Half Day Bluefish And Mackerel Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday nearshore fishing targeting Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and BluefishBeginnerfriendly charter with experienced crew and all equipment includedPrivate trips accommodate up to 6 guests within 5 miles offshore
Looking for a solid day on the water without breaking the bank or spending your whole weekend? This half-day nearshore charter out of Wrightsville Beach hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing time without the full commitment. We're talking a customer favorite trip that runs up to 5 miles offshore, targeting some of the most reliable biters in these waters - Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and Bluefish. Whether you're just getting your feet wet in saltwater fishing or you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure, this trip delivers the goods. Your crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun.
This top-rated charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups who want their own space on deck. You'll head out into the nearshore waters where the action stays consistent throughout the season, and the crew handles all the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need - no need to stress about what to bring or whether your gear's up to snuff. The captain and crew are patient teachers who know how to work with beginners, but they're also sharp enough to keep experienced anglers engaged. Expect to spend your time moving between productive spots, adjusting techniques based on what the fish are telling you, and learning why certain areas produce better than others.
The bread and butter of this fishery revolves around trolling and live bait presentations that trigger aggressive strikes from mackerel and bluefish. Your crew will set up a spread of lures and baits at different depths and distances, covering water efficiently while you relax or take turns on the rods. When fish are located, you might switch to live bait fishing or casting to visible schools - the crew reads the conditions and adjusts tactics accordingly. The tackle is sized perfectly for the target species, meaning you'll feel every head shake and run without being overpowered by heavy gear. Circle hooks and proper rigging ensure clean hooksets and healthy releases when you're practicing catch and release. The crew explains what's happening as conditions change, so you'll walk away understanding why certain lures work better in different situations.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These speedsters can reach 30-40 pounds in these waters, delivering blistering runs that'll test your drag settings and your grip strength. Kings are most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant, and they're notorious for their aerial displays when hooked. The crew knows the structure and temperature breaks where kings patrol, and they'll position you over the right spots when conditions align. What makes king mackerel special is their unpredictability - you might catch a handful of smaller "rat kings" before a genuine trophy shows up to make your day.
Spanish Mackerel are the workhorses of this trip, providing consistent action when other species are being finicky. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel rarely exceed 3-4 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. Spanish mackerel are perfect for kids and beginners because they fight hard on light tackle without being overwhelming. They school heavily during their peak season from late spring through early fall, and when you find them, you can often catch them as fast as you can drop a line. Their beautiful yellow spots and firm, flaky meat make them a favorite for the dinner table.
Bluefish bring pure aggression to every fight, pound for pound some of the strongest fish you'll encounter in these waters. These voracious predators travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon, often creating surface disturbances that experienced captains can spot from a distance. Bluefish range from "snapper blues" under a pound to "chopper blues" pushing 10-15 pounds, and larger specimens will give you a workout on medium tackle. They're available year-round but peak during cooler months when they're feeding heavily before migrations. Blues are known for their razor-sharp teeth and their tendency to bite through leaders, which adds an element of strategy to rigging and handling.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish represent the wild card species that can turn a good day into a legendary one. These offshore visitors occasionally move into nearshore waters, especially around floating debris or temperature changes. Mahi are stunning fish with brilliant colors that seem to glow when they're brought to the boat, and their acrobatic fights include jumps, runs, and unpredictable direction changes. While not as common as the mackerel species, when mahi are around, they're aggressive biters that will hammer trolled lures or live baits. Finding mahi in nearshore waters feels like hitting the lottery, and the crew knows the signs to look for when conditions might produce these spectacular fish.
This world-class nearshore fishing experience delivers consistent action without the time commitment or seasickness concerns of longer offshore trips. The crew's local knowledge and patient instruction make it perfect for building confidence in new anglers while still providing enough challenge for experienced fishermen. With all gear included and a boat that's not overcrowded, you'll have room to fish comfortably and learn proper techniques. The 5-mile range gives access to productive waters while keeping travel time reasonable, maximizing your actual fishing time. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to saltwater fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just get away from shore for a few hours, this trip consistently delivers the goods. Don't wait too long to secure your spot - the best fishing days fill up fast, and you'll want to experience why this charter keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This well-equipped motorboat handles the waters off Wrightsville Beach like a pro, taking you up to 5 miles offshore where the Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and Bluefish are biting. Built for comfort with up to 6 anglers, she features everything you need for a successful half-day charter - GPS and fish finder to locate the best spots, VHF radio for safety, plus an ice box to keep your catch fresh. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short, while the multimedia system keeps everyone entertained between bites. Radar ensures safe navigation even when visibility drops. With all rods, reels, bait and tackle provided, you just need to show up ready to fish. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone wanting to target these popular nearshore species without the long run to deeper waters.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the bulldogs of nearshore fishing - aggressive feeders with an attitude and sharp teeth to match. They run 2-10 pounds around here and travel in hungry schools that create feeding frenzies. We find them in surf zones, around jetties, and over sandy bottom in 10-50 feet of water. Summer into fall is prime time when they're actively feeding along our coast. What makes them special is their raw power and willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them. The smaller ones are excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Watch your fingers - those triangular teeth are no joke. Best tip: use cut bait or oily baits like menhaden. When you find one, work the area hard since they school up tight.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the most exciting fish you'll hook in our waters. These silver speedsters typically run 10-30 pounds, though we see plenty bigger. They cruise our nearshore waters in 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding on our abundant baitfish. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line like nothing else and jump when hooked. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened. Pro tip: always use a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface to trigger their predatory instincts.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll encounter - brilliant gold and green that flashes like neon underwater. They average 15-29 pounds but can reach massive sizes. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, usually within 5 miles offshore. Late spring through early fall is prime time when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and mild-flavored. Here's a local trick: once you hook one, keep trolling because mahi travel in schools and the commotion often fires up the whole group for multiple hookups.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for families and beginners - they're aggressive biters that'll bend your rod but won't break your back. These sleek fish with yellow spots typically weigh 1-3 pounds and school up in large numbers. We find them in 15-40 feet of water around structure, grass beds, and nearshore reefs. Summer and fall are peak seasons when they're thick in our area. They're fast swimmers that hit hard and fight spirited, making them great fun on light tackle. The bonus is they taste fantastic - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or fried. Key tip: use small, shiny spoons or jigs and fish them fast. Spanish mackerel love moving targets, so keep your lure dancing through the water column.
Wrightsville Beach