Private 10-Hour Offshore Fishing Charter
When you're serious about fishing the Outer Banks, there's nothing like a full-day offshore run to put you on the big ones. This 10-hour private charter with Phideaux Fishing takes you up to 35 miles out into the blue water where the real action happens. Captain Jamie and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll work their tails off to put you on tuna, mahi, wahoo, and even marlin when conditions are right. With space for up to 6 anglers, you've got plenty of room to spread out and work the lines without feeling crowded.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early – we're talking 4:20 AM early – but trust me, it's worth every minute. The pre-dawn departure gets you to the fishing grounds right when the bite turns on, and you'll have the whole day to work different spots and techniques. The boat is clean and comfortable, so even when the bite slows down, you're not suffering out there. Captain Jamie runs a tight ship but keeps things fun, and his first mate knows exactly what bait to put out and when to make the call to move spots. When the offshore trolling gets tough, they'll switch gears and put you on bottom fish if they're in season. These guys adapt to what the ocean gives them, and that flexibility is what separates good captains from great ones.
Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup
The bread and butter of this trip is trolling the blue water for pelagics. Captain Jamie runs a spread of baits and lures designed to trigger strikes from tuna, mahi, wahoo, and billfish. The crew handles all the rigging and bait prep, so you can focus on what you came for – fighting fish. When a reel starts screaming, they'll coach you through the fight and make sure you land your fish properly. The tackle is top-notch and matched to the species you're targeting, from heavy conventional reels for tuna to wire leaders for wahoo. When conditions call for it, they'll break out the bottom rigs and put you on cobia, grouper, or whatever's hanging around the structure. The key is reading the water and the bite, and this crew has that dialed in.
Customer Stories
"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!! Ha!" - 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 bread and butter fish out here, and for good reason. These football-shaped fighters typically run 10-25 pounds and put up a serious scrap on medium tackle. They school up in big numbers from late spring through fall, and when you find them, you can load the boat. Blackfins love the temperature breaks and current edges that form 15-35 miles offshore, and they'll hit everything from cedar plugs to ballyhoo. What makes them special is the combination of great eating and consistent action – when the bite is on, you can catch them until your arms give out.
Mahi Mahi are pure gold when it comes to offshore fishing. These electric-colored fish grow fast and fight hard, with bulls reaching 30-50 pounds by late summer. They love floating debris, sargassum lines, and current breaks, and they'll attack baits with reckless abandon. The best part about mahi is they travel in schools, so where you catch one, you'll usually find more. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and their acrobatic fights make every hookup memorable. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Indo-Pacific Sailfish are the crown jewel of Outer Banks fishing. These billfish show up in good numbers during the summer months, and hooking one is a bucket-list experience for most anglers. They'll hit trolled baits and put on an aerial display that'll have you shaking with adrenaline. Most sails run 40-70 pounds, and the fight combines long runs with spectacular jumps. Captain Jamie practices catch and release with billfish unless you want a mount, which keeps the fishery healthy for future generations.
Cobia are the gentle giants that cruise the nearshore waters and offshore structure. These brown sharks (as locals call them) can push 50-80 pounds and fight like a freight train heading for the bottom. They're curious fish that will often swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot with a sight-cast. Peak cobia season runs from late spring through early summer, and they're fantastic table fare. The key is having live bait ready and being patient – cobia fishing is often a waiting game that pays off big.
Bigeye Tuna are the heavyweights of the tuna family, and catching one is a real achievement. These deep-water fish can exceed 100 pounds and require serious tackle and technique to land. They typically bite best in low-light conditions – early morning, late evening, or overcast days. Bigeyes prefer deeper water and stronger current