Extended Full Day Offshore Fishing in Oak Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour charter targets Cobia, Snapper, Grouper and offshore speciesCovers waters from shoreline to 4050 miles offshore zonesAll equipment, licenses, bait and refreshments included onboard
When you're looking for a serious day of fishing that gives you the best shot at multiple species, this 10-hour Oak Island charter delivers everything you want. We're talking about a full day adventure that takes you from the nearshore waters right out to the deep blue, 40-50 miles offshore where the big fish live. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with a small group of just 4 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention. No crowded boat, no rushing—just quality fishing time with all the gear, bait, and expertise you need included in the trip.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get your lines wet before heading back. With 10 hours on the water, we can really work the different zones and target whatever's biting best that day. Early morning usually starts nearshore for Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, then we'll work our way out to the structure and wrecks where Cobia hang out. Once we hit the deeper water, that's where things get interesting with King Mackerel, Snapper, and if we're lucky, some nice Grouper. The boat's fully rigged with quality tackle, and the captain will adjust techniques based on conditions and what fish are most active. You don't need to bring anything except sunscreen and snacks—fishing license, rods, reels, bait, ice, and water are all covered.
We'll run a mix of techniques depending on what we're after and where the fish are holding. Trolling is bread and butter for Kings and Spanish Mackerel—we'll pull spreads of spoons, diving plugs, and sometimes live bait behind the boat while covering water. When we find structure or good bottom, we'll anchor up and drop live bait or chunks for Cobia, Red Drum, and Sharks. Bottom fishing with cut bait works great for Snapper and Seabass around the reefs and wrecks. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day, so you're always fishing the most productive method for the conditions. All the tackle is tournament-grade stuff that can handle whatever we hook into, from 20-pound Bonito to 40-pound Bull Reds.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter fish out here, and Oak Island's waters are loaded with them from late spring through fall. These speedsters hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Most Kings we see run 15-30 pounds, but don't be surprised if we hook into a smoker pushing 40-plus pounds. They're aggressive feeders that love the temperature breaks and current edges we find 15-30 miles offshore. What makes Kings so popular is the fight—they're fast, they jump, and they don't give up easy. Plus, they make excellent table fare when prepared right.
Mahi Mahi are the prize catch that gets everyone excited when they show up. These beauties are most active during summer months around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in the deeper water. A good Mahi will put on an aerial show with multiple jumps and color changes that'll leave you speechless. They typically run 10-25 pounds in our waters, though bulls can push 30-40 pounds. What anglers love most is their willingness to eat almost anything—live bait, lures, even small jigs—and they often travel in schools, so one fish can turn into several real quick.
Cobia are the bruisers that'll surprise you when you least expect it. Spring and early summer are prime time when these brown sharks cruise the nearshore waters and structure looking for crabs and small fish. A decent Cobia starts around 25 pounds and can easily push 50-60 pounds, making them one of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. They're sight fishers too, so when we spot one cruising the surface, it becomes a game of precision casting and patience. The reward is worth it—Cobia are considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Red Snapper are the deep water prize that makes the long run offshore worthwhile. These crimson beauties live around the hard bottom and structure in 60-120 feet of water. A good Snapper runs 5-15 pounds, but the big sows can hit 20-plus pounds and provide a steady, determined fight all the way to the boat. They're smart fish that require finesse—light leaders, fresh bait, and patience. What makes Snappers special is their legendary table quality and the satisfaction of outsmarting such a wary fish.
Little Tunny, or False Albacore, are the speed demons that show up in big schools and provide non-stop action when conditions are right. Fall is peak season when these 5-15 pound torpedoes crash baitfish near the surface. They hit fast-moving lures and small baits with authority, and their speed and endurance make them pound-for-pound one of the strongest fish around. When you find a school of Tunnys feeding, it's game on for fast action that'll wear out your arms and put a smile on your face.
This extended full day trip gives you the best chance to experience Oak Island's diverse fishing opportunities in one shot. With 10 hours on the water and an experienced captain who knows where to find the fish, you're getting maximum value and fishing time. The small group size means personalized attention, and having all gear included removes any worry about tackle or bait. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or someone wanting to experience quality offshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. These full day slots fill up quick, especially during peak season, so don't wait too long to secure your date
This restored 32-foot Midnight Express center console cuts through Oak Island waters with authority, powered by twin 225HP Mercury engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. Built for serious anglers, this boat handles both nearshore runs for cobia and snapper, plus those longer offshore pushes when the big kings are calling your name. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the fish finder helps locate those productive bottom spots. GPS and radar ensure you can navigate confidently whether you're hugging the coast or heading 40+ miles out. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access - perfect for when the action heats up and everyone needs to get their baits in the water quickly.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the "brown sharks" that aren't sharks at all - just big, brown, solitary fish that average 20-40 pounds and can hit 60+. You'll find them cruising structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 20-50 feet, often right at the surface. Spring migration brings the best action as they move north to spawn. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll follow the boat and check out your baits. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that tastes similar to shark. These fish fight hard and dirty, diving straight for whatever structure they can find. My advice: when you see one, pitch a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of its nose and be ready for a serious battle.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of our most popular targets, typically running 15-30 pounds with some reaching over 40. These fast-moving fish cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. We find them year-round here, but spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish can. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. The key to landing them is using a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface - kings love chasing down a fleeing ballyhoo or Spanish sardine.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny, also called False Albacore or Bonito, are small tuna that pack a serious punch. They average 8-15 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. These schooling fish cruise nearshore waters, jetties, and inlets chasing baitfish right at the surface. Fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading south. What gets anglers hooked is their incredible speed and stamina - they'll burn drag and never quit fighting. The meat is dark red and strong-flavored, more like true tuna than most fish. Watch for diving birds and surface commotion - that's where you'll find the schools. Small spoons, jigs, or live bait work great, but use light tackle if you want the full experience of what these fish can do.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll encounter - brilliant gold, green, and blue that shifts like a light show when they're brought to the boat. Most run 15-25 pounds, though we see some pushing 40-50. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper offshore waters. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps hit 70+ degrees. What guests love about mahi is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and run hard. The meat is firm, white, and mild-tasting, making it one of the best table fish around. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep looking around the boat. Mahi often travel in small groups, so there's usually more where that one came from.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the bottom-dwelling prize everyone wants to catch. These bright red fish typically run 3-8 pounds inshore, but the offshore grounds can produce 10-20 pounders. You'll find them on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Season runs late spring through early fall when they're most active. What makes snappers special is their bulldogging fight - they'll pull straight down and try to get back to their rocky homes. The meat is sweet, flaky, and considered some of the best eating in the ocean. Here's the key: get your bait to the bottom fast and keep it there. Use a knocker rig with live or cut bait, and when you feel that thump, set the hook hard and crank them up before they wrap you around structure.
Oak Island