Offshore Bottom Fishing Charters in North Carolina
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore bottom fishing charters with experienced Captain Clint McCoyTarget grouper, snapper, triggerfish, black sea bass, amberjack, and cobiaSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximum
When you're serious about putting some quality fish in the cooler, Captain Clint McCoy's offshore bottom fishing charters are exactly what you need. Based out of North Carolina's productive waters, Reel McCoy Sportfishing has built a solid reputation among anglers who want to get away from the crowds and get down to business. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full 8-hour charter that takes you to the real fishing grounds where the big bottom dwellers hang out. With only 4 anglers max per trip, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting for rail space when the bite gets hot.
Captain Clint knows these North Carolina waters like the back of his hand, and he's not the type to waste time running around looking for fish. Your 8-hour charter starts early, giving you maximum time over the productive bottom structure where grouper, snapper, and other quality species make their living. The boat is set up specifically for bottom fishing, with heavy tackle ready to handle whatever decides to grab your bait. You'll be fishing in depths that can range from 60 to 120 feet or more, depending on what's biting and where the captain's been finding them. The ride out takes you past the continental shelf where the real action happens – this is where the serious bottom fish live, and where you'll understand why offshore fishing beats inshore every time. With just 4 anglers aboard, everyone gets personal attention and plenty of chances to get their lines down.
Bottom fishing offshore is all about heavy sinkers, strong tackle, and knowing how to work the structure. Captain Clint has the boat rigged with conventional reels spooled with heavy braid – usually 50 to 80-pound test – because you never know when a big amberjack or cobia might decide to test your drag system. The bottom rigs typically run 8 to 16-ounce sinkers depending on current and depth, with circle hooks that give you the best chance of a solid hookset on these deep-water fighters. You'll be fishing cut bait, live bait when available, and sometimes artificials worked near the bottom. The key is staying in contact with the bottom while being ready to reel fast when something grabs on. These fish don't mess around – when a 20-pound grouper decides it wants your bait, you'll know it immediately. The captain will position the boat over known structure, wrecks, and natural bottom features where these species congregate.
Grey triggerfish are one of the most underrated fighters in North Carolina's offshore waters. These chunky, aggressive fish average 2 to 4 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. They've got powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they'll test your tackle and your patience. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're abundant around hard bottom and structure. What makes triggers special is their attitude – they attack baits with serious aggression and their initial run can surprise even experienced anglers.
Greater amberjack are the bulldozers of the bottom fishing world. These powerful fish can easily hit 30 to 50 pounds in North Carolina waters, and they'll take you straight to school on what real fighting power feels like. They're most active from late spring through fall, hanging around wrecks and hard bottom in 80 to 150 feet of water. When an AJ grabs your bait, it's going straight for the bottom, and your first job is stopping that initial run before it reaches the structure. Their broad, muscular bodies and stubborn attitude make them a favorite among serious bottom fishermen.
Cobia are the wildcards of offshore bottom fishing. These brown sharks-lookalikes can show up anywhere from 15 to 60 pounds, and they're curious enough to come up and investigate the boat. Spring and early summer are prime time, especially around structure and wrecks. Cobia are sight feeders with excellent vision, so they'll often grab a bait that's worked properly near the bottom. They're also one of the best eating fish you can put in the cooler, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Red snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing, though regulations can be tricky so you'll need to check current rules. When they're open, these crimson beauties are worth every bit of effort. They typically run 3 to 8 pounds in these waters and prefer hard bottom and structure in 60 to 120 feet. Snapper are smart – they'll mouth a bait and spit it if something doesn't feel right. Circle hooks work best, and once hooked, they make strong runs and fight all the way to the surface.
Black sea bass might be smaller than the other species, but they make up for size with numbers and attitude. These feisty bottom dwellers average 1 to 3 pounds and are perfect for filling the cooler when larger species aren't cooperating. They're most active during cooler months and love rocky bottom and structure. Sea bass hit hard and fight surprisingly well for their size, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, flaky white meat.
If you're tired of crowded party boats and want to fish with a captain who actually knows where the fish live, it's time to get serious about booking with Reel McCoy Sportfishing. Captain Clint's 8-hour offshore bottom fishing charters give you the time and space you need to put together a memorable day on the water. With only 4 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of opportunities to get your baits down where the fish are holding. North Carolina's offshore waters produce quality bottom fish year-round, but the best days fill up fast. Whether you're after the powerful runs of a big amberjack
Get ready to chase bottom fish aboard this serious 27-foot Cape Horn fishing machine. Captain Clint McCoy runs a tight ship with twin 175hp Suzuki outboards that'll cut through North Carolina waters like butter, getting your crew of up to 4 anglers to the hottest grouper and snapper spots fast. The boat's loaded with Lowrance electronics and a top-notch fish finder to locate those deep-water honey holes where the big ones hide. Gemlux outriggers spread your lines wide for maximum coverage, while spacious coolers keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 8-hour battles. GPS navigation keeps you locked onto productive bottom structure where triggerfish, black sea bass, amberjack, and cobia call home. This Cape Horn handles offshore swells with confidence, giving you a stable platform to work heavy tackle and fight fish without getting beat up. Whether you're dropping down for monster grouper or working the reefs for mixed bags, this proven fishing platform delivers the goods every trip.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are steady producers that make great table fare. These chunky fish with the big mouths average 1-3 pounds, though the bigger males can hit 8+ pounds around deeper structure. We find them on wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 40-120 feet, especially late spring through summer when they move inshore. They're part of the grouper family and fight harder than their size suggests. What guests love is how cooperative they are - once you find them, you can usually catch several. The meat's excellent, firm and flaky. Squid strips and clams work great on a basic bottom rig. Here's a local trick: use a two-hook rig and keep one bait right on bottom, the other about 18 inches up. These fish will often suspend just off the structure, and that second hook catches the ones other guys miss.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - big, strong fish that average 30-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. These dark brown bruisers cruise alone, often mistaken for sharks with that single dorsal fin. We find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-100 feet, especially during their spring migration from April through June. What makes them special is the combination of size, fight, and incredible table fare - firm white meat that's restaurant quality. They're curious fish that'll come up to investigate, making for some exciting sight fishing. Bucktail jigs work great, but live bait is hard to beat. Pro tip: when you spot one cruising, drop your bait ahead of where they're heading, not right on top of them. They spook easy but once hooked, hang on tight.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are serious fish that'll test your gear. These bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can hit 6 feet and 100+ pounds. Look for them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet during warmer months. They're aggressive predators that hit hard and fight harder, making long powerful runs that'll burn your arms. Spring through early fall is best when they're feeding heavy. The meat's top-shelf - firm white fillets that grill up perfect. What guests love is the pure strength these fish bring to the fight. They're not picky eaters either - live bait, jigs, or big spoons all work. Here's the deal though: when you hook one, tighten that drag and keep steady pressure. These fish will head straight for the bottom structure to cut you off, so you've got to muscle them up quick.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish average 12-17 inches but can push 24 inches and 13 pounds. These tough-skinned fish hang around hard bottom, reefs, and ledges in 60-180 feet of water. They're curious fish with sharp teeth that'll wreck havoc on anything they can crunch - crabs, urchins, you name it. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active. What makes them fun is their sneaky bite - they'll nip at your bait before committing, so you've got to stay sharp. The meat's excellent eating with a firm, sweet taste. My tip: when you feel those light taps, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it properly, then reel fast and steady to keep them away from the structure where they love to wedge themselves in with those dorsal spines.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing. These beautiful red fish average 2-8 pounds but can reach 35+ pounds and live over 20 years. We target them around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet during our summer season. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they'll dive straight for cover and test every knot you tied. The meat is absolutely primo, mild and sweet, which is why they're so sought after. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning and feeding heavy. Fresh squid and cigar minnows work great, but live pinfish will get the big ones. Here's what I tell everyone: when you hook a snapper, keep that rod tip up and reel steady. They'll try to cut your line on any structure they can find, so you've got to turn their head and get them up quick.
North Carolina