Wrightsville Beach Fishing with MaTunaHoo
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Beginnerfriendly inshore fishing targeting seven popular speciesAll fishing equipment provided by experienced captainSmall group experience with maximum four guests
Ready to get your lines wet in some of North Carolina's most productive waters? This Wrightsville Beach fishing trip puts you right where the action is, targeting everything from feisty Spanish mackerel to trophy-sized grouper. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet in saltwater fishing, Captain and crew at MaTunaHoo Sportfishing know exactly where to find the fish. You'll be fishing the nearshore waters where structure and current create perfect feeding zones, and trust me – these waters don't disappoint. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, because everything else is handled for you.
Your day starts early when you meet the crew at the dock, ready to head out into the productive waters off Wrightsville Beach. This isn't your typical pier fishing – we're talking about getting out to where the real action happens. The boat accommodates up to four anglers, so you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your rods without bumping into each other. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the conditions and adjusting the game plan based on what's biting. Some days we'll be working the nearshore reefs for grouper, other times we're trolling the blue water edge for mahi and king mackerel. The beauty of this fishery is its diversity – you never know what's going to grab your bait next. The crew provides all the tackle, from heavy spinning gear for the big kings to lighter setups perfect for Spanish mackerel. They'll rig your lines, net your fish, and keep you in the action all day long.
The fishing here is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what's feeding. When we're targeting Spanish mackerel and bonito, we'll often troll small spoons and feathers at varying speeds, covering water until we find the schools. Once we mark fish, it's all hands on deck with live bait or jigs. For the bigger predators like king mackerel and mahi, we'll deploy a spread of trolling lures – diving plugs, skirted baits, and rigged ballyhoo that mimic the baitfish these gamefish can't resist. The grouper fishing is a whole different game, requiring precise bottom fishing techniques over structure. We're talking heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and the kind of drag-screaming fights that make your arms burn. The captain provides everything from 20-pound spinning outfits to heavy conventional reels capable of handling whatever decides to eat your bait. Expect to use a mix of live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures depending on conditions and target species. The key here is staying versatile – these waters can surprise you, and the fish don't always read the same playbook.
Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially during the warmer months when they school up in massive numbers. These aggressive feeders hit fast and fight hard for their size, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. They typically run 2-4 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they'll peel line and put on a show. The best action usually happens from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb and baitfish concentrate along the beaches and nearshore structure.
Gag grouper represent the heavyweight division of your potential catch. These bottom-dwelling bruisers can weigh anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing even bigger numbers. They're ambush predators that live around hard bottom, artificial reefs, and natural ledges. What makes gag grouper so exciting is their initial run – they'll try to get back to their hole the second they feel the hook, testing your drag and your nerves. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're most active and feeding heavily.
King mackerel are the speed demons of these waters, capable of blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Also called "smoker kings" by locals, these pelagic predators patrol the blue water looking for schools of menhaden, Spanish sardines, and other baitfish. A typical king might weigh 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders are always possible. They're most active during the summer months when bait is plentiful and water temperatures peak. The fight is pure adrenaline – long runs, jumps, and enough speed to make your reel smoke.
Atlantic bonito bring incredible speed and stamina to every hookup. These smaller tunas rarely exceed 10 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. They school heavily during their seasonal migrations, creating fast-paced action where multiple hookups are common. Bonito are perfect on light tackle, making screaming runs and testing your ability to manage a hot fish. They typically show up in spring and fall when water temperatures are transitional.
Mahi mahi, or common dolphinfish, are the wild cards that can make any trip memorable. These open-ocean speedsters are known for their incredible colors, acrobatic fights, and excellent table fare. When you find mahi, you've often found a whole school, leading to non-stop action. They're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. A typical mahi runs 10-20 pounds, but bulls can push 30 pounds or more. Their fights combine speed, jumps, and stubborn pulling power that keeps you guessing until they're in the boat.
The waters off Wrightsville Beach offer some of the most consistent and diverse fishing on the entire East Coast. With MaTunaHoo Sportfishing, you're getting local knowledge, quality equipment, and the kind of personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. The boat's four-angler capacity means you won't be crowde
Jump aboard our 2017 Sportsman Open 282 for some serious fishing action off Wrightsville Beach! This 28-foot beauty is built for anglers who want to chase the big ones in comfort. With GPS to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate the schools, and radar for those early morning runs, you'll be dialed in on the fish. The spacious deck gives all 4 anglers room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Whether you're after amberjack, mahi mahi, grouper, or wahoo, this boat handles the inshore waters like a champ. VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats sharing intel on where they're biting. Captain provides all tackle and gear - you just bring snacks and drinks. Perfect for first-timers wanting to learn the ropes or seasoned fishermen ready to load the cooler. The head onboard means no cutting trips short, so we can stay on the water as long as the fish are cooperating.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are speed demons that travel in massive schools, often with their dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks. They typically run 3-8 pounds and are built for one thing - pure speed. Look for them in 30-80 feet of water, especially when bait schools are thick from late spring through fall. When they're feeding on top, it's a sight to see - the water explodes with activity and birds go crazy overhead. These fish hit hard and fast, making blistering runs that'll surprise you for their size. They're not great table fare here, but the action more than makes up for it. They're also perfect live bait for bigger game. When you find a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything - small metals, plastics, or live bait. Just cast into the chaos and hold on tight.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are ambush predators that love hiding around rocks, reefs, and wrecks in 60-120 feet of water. They average 20-30 inches but can grow much larger - we've seen some real tanks pushing 50+ pounds. These fish have that classic grouper attitude - they'll crush your bait then immediately head for the nearest hole or structure. Fall and winter are your best shots when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes them special is the fight - it's like hooking into a freight train that knows exactly where every piece of structure is. The meat is top-notch white and flaky, perfect for any recipe. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock down that drag and don't give them an inch. If they get back to their hole, game over.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the bruisers of the mackerel family, commonly running 15-30 pounds with some real giants hitting 50+ pounds. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're thick off our coast. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll smoke drag like nobody's business and make long, powerful runs that'll test your equipment. The fight alone makes them worth targeting, plus the meat is excellent if you like a firmer fish with good flavor. Kings are smart though - they'll often hit the back half of your bait, so always rig with a stinger hook about 6 inches behind your main hook when using live bait. Look for diving birds and temperature changes - that's where you'll find them feeding.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters in our waters, averaging 10-25 pounds with occasional bulls hitting 40+. They love floating debris, weedlines, and temperature breaks in 100+ feet of blue water. Summer is prime time when they follow the warm water up our coast. What makes them special is the whole package - they're gorgeous, fight like crazy with jumps and long runs, and are absolutely delicious on the table. When you hook one, expect a wild ride of aerial acrobatics. The key is finding floating structure - anything from sargassum patches to debris lines. Once you find one mahi, there's usually more around. Keep one hooked fish in the water while others cast - it'll often keep the school nearby. Fresh ballyhoo or small dolphin work great, and don't forget the gaff - these slippery fish are tough to boat.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, silvery speedsters with distinctive yellow spots along their sides. Most run 1-3 pounds around here, though we occasionally see bigger ones pushing 5-6 pounds. They travel in schools and love cruising near the surface, especially around structure and drop-offs in 20-60 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time when water temps hit the 70s. These fish are absolute rockets when hooked - they'll make screaming runs and jump like crazy, which makes them perfect for kids and beginners who want some real action. The meat is excellent too - mild, flaky, and perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you see diving birds working, get ready - there's usually a school of Spanish underneath tearing up baitfish. Small spoons and live shrimp work best.
Wilmington