Private Offshore Fishing | Morehead City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour private offshore fishing charter departing 8 AM dailyTarget multiple species including King Mackerel, Cobia, and AmberjackAccommodates up to six guests with experienced local captain
Looking for a serious fishing adventure off the North Carolina coast? Our 6-hour private charter puts you right in the action with some of the best offshore fishing Morehead City has to offer. We launch at 8 AM sharp and spend the day targeting the species that make these waters famous - king mackerel, cobia, bonito, and more. With Captain and crew handling all the details, you and up to 5 friends can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat. At $800 for your group, this trip delivers world-class fishing without breaking the bank.
Your day starts at our dock in Morehead City, where we'll get you set up with tackle and go over the game plan. We typically head out 15-20 miles to find the best structure and bait activity. The boat's equipped with top-rated electronics, so we can locate fish-holding bottom and temperature breaks where the action heats up. You'll be fishing in 60-120 feet of water most of the day, depending on what's biting and where we're marking fish. The crew knows these waters inside and out - we're talking about guys who've been working these same productive spots for years. Expect a mix of bottom fishing and trolling, with plenty of opportunities for everyone in your group to get their line wet. We provide all rods, reels, and terminal tackle, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you've got favorites.
We run a combination approach that keeps the action steady throughout the trip. Trolling is our bread and butter for kings, bonito, and mackerel - we'll pull a spread of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait behind the boat while covering water and looking for surface activity. When we find structure holding cobia or bottom fish, we'll anchor up and drop baits to the deck. The boat carries medium-heavy spinning gear and conventional setups perfect for these species. We're talking 20-30 pound class tackle that can handle the fight these fish put up without being overkill. Live bait makes all the difference out here, so we typically start the morning with a bait stop to load up on menhaden, sardines, or whatever's thick. The crew will rig everything and coach you through the techniques, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of our offshore trips, and these waters consistently produce fish in the 15-40 pound range. Kings are ambush predators that patrol the edges of structure and temperature breaks, often attacking baits with explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They're most active during the warmer months from May through October, with peak action typically in late summer when bait is thick offshore. What makes kings so exciting is their initial run - they'll scream line off your reel and make multiple jumps before you can get them controlled.
Cobia are another customer favorite, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These fish average 20-50 pounds and are known for their curious nature - they'll often approach the boat to investigate, giving you a clear shot at sight-casting to them. Cobia fight like bulldogs, using their broad tails and strong bodies to test your tackle and technique. They're excellent table fare too, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Atlantic bonito provide non-stop action when they're schooled up and feeding. These smaller tunas rarely exceed 10 pounds, but they make up for size with speed and stamina. Bonito are renowned for their acrobatic fights and willingness to hit both live and artificial baits. They're often mixed in with schools of false albacore (little tunny), creating feeding frenzies that can keep your whole group busy at once.
Atlantic mackerel round out our target list as willing biters that are great for keeping kids and novice anglers engaged. They school in large numbers and compete aggressively for baits, making them a trending choice when the bite gets tough on larger species. While smaller than their king mackerel cousins, Atlantics are scrappy fighters that make excellent bait for larger predators.
This best trip experience books up fast, especially during peak fishing season when conditions are most consistent. Our 6-hour format gives you enough time to work different areas and techniques without feeling rushed, while still getting you back to the dock at a reasonable hour. The private charter setup means no crowded boat, no waiting for other anglers, and fishing at your group's pace. Whether you're planning a guys' weekend, family outing, or corporate event, this world-class fishing adventure delivers memories that'll last long after you've eaten the last fish. Give us a call to check availability and secure your dates - the fish are biting, and your group deserves to be out there catching them.
Step aboard the Lucy Ella, a beautifully crafted 28-foot Henriques express cruiser built with a custom New Jersey hull designed for serious offshore fishing adventures. This well-equipped vessel comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers and features everything needed for a successful day chasing fish in the waters off Morehead City. The spacious cockpit provides plenty of room to fight those big kings and cobia, while the tuna tower gives your captain the perfect vantage point to spot feeding schools and structure. Below deck, you'll find a comfortable cabin with galley, head, and sleeping quarters for longer trips. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best fishing spots, while the onboard icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're targeting amberjack around the wrecks or trolling for king mackerel along the continental shelf, the Lucy Ella delivers a smooth, stable platform that handles offshore conditions with confidence.
Sarda SardaThese torpedo-shaped speedsters average 3-8 pounds and travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles. You'll find them in mid-water columns, usually chasing bait near the surface where seabirds give away their location. They show up best during warmer months when water temps hit the 60s. Bonito are pure adrenaline - they hit hard and fight like fish twice their size, often jumping clear of the water. While they're oily and not great table fare here in the states, they make fantastic bait for bigger gamefish. Pro tip: once you find a feeding school, work fast with small metal jigs or spoons. They'll hit almost anything, but the window closes quick when they move on.
Scomber ScombrusThese beautifully marked fish run about 12-16 inches and rarely top 2 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. Look for them in large schools near the surface during summer months when they move close to shore. They prefer cooler water and head deeper when it warms up. The metallic blue-green backs with wavy black bars are stunning, though the colors fade fast once caught. Guests love the non-stop action - when you find a school, everyone on board stays busy. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking. Quick tip: use light tackle with small shiny lures or sabiki rigs. They're aggressive feeders, so multiple hook setups can put several fish on at once.
Rachycentron CanadumThese brown, shark-looking fish are loners that average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds. They hang around structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-70 feet of water, especially during spring and summer. Cobia are curious fish - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. They're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. The fight is strong and determined rather than flashy. Best fishing happens during their spring migration when they move inshore to spawn. Here's the key: sight fishing works great since they cruise near the surface. When you spot one, drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them - they're usually hungry and not too picky.
Scomberomorus CavallaKnown locally as kingfish, these fast-moving predators typically run 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet around structure and drop-offs, with larger fish often found closer to shore. Spring through fall brings the best action as they follow baitfish north. Kings are prized for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and skills. The meat is excellent when fresh, with firm white flesh that's great grilled or blackened. Here's a tip: always use a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, watch for diving birds - they'll show you where the bait is stacked up.
Euthynnus AlletteratusAlso called false albacore, these scrappy fighters typically weigh 8-15 pounds and travel in noisy, feeding schools. They prefer nearshore waters and surface areas around jetties, inlets, and drop-offs. Fall brings the best action as they follow bait south. Don't let the size fool you - these fish fight like they're twice as big, making screaming runs and keeping your drag singing. The dark red meat isn't everyone's favorite, but it's actually quite good when handled properly. They're also prime bait for bigger predators. Here's what works: when you hear splashing and see birds diving, get there fast. Small jigs, spoons, or fly tackle will do the trick, but be ready - they move quickly once the school gets spooked.
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