5.0(1 Reviews)Private Half-Day Offshore Fishing Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing targeting Spanish Mackerel and King MackerelLight tackle adventure suitable for all skill levels aboard chartered vesselAll fishing gear provided with maximum capacity of four guests
Captain William's private half-day offshore fishing charter out of Morehead City delivers everything you want in a Carolina fishing adventure. With morning and afternoon slots available, this light tackle trip puts you on fish without eating up your entire day. Perfect for families, first-timers, or seasoned anglers looking to dial in their skills, you'll target Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, King Mackerel, Atlantic Bonito, and Hogfish in the productive waters off the Crystal Coast. The captain provides all tackle and gear, so just grab your cooler, some snacks, and get ready to bend some rods.
This four-person max charter keeps things intimate and gives everyone plenty of room to fish comfortably. Captain William runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere relaxed and fun for anglers of all skill levels. You'll head offshore into the productive waters where the Gulf Stream influence brings in baitfish and the gamefish that follow them. The light tackle approach means you'll feel every fight, whether it's a screaming King Mackerel or a hard-pulling Bonito. The captain reads the water conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly—some days that means working structure for Hogfish, other days it's trolling the blue water for pelagics. Either way, you're in for steady action and personalized instruction that'll make you a better angler.
Light tackle fishing is where the real fun happens, and Captain William has dialed in the right gear combinations for maximum enjoyment. You'll be using spinning reels spooled with 20-30 pound test, paired with rods that have enough backbone to handle Kings but still let you feel the fight of smaller species. Depending on conditions and target species, expect to use live bait like menhaden or cigar minnows, along with artificial lures including spoons, jigs, and small trolling baits. The captain will have you trolling when conditions are right, but don't be surprised if you spend time bottom fishing over structure or sight casting to surface activity. The key is versatility—being ready to switch techniques based on what the fish are telling you that day.
"We had a half day trip with captain William, and it was amazing! He was very friendly and easy to work with! He made sure we had a safe and productive day on the water! We had a blast and will definitely be booking again!" - Greg
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of Morehead City fishing, and for good reason. These 2-4 pound speedsters hit hard and fight like fish twice their size. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, often found in schools around structure or following baitfish. What makes them so popular is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare—few fish taste better fresh off the water. You'll typically target them with small spoons, jigs, or live bait, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop.
Bluefish bring the aggression factor to your fishing day. These toothy predators range from small "snappers" to chunky 8-10 pounders that'll test your drag system. They're year-round residents but peak in spring and fall when massive schools move through the area. Blues are notorious for their violent strikes and dogged fights, often jumping and thrashing at the boat. They're perfect for beginners because they're not finicky eaters, but experienced anglers love them for their raw power and the challenge of landing them without getting cut off on their razor-sharp teeth.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of offshore light tackle fishing in these waters. These torpedo-shaped gamefish range from 20-40 pounds and are famous for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action typically happening when water temperatures hit the mid-70s. Kings are structure-oriented fish that patrol the edges of reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs, making them perfect targets for this type of charter. Landing a King on light tackle is a badge of honor—their speed and endurance will push both angler and equipment to the limit.
Atlantic Bonito might be the most underrated gamefish swimming off North Carolina. These 5-8 pound members of the tuna family are built for speed and endurance, offering some of the longest, most sustained fights you'll experience on light tackle. They show up in good numbers during spring and fall migrations, often mixed in with other pelagic species. Bonito are sight feeders that respond well to small lures and live bait, and their firm, red meat makes them a favorite among anglers who know good table fare. When you hook one, be ready for multiple runs that'll have your drag screaming.
Hogfish add variety to your catch and represent some of the best eating in the ocean. These colorful bottom dwellers live around hard structure and reefs, typically in 30-60 feet of water. They're curious fish that respond well to both live and cut bait, but they're also smart and can be selective feeders. Most Hogfish run 2-6 pounds, though larger specimens lurk around the deeper structure. They're a year-round target but seem most active during the cooler months. What sets them apart is their incredible table quality—sweet, firm white meat that rivals any fish in the sea.
Captain William's half-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to secure your dates. With only four anglers max per trip, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of fishing time without the crowds. The combination of productive local waters, quality light tackle gear, and a captain who knows how to put clients on fish makes this one of the top-rated charters in
Captain William's 2018 Tidewater 26' center console is built for serious offshore fishing action in Morehead City waters. This reliable fishing machine comes equipped with everything you need to target Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Bluefish, and more during your half-day adventure. The boat features a fish finder to locate the best fishing spots, GPS navigation to get you there fast, and radar for those foggy mornings when visibility gets tricky. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox while enjoying tunes on the multimedia system between bites. With room for up to 4 anglers, this center console design gives everyone plenty of space to fight fish without tangling lines. The light tackle setup is perfect whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, and Captain William provides all the gear so you can focus on landing Bonito, Grey Trout, and whatever else is biting that day.
Sarda SardaBonito are like miniature tuna on steroids, hitting speeds up to 40 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and distinctive black stripes. These 5-12 pound speedsters travel in massive schools that feed aggressively on the surface, often with their dorsal fins cutting through like tiny sharks. We find them in 50-150 feet of water from late summer into fall, especially when baitfish are thick. They're a blast on light tackle—pure speed and endurance that'll bend your rod double. While they're not great eating here in the States, the fight is what counts. Watch for diving birds; that's your cue to get lures in the water fast. Once you find a feeding school, they'll hit anything moving.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression with fins. These blue-green fighters average 3-20 pounds and are famous for their feeding frenzies that can turn the water into a washing machine. We target them in depths from shallow bays to 100+ feet offshore, especially around structure and baitfish schools. They show up strong from late spring through fall, and when they're here, the action is fast. What makes them special is their fearless attitude—they'll hit almost anything and fight like they mean it. The meat is tasty when fresh, with a rich flavor that's great smoked. Pro tip: use wire leaders. Those razor-sharp teeth will slice through regular line in a heartbeat, and they often bite the back half of your bait.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the more unique catches we target, with their pig-like snouts and bright orange coloring. These wrasse family members typically run 3-10 pounds and live around hard bottom structure, coral, and rocky areas in 20-80 feet of water. They're year-round residents but fish best in warmer months when they're more active. What makes them special is the challenge—they're curious but spooky, with lightning-fast strikes that test your reflexes. The payoff is worth it though; hogfish are considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with sweet, mild meat that rivals grouper. Here's the trick: use live shrimp on a small hook and make some noise. They're attracted to vibrations and will often investigate.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the bruisers of the mackerel family, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. These olive-backed torpedoes cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often hanging around structure and temperature breaks where baitfish gather. We see our best action from late spring through early fall when water temps hit the 70s and 80s. What sets them apart is pure speed—they'll smoke line off your reel faster than almost any fish out here. The fight is all power and long runs. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill. Here's the key: rig with a double-hook setup on wire leader. Kings love to grab bait by the tail, so that trailing hook back near the bait's rear often seals the deal.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver speedsters with their distinctive yellow spots are one of our most reliable catches. Running 1-2 feet long and averaging 8-11 pounds, Spanish mackerel travel in large schools near the surface, making them perfect for light tackle action. We find them around structure and open water from late spring through fall when the water warms up. They hit fast and fight hard with quick runs that'll test your reflexes. The meat is excellent—mild, flaky, and great grilled or smoked. Here's a local tip: when you see diving birds, get ready. Those schools often push baitfish to the surface, creating feeding frenzies where Spanish mackerel go crazy for spoons and small jigs.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a half day trip with captain William, and it was amazing! He was very friendly and easy to work with! He made sure we had a...
Morehead City