6-Hour Private Fishing Charter Morehead City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour private offshore fishing charter departing 8 AM dailyTarget eight species including Amberjack, Cobia, and King MackerelAccommodates up to six guests with Mainely Blue Charters
You want to get on some serious fish? This 6-hour private charter puts you right where the action is, targeting some of the best species the Crystal Coast has to offer. We're talking about getting after king mackerel, cobia, bonito, and everything in between on waters that have been producing quality fish for decades. Starting at 8 AM sharp, you'll have the boat to yourself and up to 5 other anglers, which means no fighting for rod space or dealing with strangers hogging the cooler. At $800 for the whole crew, it breaks down to solid value when you split it up, especially considering you're getting a full day on some of the most productive offshore waters on the East Coast.
We'll meet you at the dock in Morehead City bright and early, and within 30 minutes you'll be clearing Beaufort Inlet and heading to where the fish are biting. The beauty of a private charter is we can adjust the game plan based on what you want to target and what's been hot lately. Some days we'll run 15 miles out to the ledges where the kings are stacked up, other times we might work closer structure for cobia and black sea bass. The boat's equipped with everything you need – quality rods and reels, fresh bait, and all the tackle to handle whatever we hook up with. You just need to bring your fishing license, some snacks, and plenty of drinks since we're not providing meals on this trip. The ride out gives everyone time to wake up with some coffee and get the lines ready for what's hopefully going to be a memorable day of fishing.
Most of our fishing happens with a combination of trolling and live bait fishing, depending on what species we're targeting that day. For kings, we'll pull a spread of spoons, diving plugs, and cigar minnows behind planer boards and downriggers. This lets us cover water efficiently and puts baits at different depths where these fish cruise. When we mark fish on the bottom machine or see birds working, we'll stop and drop live menhaden or spot down to cobia and amberjack that are hanging around structure. The tackle is sized right for each technique – medium-heavy spinning gear for the live bait work and conventional reels for trolling. Don't worry if you're not familiar with offshore techniques, our crew will walk you through everything and make sure you're ready when that rod starts screaming. We carry plenty of backup gear too, because sometimes big fish have other ideas about your equipment.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here from late spring through fall. These fish run anywhere from 5 to 40 pounds, with the bigger ones showing up when water temperatures start dropping in October and November. They're aggressive feeders that will absolutely smoke a trolled bait, and the fight is pure adrenaline – long runs, jumps, and that classic king mackerel head-shaking that can throw hooks if you're not careful. We target them around structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools in 60 to 120 feet of water.
Cobia are hands down one of the most exciting fish to catch in these waters. They average 20 to 50 pounds and are curious, intelligent fish that will follow your bait right to the boat. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're cruising the shallows and hanging around rays and sharks. Sight-fishing for cobia with live eels or crabs is about as good as it gets – you can actually see these bronze-colored fish swimming up to check out your offering. They fight like a bulldog and make excellent table fare.
Little tunny, also called false albacore, are the speed demons of the offshore world. They school up in huge numbers during fall and winter, creating some of the most fast-paced fishing you'll find. These 5 to 15-pound fish hit hard, run fast, and keep coming. When you find a school feeding on glass minnows, you can catch them as fast as you can drop a line. They're perfect for kids or anyone who wants non-stop action.
Atlantic bonito show up during cooler months and are built for speed. Similar to little tunny but with different markings, they're pure muscle and will test your drag system. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, the fishing can be wide open. They're also excellent eating when prepared right – think sashimi-grade fish if you handle them properly.
Black sea bass might not be the glamour species, but they're reliable, tasty, and fun to catch around bottom structure. They're perfect for filling the cooler when the pelagic bite is slow. Most run 1 to 3 pounds, but we occasionally hook keeper-sized fish up to 8 pounds that put up a respectable fight on light tackle.
This 6-hour private charter gives you the flexibility to fish your way without dealing with crowds or rushed schedules. Whether you're a group of experienced anglers looking to get on some quality fish or a family wanting to introduce kids to offshore fishing, we can tailor the trip to match your experience level and goals. The waters off Morehead City consistently produce fish year-round, with different species peaking at different times. Book early, especially during peak season from April through November, because private charters fill up fast when the fishing is hot. At $800 for the whole boat, you're getting professional guide service, quality equipment, and access to some of the best fishing grounds on the Carolina coast. Don't forget your cooler – you're going to need it.
The Lucy Ella is your ticket to serious offshore fishing off Morehead City. This 28-foot Henriques express cruiser packs everything you need for a productive day chasing kings, cobia, and amberjack in deeper waters. The custom New Jersey hull cuts through the Atlantic swells while you stay comfortable in the spacious cabin between fishing sessions. Up top, the tuna tower gives you the perfect vantage point to spot diving birds and surface action. Down in the cockpit, there's plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to work the rails when the bite is on. The onboard fish finder keeps you on the schools, while GPS and radar ensure you can run to the hot spots safely. Between the icebox and refrigerator, your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold. When you need a break from the action, grab a snack in the galley or use the head. This boat is built for families and serious fishermen who want comfort without sacrificing fishing capability on those long offshore runs.
Sarda SardaBonito are built for speed, reaching up to 40 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and distinctive black stripes. These tuna relatives average 3-8 pounds and school up in massive numbers during their summer runs. You'll spot them feeding on the surface, sometimes jumping clear out of the water chasing bait - seabirds diving overhead are your best indicator. They fight incredibly hard for their size, making screaming runs that'll test your drag. While they're not great table fare here in the States due to their oily, dark meat, they're perfect for those wanting non-stop action. Pro tip: once you find a feeding school, throw anything shiny their way - they're aggressive feeders and will hit almost any lure you cast into the frenzy.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic mackerel are smaller members of the mackerel family, usually running 1-2 pounds with beautiful metallic blue-green backs and wavy vertical bars. These schooling fish travel in massive groups that can stretch for miles when they move through our waters during summer months. They stay in the upper water column, making them perfect targets for light tackle fishing. What guests love about mackerel is the constant action - when you find a school, it's fish after fish. Plus, they're fantastic eating with rich, flavorful meat loaded with healthy omega-3s. The key to finding them is looking for diving birds and surface activity. Once located, small shiny spoons or sabiki rigs work best - drop them right into the school and hang on.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches, averaging 20-40 pounds with some real bruisers pushing 60+. These brown, shark-looking fish are typically loners found around structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What makes cobia special is they're often sight-fished - you'll actually see them cruising near the surface. The fight is solid but manageable, and the table fare is outstanding - firm, white meat that tastes incredible. Here's the local secret: when you spot one, don't cast directly at it. Lead the fish by 10-15 feet with a bucktail jig or live bait, then work it slowly past them. They're curious but spook easily with aggressive presentations.
Scomberomorus CavallaKingfish are some of the fastest gamefish you'll encounter off our coast, typically running 15-30 pounds with bigger ones pushing 50+. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth love the 40-150 foot range around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move inshore to feed. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat's excellent when bled and iced properly, though it's oily. Here's a local trick: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit from the back, and that second hook saves a lot of cut-offs from those knife-like teeth.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, or false albacore, are small but mighty members of the tuna family, typically weighing 8-15 pounds. These torpedo-shaped fighters have dark wavy lines on their backs and distinctive worm-like markings that set them apart from bonito. They school up in nearshore waters during fall months, often feeding aggressively on the surface. What makes them special is their incredible fight - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish out there. The meat is dark red and strong-flavored, similar to yellowfin tuna but more intense. When you find a feeding school, the action is non-stop. Local tip: listen for the commotion - feeding tunnies are loud and create a lot of surface disturbance. Cast small spoons or flies right into the chaos for instant hookups.
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