Full-Day Offshore Charter with Riptide
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour offshore charter targeting black drum, sea bass, and mackerelAll tackle, rods, reels, and bait provided for up to 5 guestsMultiple fishing techniques including trolling, jigging, and live baiting
When you're looking to make the most of your day on the water, this 8-hour full-day charter with Riptide delivers exactly what serious anglers want. You'll have plenty of time to work different spots, try various techniques, and really dial in what's working. With a maximum of 5 anglers, there's room to spread out and fish comfortably without feeling crowded. The captain knows these waters inside and out, and he'll adjust the game plan based on what's biting and where the fish are holding.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you barely get settled before it's time to head back. Eight hours gives you the luxury of really exploring different fishing grounds and adapting to conditions as they change throughout the day. You'll start early to beat the heat and maximize your fishing time, working areas that produce Black Drum, Black Sea Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, Cobia, and Sea Trout. The beauty of a full-day trip is flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, you've got time to move and find where the fish are feeding. All your gear is provided, from top-quality rods and reels to fresh bait and terminal tackle. Just bring your cooler drinks, snacks, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses. Trust me on the sunglasses – they'll help you spot fish and reduce eye strain during those long hours in the sun.
The variety of techniques you'll use keeps things interesting all day long. Trolling is perfect for covering water and locating schools of Spanish Mackerel or Cobia cruising the surface. When you find structure or see fish busting on top, sight casting becomes the name of the game – there's nothing like watching a Cobia eat your bait right at the surface. Live baiting is deadly effective for bigger Black Drum and Amberjack, especially around structure where these fish like to hang out. Jigging works great for Sea Bass holding tight to the bottom, and it's a technique that produces consistent action when other methods slow down. The captain will read the conditions and fish behavior to determine which approach gives you the best shot at success. Some days you might spend most of your time trolling and casting, other days you'll be anchored up and working live bait around structure.
Greater Amberjack are absolute bulldogs that will test your gear and your arms. These fish hang around wrecks and hard bottom, typically in 60-100 feet of water, and they're most active during the warmer months. When you hook into a 30-40 pound Amberjack, you'll know it immediately – they make powerful runs straight for the bottom and fight every inch of the way up. Cobia are one of the most exciting fish to target because you can often see them cruising near the surface, especially around rays and sharks. They're curious fish that respond well to sight casting, and a 20-30 pound Cobia puts up a fantastic fight with long runs and head shakes. Bluefish are aggressive feeders that travel in schools, making for fast action when you locate them. They're excellent table fare when bled and iced properly, and they'll hit everything from spoons to live bait. Black Sea Bass are structure-loving bottom dwellers that make excellent eating and provide steady action around wrecks and rocky areas. They're most active during cooler months and are perfect for anglers who enjoy bottom fishing techniques. Black Drum are powerful fish that can grow quite large, with specimens over 40 pounds not uncommon. They're found around oyster bars, pilings, and muddy bottoms where they root around for crabs and shellfish.
A full-day charter gives you the best chance to experience different types of fishing and come home with a good variety of species for the dinner table. The extended time on the water means you're not rushing from spot to spot – you can really work an area when the bite is hot and move when it's not. With all gear provided and a knowledgeable captain who knows these waters, you're set up for success whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started. The 5-person maximum keeps the boat from feeling crowded and ensures everyone gets plenty of fishing time. Don't wait too long to secure your date, especially during peak season when these full-day trips book up fast. Contact Riptide Charters today and get ready for a day of serious fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
This 25' Mako center console cuts through the water with serious attitude, powered by a reliable 300HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. Built for up to 5 anglers, this boat handles everything from inshore flats to offshore structure where the big fish live. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting baitfish and working birds, while the fish finder helps locate those bottom-dwelling black drum and sea bass. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long days on the water. With GPS navigation, you'll hit the productive spots every time. Whether you're trolling for mackerel, jigging for amberjack, or sight-casting to cruising cobia, this Mako delivers the performance and stability serious fishermen demand. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are bottom-dwelling powerhouses that range from 5-30 pounds, with some giants pushing 90+ pounds. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and brackish waters where they crunch crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is your best bet when they school up in estuaries and around creek mouths. The fight's all about that bulldog strength - they use their body weight and stay deep. Smaller fish make excellent table fare, but release the big breeders since the meat gets tough anyway. You can actually hear them drumming underwater during spawning season. Best tip: use fresh soft crab or crushed mussels on a fish-finder rig, keep it on bottom, and be patient - they're not speed demons but worth the wait.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky fighters that typically run 1-4 pounds, though bigger males can hit 8+ pounds and develop that distinctive blue color during spawning. You'll find them around wrecks, rocky bottom, and structure in 20-120 feet - the bigger fish usually hold deeper. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What makes them fun is they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Plus they're curious fish that'll often follow your bait up, giving beginners good chances. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom where they feed - use enough weight to stay down, and don't be surprised if you catch several from the same spot since they school up.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that school up and go on feeding frenzies, churning the water like washing machines. Most run 2-10 pounds with sharp teeth that'll slice through leaders if you're not careful. Look for them in 10-50 feet around bait schools, especially near shore during summer months when they migrate through. They hit hard and fight strong for their size, making them great fun on lighter tackle. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids and beginners. Fresh blues taste fantastic - mild, flaky meat that's loaded with omega-3s. Just remember to bleed them right away and ice them down fast. My go-to trick: use wire leaders or heavy fluoro, and when the bite's hot, have multiple rods ready because they travel in packs and you can load the boat quickly.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that cruise shallow waters looking like small sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These bruisers average 20-50 pounds and love hanging around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30 feet or less, though you'll find them deeper around offshore rigs too. Spring and summer are prime time when they're moving through and feeding heavy on crabs and baitfish. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - you can actually see them swimming near the surface before you cast. The fight's solid and the meat is top-shelf, firm white fillets that taste great. Here's the key: when you spot one, don't cast right at it. Lead them by about 10 feet and work your jig slowly past their nose - they're curious but spook easy.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are powerful fighters that average 20-40 pounds, though they can reach 6 feet and fight like fish twice their size. These bluish-grey predators with that distinctive amber stripe hang around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 30-150 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding on smaller fish and squid. What makes them special is that raw power - they'll test your drag and stamina on every hookup. The meat's excellent too, firm and white, though watch the size since bigger fish can carry ciguatera. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't pump the rod too hard - let the reel do the work or they'll straighten your hooks.
Wanchese, NC