Extended Full Day Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targeting King Mackerel, Barracuda, and SailfishExpert guidance and quality gear provided for up to 6 guestsHead up to 30 miles offshore into deep ocean waters
When you're ready to leave the inshore crowds behind and chase some serious fish, this extended full-day charter with Ocean Stinger Charters is your ticket to the big leagues. We're talking about a proper offshore run - up to 30 miles out into the deep blue where the water turns that gorgeous cobalt color and the fish get bigger, faster, and a whole lot more fun to fight. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get your sea legs before heading back. We're spending the day out there, giving you plenty of shots at some of North Carolina's most prized gamefish.
Right off the bat, let me tell you - this trip is built for anglers who want the real deal. We launch from Wrightsville Beach and make our run to the deeper waters where King Mackerel patrol the structure, False Albacore bust bait on the surface, and Barracuda lurk like underwater missiles waiting to ambush your lures. The extended timeframe means we're not rushed, so if the bite is hot in one spot, we can work it properly. If it's slow, we've got time to move around and find where the fish are holding. That's the beauty of a full-day charter - flexibility and persistence pay off big time. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the nearshore ledges where the Kings cruise to the blue water drop-offs where Mahi and Sailfish show up when conditions are right. The vibe out here is pure fishing - no distractions, just you, your crew, and some seriously hungry fish.
We run a mix of trolling spreads and live bait fishing depending on what's working and what we're targeting. For the Kings and Barracuda, we'll pull a combination of spoons, diving plugs, and wire-line rigs that get down to where these fish cruise. The trolling spread typically runs four to six lines at different depths and distances, covering the water column from top to bottom. When we mark bait or structure on the fish finder, we'll often switch to live bait - nothing beats a frisky menhaden or blue runner when Kings are being finicky about artificials. All the gear is top-shelf stuff - Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, rods matched to the technique, and a tackle box full of proven lures that have been catching fish in these waters for years. The boat comes equipped with outriggers, downriggers, and all the terminal tackle you'll need. Circle hooks are the standard for live bait work - they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and make for easier releases when we're practicing good conservation.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of North Carolina offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can stretch the tape anywhere from 20 to 50+ pounds, and they fight like fish twice their size. Kings are most active from late spring through fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up in the cooler months. They love structure - artificial reefs, wrecks, and bottom contours where baitfish congregate. When a King hits your bait, you'll know it immediately. They make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming, then come up and tail-walk across the surface like a giant tarpon. The key to landing them is keeping steady pressure without horsing them - that soft mouth will tear out if you get too aggressive.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishery, especially during their winter migration when they stack up in impressive numbers. These fish are pure adrenaline - when a Sail comes up behind your bait with that dorsal fin cutting the surface, your heart starts pounding before the fish even eats. They average 6-8 feet and fight with spectacular aerial displays that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing cameras. Sailfish are typically catch-and-release, and watching one swim away healthy after a good fight is something every angler should experience. Peak season runs from December through March, when the water temperatures drop and bait concentrations draw them close to our coast.
Barracuda might not get the respect of Kings or Sails, but they're some of the most aggressive predators you'll encounter offshore. These toothy missiles can hit 40+ inches and fight with surprising power for their size. Cuda are opportunistic feeders that'll crush just about any lure or bait you put in front of them, making them great confidence builders when other species are being picky. They're around year-round but most active in warmer months. Fair warning - always use a wire leader when Barracuda are in the area, or you'll be retying rigs all day.
Little Tunny, also called False Albacore, are the perfect light tackle gamefish. These 10-20 pound speedsters travel in schools and create some of the most exciting topwater action you'll find offshore. When they're feeding on the surface, you can cast small jigs or flies right into the mayhem and hook up instantly. Albies are built for speed with their torpedo-shaped bodies and powerful tails, making runs that'll surprise you coming from such a relatively small fish. They're excellent table fare when prepared properly - sashimi-grade meat that rivals any tuna.
Mahi Mahi are the wild cards of this trip, showing up when blue water conditions align with floating debris or weed lines. These gorgeous fish are pure excitement - they hit hard, jump high, and their brilliant gold and green colors are something to see. Mahi travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
This extended full-day charter represents serious value for anglers who want maximum time on the water targeting premium gamefish
Your offshore fishing adventure launches aboard a well-equipped motorboat built for serious anglers heading into deep waters off Wrightsville Beach. This vessel comfortably handles up to 6 guests while cutting through ocean swells up to 30 miles offshore where the big fish swim. The boat comes loaded with everything needed for a successful day chasing King Mackerel, Barracuda, and Sailfish - including a fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation for pinpoint positioning, and radar for safe travel in any conditions. Stay connected with VHF radio, keep your catch fresh in the onboard ice box, and take advantage of the head facilities during those long fishing sessions. The multimedia system keeps spirits high between bites, while the experienced captain handles all the technical details so you can focus on fighting fish and enjoying the open ocean atmosphere.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, averaging 7-8 feet and 50 pounds with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin. We find them in 30-150 feet, often near temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish congregate. Peak season runs late fall through early spring when water temps hit that sweet spot around 75-80°F. What makes them special isn't just their size - it's the show they put on. These fish jump, tail-walk, and change colors during the fight, flashing brilliant blues and blacks. They're built for speed, hitting 30+ mph when they want to. The fight can last 20-30 minutes on proper tackle. Here's a local trick: when you see one lit up and following your bait, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it and turn away first - rushing it usually means a pulled hook.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the ocean's missiles - long, lean, and lightning-fast predators that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 3-5 feet and 10-20 pounds around here, lurking near reefs, wrecks, and structure in 20-60 feet of water. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What guests love is their aggressive nature - they'll smash lures with attitude and put up a wild fight with jumps and hard runs. Their torpedo shape and razor teeth make them look prehistoric. While some folks are hesitant about eating them, smaller ones are actually pretty good. Fair warning though - remove any jewelry before getting in the water around them, as they're attracted to shiny objects. My go-to technique is casting bright spoons or tube lures near structure and retrieving fast with erratic jerks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are speed demons that average 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds offshore. These silver torpedoes cruise in 40-150 feet along temperature breaks and structure, feeding on whatever baitfish are around. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb above 70°F. Kings are popular because they hit hard, run fast, and make excellent table fare with their firm white meat. They're also one of the most reliable species we target - when conditions are right, you can usually count on steady action. Here's something most anglers mess up: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait. Kings typically grab the tail section first, so that trailing treble hook will nail them when they come back for the head.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny, also called False Albacore or Bonita, are smaller members of the tuna family that typically run 10-12 pounds, though we've seen them hit 20. They travel in schools and love feeding near the surface around jetties, inlets, and drop-offs in 20-80 feet of water. Best fishing is fall through early spring when they're chasing bait schools. These fish are absolute bulldogs - they'll give you a serious workout on light tackle with their blistering runs. Listen for feeding activity since they get noisy when tearing into bait. While their red meat isn't for everyone, it's actually quite tasty when handled properly. Pro tip: use a double-hook rig when live baiting - they love hitting the tail end of your bait, so that trailing hook will save you missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish in the ocean - brilliant gold, green, and blue that puts on a light show when they're hooked. These surface dwellers average 15-30 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when they follow warm water north. What makes them special is the complete package - stunning looks, acrobatic fights with jumps and long runs, plus some of the best eating in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. They mature fast and spawn frequently, so they're a sustainable choice too. Mahi often travel in small schools, so when you hook one, keep other lines ready. Here's my secret: look for frigate birds working floating debris - they'll lead you right to feeding mahi underneath.
Wrightsville Beach