12 Hour Private Gulf Stream Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore Gulf Stream charter targeting premium gamefishTargets Wahoo, Marlin, Sailfish, and Mahi in worldclass watersPrivate charter accommodates up to 5 guests maximum
Picture this: you're 40+ miles offshore in some of the most fish-rich waters on the East Coast, where the Gulf Stream current brings massive pelagic species right to your lines. This 12-hour private charter with Seabbatical Charters takes you deep into North Carolina's legendary Gulf Stream, where world-class fishing meets the kind of action that keeps anglers talking for years. We're talking about waters that hold marlin, sailfish, wahoo, mahi, and tuna – the stuff fishing dreams are made of. With room for up to 5 anglers, this trip gives your crew the whole boat and captain's attention, meaning more time with lines in the water and better shots at those trophy fish everyone's after.
Your day starts early – we're talking about a serious run offshore to reach the Gulf Stream's blue water. This isn't your typical half-day inshore trip; this is a full commitment to chasing the big ones in deep water. The ride out gives everyone time to get tackle rigged, talk strategy with the captain, and watch the water color change from that coastal green to the deep blue that signals game fish territory. Once we hit the Stream, expect to see a different world – flying fish skipping across the surface, birds working bait balls, and that electric feeling that comes with knowing massive fish are swimming beneath you. The captain will be watching the electronics, reading the water, and positioning the boat over structure, temperature breaks, and current edges where predators like to hunt. This is pure offshore fishing at its finest, where the next cast could connect you with the fish of a lifetime.
Gulf Stream fishing is all about trolling – covering water with multiple lines out, each rigged for different species and depths. We'll be running a spread of lures and baits designed to attract everything from surface-feeding mahi to deep-running wahoo. The boat carries quality tackle matched to the target species, with heavy conventional reels spooled with enough line to handle long runs from fish that can strip hundreds of yards in seconds. Outriggers keep the lines spread wide, and we'll adjust trolling speed based on conditions and what we're seeing. When something hits, it's all hands on deck – literally. The captain will maneuver the boat to give you the best angle on the fish while crew clears other lines. This style of fishing demands patience between strikes, but when it happens, your adrenaline will be pumping as you battle fish that can weigh anywhere from 20 to 200+ pounds.
Mahi mahi, or dorado as some call them, are absolute crowd-pleasers and one of the most reliable catches in the Gulf Stream. These fish travel in schools and are aggressive feeders, often hitting trolled ballyhoo or dolphin lures with spectacular jumps and blazing runs. Most mahi here run 10-30 pounds, but bulls can push 50+ pounds and provide serious arm-burning fights. They're most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall, and finding one often means finding several. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their habit of staying near floating debris or weedlines, making them relatively predictable targets for experienced captains.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf Stream, capable of hitting 60+ mph and known for their blistering initial runs that can empty a reel in seconds. These fish typically range from 20-80 pounds in North Carolina waters, with their razor-sharp teeth requiring wire leaders to prevent cutoffs. Wahoo are year-round residents but peak during fall and winter months when they're actively feeding. They prefer high-speed trolling with lures or rigged ballyhoo, and their strikes are unmistakable – screaming reels and smoking drags. Landing a wahoo means you've got some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Red snapper bring a different kind of excitement to the trip, especially when we're fishing structure or wrecks in the Gulf Stream. These bottom dwellers are prized for their incredible table quality and their ability to put up a solid fight on lighter tackle. North Carolina red snapper typically run 5-20 pounds, with occasional larger fish pushing 30+ pounds. They're most active during summer months and require precise boat positioning over structure. What makes red snapper fishing exciting is the detective work involved – finding the right depth, structure, and bait combination to trigger strikes from fish that can be finicky feeders.
Blackfin tuna are the workhorses of Gulf Stream fishing, providing consistent action and excellent sashimi-quality meat. These smaller tuna typically range from 10-25 pounds and are known for their endurance and speed. They school heavily and often provide multiple hookups when you find an active group. Blackfin are year-round residents but are most abundant during spring and fall migrations. They'll hit both live bait and trolled lures, and their fighting ability pound-for-pound is remarkable. Many anglers consider blackfin the perfect combination of sport and table fare.
Atlantic sailfish represent the pinnacle of Gulf Stream sport fishing, with their spectacular jumps and billboard-sized dorsal fins creating photo opportunities you'll treasure forever. These fish typically range from 40-80 pounds and are most common during late spring through early fall. Sailfish are often caught while trolling for other species, and their acrobatic displays make them a favorite catch-and-release target. The key to sailfish success is proper bait presentation and boat handling during the fight – these fish are notorious for throwing hooks with their aerial displays. Landing a sailfish is considered a rite of passage for serious offshore anglers.
Gulf Stream fishing represents the absolute best of what North Carolina's offshore waters have to offer. This 12-hour private charter gives you the time and distance needed to reach the most productive waters an
Our 30' Baja Cruiser is your ticket to serious Gulf Stream action off North Carolina's coast. Twin 250HP Suzuki four-strokes get you to the blue water fast, cruising at 35 knots to maximize fishing time. Built for up to 5 anglers, this boat comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day chasing pelagics. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS and radar keep you on course. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long offshore runs. When you need a break from battling wahoo or mahi, there's a comfortable bed below deck and a proper marine head. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure, and VHF radio keeps you connected. Whether you're targeting billfish in the deep blue or working the temperature breaks for dolphin, this proven platform handles North Carolina's offshore waters with confidence.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing - nothing beats watching that massive dorsal fin slice through the water before they go airborne in a spectacular fight. These blue-water gladiators average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, with that iconic bill and sail that makes them unmistakable. They roam the Gulf Stream's upper 30-65 feet, following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Winter through spring brings our best action when they're thick off the coast. The fight is legendary - multiple jumps, long runs, and pure stamina that'll wear you down. Most get released, but the battle is the real prize. The secret is teasing them up with skip baits, then when they light up and charge, don't pull the bait away too fast - let them eat it.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are scrappy little fighters that pack more punch per pound than almost any fish out there. These dark-backed speedsters average 10-20 pounds and rarely exceed 40, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure fight. They school in warm Gulf Stream water over 68°F, usually in 100-600 feet around baitfish concentrations. Fall through spring gives us our best shots when they move inshore following the bait. The meat is dark red and rich - perfect for sushi or searing rare. They've got sharp eyes, so scale down your tackle with 30-pound fluoro leaders and smaller circle hooks. The money move is vertical jigging or chunking with live pilchards - get them fired up in a feeding frenzy and you can load the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the Gulf Stream, with brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real light show when you bring them to the boat. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ out here. You'll find them around floating sargassum, debris lines, and temperature breaks in 100-1000+ feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit 70°F+. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes, acrobatic fights, and that sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lines in - they school up, and where there's one mahi, there's usually more waiting for their turn.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of our bottom fishing, with that classic crimson color and bulldoggish fight that'll test your arms. Most run 2-8 pounds, but the Gulf Stream's structure holds some real trophies pushing 15+ pounds. Look for them around ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 80-200 feet of water where they stack up like cordwood. Summer months give us the most consistent bite when they're feeding heavy before spawn. Anglers love them for their stubborn fight and that sweet, nutty white meat that's restaurant-quality every time. They'll dive straight for structure when hooked, so be ready. The trick is getting your bait right to the bottom fast with enough weight, then being patient - they can be finicky but once they start biting, it's game on.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the Gulf Stream, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through anything but wire. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet and 20-40 pounds, though we've seen 80+ pounders that'll test your gear. They cruise the blue water from 60-200+ feet, often around temperature breaks and current edges. Best fishing runs May through October when baitfish are thick. The initial strike is violent - they'll smoke 300 yards of line before you know what hit you. The meat is white, flaky, and considered some of the finest eating in the ocean. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and don't slow down when you see one following - speed triggers their attack instinct.
Wilmington