North Carolina Gulf Stream Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore Gulf Stream trip targets dolphin, wahoo, tuna, and billfishFurthest offshore destination offers rare wildlife viewing opportunitiesSmall group experience accommodates maximum six guests per charter
This is as far offshore as we go, and trust me, it's worth every mile. When you're fishing the North Carolina Gulf Stream, you're playing in the big leagues where the water runs deep blue and the fish run big. We're talking about a world-class fishery that sits right in our backyard, where the Gulf Stream creates perfect conditions for some of the most sought-after pelagic species on the East Coast. This top-rated adventure takes you way beyond the continental shelf to where the real action happens – and with only 6 anglers max, everyone gets their shot at the fish of a lifetime.
The Gulf Stream isn't just another fishing spot – it's a moving river of warm water that acts like a highway for migratory fish. You'll know you've hit it when the water color changes from that coastal green to that deep, almost purple blue that screams "big fish country." The temperature break creates feeding zones where baitfish stack up, and that's where we'll find our targets. Expect a longer run to get out there – we're talking about heading way offshore to where most folks only see in magazines. The boat ride gives you time to rig up, talk strategy, and watch for the signs that tell us we're in the right water. Once we're there, the scenery changes completely. You're looking at water that's thousands of feet deep, and on a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction.
Out here, trolling is king. We'll be pulling a spread of lures at different depths and distances to cover water and attract fish from all around. The setup includes a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and larger lures designed to trigger strikes from wahoo, mahi, tuna, and billfish. The key is reading the water – looking for temperature breaks, color changes, weed lines, and bird activity that signals bait and feeding fish. When we mark fish or see surface activity, we might switch tactics and try some live bait fishing or even some jigging if the conditions are right. The Gulf Stream current means we're constantly adjusting our approach, using the flow to our advantage while staying on top of the fish. Bottom fishing also comes into play when we find structure or marks holding fish – the variety keeps things interesting and your cooler full.
Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish) - These are the crowd pleasers that'll put a smile on anyone's face. Mahi are aggressive feeders that travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They love floating debris, sargassum weed lines, and temperature breaks in the Stream. Best fishing is typically late spring through early fall when they're most abundant in our waters. What makes them special is their willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them, their spectacular colors when first boated, and their fantastic table fare. Plus, they put up a great fight with lots of jumps and runs.
Wahoo - The speed demons of the Gulf Stream, wahoo are built for one thing: going fast and hitting hard. These fish can reach speeds over 40 mph and when they hit your lure, you'll know it. They're notorious for their blistering initial runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. Fall and winter are prime time for wahoo in the Stream, especially around structure and temperature breaks. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. The challenge with wahoo is that they're often here and gone, so when we're on them, it's all hands on deck.
Bluefin Tuna - The heavyweight champions that'll put your tackle and your back to the test. Bluefin are incredibly strong fish that can grow to massive sizes, and when you hook one, you're in for a battle that can last an hour or more. They're most active during the cooler months in our area, often showing up in good numbers during late fall and winter. What makes bluefin special is their power – they'll take you straight down to the bottom and make you work for every inch of line you get back. It's not uncommon to see fish over 200 pounds, and the bigger ones are truly fish of a lifetime.
Atlantic Sailfish - The acrobats of the billfish world, sailfish are what dreams are made of. When a sail grabs your bait and starts tail-walking across the surface, everything else stops. They're incredibly fast and use that huge dorsal fin to corral baitfish, making them spectacular to watch feed. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they migrate through our waters. Most anglers choose to release these magnificent fish, but the experience of fighting one is something you'll never forget. They're not the biggest billfish, but they make up for it with attitude and aerial displays that'll have you reaching for your camera.
The North Carolina Gulf Stream represents some of the finest offshore fishing on the East Coast, and this customer favorite trip puts you right in the heart of it all. With Mama Tried Sportfishing, you're getting a captain who knows these waters and a boat that'll get you there safely and comfortably. Remember, we only take 6 anglers, so everyone gets personal attention and plenty of room to fight fish. The Gulf Stream doesn't fish the same every day – that's what makes it challenging and rewarding. Some days the mahi are thick, other days the wahoo are running, and if you're really lucky, you might find yourself hooked up to a giant bluefin or watching a sailfish dance on its tail. Either way, you're going to see some country that most people never experience and have shots at fish that swim in very few places. Don't wait too long to book – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
Hit the deep blue waters of the North Carolina Gulf Stream aboard our fully-rigged 6-passenger fishing machine. This offshore workhorse comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS navigation to find the hottest fishing grounds, fish finder to locate schools below, and radar for those early morning runs when visibility gets sketchy. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish, while the VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats sharing intel on where the bite is happening. When nature calls during those long days chasing tuna and billfish, the onboard head means no cutting trips short. Whether you're targeting wahoo on the troll or dropping down for bottom fish, this boat handles the Gulf Stream's big water with confidence. Perfect setup for crews ready to venture where most only dream about fishing.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish average 7 feet and 50 pounds with that signature dorsal sail and sword-like bill. They patrol the upper water column from 30-65 feet, hunting baitfish in warm Gulf Stream water. Winter brings the best action as they follow bait south. What makes them special is the aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a display you won't forget. Plus they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks. Most folks release these beauties. Key tip: when teasing one up, let it eat the bait completely before setting the hook. They'll shake that bill like crazy, so patience pays off.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the heavyweights of the Stream - averaging 200-400 pounds with some pushing twice that. These torpedo-shaped fighters can dive 3,000 feet and cruise at 40+ mph. They roam deep blue water but come up to feed near temperature breaks and bait schools. Spring and fall migrations bring the best shots at them. Every angler wants to tangle with one for the raw power and those deep, punishing runs. The meat's worth its weight in gold for sushi. My advice: bring your heaviest tackle and fish the early morning bite around temperature breaks. When they show, be ready for the fight of your life.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi run 15-30 pounds on average but can hit 50+ in the Stream. They love floating debris and weedlines where baitfish gather. These fish put on a real show - bright gold and green colors that change like a light display when hooked, plus they jump and make long runs. Best action happens spring through fall when water temps climb. The meat's firm and sweet, perfect for the grill. Here's a trick: when you see frigate birds working debris, get your ballyhoo skipping on the surface fast. Mahi can't resist that action, and where there's one, there's usually a school.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf Stream, hitting 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth. Most run 3-5 feet and 20-40 pounds, but bigger ones lurk out there. They cruise open water around 60 feet deep, often solo or in small groups. Best bite comes during cooler months when they move closer to shore. Anglers love them for the blistering runs and that white, flaky meat that's hard to beat on the table. Speed is key - troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their teeth will slice through anything else. Bullethead lures and fresh ballyhoo work great.
Morehead City, NC