5.0(4 Reviews)6hr Guided Wreck Fishing in Wanchese, NC
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
6hour guided fishing trip targeting red drum and triggerfishMultiple fishing techniques used across inshore and nearshore watersCustom Parker boat accommodates up to 4 guests maximum
Captain Lance Luke knows the waters around Wanchese like the back of his hand, and his 6-hour guided fishing trips prove it every single day. This isn't your typical tourist charter – it's a serious fishing adventure that puts you on the best wrecks and structure where the big fish live. Whether you're after hard-fighting amberjack on deep wrecks or working the shallower structure for red drum and triggerfish, Captain Lance adapts every trip based on what's biting and where the action is hottest. His custom Parker boat handles the Outer Banks waters beautifully, getting you to the productive spots quickly and safely while keeping your group of up to 4 anglers comfortable all day long.
This trip is all about maximizing your time on productive water. Captain Lance doesn't waste time guessing – he uses his years of local knowledge to read the tide, wind, and water clarity, then puts you on the spots that are most likely to produce. You'll hit a mix of inshore structure, inlet areas, and nearshore wrecks depending on conditions and what species are active. The 6-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to work different areas and techniques without feeling rushed. Expect to move around quite a bit as Captain Lance searches for the bite – that's how you find the fish that other boats miss. The custom Parker boat is rigged specifically for this type of fishing, with all the electronics and equipment needed to locate structure and put you on fish consistently.
You'll use a variety of techniques on this trip, which is what makes it so productive for different species. Jigging over wrecks and structure accounts for a lot of the amberjack and triggerfish action – these fish love to hold tight to bottom structure and will hammer a properly presented jig. Live bait fishing comes into play when targeting red drum and black drum around inlet structure and shallow wrecks. Cut bait works magic for sheepshead and drum species, especially when fished tight to pilings or wreck structure. Trolling covers water efficiently when moving between spots and picks up bonus fish like Spanish mackerel. Captain Lance provides all tackle and bait, but he's always happy to let you use your own gear if you prefer. The key is matching your presentation to the structure you're fishing and the species you're targeting – that's where Captain Lance's expertise really shines.
"We had 4 adults in our group. We caught 5 Blue Fish and 1 Sting Ray on a 6 hour trip, which ended up being a little long for the ladies in the group. I would probably do the 4 hour trip the next time we do a fishing trip. I loved being out on the water. Captain Lance took us to quite a few spots. Our eldest daughter that doesn't fish was the one to catch the Sting Ray. It gave her a good fight. I would highly recommend Captain Lance if you want to do a fishing charter trip." - Neil
"Captain lance made this charter one of the best charters I've been on. He knows how to get you on some fish and he's a great guy. Highly recommended for everyone that wants to have a good time catching big red drum and some good eating sea trout." - Jacob
"Captain Lance provided a good day fishing with a hurricane about to shutdown fishing for the next few days. We went offshore to Trigger fish a first time experience for the 3 of us. In between bites he pointed out the Spade fish breaking surface around us. Very entertaining experience." - Peter
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that provide non-stop action when they're around. These fish school up heavily around Wanchese waters, especially during spring and fall migrations. They hit fast-moving lures and small baits with aggressive strikes that'll wake you up quick. Most Spanish mackerel in these waters run 1-3 pounds, but they fight way above their weight class with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They're also excellent table fare when prepared fresh, making them a customer favorite for both action and eating quality.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inlet waters, using their broad tails and heavy shoulders to test your tackle and technique. These fish can range from schoolie-sized juveniles up to monster 40+ pound bulls that will absolutely humble you. They feed heavily on crabs and shellfish around structure, making cut bait and fresh crab the go-to presentations. Fall and spring offer the best black drum action around Wanchese, when they move into the inlets and sounds to feed. Landing a big black drum on proper tackle is one of the most satisfying fights you'll have in these waters.
Sheepshead are the pickpockets of the wreck world – they'll steal your bait so cleanly you won't even know it's gone. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish and crabs off structure. They school around wrecks, pilings, and hard bottom, making them perfect targets for this type of fishing. Sheepshead require patience and finesse – light tackle, small hooks, and fresh bait presented right on the structure. When you hook one, they use their broad body to leverage against the current and structure. They're also phenomenal eating, with firm white meat that rivals any reef fish.
Grey Triggerfish are the bullies of the wreck, using their powerful jaws and aggressive nature to dominate feeding areas. These fish have incredible bite strength – they can easily crush hooks and cut lines with those sharp teeth. Triggerfish hold tight to bottom structure and will hammer jigs, cut bait, and live offerings. They're most active during summer and early fall around Wanchese waters. The fight is unique – triggers use their deep body and rigid fins to leverage against you, creating a bulldogging battle that tests your drag system.
Captain Lance's custom Parker boat is built for serious fishing in North Carolina waters. This beautiful motorboat handles everything from inshore flats to nearshore wrecks with ease, giving you and up to 3 other anglers plenty of room to work. The boat comes loaded with all the essentials – GPS and radar to navigate safely, VHF radio for communication, and a quality fish finder to locate those red drum and triggerfish hiding around the structures. The flybridge gives Captain Lance a great vantage point to spot fish and navigate, while the onboard facilities including a head keep everyone comfortable during those 6-hour trips. Whether you're jigging over wrecks for amberjack or working live bait around the inlets, this Parker handles it all and gets you to the fish efficiently. It's the perfect platform for targeting the variety of species these Outer Banks waters offer.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50-plus. These dark, powerful fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and around bridge pilings in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're famous for those deep, thumping fights that'll test your drag system. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. We target them with fresh crab, clams, or cut bait on the bottom using circle hooks. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, don't set the hook hard - just start reeling steady and let the circle hook do its job. These fish have crushers for teeth, so patience pays off.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldozers of the offshore world, averaging 20-40 pounds with some reaching 60-plus. These bluish-silver powerhouses live around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their April-May spawn when they're most active. They're pure adrenaline - amberjack will test your tackle and your back with deep, punishing runs toward structure. The meat quality is good on smaller fish, but they're really about the fight. We catch them vertical jigging or with live bait around structure. Here's the secret: once you hook up, turn up that drag and keep them away from the wreck at all costs. Let them get back to structure and you'll be retying. Heavy tackle isn't overkill - it's survival.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are tough customers that live around hard bottom, ledges, and reefs in 30-180 feet of water. These leather-skinned fish average 12-17 inches but can reach 2 feet and pack a solid punch for their size. Summer and early fall are best when they're feeding heavily. They're fun because they'll hit almost anything and put up a scrappy fight with those powerful fins. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild, though they're a pain to clean with that tough hide. We catch them on squid chunks, cut bait, or small jigs worked near the bottom with heavy sinkers. Here's what works: when they start nibbling, try dropping your bait near other fish like snapper. Triggers are greedy and competitive - they'll rush in to steal the meal.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the gold standard of inshore fishing around here, with their copper backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most run 18-28 inches, though the big bulls offshore can hit 40-plus pounds and give you the fight of a lifetime. These fish love shallow water - grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet. Fall is prime time when they school up and feed heavily before winter. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, and the smaller ones make excellent table fare. What's special is watching them cruise the shallows with their backs out of water. My go-to technique is working a gold spoon or soft plastic along grass lines during moving tides, but stay quiet - they're spookier than you'd think.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of the reef with their black and white stripes, and they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth. These chunky fish typically weigh 2-8 pounds and love any structure - docks, pilings, jetties, and oyster bars. Winter through early spring is when they're most active around here, staging near structures before spawning. What makes them challenging and fun is their light bite - they'll steal your bait before you know it. But land one and you've got some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort. We fish them with fiddler crabs, shrimp, or oysters right against the structure. Here's the key: keep your bait pinned tight to the hook and the moment you feel weight, set hard and fast.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speedy silver rockets that show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall around here. These streamlined fish typically run 1-3 pounds with distinctive yellow spots along their sides. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around structure or temperature breaks in 15-60 feet of water. They're incredible table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes and blistering runs once hooked. We catch them trolling small spoons or casting jigs, but here's a local trick: when you see birds diving, get there fast and cast right into the commotion. Spanish mack will absolutely hammer a small silver spoon worked through a feeding school.
5.0 out of 5.0We had 4 adults in our group. We caught 5 Blue Fish and 1 Sting Ray on a 6 hour trip, which ended up being a little long for the l...
Captain lance made this charter one of the best charters I’ve been on. He knows how to get you on some fish and he’s a great guy. ...
Captain Lance provided a good day fishing with a hurricane about to shutdown fishing for the next few days. We went offshore to Tr...
Wanchese, NC, United States