Full Day Offshore Fishing - Wrightsville Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore charter targeting mackerel, mahi, and sailfishVentures up to 20 miles offshore with expert guidance providedAccommodates up to 6 guests with all gear included
Ready to leave the crowds behind and hit the open water? This full-day charter with Ocean Stinger Charters takes you up to 20 miles offshore from Wrightsville Beach, where the real action happens. You'll be targeting some of North Carolina's most sought-after species including Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Bluefish, and False Albacore, with solid chances at Mahi and even Sailfish when conditions align. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet in saltwater fishing, this trip delivers the kind of offshore experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts early as you meet the crew at Wrightsville Beach for a full day of offshore fishing. The boat heads out into the Atlantic, leaving the inshore waters behind as you make your way to productive fishing grounds 10-20 miles from shore. This isn't your typical near-shore trip – you're getting into the blue water where pelagic species roam and the action can be non-stop. The crew provides all the tackle and gear you'll need, from heavy spinning rods for the kings to lighter setups perfect for Spanish mackerel. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably without feeling crowded. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading conditions and adjusting tactics throughout the day to put you on fish. Expect to cover some serious ground as you chase temperature breaks, weed lines, and structure that hold gamefish.
This offshore charter runs primarily on trolling techniques, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and locate active fish in the open ocean. The crew rigs a spread of baits and lures designed to attract everything from Spanish mackerel to big kings. You'll see a mix of spoons, diving plugs, and rigged ballyhoo working behind the boat at different depths and distances. When the action heats up, expect to switch to live bait or chunk bait fishing, especially when targeting larger king mackerel or hoping for that surprise mahi bite. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano reels paired with sturdy rods that can handle the power of offshore species. Braided line and fluorocarbon leaders are standard, giving you the sensitivity to feel strikes while providing the strength needed for big fish. The crew handles all the rigging and can teach you the finer points of offshore fishing if you're interested in learning the techniques.
King Mackerel: The kings are the crown jewel of this fishery, and Wrightsville Beach waters produce some beauties. These aggressive predators typically range from 15-40 pounds, with the occasional smoker pushing 50 pounds or more. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action often happening during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a favorite among experienced anglers who appreciate a fish that fights as hard as it bites.
Spanish Mackerel: Don't let their smaller size fool you – Spanish mackerel are pure fun on appropriate tackle. These speedsters typically weigh 2-5 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. They're excellent table fare and perfect for anglers looking to put some meat in the cooler. Spanish mackerel show up in good numbers from spring through fall, often traveling in large schools that can provide non-stop action when you find them.
Mahi Mahi: When the conditions are right, mahi can be the highlight of your trip. These golden beauties are known for their spectacular colors and aerial displays when hooked. Most mahi in these waters range from 10-25 pounds, though larger bulls occasionally show up. They're strongly tied to structure and temperature breaks, making them somewhat seasonal and weather-dependent. Late spring through early fall offers the best opportunities, especially around floating debris or weed lines.
Bluefish: Blues are the workhorses of the offshore scene – aggressive, hard-fighting, and usually willing to bite when other species are finicky. They range from small "snapper" blues perfect for light tackle fun to larger choppers that can reach 10-15 pounds. These toothy predators are excellent for beginners since they're not shy about hitting lures and provide steady action throughout most of the season.
Little Tunny (False Albacore): Pound for pound, few fish fight harder than a false albacore. These small tunas are built for speed and endurance, often making multiple long runs that test both your drag system and your arms. They typically weigh 5-15 pounds but fish much larger due to their incredible stamina. Albies are especially active during fall months when they follow baitfish migrations close to shore.
This full-day offshore adventure gives you the best shot at experiencing world-class fishing just off the North Carolina coast. With expert guidance, top-quality gear, and access to prime fishing grounds, you're set up for success whether you're chasing your first king mackerel or looking to add another species to your list. The 6-person capacity means you can bring along friends or family for a shared experience, and the crew's knowledge ensures you'll learn something new regardless of your skill level. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but also know that you're booking with a top-rated charter service that delivers consistent results. Don't wait until the peak season books up – secure your spot now and get ready for the kind of offshore fishing day that creates lasting memories.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped motorboat, built to handle the 20-mile journey to prime offshore waters where Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and Mahi Mahi are waiting. This vessel comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything serious fishermen need - a fish finder to locate the hotspots, GPS navigation to get you there safely, and radar for those hazy morning runs. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while the VHF radio maintains contact with other boats and marinas. When nature calls, there's a private toilet so you don't miss prime fishing time. Between bites, enjoy the multimedia system for some tunes while you're rigging up or waiting for the next school to move through. Whether you're chasing false albacore inshore or hoping for that seasonal sailfish further out, this boat gives you the range and comfort to make the most of Wrightsville Beach's productive waters.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that'll attack almost anything you throw at them. These hard-fighting fish typically run 5-15 pounds and travel in schools that can turn the water into a washing machine when they're feeding. You'll find them around bays, inlets, and offshore structure from summer through fall. What makes blues popular is their willingness to bite and strong fight - they'll hit lures hard and battle all the way in. The smaller "snappers" are great for kids, while bigger fish provide serious action. Fresh blues are good eating, but clean them quickly and keep them cold. Watch your fingers - those triangular teeth are sharp! Use wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon, and when you find feeding birds, get there fast. Blues won't stay in one spot long.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are serious gamefish that'll test your tackle and skills. These speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them hit 50+ pounds out here. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often cruising near structure or temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. Kings are pure adrenaline - they'll scream line off your reel on that initial run, then fight hard all the way to the boat. The meat's decent eating when prepared right, though smaller fish taste better. Pro tip: use a wire leader and dual-hook rig when live-baiting - kings love hitting bait from behind with those razor-sharp teeth. When trolling, keep baits skipping on the surface to trigger strikes.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny, or False Albacore as we call them, are scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their strength. These torpedo-shaped fish average 10-15 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. They school up near the surface around jetties, inlets, and structure during warmer months. Fall migration brings some of the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What anglers love about these fish is their pure determination - they'll make long runs and never give up easily. The meat's darker and stronger-flavored than regular tuna, but fresh it's actually pretty good. Listen for the commotion when they're feeding - they get loud and messy when attacking schools of bait. Use light tackle and be ready for a workout; these guys earned their reputation as strong swimmers.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the sports cars of the offshore world - fast, colorful, and absolutely gorgeous. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds and put on a light show when hooked, flashing gold, blue, and green before fading once boated. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper water. Summer months are prime time when they move through our area following baitfish. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and run like crazy. The meat is fantastic too - firm, white, and mild-flavored. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep it in the water while rigging another line. Mahi travel in schools, and that hooked fish will often keep the others around for multiple catches.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically weigh 2-4 pounds and school up in huge numbers. You'll find them near the surface around structure, reefs, and open water during spring through fall. They're fast swimmers but not huge, making them ideal for lighter tackle and beginners. What guests love is the steady bite - when you find a school, you can usually catch several before they move on. The meat is excellent - mild, flaky, and perfect for grilling or smoking. Here's the key: use small, shiny lures or live bait and keep moving. Spanish mackerel are constantly on the hunt, so covering water and staying mobile is your best bet for finding active schools.
Wrightsville Beach