Offshore Fishing Charters Wilmington NC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing charter targeting multiple Atlantic speciesSmall group experience accommodating maximum 4 guests aboardBottom fishing and trolling techniques for game fish
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, MaTunaHoo Sportfishing delivers the kind of blue water action that keeps anglers coming back to Wilmington's waters. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full 12-hour adventure that takes you into the heart of the Atlantic where the big fish roam. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters, from hard-fighting wahoo to acrobatic sailfish. With space for just four anglers, you get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your day starts early when you meet the crew at the dock in Wilmington. We'll head out into the Atlantic where the Continental Shelf creates the perfect hunting grounds for pelagic species. The captain adjusts tactics based on what's biting – some days we're trolling the blue water for wahoo and mahi, other days we're dropping baits to the bottom for grouper and amberjack. The beauty of a 12-hour charter is having time to work different depths and techniques. You might start the morning trolling ballyhoo for sailfish, then switch to live bait when we mark schools of blackfin tuna on the fish finder. With only four anglers aboard, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized coaching from the crew. The boat comes equipped with top-shelf tackle, but if you have favorite rods or reels, bring them along – the crew knows how to rig whatever you're throwing.
MaTunaHoo runs a variety of proven techniques depending on conditions and what species are active. For the pelagic bite, we'll pull a spread of trolling lures and rigged baits at different depths – cedar plugs and spoons for wahoo, colorful skirted lures for mahi, and carefully rigged ballyhoo for sailfish. The crew knows exactly where to position baits in the spread and how to read the water for temperature breaks and current edges where fish concentrate. When we switch to bottom fishing, it's heavy tackle time. We're talking about dropping 12 to 16-ounce sinkers loaded with cut bait or live bottom fish down to structure where grouper and big amberjack live. The Gulf Stream influence brings warm water close to shore here, creating diverse fishing opportunities you won't find everywhere along the East Coast. Electronic equipment helps locate schools and structure, but experience reading the water makes the difference between finding fish and finding the mother lode.
Blackfin tuna are the bread and butter of Wilmington's offshore scene, especially during fall and winter months when they school up in huge numbers. These fish typically run 10 to 25 pounds and fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs that'll test your drag system. They're excellent table fare too – the meat is deep red and perfect for sashimi or searing. You'll find them around temperature breaks, feeding on small baitfish, and they respond well to both trolled cedar plugs and live bait presentations.
Atlantic sailfish are the showstoppers that bring photographers and trophy hunters to these waters. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, when fish migrate south along the coast. Most sailfish here run 6 to 8 feet with some reaching over 100 pounds. They're famous for their aerial displays – once hooked, they'll tailwalk across the surface and make long, powerful runs. The crew practices catch and release for these magnificent fish, using circle hooks and proper handling techniques to ensure healthy releases.
Atlantic bonito might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they make up for size with pure speed and aggressive strikes. These 3 to 8-pound speedsters hit trolled lures hard and fast, often in schools that create non-stop action. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, and they're fantastic light tackle targets. Bonito are also excellent bait for larger species – nothing beats a fresh bonito strip for attracting wahoo or big king mackerel.
Mahi mahi, or common dolphinfish, are among the most beautiful and delicious catches in these waters. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges where they feed on flying fish and small baits. Mahi typically show up in late spring and stick around through early fall, with peak action during summer months. Schools often contain fish of various sizes, from 5-pound schoolies to 30-pound bulls with massive foreheads. Their electric colors – brilliant gold, green, and blue – fade quickly after landing, so get your photos fast.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph and armed with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through wire leaders. These fish are highly prized for their white, flaky meat and their ability to absolutely demolish tackle with lightning-fast strikes. Wahoo fishing is best during cooler months when fish move closer to shore following baitfish. They're structure-oriented, often found around ledges and drop-offs where they ambush prey. A 40 to 60-pound wahoo will give you a fight you won't forget, combining speed with power in ways that test both angler and equipment.
This type of world-class offshore fishing doesn't come around every day, and spots on 12-hour charters fill up fast, especially during prime season. MaTunaHoo Sportfishing has built a reputation for putting anglers on fish while providing the kind of professional service that makes long days on the water comfortable and productive. Whether you're chasing your first sailfish, looking to fill the cooler with blackfin tuna, or hoping to tangle with a trophy wahoo, this crew knows Wilmington's offshore waters like their own backyard. The combination of experienced captains, top-notch equipment,
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard our 2017 Sportsman Open 282! This 28-foot offshore machine is built for anglers who want to target the big ones in Wilmington's deep waters. With room for 4 fishermen, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the Atlantic - GPS to find the hotspots, radar for those foggy mornings, fish finder to locate schools, and VHF radio to stay connected. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish, while the onboard head keeps you comfortable during those long 12-hour battles. Whether we're bottom fishing for grouper and amberjack or trolling for mahi, tuna, and wahoo, this boat handles the offshore swells like a champ. The Sportsman's reputation for durability and fishability makes her the perfect platform for chasing whatever the Atlantic decides to throw at us!
Sarda SardaDon't let anyone tell you bonito aren't worth targeting - these silver bullets are pure fun on light tackle. They typically run 5-12 pounds and look like small tuna with distinctive black stripes along their backs. You'll spot schools feeding on the surface, often with birds diving overhead marking the action. They're most active during spring and fall migrations when water temps hit the 60s. While they're not table fare here in the States, they're absolute dynamite to catch - fast, aggressive, and they'll hit just about any lure you throw at them. They also make great bait for bigger fish. Here's the trick: once you find a feeding school, work fast with small metal jigs or spoons. They spook easily, so keep your distance and cast beyond the action.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese are the speedsters of the Atlantic, hitting 30+ mph and putting on aerial shows that'll have you scrambling for your camera. Most run 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, with that distinctive sail-like dorsal fin. We find them in 30-200 feet of water, usually following bait schools along temperature breaks. Peak season here is late spring through fall when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What guests love most is the fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and make blistering runs that test your tackle and patience. The meat's decent too, though most folks prefer the catch-and-release photo op. Pro tip: when one shows up on your teaser, don't rush it. Let the fish get excited and commit before presenting your hook bait.
Thunnus AtlanticusThese are the smallest tuna in the Atlantic, usually running 15-25 pounds around here, but they pack a serious punch. You'll find them in schools over deeper water, typically 30-60 feet down near temperature breaks and current edges. They're most active during cooler months when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is that fierce tuna fight in a smaller package - they'll strip drag and make long runs just like their bigger cousins. The meat is excellent too, with that rich tuna flavor that's perfect for searing. Here's a local tip: when you hook into a school, scale down to lighter leaders and smaller hooks. Their eyesight is razor sharp, so finesse beats power every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands down one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, with those electric blues and golds that light up when they're fighting. Most run 15-30 pounds, though bulls can push 50+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they follow the warm water north. What makes them special is the complete package - spectacular colors, acrobatic fights with long runs and jumps, plus some of the best eating in the ocean. That firm, white meat is restaurant quality. Here's what works: when you hook one, leave it in the water and look for others. Mahi travel in schools, and keeping that first fish hooked often keeps the whole school around for multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the Formula One cars of the ocean, capable of hitting 60 mph and making runs that'll smoke your reel. Most range 20-50 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and that distinctive striped pattern. We find them around structure and temperature breaks, usually trolling in 60-200 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime time here when they're moving south. Guests love the blistering speed of the initial run - nothing hits harder or faster than a wahoo. Plus, the meat is absolutely premium - firm, white, and mild with a texture that's perfect for grilling or fish tacos. Essential tip: always use wire leaders, at least 2 feet of it. Those teeth will slice through mono or fluoro like butter, and there's nothing worse than losing a fish because you skimped on terminal tackle.
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