Wanchese NC Fishing Charters | 6HR Private Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour charter accommodates up to 6 guests comfortablyTarget Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, sharks, and bottom fishMultiple fishing techniques from trolling to drift fishing
When you want a full day on the water without the crowds, our 6-hour private charter out of Wanchese gives you exactly that. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and with six hours to work with, we've got time to hit multiple spots and really dial in on what's biting. Whether you're after the adrenaline rush of a King Mackerel screaming line off the reel or the steady action of bottom fishing for Sea Bass, this trip covers all the bases. We keep it simple - bring up to 5 of your fishing buddies, and we'll handle the rest.
Your day starts early at the Wanchese docks, where Miss Banx sits ready with everything you need for a productive day of fishing. We'll head out trolling first, pulling spreads for Spanish Mackerel, Kings, Bluefish, and those silvery Ribbonfish that fight way harder than they look. The beauty of a 6-hour charter is we're not rushed - if the trolling bite is hot, we stick with it. If it slows down, we've got plenty of time to switch gears and try something different. The inshore waters around Wanchese offer incredible variety, from shallow grass flats perfect for Trout and Flounder to deeper structure holding bigger predators. We'll read the conditions and adjust our game plan accordingly, always keeping you in the action.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what's working best. Trolling gets us covering water fast, and we'll have you working Clark spoons, drone spoons, and diving plugs to tempt those pelagics. When we hit the wrecks, we switch to live bait or cut bait rigs - perfect for drawing sharks up from the depths. The drift fishing is where things get relaxed but productive. We'll set up over sandy bottom with bucktails, gulp baits, and live shrimp to target Flounder, Speckled Trout, and those keeper Black Sea Bass. All tackle and bait are provided, though if you've got a lucky rod you like to throw, bring it along. We keep a variety of rod weights onboard since you never know if we'll be throwing light tackle at Trout or heavy gear at a big Cobia that shows up boat-side.
Grey Triggerfish are the surprise stars around here - these guys are tougher fighters than most people expect and they're great table fare. Look for them around structure in 40-80 feet of water, and don't be fooled by their size. A good Triggerfish will test your drag and make you work for it. They're most active during the warmer months, and once you hook into a school, you can usually catch several before they wise up. Cobia are the holy grail fish that every angler hopes to see. These brown sharks cruise the surface around buoys, wrecks, and even following rays. They're curious fish, often swimming right up to the boat for a look. A big Cobia can easily go 30-40 pounds and will give you a fight you won't forget. Spring and fall are prime time when they're moving through our area. Yellowtail Amberjack hang around the deeper wrecks and will absolutely smoke your drag when hooked. These yellow-tailed rockets are built for speed and endurance, making long powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. They school up tight, so when you find one, there are usually more down there. Little Tunny, or False Albacore as some folks call them, are speed demons that love to crash bait schools on the surface. When they're feeding, you'll see birds diving and bait flying everywhere - it's pure chaos and fantastic fishing. They're perfect on light tackle and will peel line like you wouldn't believe. Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of bottom fishing around here. These chunky fighters live around any hard structure and are always hungry. They're great for kids and beginners since they bite consistently, but don't let that fool you - a big Sea Bass will surprise you with how hard it pulls. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Six hours gives us real flexibility to adapt to conditions and target whatever's biting best. You're getting a full day's worth of fishing without feeling rushed, and the private charter means we're fishing at your pace. The waters around Wanchese have been producing consistently, and our local knowledge puts you on fish fast. Whether you're celebrating something special, introducing someone new to saltwater fishing, or just want a solid day away from the dock, this trip delivers. The boat's equipped, the crew knows their stuff, and the fish are here waiting. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season when everything's biting.
Set sail on our beautifully restored 32-foot Topaz sportfisher, completely rebuilt in 2021 and ready to take you to Wanchese's best fishing grounds. This twin-engine powerhouse runs on dual 375HP CAT motors that cruise smoothly at 27 knots, getting you to the fish faster and giving you more time with lines in the water. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - advanced fish finder to locate your targets, GPS for precise navigation to productive spots, radar for safe travel, and a spacious flybridge for commanding views of the action. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox and stay comfortable with the head facilities during those long fishing days. Whether you're trolling for Spanish and King Mackerel, working the wrecks for sharks, or drifting quietly for Flounder and Trout, this well-maintained vessel handles it all. The roomy deck gives everyone space to fish comfortably while the captain navigates between different grounds to maximize your success on the water.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky, hard-fighting members of the grouper family that average 1-4 pounds, though bigger males can push 8+ pounds. They love structure - wrecks, jetties, rocky bottom, and old pilings in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer brings the best fishing when they move inshore to spawn. What guests enjoy is their aggressive nature and excellent table fare - sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Males turn bright blue during spawning and develop a distinctive hump on their head. They'll put up a solid scrap until they hit the surface. These bottom dwellers love squid strips and cut bait on a two-hook rig. Here's my tip: once they break the surface, they usually quit fighting, so keep steady pressure but don't rush the fight on the way up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are serious gamefish that average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. These brown, shark-looking fish cruise shallow waters around 30-70 feet, especially near wrecks, buoys, and structure. They're mostly solitary hunters, which makes each encounter special. Spring through early summer brings the best fishing during their migration and spawning runs. What guests love is the powerful fight they put up and the fact that they're premium table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. We often spot them cruising just under the surface, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. Here's the key: bucktail jigs in the 4-8 oz range work great, but don't worry about color. Keep your eyes peeled for that dark shadow just below the surface.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish average 12-17 inches but can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds. These tough-skinned fish hang around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom structures in 60-180 feet of water. They're aggressive biters with razor-sharp teeth that can crunch through sea urchins and crabs. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move into shallower waters. What makes them fun is their scrappy fight and how they'll charge at almost any bait - they're notorious for stealing food from other fish. The meat is excellent eating with a firm, white texture. Pro tip: use squid chunks about an inch wide since they tend to nibble before committing. Drop your bait near other fish like snapper to trigger their competitive feeding instincts, then reel fast when you feel that first tap.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny, also called False Albacore, are smaller tuna that pack a serious punch. They average 10-12 pounds but can hit 20, and what they lack in size they make up for in fight. These schooling fish prefer nearshore surface waters around jetties, inlets, and sandbars. Fall migration brings some of the hottest action as they move south. Guests love them because they're absolute screamers - fast, strong swimmers that will bend your rod and test your drag. The dark red meat has a rich, strong flavor that's perfect for searing. They travel in schools and get loud when feeding, so listen for the commotion. Trolling with bright feathers and ballyhoo works great, but here's the trick: when you find one, there's usually more around. Set multiple lines and be ready for doubles and triples when the school fires up.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail Amberjack are built for speed with their torpedo-shaped bodies and bright yellow fins. Most fish we catch run 15-25 pounds, though 40+ pounders show up regularly. These powerful swimmers stay near the bottom around reefs, wrecks, and kelp beds but will come up to chase bait. Summer months when coastal waters warm up bring the best action. What makes them special is the serious fight they put up - they're fast, strong, and will test your gear. The meat is prized for sushi and sashimi, with that rich, oily flavor that's perfect fresh. They'll hit live bait better than anything artificial since the movement drives them crazy. My advice: use heavy tackle because they don't give up easy, and never horse them too hard or they'll dive straight into the structure and snap your line.
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