Full Day Offshore Fishing - Wrightsville Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Bluefish, and False Albacore offshoreVenture up to 20 miles from Wrightsville Beach coastlineExpert guidance and topquality fishing gear provided onboard
Picture this: you're 20 miles offshore from Wrightsville Beach, the coastline's just a distant line on the horizon, and your reel starts screaming. That's exactly what you'll get on this full-day charter with Ocean Stinger Charters. We're talking about serious offshore fishing here - the kind where Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and Bluefish are practically guaranteed, and if the conditions line up right, you might find yourself battling a Mahi or even a Sailfish. This isn't your typical inshore trip - we're heading out to where the big fish live, and trust me, they're hungry. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, this charter's built to give you the kind of day that'll have you booking your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Once we clear the inlet and start making our way offshore, you'll feel the difference immediately. The water changes color from that coastal green to deep blue, and that's when you know we're getting into fish territory. This full-day charter gives us the time to really work the water - we're not rushing back after a couple hours like those half-day trips. Captain and crew know exactly where to find the action, whether that's working the nearshore reefs for Spanish Mackerel or pushing further out to the blue water where the Mahi hang out. You'll have six spots max on this boat, so there's plenty of room to work and everyone gets their shot at the big ones. The best part? All your gear's provided, and I'm talking top-quality stuff - reels that can handle a screaming King Mackerel run and rods that won't fold when you hook into something serious. The crew's there to help with everything from rigging baits to gaffing your catch, so you can focus on what you came for - putting fish in the boat.
Out here, trolling's the name of the game, and these guys have it dialed in. We're talking about a spread of lines working different depths and distances - some running close to the boat for those aggressive Spanish Mackerel, others way back in the clean water where the Kings like to cruise. The crew runs a mix of live bait when we can get it and proven artificials that have been putting fish in the boat for years. Cigar Minnows, Goggle Eyes, and ballyhoo are the go-to baits, but don't be surprised if they break out some spoons or diving plugs when the bite calls for it. The boat's rigged with outriggers to spread the lines out and downriggers when we need to get baits deeper for those bottom-hugging Bluefish. Electronics play a huge role too - we're watching the fish finder constantly, looking for bait schools, temperature breaks, and structure that holds fish. When we mark something good, that's when things get interesting. Lines go out, and it's game time.
King Mackerel are the real prize out here, and Wrightsville Beach has been producing some serious fish. These things are built for speed - we're talking about a fish that can hit 40 mph when it wants to, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. The reel starts screaming, and you better hold on tight. Kings around here typically run anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, but don't be shocked if something bigger shows up. They're most active during the warmer months, and the best fishing usually happens when the water temperature hits that sweet spot between 72 and 78 degrees. What makes them so fun to catch is that initial run - they'll take off like a rocket, and it's all you can do to keep pressure on them without breaking them off.
Mahi Mahi are what dreams are made of when you're fishing offshore. These fish are absolute fighters, and they're beautiful to boot - that golden-green color is something you don't forget. Around Wrightsville Beach, Mahi usually show up in late spring through early fall when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. They love floating debris, weed lines, and any structure in the open ocean. What's crazy about Mahi is how they hunt - often in schools, so when you hook one, there's a good chance his buddies are still around. They're acrobatic fighters too, jumping and tail-walking when they feel that hook. Most Mahi we see range from 10 to 25 pounds, but the occasional bull can push 40 or more. The meat's fantastic too - firm, white, and perfect on the grill.
Little Tunny, or False Albacore as most folks call them, might not be the biggest fish in the ocean, but they fight like they think they are. These guys are pure muscle and attitude, and pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish you'll tangle with. They show up in big schools, especially during their fall migration, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're not huge - most run 5 to 15 pounds - but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. They'll make multiple runs, dive deep, and test your drag system. The cool thing about False Albacore is they're often a sign that bigger predators are around, so don't be surprised if a King Mackerel or Sailfish crashes the party.
Spanish Mackerel are probably the most consistent fish we'll see on this trip, and they're perfect for anglers who want steady action. These fish are aggressive, fast, and always ready to bite. They typically run 2 to 5 pounds, so they won't break any weight records, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. Spanish Mackerel have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must
Your fishing adventure launches aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious offshore action. This vessel takes up to 6 anglers up to 20 miles out into the Atlantic, where Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and Bluefish are waiting. The boat features a fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and radar for those misty mornings when visibility drops. A VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and harbor updates. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh, while the multimedia system provides entertainment during longer runs to fishing grounds. There's even a toilet for comfort during full-day trips. Whether you're casting for False Albacore or hoping to land a seasonal Mahi or Sailfish, this boat has the gear and range to get you where the fish are biting. The captain provides expert guidance and quality tackle, so you can focus on working the lines and bringing in your catch.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators known for their "bluefish blitz" - churning water like washing machines when they attack bait schools. These blue-green fighters average up to 20 pounds and have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through regular line. We catch them in estuaries, around structure, and open water during summer months when they migrate through. They're voracious feeders that'll hit almost anything, making them great for beginners. The meat is tasty when fresh, especially smaller fish under 10 pounds. Blues fight hard with strong runs, but watch those teeth when landing them - they can inflict serious wounds even out of water. Best fishing happens during their feeding frenzies in shallow water. Use cut bait like eels or chunks, and always bring a wire leader. When they're feeding, you'll know it - the water looks like it's boiling with activity.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our waters, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These olive-colored fish with razor-sharp teeth cruise depths of 40-150 feet around structure and temperature breaks. We find them year-round here, but late spring through early fall offers the best action when baitfish are thick. Kings are prized for their blistering runs that'll test your drag and skills - they're fast enough to rival wahoo. The meat is decent eating when fresh, though smaller fish taste better. My go-to tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to bite the back half of baits, so that stinger hook saves the day. When you hook one, hold on tight because they'll strip line like nothing else out here.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, also called false albacore or bonita, are 10-12 pound torpedoes that'll give you an arm-burning fight. These small tunas have dark metallic blue backs with distinctive black spots and travel in schools near the surface. We find them around jetties, inlets, and structure where baitfish concentrate, especially during fall migration. They're loud feeders - listen for splashing when they're working schools of prey. While the dark red meat isn't everyone's favorite, it's actually quite good when handled properly and tastes stronger than regular tuna. These fish are pure adrenaline on light tackle, making screaming runs that'll test your equipment. Best technique is trolling small spoons or live bait, but here's my secret: when you hook one, don't fight it too hard - their mouths are soft and they'll pull off easily.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold, blue, and green that puts on a light show when they hit the deck. These 15-30 pound beauties live short but fast lives, maturing quickly and feeding aggressively. We target them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper water during warmer months. They're surface dwellers that love to jump and run, making them a blast to fight on lighter tackle. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find - mild and sweet. When we locate a school, it's often game on for multiple fish since they travel together. Pro tip: look for frigate birds working debris piles, they'll lead you right to the mahi. Keep your baits skipping on the surface to mimic flying fish - that's what gets them fired up.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for anglers wanting steady action - these 1-2 foot speedsters with yellow spots are some of the fastest fish in our waters. They school up near the surface around structure, flats, and nearshore areas, especially when water temps warm up in spring and summer. Averaging 8-11 pounds, they're great on light tackle and make quick, aggressive strikes. The mild, flaky meat is excellent eating - grills up perfect and even works for sushi. They're not huge fighters, but the constant action makes up for it when schools move through. Look for diving birds to locate feeding schools, and don't anchor directly over them or you'll spook the whole bunch. My tip: use light wire leaders with small spoons or live shrimp, and retrieve fast. Spanish macks love speed, so keep that lure moving to trigger strikes.
Wrightsville Beach