Offshore Charter Fishing | 10-Hour Outer Banks Trip
There's something special about heading out to the deep blue waters off the Outer Banks at dawn, watching the coastline fade behind you as you chase some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish. This 10-hour offshore adventure with Captain Jamie and the Phideaux Fishing crew takes you up to 35 miles out, where the real action happens. You'll be targeting the big players – tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish – in waters that have made the Outer Banks a legendary fishing destination. With a 4:20 AM departure, you'll be on the water when the fish are most active, giving you the best shot at filling your cooler with quality catches.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early – and trust me, it's worth dragging yourself out of bed for that 4:20 AM departure. Captain Jamie and first mate Jeff know these waters like the back of their hands, and they'll have you rigged up and ready to fish before the sun breaks the horizon. The boat is clean, comfortable, and built for the long haul, which matters when you're spending 10 hours chasing fish in blue water. You'll cover serious ground, sometimes running up to 35 miles offshore to find the temperature breaks, current edges, and structure where the big fish hang out. When conditions are right, there's also the option to drop some bottom rigs for species like cobia and other reef dwellers. Remember to pack your own drinks and snacks – you'll work up an appetite out there – and don't forget to bring cash for tipping the mate who'll be working hard to put fish in the boat all day.
Trolling the Blue Water
This is primarily a trolling operation, which is the most effective way to cover water and find active fish in the offshore environment. The crew runs a spread of lures and rigged baits at different depths and distances behind the boat, creating an irresistible presentation that mimics a school of baitfish. You'll be pulling ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and various artificial lures designed to trigger strikes from pelagic species. When the outrigger pops or a rod starts screaming, that's when the real fun begins. The first mate will coach you through the fight, helping you work the fish properly and avoid getting spooled by a hot tuna or wahoo. Captain Jamie reads the water conditions, watches for bird activity, and uses his electronics to locate temperature breaks and bait schools where gamefish concentrate. It's a chess match between angler and fish, played out over miles of open ocean.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Third year in a row booking these guy's. Not a single complaint from me. Turned us on to some awesome tuna and even a shark. Left with a total of 212 pounds of fish to take home." - Dustine
"Could not ask for a better way to celebrate my oldest sons 21st birthday!!! Jamie and Jeff did not disappoint!! 13 tuna in less than 2 hrs! These guys know how to put you on this fish! This was my second trip out on the Phideax and I can't wait until the next trip!! ***note: when Capt Jamie tells you to be sure to bring a big cooler for your catch, LISTEN to him!!" - Nelson
"Not only did Capt. Jamie put us on the fish, but him and his crew made for a great experience. A wonderful trip all around. Lots of Mahi, a huge Wahoo, and Tuna all caught on our trip" - Chris
Species You'll Want to Hook
Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of the Outer Banks offshore scene, and for good reason. These football-shaped fighters typically run 15-30 pounds and are absolutely delicious on the dinner table. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through fall, often traveling in schools that can provide non-stop action when you find them. What makes blackfins so exciting is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll make multiple runs and test your drag system. Plus, they're excellent eating, with firm, red meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilling.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the locals call them, are the colorful crowd-pleasers of the offshore world. These fish are pure eye candy with their brilliant yellows and greens, and they're known for their acrobatic jumps and fast runs. Most mahi in these waters run 10-25 pounds, though bigger bulls can push 40-plus. They're often found around floating debris, sargassum lines, or temperature breaks, and when you find one, there are usually more nearby. The meat is white, flaky, and mild – perfect for anglers who want great table fare along with a fun fight.
Indo-Pacific Sailfish are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching 60+ mph and putting on aerial displays that'll have you scrambling for your camera. While they're not as common as tuna or mahi, when you hook one, it's an experience you'll never forget. These fish are built for speed with their long bills and massive dorsal fins, and they'll often tailwalk across the surface when hooked. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with sailfish, making them the ultimate bragging rights fish.
Cobia are the opportunistic bruisers that show up when you least expect them. These brown, shark-like fish can reach 50+ pounds and are known for their curious nature – they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. When available, they're typically found around structure or floating debris, and they're notorious for their powerful runs and ability to wrap you around anything they can find. The meat is white and firm, often compared to mahi mahi in taste and texture.
Bigeye T