Full Day Offshore and Gulf Stream Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Sailfish offshoreFull day trips range from 20 to 40 miles offshoreSmall group charter accommodates up to 4 guests maximum
Get ready to experience some of the best deep sea fishing North Carolina has to offer. With Reel Time Charter, you'll head out into the Atlantic's most productive waters, chasing trophy fish from 20+ miles offshore all the way to the legendary Gulf Stream at 40 miles out. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking serious offshore action where the big boys live. Whether you're after a screaming King Mackerel run or hoping to tangle with a Blue Marlin, these waters deliver the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth every minute of lost sleep. We'll be running anywhere from 8 to 12 hours depending on what you're after, and with a maximum of 4 anglers, you're getting the personalized attention that makes all the difference. The boat heads out into the deep blue where the water turns that perfect offshore color – you know you're in fish territory when you see it. These trips range from 20 miles out for the 8-hour adventures to the full Gulf Stream experience at 40 miles offshore for the 12-hour marathons. The Gulf Stream is where the magic happens – that warm water highway brings baitfish, and where there's bait, there's everything else swimming behind it. You'll feel the difference when we cross into that warmer water, and so will the fish.
We run a serious spread out here – typically 4 to 6 lines depending on conditions and what's biting. The captain will have everything rigged and ready, from high-speed trolling setups for Wahoo and Mahi to the heavier tackle needed when we're hunting Marlin. We'll be pulling a mix of ballyhoo, cigar minnows, and artificial lures, adjusting our spread based on what the fish are telling us. When we mark good bottom structure or temperature breaks, we might switch it up and drop some bottom rigs for Snapper and Grouper – these guys love hanging around the offshore ledges and wrecks. The key out here is reading the water, watching the birds, and staying flexible. Sometimes the fish want you moving fast, sometimes they want you slow. That's where experience pays off, and these captains have been working these waters long enough to know what works when.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and for good reason. These guys are fighters – pound for pound, they'll give you a workout on the way up from 100+ feet of water. They're typically most active during the warmer months, hanging around structure and feeding heavily. What makes Snapper so popular isn't just the fight – they're absolutely delicious, and there's nothing better than fresh Snapper fillets after a day on the water. Gag Grouper are another crowd favorite, and these bottom dwellers know every trick in the book. They'll head straight for the rocks when hooked, so you've got to muscle them up quick. They can get hefty too – 20 to 30 pounders aren't uncommon, and the bigger ones will test your drag system. King Mackerel are pure speed and aggression. When a King hits your bait, you'll know it – the reel starts screaming and doesn't stop. They're most active in the warmer months and love to cruise the edges where blue water meets green. Blue Marlin represent the ultimate offshore prize. These apex predators can show up any time we're in the Stream, and when one comes up behind the spread, everything else stops mattering. They're not easy to hook, and they're even harder to land, but that's what makes them special. Most are released to fight another day. Cobia are the wildcards of offshore fishing – they show up when you least expect them and disappear just as fast. They're curious fish that will often swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing. They fight hard and taste even better, making them a favorite target for anglers who want something different.
This is offshore fishing at its finest – experienced guides, productive waters, and the chance at multiple species that will keep your rod bent all day. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next trophy or someone ready to step up from inshore fishing, these trips deliver. The Gulf Stream doesn't give up its secrets easily, but when it does, you'll understand why people become obsessed with offshore fishing. Don't wait too long to book – the best weather windows fill up fast, and you don't want to miss your shot at some of the best fishing the Atlantic has to offer.
Your offshore fishing adventure launches from Atlantic Beach aboard a well-equipped motorboat built for serious Gulf Stream action. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need to track down King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Sailfish in Carolina waters. The GPS navigation system keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hang out. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh during those long runs to the Gulf Stream, and the head means no cutting trips short. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the water whether you're trolling for kings closer to shore or making the 40-mile push to blue water for mahi and billfish. The boat handles the Carolina offshore conditions while you focus on what matters – getting lines in the water and boxes full of fish.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate offshore trophy - females can reach 16 feet and over 1,800 pounds, while males rarely exceed 350. You'll find them in warm Gulf Stream waters, usually when temps hit 70+ degrees. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when they follow bait migrations. These billfish are dark cobalt blue above with silver-white bellies and can actually change colors when excited. What draws anglers is the incredible fight - powerful runs, aerial acrobatics, and that spear-like bill. Most are released due to high mercury content. The key is heavy tackle rated for big game. We typically troll large lures or rigged ballyhoo around current edges and temperature breaks. When one hits, be ready for the fight of your life. They'll test every piece of gear you've got, so don't skimp on tackle quality.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are curious, shark-like fish that average around 6 feet and 100 pounds. They're dark brown with lighter bellies and often swim alone near the surface around structure - wrecks, reefs, buoys, and oil rigs in 30-300 feet. Spring through early fall is prime time, especially during their spawning migration when they move through in good numbers. What guests love is sight fishing for them - you can actually see these big fish cruising just under the surface. They're also some of the best eating around with firm, white meat. The trick is to stay quiet when you spot one and cast a bucktail jig or live bait ahead of their path. They're naturally curious and will often check out the boat, so be ready. Once hooked, they fight hard with powerful runs and headshakes.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper average around 20 inches but can grow massive - we're talking up to 57 inches and 80 pounds. These guys love hanging around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure where they can ambush prey. The females are pale gray with marbled patterns, while males get darker with that distinctive reticulated dorsal fin. Spring and summer are prime time when they're more active around structure. What guests love is the pure power - once hooked, they'll immediately try to dive back into their hole and break you off. They're also fantastic table fare. Here's the key: when you hook one, lock that reel down tight and keep your rod low. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the nearest rock. Live pinfish and cut squid work great on heavy tackle with circle hooks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that average around 30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. They're olive-backed with silvery sides and razor-sharp teeth like a bluefish. Spring through fall migration brings the best action when water temps hit 68-84 degrees. What makes them a favorite is pure speed - they're second only to wahoo for burning line off your reel. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. These fish love to bite the back half of baitfish, so here's the trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind in the back. Troll with live bait, spoons, or diving plugs. When one hits, hold on tight because they'll make multiple blistering runs.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are bottom dwellers that typically run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, though they can hit 35+ pounds. You'll find them around structure in 30-620 feet of water - think wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom. They start pink when young and turn that classic red as they mature. Spring through fall gives you the best shots at them when water temps are in that 50-70 degree sweet spot. What makes them special is the fight - they're true warriors that'll try to drag your line into cover and break you off. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish out there with that mild, nutty flavor. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. Use heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh squid or live pinfish for bait.
Atlantic Beach, NC