Full-Day Offshore Fishing for Multiple Species
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour charter targeting black drum, sea bass, and mackerelAll tackle, bait, and fishing equipment provided onboardAccommodates up to five guests with varied fishing techniques
There's nothing quite like spending a full eight hours on the water with Riptide Charters, where every cast could be the one that fills your cooler. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. With a full day ahead of us, we've got the luxury of hitting multiple spots, trying different techniques, and really dialing in on what's working. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some variety to your logbook or someone who's never held a fishing rod, this charter is built to deliver. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not satisfied until you're grinning from ear to ear with a cooler full of quality fish.
When you step aboard for this eight-hour adventure, you're signing up for the real deal. We're talking about covering serious ground, from productive inshore structure to offshore ledges where the big boys hang out. The beauty of having all day is that we can adapt to what Mother Nature throws at us. If the bite's hot in one spot, we'll stay put and make the most of it. If things slow down, we've got plenty of time to relocate and try a completely different approach. The boat comes loaded with top-shelf gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your appetite for fishing. We're targeting a mixed bag that includes Black Drum, Black Sea Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, and Cobia – each one requiring its own game plan. The crew will have you rigged up and ready before you know it, and they'll be right there to coach you through every hookup. Pack your own food and drinks because eight hours on the water works up an appetite, and don't forget the sunscreen and polarized glasses – trust me on this one.
This trip is all about versatility, and that means we're not married to any single technique. Depending on conditions and what we're seeing on the fish finder, we might start the day trolling for Spanish Mackerel and Cobia, then switch to live bait presentations when we find structure holding Black Sea Bass and Amberjack. Sight casting comes into play when we spot fish cruising near the surface, and jigging is deadly effective when we're working vertical structure or deeper water. The tackle selection on board covers everything from light spinning gear for the smaller species to heavy conventional setups that can handle the bruisers. You'll learn to read the water, understand why certain baits work in specific situations, and pick up techniques that'll make you a better angler long after this trip is over. The crew doesn't just put fish in the boat – they teach you how to do it yourself. Live bait, cut bait, artificials, and everything in between are fair game, and we'll use whatever's most effective for the conditions we're facing.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers are aggressive feeders that'll smash a properly presented bait without much coaxing. They typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with the occasional keeper pushing over 20 inches and several pounds. Spring through fall is prime time, but they can be caught year-round when you know where to look. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – few fish taste better fresh out of the fryer.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. These powerful fish can range from school-sized 14-inchers up to massive 40-pound-plus bulls that'll test your drag and your patience. They're most active during the warmer months, particularly around structure and oyster beds. The fight is what draws people back – it's a sustained, bulldogging battle that'll leave your arms burning. Plus, the smaller ones make excellent eating, while the big breeders provide bragging rights before being released.
Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and acrobatics to this mixed bag. These sleek predators rarely exceed 3-4 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure energy. When the water warms up in late spring and summer, they show up in schools and provide fast-paced action that's perfect for keeping everyone engaged. They'll hit trolled spoons, small jigs, and live bait with equal enthusiasm, often jumping clear of the water multiple times during the fight.
Greater Amberjack are the true bruisers of the offshore scene. These reef-dwelling predators can exceed 50 pounds and will put every ounce of your tackle to the test. They're most active during the warmer months around structure, wrecks, and ledges. The initial run when you hook a big AJ is something every angler needs to experience – it's pure power that'll have you questioning whether your drag is set correctly. They're also excellent on the table when prepared properly.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make any trip memorable. These brown sharks, as some folks call them, are curious fish that often cruise near the surface and can be sight-cast to when conditions are right. They can reach impressive sizes, with 30-40 pounders not uncommon, and they're known for their strong, determined fights. Late spring through early fall is peak season, and they're highly prized both for their sporting qualities and their white, flaky meat that's often compared to shark.
This full-day charter with Riptide Charters isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience what serious fishing is all about. With eight solid hours on the water, professional guidance, top-quality equipment, and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds around, you're setting yourself up for success. The variety of species we
This 25' Mako center console is your ticket to serious offshore action, rigged with a powerful 300HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fish fast at 30 knots. Built tough for coastal waters, she handles everything from inshore flats to deep-water structure where the big black drum and sea bass hang out. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish, while the flybridge puts you in perfect position to spot diving birds and feeding schools. Essential gear includes a reliable fish finder to mark bottom structure and baitfish, GPS to hit your numbers, and a spacious icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With space for 5 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out whether you're trolling for Spanish mackerel, jigging for amberjack, or sight-casting to cruising cobia. The boat's versatile setup handles multiple techniques seamlessly - from live bait fishing to working artificial lures.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore game, ranging from keeper-size 5-pounders to massive 50+ pound bulls. These powerful fish with crushing jaws love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths where they crunch crabs and shellfish all day. Spring around spawning season is when they school up and become easier to target. The smaller ones make excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat, though the big bulls are tough and better released. What's special is hearing their drumming sounds underwater and watching them work the shallows with their backs out. Here's the secret: fresh peeler crab on the bottom is deadly, and crabs won't get picked off by catfish like other baits. Use enough weight to stay put, and when you feel that steady pull, don't set the hook hard - just start reeling.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are perfect for filling the cooler and keeping the action steady. These chunky members of the grouper family typically run 1-4 pounds, with the occasional 6-pounder around deeper wrecks and rocky bottom in 40-120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them great is the reliable bite and excellent eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also perfect for beginners since they're not too finicky about bait. The males get bright blue during spawning season, which is pretty cool to see. My advice: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips or clam. Keep your bait right on the bottom and be ready for that telltale tap-tap bite. Once you find a good spot with structure, you can usually catch several before they wise up.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that'll give you some of the most exciting action on the water. Most run 2-8 pounds, though we occasionally see 15-pounders. They travel in schools and absolutely demolish baitfish - when you find a "blitz," the water looks like a washing machine. Summer months are prime time in shallow bays, around structure, and along surf beaches. These fish are pure energy and will fight hard right to the boat. The smaller ones make great table fare when fresh, with flaky white meat. Just watch those razor-sharp teeth when handling them. Pro tip: when you see birds working over breaking fish, get there fast with metal jigs or cut bait. Once the school moves on, it can be tough to relocate them. Oily baits like bunker work best, and don't be surprised if you hook multiple fish quickly.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - these brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60-plus. They're loners, so you won't find schools, but that makes each one special. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-100 feet, especially during their spring migration. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and tasty enough that restaurants pay top dollar for it. What guests love most is the sight-fishing opportunity and that bulldogging fight once hooked. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving you multiple shots. Here's the key: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig past it and work it back slowly. Color doesn't matter much, but that slow presentation does. They hit hard and fight dirty all the way to the boat.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are powerhouse fighters that can grow up to 6 feet and 39 pounds, though most we catch run 15-25 pounds. These bluish-grey bruisers with their signature amber stripe love hanging around wrecks, reefs, and offshore structures in 50-200 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They'll test your drag like few other fish - that initial run will have you holding on tight. The meat is excellent on smaller fish, but watch out for ciguatera in the big ones. My tip: when you hook up, keep steady pressure but let them run initially. They'll often circle back to the structure, so be ready to work them away from the wreck. Heavy tackle and live bait work best, though they'll smash jigs too.
Wanchese, NC