North Carolina Offshore Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing adventures 1030 miles from North Carolina coastTarget King Mackerel, Dolphin, and prime bottom fish speciesProfessional charters accommodate up to 6 guests per trip
Picture this: you're 10-30 miles out in the deep blue waters off North Carolina's coast, lines in the water, and the anticipation building with every wave. That's exactly what you'll get with Mama Tried Sportfishing's offshore adventure. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about serious fishing where the big boys live. Whether you're after the lightning-fast runs of a king mackerel or the aerial acrobatics of a mahi mahi, these waters deliver year-round action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With space for up to 6 guests, you'll have plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without feeling cramped.
The moment we clear the inlet and hit open water, you'll feel the difference. The swells get bigger, the water gets bluer, and the fish get a whole lot more aggressive. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand – from the nearshore ledges where Spanish mackerel school up to the deeper drop-offs where grouper hide in rocky bottom structure. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might start with some high-speed trolling for pelagics or head straight to productive bottom spots. The beauty of North Carolina's offshore fishery is its diversity. One minute you're fighting a screaming king mackerel on the surface, the next you're cranking up a hefty grouper from 80 feet down. The crew handles all the heavy lifting when it comes to rigging baits, managing the spread, and getting fish in the boat, so you can focus on what you came for – catching fish and having a blast doing it.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what's hot that day. For the pelagic species like kings and mahi, we'll pull a spread of trolling lures at varying distances and depths – think spoons, feathers, and diving plugs that mimic the baitfish these predators can't resist. The key is covering water and presenting baits at different levels in the water column. When we hit productive bottom structure for grouper and other reef fish, we switch gears to heavy conventional tackle with circle hooks and fresh cut bait. The bottom fishing game is all about getting your bait down quick and keeping it in the strike zone where these fish are holding. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided, along with a full selection of lures and baits. The crew keeps everything rigged and ready, rotating fresh baits and adjusting the spread as conditions change. If you've got your own gear and prefer to use it, that's totally fine – just make sure it's appropriate for offshore work with plenty of backbone for these hard-fighting fish.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of North Carolina's offshore scene, and for good reason. These silver bullets can stretch over 40 inches and put on a show that'll have your arms burning and your drag screaming. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, typically found around structure and bait schools in 40-100 feet of water. What makes kings so special is their explosive initial run – they'll strip line off your reel faster than you can believe, often jumping clear of the water multiple times. The key is keeping steady pressure while letting your drag do the work.
Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish as they're properly called, are pure gold when they show up in these waters. These beautiful fish are built for speed and acrobatics, with their vibrant colors and distinctive dorsal fins making them one of the most photogenic catches you'll find offshore. They typically arrive in late spring and stick around through summer, often found around floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are schooling fish, so where you find one, there's usually more. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to eat their catch.
Gulf grouper represent the bottom fishing side of this trip, and they're absolute bulldogs once hooked. These fish live in rocky areas and ledges, using their powerful bodies and knowledge of the structure to try to break you off. Grouper fishing is a game of patience and quick reflexes – you've got to let them eat the bait, then lean into them hard to get their heads up and away from the rocks. They're available year-round but tend to be most active during cooler months when they're feeding heavily.
Spanish mackerel might be smaller than their king cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and constant action. These fish are perfect for lighter tackle and are often the stars of the show when they're schooled up and feeding aggressively. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, making them ideal for anglers who want steady action and great table fare. Spanish macs are typically found in slightly shallower water than kings, often mixed in with other species around bait schools.
North Carolina's offshore waters offer some of the most consistent and diverse fishing on the East Coast, and this trip puts you right in the heart of it all. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or looking to step up from inshore fishing, Mama Tried Sportfishing delivers the real deal. The combination of knowledgeable crew, productive waters, and top-notch equipment means you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Don't forget to bring your cooler, sunscreen, and camera – you're going to want to document this one. With only 6 spots available per trip, these offshore adventures fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your date now and get ready to experience why North Carolina's offshore fishing scene has such a legendary reputation among serious anglers.
This well-equipped motorboat gets you 10-30 miles offshore where North Carolina's best fishing happens. Built for serious anglers, she's rigged with everything you need - GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, while the fish finder helps locate those productive bottom structures and baitfish schools. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over your marks without spooking the fish. Stay connected with other boats and shore via VHF radio, plus there's an onboard head for comfort during longer trips. Whether you're targeting King Mackerel on the troll, hunting Dolphin around floating debris, or dropping down for grouper and snapper, this boat handles it all. Seasonal fishing varies but the action stays consistent - you'll find yourself over productive waters where Carolina's offshore fishing really shines. Room for up to 6 anglers means everyone gets their shot at the cooler-filling action these waters are known for.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most beautiful fish you'll see change colors right in the boat - electric blues and golds that fade to silver once landed. These 15-29 pound fighters love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps hit 68-84°F. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and bulldoze like crazy. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish out there with sweet, firm white meat. Schools often travel together, so when you find one, there's usually more. My go-to trick: troll ballyhoo or small lures around any floating objects you spot, and keep a second rod ready - mahi rarely travel alone.
Mycteroperca JordaniGulf Grouper are the bruisers of the deep, averaging around 100 pounds and living up to 48 years in rocky bottom structure between 16-98 feet. These ambush predators change color to match their surroundings, making them masters of camouflage around reefs and hard bottom. While they're more common in Mexican waters, we occasionally see them during warmer months. Anglers love the challenge - they'll try to dive straight back to structure once hooked, testing your drag and skill. The meat's excellent table fare with firm white flesh. Key technique: use heavy tackle with circle hooks and drop live bait right to the bottom. Once you feel that thump, lock down the drag and keep their head up - let them get back in the rocks and the fight's over.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our waters, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These olive-green torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they follow bait schools up the coast. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat's rich and flaky when fresh. Pro tip: use a wire leader and rig your live bait with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail section of baitfish, so that stinger hook back there saves a lot of missed fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are the perfect starter fish for anyone wanting fast action - these silver speedsters with yellow spots average 8-11 pounds and travel in massive schools. They cruise near-shore waters, around piers, jetties, and open flats, especially when water warms up in spring and summer. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and decent fight on light tackle, plus they're great eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. You'll often see them busting bait on the surface in large schools that can stretch for miles. Best trick: cast small spoons or jigs just past the feeding frenzy and retrieve fast - they love anything shiny and moving. Use light wire leaders since their teeth are sharp enough to cut mono.
Morehead City, NC