boat while our experienced crew puts you on the action.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate offshore trophy - these giants average 100-300 pounds and can hit over 1,000. They roam from shallow banks to deep blue water, comfortable in both cold and warm conditions. Winter through spring offers our best shots when they migrate through. The fight is legendary with screaming runs that can empty spools, and the meat quality is unmatched for sushi. They're federally regulated requiring permits and reporting. Heavy tackle is mandatory - these fish will test every piece of gear you own. When chunking for bluefin, patience is key. Set up a good chum slick with herring or mackerel and wait for them to show - when they do, it's game on.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the golden beauties of offshore fishing, averaging 15-30 pounds with that distinctive bright yellow and electric blue coloration. These fish hang around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in blue water, usually within 20 miles of shore. Spring through fall offers the best action here off Wrightsville. What makes them special is their aerial show - they'll jump and tail-walk when hooked, putting on quite the display. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that sweet, firm white meat. My go-to tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for more - mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually several more waiting.
Epinephelus Snowy grouper are the deep-water prize fish, averaging 20-30 pounds with some reaching 70. These copper-colored beauties with white spots live on rocky bottom in 300-600 feet of water. Season runs May through August with a one-fish-per-boat limit, making each one special. The challenge is the deep drop and long fight to the surface, but they're worth it for their excellent white meat. You'll need heavy tackle and electric reels help with the deep cranking. Whole squid, bonito strips, or mackerel on chicken rigs work best. Pro tip: once you find them on structure, mark that spot - they're territorial and will be there season after season.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 60 mph and averaging 30-40 pounds around here. These silver bullets with blue tiger stripes cruise the blue water beyond the shelf, typically in 200+ feet. Fall and winter months bring the best wahoo fishing off North Carolina. What draws anglers is their blistering runs and that premium white meat - it's like ocean steak. They're solitary hunters that'll absolutely smoke your drag when they hit. The key to landing wahoo is running wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice right through mono. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo usually does the trick.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the workhorses of offshore fishing, typically running 40-100 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and bright yellow fins. These warm-blooded speedsters cruise the top 300 feet of blue water, often mixed with dolphin pods. Summer and fall provide consistent action when water temps climb. Anglers love the sustained power runs and world-class sashimi quality meat. They're feeding machines that respond well to both trolling spreads and chunking. When marking fish deep but surface trolling isn't working, switch to vertical jigging - that's when the real magic happens. Keep a variety of baits ready since they can be picky feeders.
Wilmington