4 Hour Afternoon Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore fishing charter targeting Spanish and King MackerelProfessional captain guides trips just two miles from Carolina BeachSixperson capacity with snacks and drinks welcome aboard
Captain Daniel's got you covered for a solid half-day of fishing just off Carolina Beach. We're talking about a focused 4-hour afternoon trip that puts you on fish without burning your whole day. Starting just 2 miles from shore, this charter targets the bread-and-butter species that make Carolina waters famous - Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and if we're lucky, some nice King Mackerel. Bring your cooler with drinks and snacks, and get ready to put some fish in the box. This isn't some fancy cruise - it's real fishing with a captain who knows these waters like his own backyard.
You'll meet Captain Daniel at the dock ready to load up to 6 anglers for an afternoon of productive fishing. The boat heads out just a couple miles offshore where the water changes color and the fish start biting. The afternoon timing works perfectly - you're hitting prime feeding hours when Spanish Mackerel get aggressive and start hammering baits. The short run means more time with lines in the water instead of burning fuel getting to distant spots. Carolina Beach's offshore waters are known for consistent action, and Captain Daniel's been working these same productive areas for years. You'll spend your time trolling and casting, switching up techniques based on what the fish want that day. The captain provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you need, plus he'll clean your catch at the end of the trip.
We're primarily trolling for these fish, which means covering water and finding where they're feeding. Captain Daniel sets up a spread of lures and baits behind the boat, running at just the right speed to trigger strikes. Spanish Mackerel love small spoons and diving plugs, while Kings will hit larger baits and bigger lures. The trolling technique lets us cover the productive bottom structure and temperature breaks where these pelagic species concentrate. You'll learn to watch the rod tips for that telltale bounce that means fish on, then grab the rod and start cranking. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle everything from schoolie Spanish to decent-sized Kings. When we mark fish on the sounder or see birds working, we might switch to casting or slow-trolling live bait to really capitalize on the action.
Spanish Mackerel are the main target and for good reason - they're aggressive, fight hard for their size, and taste fantastic on the grill. These silver rockets typically run 1-3 pounds off Carolina Beach, with bigger fish showing up in late summer and fall. They school up around structure and temperature changes, often feeding so aggressively you can see them busting bait on the surface. Spanish Mackerel hit fast and fight dirty, making screaming runs and jumping when hooked. They're perfect for anglers of all skill levels since they bite readily and provide consistent action throughout the trip.
Bluefish are the other reliable species in these waters, ranging from smaller "snapper blues" up to hefty choppers that can push 10 pounds or more. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action gets wild fast. Blues are notorious for their aggressive strikes and never-give-up attitude - they'll fight right to the boat and sometimes beyond. They're excellent eating when iced immediately and prepared fresh, despite what some people say. Late summer and fall bring the biggest blues through Carolina waters as they migrate south following baitfish schools.
King Mackerel are the bonus fish that can make your whole trip. These speedsters can range from school-sized fish around 10-15 pounds up to real trophies pushing 30-40 pounds or more. Kings are built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They typically suspend around structure or follow bait schools, making them perfect targets for trolling. When a King hits, you'll know it - the rod doubles over and line starts screaming off the reel. The fight combines blazing runs with head-shaking jumps that'll test your drag and your arms. Carolina Beach consistently produces quality Kings from late spring through fall.
This 4-hour afternoon charter delivers solid fishing action without the commitment of a full-day trip. Captain Daniel's local knowledge and the productive waters off Carolina Beach make this a top-rated choice for anglers wanting to get on fish quickly. The afternoon timing is perfect for families, visitors with limited time, or anyone wanting to fish the prime feeding hours when Spanish Mackerel and Blues get most active. With space for up to 6 anglers, it's also great for small groups looking to split costs while maximizing fish-catching potential. Just remember to bring cash for the end-of-trip payment, pack your favorite snacks and drinks, and get ready for some real Carolina Beach fishing action. Book now and get ready to put some fresh fish on ice.
Meet the Battle Wagon, a tough-as-nails 37' Topaz Sportfishing boat that's built to handle Carolina Beach's offshore waters with ease. This fishing machine packs serious power with twin turbo-charged 375HP Caterpillar engines that'll get you out to the fishing grounds fast and bring you back with your coolers full of fish. Captain Daniel knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with top-notch fish finder and GPS gear, you'll be trolling the productive spots where Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and King Mackerel love to feed. The boat's got everything you need for a comfortable day on the water - air conditioning to beat the heat, a full kitchen, bathroom, and even a bed if someone needs a quick rest. The spacious layout handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish, and there's cold storage for your catch plus your own snacks and drinks. The flybridge gives you great views of the action, while the radar keeps you safe if weather rolls in.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that show up in good numbers off Carolina Beach, especially during summer months. These chunky predators typically weigh 3-15 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and sharp teeth. We find them hunting baitfish in 20-80 feet of water, often mixed in with other species. What makes blues exciting is their feeding frenzies - when they're on the bite, it's fast and furious action. They're also excellent eating when handled properly, with rich, flaky meat that's great smoked or grilled. Just remember to bleed them right away and keep them cold. Here's a local trick: when blues are around, look for diving birds and churning water - that's usually a "bluefish blitz" happening. Use a wire leader because those teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the prize catch on our Carolina Beach trips - these speedsters typically run 20-40 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, usually cruising structure or baitfish schools about 2-10 miles offshore. Spring through fall are prime time here, especially when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line off your reel faster than almost any fish out there. The meat's excellent too, with that rich, oily texture that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Pro tip: always rig with a wire leader and double hooks - these fish have razor-sharp teeth and love to bite bait in half. When you hook one, hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are our bread and butter fish here at Carolina Beach - fast, fun, and fantastic eating. These silver bullets typically run 1-4 pounds and travel in big schools near the surface, making them perfect for our trolling trips just 2 miles out. They show up strong from late spring through early fall when the water warms up. What guests love about Spanish is their speed and numbers - when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They're also some of the best table fare you'll find, with mild, flaky white meat that grills beautifully. The key to landing more Spanish is keeping your lures small and shiny - they can't resist a fast-moving spoon or small jig. Once you hook up, keep the boat moving because the rest of the school will follow.
Carolina Beach