10-Hour Offshore Charter - Nags Head's Best
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting Yellowfin Tuna and Mahi MahiExpert crew provides guidance to prime fishing locationsAccommodates up to 6 guests for big game fishing
You're looking at one of the Outer Banks' most popular offshore trips, and for good reason. This 10-hour charter with Patriot Sportfishing puts you right in the middle of some of the best big game fishing on the East Coast. We're talking about waters that hold Atlantic Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, and Bluefin Tuna - the kind of fish that make anglers drive from three states away just for a shot at them. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod heavier than 30-pound test.
We're talking about a full day offshore - 10 solid hours of fishing time that takes you well beyond the continental shelf where the real action happens. You'll be running anywhere from 20 to 50 miles out, depending on where the fish are showing up and what the conditions look like. The boat maxes out at 6 anglers, so you're not fighting for rod time or elbow room at the rail. Our captain and mate have been working these waters for years, and they know exactly where to find the temperature breaks, current edges, and structure that hold fish. You'll start early - we're talking first light departure - because that's when the bite is hottest. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and wire leaders, so you can focus on what you came here to do: fight fish. Bring your own food and drinks because we're staying out there until the sun starts getting low, and you'll work up an appetite pulling on these fish.
This is serious offshore trolling, not the kind of fishing you do in the sound. We're running a full spread - usually 6 to 8 lines out at any given time with a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, daisy chains, and teasers. The boat carries 50 and 80-pound class tackle, and trust me, you'll need every bit of it when a big yellowfin or marlin decides to make a run. The mate will set you up with the right rod and reel combo for whatever we're targeting, and they'll coach you through the fight if you need it. We're covering a lot of water, usually trolling at 8 to 12 knots, working the temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish stack up. When something hits, you'll know it - these fish don't nibble. The reel starts screaming, the rod doubles over, and suddenly you're connected to something that might weigh more than you do. The crew handles the boat work, clearing lines, and getting you set up for the fight, so all you have to worry about is keeping that fish buttoned up.
Atlantic Sailfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially during the cooler months from November through March. These fish average 6 to 8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. They're fast, they jump like crazy, and they'll test your drag system in a hurry. What makes them special here is the sheer numbers - some days you might release 10 or more sails, and each one fights like it's got something to prove. Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and the waters off Nags Head hold some monsters. We're talking fish that can push 400 to 500 pounds or more. Summer months from June through September are prime time for blues, and when one eats your bait, everything else stops mattering. These fish will take you into your backing in seconds and keep you fighting for hours. Mahi Mahi show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall, especially around floating debris and weed lines. They're beautiful fish - bright gold and green - and they're some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Plus, they usually travel in schools, so when you find one, there are probably more around. Yellowfin Tuna are what a lot of serious anglers come here for. These fish are pure muscle and endurance, and they'll make long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. The bigger ones - we call them "footballs" when they hit that 100-pound mark - are some of the strongest fish in the ocean pound for pound. Bluefin Tuna are the winter warriors, showing up when the water temps drop and most other fish head south. These are the giants of the tuna family, and catching one is like winning the lottery. They're incredibly strong, incredibly valuable, and incredibly rare to hook up with.
Look, 10 hours offshore with a top-rated crew targeting some of the best game fish on the East Coast - this isn't something you find everywhere. The waters off Nags Head are world-class, and Patriot Sportfishing has the experience and equipment to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to check marlin off your bucket list, load up on mahi for the dinner table, or just spend a day fighting fish that'll make your drag sing, this trip delivers. The boat books up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around thinking about it. Give them a call, get your dates locked in, and start planning for a day of fishing that'll remind you why you fell in love with this sport in the first place. Pack your camera, bring plenty of food and drinks, and get ready for some sore arms and big smiles.
Hit the deep waters off Nags Head aboard our restored 55-foot Paul Mann sportfisher, built for serious offshore action. This beauty cuts through the Atlantic at 31 knots thanks to her reliable Caterpillar engine, getting you to the prime fishing grounds where yellowfin tuna and mahi roam. The spacious cockpit handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while the captain uses GPS, radar, and fish finder tech to put you on the fish. When you need a break from battling billfish, cool off with onboard AC, grab cold drinks from the icebox, or catch some tunes on the sound system. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water, and if the day runs long, there's a bed and head below deck. Perfect for both seasoned anglers and newcomers ready to test their skills against Carolina's big game fish.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of our offshore waters, capable of hitting 30+ mph when they're fired up. These stunning fish average around 50 pounds and 7 feet, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. We typically find them in the top 30-65 feet of water, especially around temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall gives us our best action, with warmer water temperatures bringing them closer to shore. What makes sailfish so special is their fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll have you talking about it for years. The meat's decent eating, but most folks prefer the catch-and-release trophy photos. Pro tip: when you see that sail light up with those electric blues and blacks, get ready - that fish is about to eat your bait. Keep steady pressure but don't horse them; let that fish jump and tire itself out.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of the billfish world - we're talking about fish that can push 400+ pounds, with the really big females sometimes hitting over 1,000. These deep blue beauties prefer the warm Gulf Stream waters, usually 20-40 miles offshore where the water's that rich cobalt blue. Summer and early fall are prime time here off the Outer Banks when the water temps hit 75+ degrees. What makes marlin fishing so addictive is the sheer power - when a big blue eats your bait, it's like hooking a freight train with fins. They'll make blistering runs, throw their whole body out of the water, and test every piece of gear you've got. The meat's good eating too, though many anglers prefer the bragging rights of a release. My advice: make sure your drag is set right before you drop lines. These fish will expose any weak spots in your tackle setup real quick.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the holy grail of offshore fishing - massive, powerful, and incredibly smart. These fish can reach 400+ pounds and are built like living submarines with their dark blue backs and silver sides. They're highly migratory, showing up in our waters from late fall through early spring when water temps drop into the 60s. We find them anywhere from 50-300+ feet deep, often around structure and bait schools. What makes bluefin legendary is their combination of size, speed, and stamina - they'll make runs that strip hundreds of yards of line and fight for hours. The meat is world-class, especially for sashimi. Fair warning: these fish are heavily regulated, so make sure you understand the permit requirements before you target them. My best advice: use circle hooks and be ready for a long fight. When a big bluefin decides to sound, there's not much you can do but hold on and let your drag do the work.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the colorful crowd-pleasers of offshore fishing - bright gold sides with electric blues and greens that really light up when they're fighting. Most of what we catch runs 15-30 pounds, though the big bulls can push 50+. Look for them around floating sargassum, debris lines, and temperature breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall is our sweet spot, with peak action in summer when the Gulf Stream moves closer to shore. Guests love mahi because they fight hard, jump like crazy, and make some of the best table fare you'll find offshore - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. They're also willing biters, so they're great for first-time offshore anglers. Here's a local trick: when you hook one mahi, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water and cast back to the school - mahi are curious and will often hang around their hooked buddy, giving you shots at multiple fish.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are built like torpedoes and fight like they're shot from one. These silver bullets with bright yellow fins typically run 20-80 pounds in our waters, though we see some real bruisers over 100. They're pelagic fish that cruise the top 200 feet, often around temperature breaks, weed lines, and structure. Late spring through fall gives us consistent shots, especially when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes yellowfin special is their raw power and endurance - they'll make long, screaming runs that'll test your backing, plus the meat is absolutely top-shelf for sushi or searing. They're also one of the smarter fish out there, so you need to stay sharp. Pro tip from years of chasing them: when the trolling bite gets tough, switch to chunking with live bait. Drop some cut bait overboard, let the boat drift, and when they come up feeding, that's when you'll get your shot at the big ones.
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