Epic 11-Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
11hour offshore charter targets Bluefin Tuna, Marlin, and MackerelProfessional captain provides expert guidance and toptier fishing equipmentPrivate boat accommodates up to 6 guests from Sneads Ferry
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a top-rated fishing vessel at sunrise, watching Sneads Ferry disappear behind you as you head toward some of the most productive offshore waters on the East Coast. That's exactly what you'll get with Mommy Shark's private 11-hour charter – a full day of serious fishing that gives you the time and space to really connect with what makes North Carolina's offshore scene so special. With only your group of up to 6 anglers aboard, you'll have the captain's undivided attention and plenty of room to work without bumping elbows with strangers.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting started when it's time to head back. Eleven hours on the water means you can run to multiple spots, adjust tactics when the bite slows down, and really dial in on what's working. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – from the nearshore structure where cobia cruise in spring to the deep blue water where marlin patrol during summer. You'll start early to beat the crowds and make the most of prime fishing hours, spending real time in productive zones rather than rushing from spot to spot. The extended timeframe lets you experience different types of fishing throughout the day, maybe starting with bottom fishing for amberjack before moving to trolling for pelagics as conditions change.
Most of your day will be spent trolling with a spread of lures designed to attract the big predators that cruise these offshore waters. The boat comes rigged with quality rods and reels capable of handling everything from 20-pound king mackerel to 400-pound blue marlin. You'll typically run a pattern of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures at different depths to cover the water column. When fish are marked on the sonar or birds start working, the captain might switch to live bait or adjust the spread to match what the fish are feeding on. For bottom fishing, you'll drop heavy jigs and live baits to structure where amberjack and other reef species hang out. The crew handles all the rigging and re-rigging, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of retying leaders.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of Sneads Ferry offshore fishing, with prime season running from late spring through early fall. These silver rockets typically range from 15 to 40 pounds, though trophy fish over 50 pounds show up regularly. They're fast, aggressive, and absolutely love to jump – making them a customer favorite for good reason. Look for kings around structure and temperature breaks, especially when baitfish are thick. Blue marlin represent the ultimate offshore prize, with fish ranging from 200 to over 500 pounds cruising the Gulf Stream during summer months. They're apex predators that will test every ounce of your skill and endurance. Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, using their broad sides and powerful tails to wage war from the bottom. These reef dwellers can exceed 60 pounds and are notorious for testing both angler and tackle to the breaking point. Cobia are the chameleons of the offshore world, often found around floating debris or following rays in nearshore waters during their spring and fall migrations. White marlin are smaller cousins to the blue but no less spectacular, known for their acrobatic displays and willingness to eat a variety of baits and lures.
If you're serious about offshore fishing and want the full North Carolina experience, this 11-hour charter delivers everything you're looking for. You'll have time to really learn the area, try different techniques, and hopefully boat some fish that'll have you telling stories for years to come. The extended trip length means you're not watching the clock – you can enjoy the whole experience from start to finish. With Sneads Ferry's reputation as one of the East Coast's premier fishing destinations and Mommy Shark's local knowledge, you're setting yourself up for the kind of day that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place. Don't wait too long to book – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is world-class.
This rugged 1989 Viking sportfisher is built for serious offshore fishing adventures. At 41 feet with twin 400HP Detroit diesels, she'll cruise at 32 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with a full galley, head, and berth for those long 11-hour trips chasing tuna and marlin. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting fish, while the fish finder and radar help locate the hottest bite. With a refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and GPS to mark productive spots, this boat has everything you need for a productive day on the water off Sneads Ferry.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of our offshore waters, with females reaching 1,000+ pounds while males stay around 300. We find them in deep blue water along temperature breaks and current edges, usually 20+ miles offshore. Summer months bring the best action when water temps hit the mid-70s to low 80s. These apex predators put on aerial shows that'll leave you breathless - their power and acrobatics make them the ultimate trophy fish. The meat is excellent when handled properly, though many anglers prefer catch and release. When trolling, don't set the hook immediately after a strike. Let them run with the bait for 10-15 seconds before engaging the drag. Blue marlin are smart and will drop a bait if they feel too much pressure too soon.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are curious, brown-colored fish that can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds, often mistaken for sharks when cruising near the surface. We typically find them around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-50 feet during spring migration and spawning season. These solitary hunters are prized for their firm, white meat that rivals any fish on the dinner table. What makes cobia fishing exciting is the sight fishing aspect - you'll often see them just under the surface before casting. They're aggressive fighters with surprising stamina for their size. The key to cobia success is having a bucktail jig ready when you spot one. Cast ahead of where they're swimming, let it sink briefly, then work it back with steady hops. Color doesn't matter much - movement does.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are powerful, bulldogging fighters that average 40-60 pounds around our wrecks and reefs. These bronze-colored bruisers love structure in 60-200 feet, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. What guests love about AJs is their relentless pulling power - they'll take you straight to the bottom if you let them. The white, flaky meat is outstanding table fare, similar to grouper but with more flavor. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from live bait to heavy jigs. The trick with amberjack is getting them up fast from deep structure. Use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure - once they get their heads down and dig for the wreck, they'll wrap you up in the metal every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that average around 30 pounds, though we've seen some push 90+ pounds out here. These silver bullets cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often near structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall are prime times when they're feeding heavily on blue runners, menhaden, and squid. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish can. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for grilling or smoking. Their razor-sharp teeth mean you need wire leader, but here's the key: rig two hooks on your live bait - one through the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that second hook saves a lot of missed strikes.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite Marlin are smaller billfish averaging 80-150 pounds, but don't let size fool you - they're acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly when hooked. We target them in deep water along canyon edges and temperature breaks, typically 30+ miles offshore. Peak season runs June through September when they follow baitfish migrations up the coast. These apex predators are prized for their spectacular fights and excellent table fare. They hunt by using their bill to stun schools of flying fish, small tunas, and squid. When trolling for whites, watch behind your baits, not just at them - they'll often follow before striking. Once hooked, don't horse them. Let them run initially, then apply steady pressure. Their smaller bills are more delicate than blue marlin, so fighting them too hard can pull the hook.
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