3/4 Day Offshore Fishing - Carolina Coast
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting big game and variety speciesBottom and wreck fishing at exclusive captain's secret spotsAll tackle provided for up to 4 experienced or family anglers
Captain Nick knows these Carolina waters like the back of his hand, and this 3/4 day trip puts you right in the heart of some of the best offshore fishing on the East Coast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to test your skills against serious gamefish or bringing the family for their first taste of deep-water action, this charter delivers both trophy potential and cooler-filling variety. With a maximum of 4 guests, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference when the fish are biting.
This isn't your typical half-day run – we're talking about a serious offshore adventure that gives you time to really explore what the Carolina coast has to offer. Captain Nick will have you out early, making the run to his proven bottom spots and productive wrecks where the big fish live. The beauty of this trip length is flexibility – if one area isn't producing, we've got time to relocate and find where they're feeding. You'll be fishing structures anywhere from 60 to 120 feet, depending on conditions and what's biting best. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your cooler, sunscreen, and fishing license. Captain Nick has spent years building relationships with these fish-holding spots, and his local knowledge shows in the consistent results his customers enjoy trip after trip.
We're primarily targeting structure here – natural bottom formations and artificial reefs that hold serious concentrations of fish. The technique is straightforward but effective: we'll anchor up over productive spots and drop heavy tackle to the bottom. You'll be fishing with circle hooks and fresh bait, letting the current work your offerings right into the strike zone. The wrecks along this coast are legendary fish magnets, creating habitat that draws everything from hefty grouper to aggressive amberjack. Bottom fishing might sound simple, but there's real skill in reading the electronics, positioning the boat just right, and knowing exactly which baits produce on any given day. Captain Nick handles all the technical stuff – your job is staying ready for that rod to bend over. We'll rotate spots throughout the day based on what's producing, always keeping lines in the water where the fish are most active.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Carolina offshore fishing, and these bottom-huggers know how to put up a fight. You'll find them around structure in 80-120 feet, and they're aggressive feeders that hit hard on cut bait. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish ranging from keeper size up to true bragging-rights specimens. What makes red grouper so popular with anglers is their combination of strong fights and excellent table fare – they're as good in the pan as they are fun to catch. When you hook one, expect a bulldogging battle straight down toward the bottom.
White Grunt might not be the glamour species, but they're customer favorites for good reason. These scrappy little fighters school up thick around Carolina wrecks and provide non-stop action when they're feeding. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged and filling up the cooler with quality eating fish. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and on the right day, you can catch them as fast as you can drop your line. Don't let their size fool you – pound for pound, white grunt fight harder than fish twice their size.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the offshore world, and Carolina waters hold some genuine monsters. These fish patrol the mid-water column around wrecks and structure, and when they hit, you know it immediately. Summer months offer the most consistent shots at amberjack, with fish regularly topping 40 pounds. The fight is legendary – straight power runs that test your tackle and technique. Captain Nick knows the specific spots where these fish cruise, and his timing on when to target them makes all the difference between a few small fish and landing a true wall-hanger.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make any trip memorable. These curious fish often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight-fishing opportunities you'll never forget. Spring migration brings the biggest numbers through Carolina waters, but residents stick around all season. Cobia are intelligent predators that can be finicky feeders, but when conditions align, they provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. They're also outstanding table fare, making them doubly valuable when you connect.
Red Snapper represent the holy grail for many offshore anglers, and Carolina's populations have been recovering beautifully in recent years. When the season is open, these fish provide world-class action around deeper structures. They're smart, spooky, and absolutely delicious – everything you want in a gamefish. Red snapper require specific techniques and quality presentations, but Captain Nick's experience with these fish shows in his consistent success when they're available to target.
Captain Nick's reputation speaks for itself – repeat customers make up the majority of his bookings, and that doesn't happen by accident. His intimate knowledge of Carolina waters means you're fishing proven spots rather than hoping for luck. The fully-stocked tackle eliminates guesswork and ensures you're using the right gear for conditions. With only 4 anglers maximum, everyone gets personal attention and plenty of space to fight fish properly. The variety of species keeps things interesting all day, and the trip length gives you real opportunities for both quantity and quality catches. Most importantly, Captain Nick's passion for these waters shows in every aspect of the experience – from his secret spots to his commitment to making sure you leave with both fish and memories.
Carolina offshore fishing doesn't get much better than this. Captain Nick's 3/4 day trips offer the perfect blend of productive fishing time, variety of species, and personalized service that creates those fishing stories you'll tell for years. Whether you're chasing your first big grouper or adding to a
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the muscle cars of our offshore trips. These powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can easily push 60+ pounds around our deeper wrecks and reefs. They cruise structure in 80-200 feet, especially during spring and summer when they're most active. What makes them a favorite? Pure strength - they'll test your arms and drag like nothing else out here. Their amber stripe darkens when they're fired up, and watching them fight is something else. The meat is firm and excellent eating, though larger fish can have parasites. My advice: bring them up steady and strong. Once hooked, they'll make long runs and try to wrap you around the structure. Heavy tackle and patience are key - these fish don't give up easy.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite Grunt might not be the biggest fish we target, but they're perfect for keeping the action steady and filling the cooler. These silvery-blue fish with yellow stripes typically run 8-12 inches and make that distinctive grunting sound when you bring them up - always gets a laugh from first-timers. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-100 feet of water year-round, though summer and fall fishing is most consistent. They're aggressive biters that'll hit shrimp, squid, or small jigs readily. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. Best part is they school up, so when you find one, there's usually more. Keep your bait near the bottom and use lighter tackle for the most fun.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the most sought-after bottom fish along our coast. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-15 pounds, though we've pulled up 30+ pounders from the deeper wrecks. They hang around structure in 60-200 feet of water - reefs, ledges, and shipwrecks are prime spots. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight like bulldogs, pulling hard for cover the second they feel the hook. Plus, their white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump them up quick - they'll try to cut your line on the structure every time.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the laid-back giants that cruise our waters solo, often mistaken for sharks with that dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds, making them serious big game. Spring through fall, we spot them around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 20-80 feet of water. What's special about them? They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat, and once hooked, they put up a bulldogging fight. The meat is top-shelf - firm, white, and tastes amazing grilled. Best technique is sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live bait. When you see one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work the lure naturally. They're not spooky but they are smart.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of our bottom fishing trips. These bright red beauties typically run 2-8 pounds, though we regularly see 15+ pounders around the deeper structure. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. Summer brings the best action during our legal seasons. What makes them special? They fight hard for their size and the meat is absolutely top-tier - mild, sweet, and flaky white flesh that's restaurant quality. The challenge is getting them up before they cut your line on the rocks. Use fresh squid or cigar minnows on the bottom, and once hooked, keep steady pressure. Don't give them slack or they'll wrap you up every time.
Carolina Beach, NC, USA