Full Day Trip - North Carolina Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing targeting Snapper, Sea Bass, and GrouperAll fishing gear, snacks, and drinks included onboardSmall group experience with maximum four guests
Ready to get your lines wet in some of North Carolina's best fishing waters? This full-day trip with ProWire Marine puts you right where the action is, targeting some of the most sought-after species along our coast. We're talking serious bottom fishing for Red Snapper, Black Sea Bass, Gag Grouper, and the occasional Cobia that'll test your drag system. With only 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from our crew. All your tackle, bait, and gear come included, plus we've got lunch and refreshments covered so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the cooler.
Your day starts early with a smooth ride out to our proven fishing spots along the North Carolina coast. We target structure-rich areas where these bottom dwellers love to hang out – think rocky ledges, artificial reefs, and natural hard bottom that holds baitfish and attracts the bigger predators. The atmosphere on board is relaxed but focused, with our experienced crew helping you dial in your technique and making sure your gear is rigged properly for each drop. Expect to spend most of your time working the bottom with heavy sinkers and circle hooks, though we'll switch things up if we mark schools of fish at different depths. The small group size means everyone gets quality fishing time, and you'll have plenty of space to fight fish without getting tangled up with other lines.
We fish primarily with conventional reels spooled with heavy braid, using 8-12 ounce sinkers to get down fast in the current. Our go-to rigs include multi-hook bottom rigs and chicken rigs, baited with cut bait, squid, and live or fresh dead baitfish depending on what's working best. The crew knows exactly how much scope to let out based on current conditions, and they'll coach you on feeling the bottom, detecting bites, and setting the hook properly with circle hooks. We target depths ranging from 60 to 120 feet, adjusting our spots based on water temperature, current, and where we're marking fish on the electronics. When Cobia show up, we'll switch to lighter tackle and work them with jigs or live bait near the surface – these fish can get over 40 pounds and will give you a workout you won't forget.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of our bottom fishing trips, and North Carolina waters produce some true giants. These ruby-red fighters typically run 5-15 pounds but can push 20+ pounds when you hook into a real slab. They're most active during summer months when water temps hit the 70s, and they love hanging around hard structure in 80-120 feet of water. What makes Snapper so exciting is their initial bulldogging run when hooked – they'll head straight for the bottom trying to cut you off on the rocks. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Gag Grouper are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish you'll tangle with on these trips. These bottom bruisers average 8-20 pounds and are built like linebackers – all muscle and attitude. They're most cooperative in spring and fall when they move into shallower water to feed, though we catch them year-round in deeper spots. When you hook a Gag, be ready for an immediate power dive toward the bottom. They'll try every trick in the book to wrap you around structure, so keeping steady pressure and working them up slowly is key. Their mottled gray coloration and broad shoulders make them easy to identify, and their mild, flaky meat rivals any fish in the ocean.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than the other target species, typically running 1-4 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. These spunky little fighters are available year-round and often save the day when other species are being finicky. They're curious fish that will often follow your rig up from the bottom, and it's not uncommon to double or triple up on them. Despite their smaller size, they put up a scrappy fight and are fantastic eating – their sweet, delicate meat is perfect for fish tacos or a classic fish fry.
Cobia are the wild card species that can turn a good day into an epic one. These brown torpedoes can reach 30-50+ pounds and are incredibly strong fighters that will test your endurance. They're most common during their spring and fall migrations along the coast, often following rays and sharks near the surface. When we spot Cobia, everything else stops – these fish require sight fishing with jigs or live bait, and the visual excitement of watching a big fish track your lure is hard to beat. They're also outstanding table fare with firm, almost shark-like meat that grills beautifully.
This full-day bottom fishing adventure offers everything you need for a world-class fishing experience off the North Carolina coast. With expert local knowledge, top-notch gear, and prime fishing spots that produce consistent action, you're looking at a day that delivers both quality and quantity. The small group size ensures personalized service and plenty of fishing time for everyone, while the included lunch and drinks keep you fueled for the long haul. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Tar Heel State fish to your logbook or someone new to bottom fishing wanting to learn the ropes, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season when these species are most active.
Hit the North Carolina waters aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfect for targeting inshore species like Snapper, Sea Bass, and Grouper. This reliable vessel comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything serious fishermen need - GPS navigation keeps us on the productive spots, radar cuts through morning fog or afternoon haze, and our fish finder pinpoints where the action is happening below. All your tackle and gear are provided, so just bring yourself and get ready to put some quality fish in the cooler. We've got snacks and cold drinks on board to keep you fueled between bites. The boat's stable platform gives everyone plenty of room to work their lines without crowding, whether you're battling a stubborn grouper off structure or working the shallows for cruising sea bass. North Carolina's inshore waters are loaded with opportunity, and this setup puts you right where you need to be to make the most of it.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are scrappy little fighters that gather around wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but they punch above their weight class with a solid fight until they break the surface. These guys are part of the grouper family and change from female to male as they mature - the big males develop a distinctive hump on their head during spawning. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. They're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. You'll often catch several on one spot since they school up around structure. Best tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips or clam - they're not picky eaters and will hit both natural bait and small jigs bounced near the bottom.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are powerful, solitary fish that average around 6 feet and 100 pounds - real bruisers that'll test your drag. These dark brown fish are often mistaken for sharks due to their single dorsal fin, but once hooked, there's no mistaking their aggressive fight. We find them cruising shallow waters around 30-70 feet during spring migration, often near wrecks, reefs, and buoys. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's prized by restaurants. Best fishing happens May through August when they're spawning and moving through our waters. Since they're loners, we do a lot of sight fishing - spotting them just below the surface. Here's a pro tip: when you see one, there's usually another nearby, so keep your eyes peeled after landing the first fish.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are ambush predators that love hiding around rocky structure, wrecks, and ledges. They typically run 20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 80 pounds. These fish change from female to male as they mature - pretty unique in the fish world. You'll find them in 40-150 feet around hard bottom and structure, with bigger fish preferring deeper water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're more active. What guests love is the initial strike and bulldogging fight as they try to drag you back to their hole. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. The key to success is keeping them away from structure once hooked - lock that reel down tight and don't give them an inch. Live pinfish and mullet work best, but cut squid and crab will do the job too.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing, with their bright red color and scrappy attitude. Most fish we catch run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but they can grow much larger. These fighters live around structure in deeper water - think wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom from 30 to 200+ feet. They're available year-round here, but summer months are prime time when they're more active. What makes them special? They fight hard all the way to the boat, diving for cover and testing your tackle. Plus, they're absolutely delicious - mild, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. My advice: use fresh squid or cigar minnows, get your bait to the bottom fast, and be ready to muscle them away from structure once hooked. They'll try to cut your line on anything nearby.
Wilmington