Frying Pan Tower: 8-Hour Offshore Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore charter targeting Frying Pan Tower's diverse speciesHandlining fishing option provides authentic angling experience34mile journey accommodates groups up to 4 guests
When you're looking for serious offshore action in North Carolina waters, nothing beats a run to the legendary Frying Pan Tower. This 8-hour charter takes you 34 miles out into the Atlantic where the structure creates an underwater oasis that draws everything from hefty bottom fish to blazing-fast pelagics. Captain and crew at Reelin Pelican know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll test your tackle and your stamina. With space for up to 4 anglers, this trip is perfect for that bachelor party weekend or when your regular fishing crew wants to step up their game and target some real trophy fish.
Your day starts early with a 34-mile run to one of the most productive fishing structures on the entire East Coast. The Frying Pan Tower isn't just a landmark - it's a fish magnet that creates current breaks and attracts baitfish, which means predators aren't far behind. You'll be fishing in 120+ feet of water where the bottom structure and mid-water column both hold fish. The captain will read conditions and adjust tactics throughout the day, whether that means working the bottom for grouper and sea bass or trolling the edges for kings and mahi. Pack your appetite for action because when this tower fires, it really fires. The crew offers hand-lining for those who want that old-school connection to the fish - there's nothing quite like feeling a big cobia or shark on a handline.
This is versatile fishing that demands different approaches depending on what's biting. Bottom fishing around the tower uses heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh bait - squid, cut bait, and live baitfish when available. The crew knows exactly where to position the boat to take advantage of current and structure. For pelagics, you'll be trolling ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs at varying depths to cover the water column. When mahi show up, it's all hands on deck with spinning gear and live or cut bait. The hand-lining option gives you that direct connection to bigger fish - sharks, large cobia, and amberjack that would otherwise be fought on conventional gear. Bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and prepare for a full day of fishing because you'll be working from the time you reach the tower until it's time to head back.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially from late spring through fall when they stack up around the tower in serious numbers. These fish average 15-30 pounds but don't be surprised when a 40+ pound smoker king grabs your trolled bait and screams line off the reel. They're aggressive, fast, and known for spectacular jumps that'll get everyone on the boat excited. The key is trolling at the right speed and depth - too fast and you'll pull the bait away from them, too slow and they'll inspect it and move on.
Mahi Mahi show up when conditions are right, usually when blue water pushes close to the tower and water temperatures hit that sweet spot. These fish are pure excitement - they hit hard, jump like crazy, and the whole school often stays fired up if you keep fish in the water. Most mahi here run 10-25 pounds, with the occasional bull that'll push 30+. They're incredible table fare and fight with an intensity that makes every hookup memorable. Look for them around floating debris, color changes, or when birds are working bait near the surface.
Cobia cruise around the tower like underwater torpedoes, and sight-fishing for them is some of the most exciting angling you'll find in North Carolina waters. These brown sharks (as locals call them) can reach 40-50 pounds and they're curious fish that'll often come right up to the boat to investigate. They're powerful, stubborn fighters that use their broad tails and thick bodies to wear down anglers. Spring and fall are prime times when they're moving along the coast, and the tower serves as a perfect rest stop.
Gag Grouper are the prize of the bottom fishing action, with their hard strikes and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag system. These fish know every rock and crevice around the tower structure, and they'll use it all to try breaking you off. Most gags here run 15-30 pounds, but bigger ones lurk in the deeper sections. They're excellent eating and a true test of angling skill - you need to turn them away from structure quickly or they'll win the battle every time.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than the other species, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. Around the Frying Pan Tower, sea bass pile up on hard bottom and structure, making for fast action when other fish aren't cooperating. They hit with authority despite their size, and a cooler full of sea bass means some of the best fish tacos you'll ever eat. These fish are available year-round but really shine during cooler months when they school up tight.
The Frying Pan Tower consistently produces fish when other spots struggle, and that 8-hour timeframe gives you the flexibility to adapt to conditions and fish multiple techniques. Whether you're planning that bachelor party trip, want to introduce serious anglers to world-class offshore fishing, or just need to scratch that itch for big fish in deep water, this charter delivers. Captain and crew at Reelin Pelican have the experience and local knowledge to make the most of your day on the water. Remember to bring your own food and drinks for the full day, and don't forget the camera - you're going to want proof of the fish you'll be talking about for years. Book early because prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red hot.
Hit the waters aboard our reliable 2004 24-ft Triton center console, powered by a robust Yamaha V6 300HP engine that'll get you to Frying Pan Tower's productive fishing grounds with confidence. This well-equipped boat handles the 34-mile offshore run smoothly while keeping your group of up to four anglers comfortable. The onboard fish finder helps locate those bottom dwellers and pelagic species lurking around the tower structure, while GPS keeps you on course. Pack your catch in the spacious icebox, and use the wireless trolling motor for stealthy positioning when the fish are finicky. Whether you're targeting sharks, bottom fish, or trying your hand at hand-lining, this center console gives you the platform to make it happen. Built for serious fishing in Carolina waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky little fighters that pack more punch than their size suggests. Most run 1-4 pounds, but they're scrappy and make excellent table fare. These guys love structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, old pilings around the tower area in depths under 120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What guests enjoy is the steady action and great eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Males turn bright blue during spawning season and develop a distinctive hump on their heads. The key with sea bass is staying on bottom with a two-hook rig. Squid strips or small pieces of cut fish work perfectly. Once you find a school, you can usually load the boat since they tend to stick together on structure.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the offshore world - big, brown, and often mistaken for sharks when you first spot that single dorsal fin. These bruisers average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them serious tackle-busters. They hang around structure like the tower, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and spawning season offer the best shots at them. What makes cobia special is that aggressive strike and bulldog fight - they'll try to wrap you around anything they can find. Plus, they're premium table fare with firm, white meat. The trick with cobia is sight fishing - once you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its face. Color doesn't matter much, but that 4-8 ounce jig needs to get down fast.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute bullies when hooked. These gray, marbled bottom-dwellers average around 20 inches but can push 50+ inches and 80 pounds. They love rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks where they can ambush prey - mainly crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish. The bigger fish stay in deeper offshore water year-round. What makes gags exciting is that initial strike and their determination to get back to the rocks. They're also excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. The moment you feel that thump, lock down your reel and keep that rod tip low. Don't give them an inch or they'll dive straight into a hole and cut you off. Live pinfish and mullet work best, but cut squid and crab will do the job too.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter out here, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. These silver rockets cruise in 40-150 feet around the tower structure, feeding on everything from blue runners to flying fish. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active. What makes kings special is their blazing speed - they'll strip line like nobody's business and put up a serious fight. The meat is excellent grilled, though it's got higher oil content than most. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that second hook back there will save you plenty of missed strikes.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing, flashing brilliant golds and blues before fading once boated. These surface dwellers average 15-29 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they grow fast and fight hard. Look for them around floating debris and weed lines in warm water months. What guests love most is watching that color show when they come up, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that grills perfectly. They travel in small groups, so when you hook one, get another line out quick. My go-to trick is trolling ballyhoo or squid just under the surface near any floating stuff you can find. Skip that bait to mimic flying fish and you'll drive them crazy.
Wilmington