Extended Full Day Oak Island Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour charter targets cobia, snapper, and king mackerel offshoreAll equipment, license, bait, and refreshments included onboardExperienced captain guides trips up to 50 miles offshore
When you're serious about getting into fish, this 10-hour Oak Island charter delivers exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about a proper offshore adventure that gives you time to work both the nearshore structure and the deep water drop-offs where the big boys hang out. Captain's got the local knowledge to put you on everything from screaming King Mackerel runs to bottom fishing hot spots loaded with snapper and grouper. With four anglers max, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic day on the water.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're spending a full day covering water from the beach out to the 40-50 mile range. That means you'll start the morning working the nearshore reefs and structure for species like cobia and red drum, then make the run offshore where the pelagics are cruising. The boat's rigged with everything you need: quality rods and reels matched to the target species, fresh bait, plenty of ice for your catch, and all the terminal tackle. Your fishing license is covered too, so you just show up ready to fish. The extended time frame gives us flexibility to chase the bite wherever it's happening – if the kings are firing on the nearshore ledges, we'll stay put. If the action's better in the deep water, we'll make that run and put you on the fish.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. For the pelagic species like kings and mahi, we'll troll with live bait and lures, covering water until we mark fish or find the right temperature breaks. When we're working structure for bottom fish, it's all about precision – dropping baits right to the fish with enough weight to get down and stay down in the current. The captain's got the electronics dialed in to mark fish and structure, plus the local knowledge to know which spots produce based on tide, weather, and season. Tackle's matched to what we're targeting – lighter spinning gear for the smaller species, heavier conventional setups when we're after big cobia or bull reds. Live bait's always the ace in the hole, but we'll also run artificials when the fish are aggressive and feeding on top.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Oak Island offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can hit 30-40 pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. They're most active during the warmer months when baitfish are thick, and they'll absolutely demolish a slow-trolled live menhaden or a flashy spoon. The fight's what keeps anglers coming back – pure speed and power that'll have your arms burning.
Mahi Mahi show up when conditions are right, usually around floating debris or temperature breaks in the blue water. They're gorgeous fish with that bright yellow and green coloration, and they're absolutely delicious on the table. What makes them special is how they school up – find one and you'll often find several. They're also acrobatic fighters that'll jump and tail-walk when hooked, putting on a show that never gets old.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your whole trip. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) can push 40-50 pounds and are sight-fishing opportunities that'll get your heart pumping. They're curious fish that often come right up to the boat, and when you hook one, you're in for a powerful, stubborn fight. Spring and fall are prime time when they're migrating along the coast.
Red Snapper are the prize of the bottom fishing game when they're in season. These beautiful red fish are smart, structure-oriented, and absolutely excellent eating. They require precision fishing – the right bait in the right spot with the right technique. When you connect with a good one in 60-80 feet of water, it's a steady, head-shaking fight that'll test your bottom fishing skills.
Little Tunny, or false albacore, are the speed demons that show up in schools and create some of the most exciting action you'll find. They're small but incredibly fast and aggressive, often feeding in feeding frenzies that create surface action you can see from a distance. They're perfect for light tackle and will absolutely smoke drag when they take off on their initial runs.
This extended full day trip gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Oak Island waters have to offer. With 10 hours on the water, quality equipment, and a captain who knows these waters inside and out, you're setting yourself up for the kind of fishing day that creates lasting memories. Whether you're after that personal best king mackerel, want to experience the visual excitement of sight-fishing cobia, or just want to fill the cooler with quality eating fish, this charter delivers. The four-angler limit ensures everyone gets plenty of action and personal attention from the crew. Book your spot now and get ready for a proper Oak Island fishing adventure that covers all the bases.
This restored 2023 Midnight Express 32-footer 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 center console handles both nearshore runs and the 40-50 mile push to offshore hotspots where the big cobia and snapper live. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the GPS and fish finder help locate those productive bottom spots. Radar keeps you safe when weather moves in during those long 10-hour days on the water. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple lines whether you're trolling for kings or bottom fishing for grouper. The boat's 50-knot top speed means more time fishing and less time running, giving you maximum shots at everything from bull reds to blackfish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing target - these brown, shark-looking fish cruise just under the surface around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water. They average 20-40 pounds but can push 100+, and they're loners, so each one's a prize. Spring migration from April through June is prime time, especially during spawning season. Anglers love cobia because they're aggressive feeders, putting up strong fights, and the meat rivals any fish in the ocean - firm, white, and delicious. Since they're curious fish, they'll often follow boats and check out lures. Here's the key: when you spot a cobia, don't rush it. Cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where it's swimming, let it sink, then work it slowly back. They like to inspect their meals before committing.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of the fastest fish you'll encounter off Oak Island, typically running 15-30 pounds with some pushing 50+. These speed demons cruise nearshore waters from 40-150 feet deep, often hanging around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-80°F. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost anything else out there. The meat's excellent too, with firm white flesh that grills perfectly. One key tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks when using live bait. Kings love to hit the tail section of baitfish, so that trailing treble hook will save you from a lot of missed opportunities when they chomp down behind your main hook.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, also called false albacore, are the speed demons of nearshore waters. These 8-15 pound torpedoes travel in schools and put up fights way beyond their size. You'll find them in 20-80 feet around jetties, inlets, and temperature breaks, especially during their fall migration when they're chasing bait schools. What makes them popular is pure excitement - they hit hard, run fast, and jump like crazy. While the dark red meat isn't for everyone, it's actually quite good when prepared fresh and properly. The key to success is listening for feeding activity - little tunny get loud and splashy when they're corralling baitfish. When you find a school, work fast with small spoons, jigs, or flies. Cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly through the edges. Don't cast right into the middle or you'll spook them.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the showstoppers of offshore fishing - their electric colors and acrobatic fights make every hookup memorable. These beauties average 15-29 pounds and prefer warm surface waters around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks typically 20+ miles offshore. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when water temps climb above 70°F. What anglers love most is their willingness to eat almost anything and their spectacular jumps once hooked. Plus, mahi are hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, mild, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one mahi, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water and have everyone else cast around it. Mahi travel in schools, and that hooked fish will often keep its buddies nearby for multiple hookups.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the kings of bottom fishing, averaging 2-8 pounds with trophy fish hitting 20+ pounds. These bright red fighters live around hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet offshore. Summer months offer the best action when they're most active in our deeper waters. What makes snappers special is their fight - they'll make strong runs toward structure trying to cut your line, and they're absolutely top-shelf table fare with sweet, firm white meat. The challenge is getting them up from deep water before they dive back into the rocks. My go-to setup is a Carolina rig with 8-12 oz weight and circle hooks baited with cut squid or cigar minnows. Once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast - don't give them time to think about heading back to cover.
Oak Island