Offshore Bottom Fishing Charters in North Carolina
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour offshore bottom fishing trips with Captain Clint McCoyTarget grouper, snapper, triggerfish, bass, amberjack, and cobia speciesSmall groups of four guests maximum for personalized fishing experience
When you're ready to get serious about offshore bottom fishing along North Carolina's coast, Captain Clint McCoy and his team at Reel McCoy Sportfishing know exactly where to drop the lines. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full 8-hour charter that takes you to the productive waters where the big bottom dwellers hang out. With space for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows, and Clint's local knowledge means you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times. Whether you're after that trophy grouper or hoping to fill the cooler with snapper, this charter puts you on fish that most weekend warriors never see.
Your day starts early – that's just the nature of offshore bottom fishing when you want to maximize your time on the productive grounds. Captain Clint will have you heading out before sunrise, running to his proven bottom spots where the structure holds fish year-round. The boat is rigged specifically for bottom fishing, with heavy tackle that can handle the big amberjack and grouper that call these deeper waters home. You'll be fishing in 60 to 120 feet of water over natural and artificial reefs, wrecks, and ledges where the fish stack up. The boat's electronics will show you exactly what's down there, and Clint knows how to read the bottom like a book. Expect to move between several spots throughout the day – that's how you stay on the bite and target different species as conditions change.
Bottom fishing offshore requires the right gear, and Reel McCoy has you covered with heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test. You'll be using chicken rigs, knocker rigs, and Carolina rigs depending on the target species and bottom structure. The sinkers are heavy – usually 8 to 16 ounces – to get your bait down fast and keep it in the strike zone despite the current. Fresh bait is key out here, so expect to fish with squid, cut bait, and live baitfish when available. Captain Clint will show you how to feel the bottom, detect bites, and work your bait properly. The technique isn't complicated, but there's definitely a learning curve to reading what your rod tip is telling you when you're fishing in 100 feet of water with current running.
Grey Triggerfish are one of the most reliable catches on these offshore bottom trips, and they're absolute bulldogs on the line. These feisty fish are typically found around structure in 60-120 feet of water, and they'll test your tackle with their powerful runs back toward the bottom. What makes triggerfish so fun is their attitude – they're aggressive biters but smart enough to steal your bait if you're not paying attention. The best action usually happens during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. They've got serious teeth, so Captain Clint will handle the unhooking, but don't be surprised if you lose a few rigs to these crafty fish.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the bottom fishing world, and North Carolina's offshore waters hold some real giants. These powerful fish can easily top 40-50 pounds and will take you straight to school on what your drag system can handle. Amberjack are structure-oriented, hanging around wrecks and reefs where they ambush baitfish. They're most active during the warmer months, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. The fight is what makes them special – long, sustained runs that will have your arms burning. They're also excellent table fare when prepared properly, despite what some people say.
Cobia are the wildcards of offshore bottom fishing trips, and when they show up, everything else takes a back seat. These curious fish often cruise near the surface around structure, and they're known for following hooked fish up from the depths. Cobia can grow huge – 30 to 50 pounders are common in North Carolina waters – and they fight like a cross between a shark and a big drum. Spring and fall are prime times, especially when the water temperature is in that sweet spot. What makes cobia special is their intelligence and curiosity; they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate, giving you a shot at sight-fishing these monsters.
Red Snapper fishing in North Carolina waters is regulated, but when the season is open, these fish are absolute gold. Snapper are structure-loving fish that live around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. They're not the biggest fish you'll catch, but pound-for-pound, few fish fight harder or taste better. Red snapper are smart, so you need fresh bait and light leaders to get them to bite. The key is getting your bait to them quickly before the smaller fish strip your hooks. When Captain Clint finds a good snapper spot, the action can be fast and furious.
Black Sea Bass might not win any beauty contests, but these bottom dwellers are some of the most consistent biters you'll find offshore. They're structure fish that live around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom, often in large schools. Sea bass are excellent table fare and provide steady action when the bigger fish aren't cooperating. They're open year-round with generous bag limits, making them perfect for filling out your catch. Don't underestimate these fish – the bigger ones will surprise you with their fight, and they're one of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Captain Clint McCoy's offshore bottom fishing charters offer the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Eight hours on the water with a maximum of 4 guests means personalized attention and room to fish comfortably. The combination of local knowledge,
Captain Clint McCoy's 27-foot Cape Horn is built for serious offshore bottom fishing along the North Carolina coast. This ocean-ready fishing machine runs on twin 175hp Suzuki outboards that'll get you to the productive fishing grounds fast and back to port safely. The boat comes loaded with Lowrance electronics and fish finders to locate those bottom structures where grouper, snapper, and sea bass hang out. Gemlux outriggers give you the spread you need for targeting amberjack and cobia on the drift. Spacious coolers keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long 8-hour trips. GPS navigation ensures you hit the right spots every time. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails without getting tangled up. The boat's deep-V hull cuts through Carolina swells like butter, keeping you comfortable while you're working baits on the bottom or fighting fish to the boat.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass might be smaller fish - typically 1-4 pounds - but they're scrappy fighters that pile up in the cooler. You'll find them around wrecks, rocky bottom, and structure in 30-120 feet from late spring through summer. The bigger males develop that distinctive hump on their head and can turn bright blue during spawning. They're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the table. What's cool is they start life as females then change to males as they grow. Best baits are squid strips, clams, and small jigs tipped with bait. Here's what works: use a two-hook bottom rig and keep it simple. They're aggressive feeders but have small mouths, so don't go too big on your hooks. Once you find them, they're usually stacked up, so expect multiple hookups and steady action.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our waters, typically running solo rather than in schools. These brown bullets average 30-50 pounds but can top 100 pounds and 6 feet. They cruise shallow waters around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers, often mistaken for sharks with that dark coloring and single dorsal fin. Spring through fall is best when they're moving through our area, especially during spawning season. What makes them special is the fight - long, bulldogging runs - plus they're top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat. Most are sight-fished on the surface. Here's the key: when you spot one, get a bucktail jig or live bait in front of them quickly but don't spook them. They're curious fish, so sometimes they'll follow the boat. Keep that bait moving naturally and be ready for a serious battle.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can push 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. Amberjack are built for power with that distinctive amber stripe and dark head band. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs in 60-300 feet, especially during spring migration from April to June. What gets people hooked is the raw strength - they'll make screaming runs straight down and test every bit of your tackle. The meat's fantastic too, though watch the size due to ciguatera in bigger fish. They're aggressive feeders hitting live bait, jigs, and trolled lures. My advice: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let up. They love to wrap you around structure, so once hooked, get their head up quick and keep them moving. Heavy tackle's a must - 50+ pound line minimum.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish average 12-17 inches but can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds. These tough fighters hang around hard bottom, reefs, and ledges in 60-180 feet of water. They've got sharp teeth and leather-like skin, plus that unique ability to wedge into crevices when threatened. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active. What makes them popular is their scrappy fight and excellent eating - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They're not picky eaters but love squid, crabs, and sea urchins. Pro tip: when you feel that first nibble, don't set the hook right away. Triggerfish are notorious bait stealers - let them take it and run a bit before you hammer them. They'll test your drag and try every trick to get back to their rocky hideouts.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing, averaging 2-8 pounds with occasional giants pushing 20+ pounds. These crimson beauties live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 80-400 feet of water. Summer months are prime time when they're most active and aggressive. What makes them so popular is the combination of a solid fight and outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. They're smart fish with excellent eyesight, so they can be picky about baits. Fresh cigar minnows, squid, and live pinfish work best. Key tip: use just enough weight to hold bottom and keep your bait moving slightly. When you feel that tap-tap bite, don't jerk - let them load up on the bait first. Once hooked, get them up quickly before they wrap you around structure.
North Carolina