Private 2-Hour Offshore Fishing in Morehead City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Twohour offshore charter targeting multiple fish speciesFourguest capacity with familyfriendly fishing experienceMorehead City coastal waters with provided equipment
Looking for a quick but productive fishing adventure off the Carolina coast? This private 2-hour offshore trip with Prop-Wash Charters delivers serious action without eating up your whole day. Perfect for families with kids who might get antsy on longer trips, or when you just want to wet a line and catch some fish before lunch. You'll head out from Morehead City's protected waters and target some of the most reliable species along this stretch of coast – Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, King Mackerel, Atlantic Bonito, and Hogfish. With only 4 guests max, you get personalized attention and plenty of rod time for everyone.
This isn't your typical inshore grind – we're talking true offshore fishing where the water color changes from green to that deep blue that gets every angler's heart pumping. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, running to proven spots where baitfish schools attract the predators you're after. The boat rides smooth in most conditions, and two hours gives you enough time to work several different areas if the bite's slow in one spot. Kids love the fast action you typically get with Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, while the adults get pumped about the possibility of hooking into a King or Bonito that'll test their drag. Pack some snacks and drinks since no meals are included, and don't forget that reef-safe sunscreen – the sun reflects hard off the water out there.
Most of your fishing happens while trolling, which is perfect for covering water and finding active fish. The crew runs a spread of diving plugs, spoons, and sometimes live bait depending on what's working. You'll use medium-action rods that can handle everything from 2-pound Spanish Mackerel up to 20-pound Kings. The beauty of trolling is that it produces consistent action – when you mark baitfish on the finder, it's usually just a matter of time before something eats. Don't worry if you've never trolled before; the crew walks you through everything from setting the drag to fighting fish without tangling lines. When someone hooks up, they clear the other lines so you can battle your fish without interference. The whole setup is designed for maximum success in minimum time.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially from late spring through early fall. These silver rockets average 2-4 pounds and hit trolled spoons like they're starving. They fight way above their weight class with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll get everyone on the boat excited. What makes them perfect for short trips is their aggressive nature – when you find a school, you can load the boat in minutes. Plus, they're excellent eating if you want to take some home for dinner.
Bluefish bring the attitude to every fight, and Morehead City's offshore waters hold some quality fish in the 3-8 pound range. These guys are pure muscle with razor teeth, so don't try to lip them like a bass. They school up in massive numbers during their peak months, and when you hit a hot bite, it's rods bent and fish flying over the rail non-stop. Blues are most active during cooler months, making them a reliable target when other species slow down.
King Mackerel are the prize everyone hopes for on these trips. While the average fish runs 10-15 pounds, there's always a chance at a 20-30 pound smoker that'll make your arms burn. Kings patrol the deeper waters looking for schools of baitfish, and when they find them, the action can be explosive. They're notorious for their initial run – hook a good one and watch your line disappear as they head for the horizon. Late summer and early fall offer the best shots at Kings in this area.
Atlantic Bonito might be the most underrated fish in these waters. These miniature tunas average 3-6 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. When water temperatures are right, usually spring and fall, they school up in huge numbers and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find offshore. Their meat is darker than other species but makes excellent sushi or sashimi if you're into that.
Hogfish round out the mixed bag, though they're more of a bonus catch than a primary target. These colorful bottom dwellers average 2-5 pounds and offer a nice change of pace from the pelagic species. When you find them over the right structure, they provide steady action and excellent table fare. They're curious fish that often follow hooked fish to the boat, giving everyone a good look at their unique appearance.
Two hours might seem short, but it's the perfect introduction to offshore fishing without the commitment of a full day. You'll experience the excitement of blue water fishing, learn some techniques you can use on future trips, and hopefully put some quality fish in the cooler. With only 4 spots available, this trip books up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are most active. Whether you're introducing kids to offshore fishing or just want a quick fishing fix, this charter delivers the goods. The crew at Prop-Wash Charters knows how to make every minute count, so you'll come back to the dock with sore arms, big smiles, and probably plans for your next trip.
This 2018 Tidewater 26' center console is built for serious offshore fishing adventures off Morehead City's coast. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines while targeting Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Bluefish, and other prime species. The boat's fish finder helps locate the best spots, while GPS and radar keep you on course even when conditions get challenging. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Carolina summer days. The multimedia system adds entertainment between bites, and the center console design gives everyone easy access to the action. Perfect for families or small groups looking to experience North Carolina's productive offshore waters without the crowds of larger charter boats.
Sarda SardaBonito are like miniature torpedoes - silver bullets with dark stripes that can hit 40 mph when they want to. Most run 3-8 pounds and about 18-24 inches long. These fish school up in huge numbers and feed aggressively on the surface, often jumping completely out of the water chasing bait. You'll spot them by the birds diving and the commotion they make. They're not great table fare here in the States, but they fight like crazy and are perfect for light tackle fun. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action. Once you find a school, they'll hit just about any small lure you throw - metals work great in windy conditions, but soft plastics stay in the strike zone longer. Watch for their dorsal fins cutting the surface like small sharks - that's your cue to get the rods ready.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive, hard-fighting fish with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Most run 3-8 pounds around here, though we see some real slobs pushing 15-20 pounds in the fall. They show up in schools and when they're feeding, you can hear them from a distance - they literally churn the water into a froth going after baitfish. Summer through fall is prime time, and they'll hit just about anything you throw at them. The smaller ones make decent eating, but the big ones can be oily. These fish will test your drag and make long runs. Here's a tip: always use a wire leader or heavy mono because those teeth will cut through regular line like butter. When you see birds diving and water exploding, get there fast - bluefish blitzes don't last long.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the more unique catches we get, with their pig-like snouts and bright orange fins. They typically run 2-5 pounds, though we occasionally see some bruisers pushing 10-15 pounds. These wrasse hang around hard bottom, reefs, and rocky areas in 15-80 feet of water, using their snouts to root through the sand for crabs and shellfish. Spring and summer are best when they move into shallower water. The meat is absolutely top-shelf - sweet and flaky, better than grouper in my opinion. They're curious fish and will often come check out the boat, but they're also quick strikers with sharp reflexes. Use live shrimp or small crabs on a light rig, and here's the key: make some noise. Tap the hull or drop something - the vibrations actually attract them over to investigate.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our waters, capable of blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. Most kings we catch run 15-30 pounds, but we see plenty in the 40-50 pound range during peak season. They prefer deeper water, usually 60-150 feet, hanging around structure, ledges, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time, with late summer being especially good. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll take drag and keep going until your arm burns. The meat is good eating when prepared right, though the bigger ones can be a bit strong. My go-to setup is always a stinger rig with two hooks when using live bait. Kings love to hit bait from behind, so that trailing hook saves a lot of cutoffs. Watch for birds and bait schools - that's where you'll find them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast-moving silver fish with distinctive yellow spots along their sides, typically running 1-2 feet and weighing 2-4 pounds. Around Morehead City, they show up in good numbers from late spring through fall, often schooling near the surface in 20-60 feet of water. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and over sandy bottom where baitfish gather. They hit hard and make decent runs, which makes them great for kids and new anglers. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills up nice. One thing I always tell folks: when you see birds working the water, get over there quick. Spanish mackerel often feed just under those diving birds, and a small spoon or jig cast into that mess usually gets bit right away.
Morehead City