Deep Sea Fishing Adventure in Wanchese, NC
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing adventure targeting marlin and tunaAll equipment, tackle, bait and fishing licenses includedDeparts 5am into Gulf Stream waters up to 50 miles
Looking for a real deep-sea fishing experience that'll get your heart pumping? This 12-hour offshore charter out of Wanchese puts you right in the thick of Gulf Stream action, where the big fish live and the stories are born. We're talking about heading 20-50 miles offshore into some of the most productive fishing waters on the East Coast, targeting trophy species that'll have you bragging for years. Captain and crew at Shine Eye Girl OBX Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish from the moment we clear the inlet.
Your day starts early – we're talking 5 AM departure, which means you'll want to grab your coffee and be ready to roll before sunrise. Trust me, those early morning hours are pure gold when you're chasing pelagics in the Gulf Stream. The ride out takes us through some beautiful water as we make our way offshore, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the sunrise paint the horizon. Once we hit our fishing grounds, it's game on. You'll be working the outriggers, watching the spread, and keeping your eyes peeled for that telltale zing of the reel. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Captain provides all the heavy tackle, circle hooks, ballyhoo, and whatever else we need to tempt these offshore bruisers.
We run a serious spread out here – typically four to six lines working different depths and covering plenty of water. The crew sets up a mix of rigged ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and lures that have proven themselves in these waters. You'll see us working the temperature breaks where the Gulf Stream meets cooler inshore water – that's where the bait stacks up and the predators come to feed. We're constantly adjusting our spread based on what we're seeing on the fish finder and what the water temperature is telling us. The tackle is sized right for what we're after – 30 to 50-pound class rods that can handle anything from a screaming wahoo to a stubborn blue marlin. When something hits, you'll know it immediately. The crew coaches you through the fight, helping with the drag and making sure you get the most out of every hookup.
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, and Wanchese waters see good numbers from late spring through early fall. These fish average 6-7 feet and put on an aerial show that'll leave you speechless. When a sail comes up behind the spread, you'll see that distinctive dorsal fin cutting the surface before they crush your bait. They're catch-and-release fish, but the fight is pure adrenaline – multiple jumps, long runs, and plenty of attitude. The best part? They often travel in small groups, so where there's one, there might be more.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and the waters off Wanchese produce some true giants. These fish can push 400-500 pounds or more, and when one shows up behind your spread, everything else stops mattering. Blues are most active during the summer months when the Gulf Stream is running strong and warm. They're ambush predators that like to follow the bait for a while before deciding to eat. The fight is legendary – powerful runs that strip line off your reel, deep dives that test your tackle, and a stubborn streak that can last for hours. Even smaller blues in the 100-200 pound range will give you a workout you won't forget.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphin as the locals call them, are probably the most fun fish swimming in these waters. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight like they're twice their size. A good-sized bull mahi can push 30-40 pounds, and they're absolutely beautiful fish with that bright gold and green coloring. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. When you find a school of mahi, you can often catch several before they wise up and move on. Plus, they're fantastic eating – white, flaky meat that tastes as good as any fish in the ocean.
Yellowfin Tuna are the freight trains of the offshore world. These fish are built for speed and endurance, with solid muscle from nose to tail. A decent yellowfin in these waters runs 40-80 pounds, though bigger ones show up regularly. They're schooling fish that often feed in the early morning and late afternoon, which works perfectly with our fishing schedule. When a yellowfin hits your spread, get ready for a fight that tests both your tackle and your stamina. They make long, powerful runs and don't give up easily. The meat is absolutely premium – sushi-grade tuna that's worth every minute of the fight.
White Marlin are smaller than their blue cousins but pound-for-pound just as feisty. These fish typically run 50-80 pounds and are known for their aggressive strikes and spectacular jumps. They're more common than blues in these waters, especially during the peak summer months. White marlin love the temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish concentrate. They're also curious fish that will often come up and check out your spread multiple times before deciding to eat. The fight is fast and furious – lots of jumps, direction changes, and attitude packed into a smaller package.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – it's a full commitment to serious offshore fishing where anything can happen. The 12-hour format gives us time to run to the best fishing grounds, work different areas if needed, and really maximize your chances at hooking something special. Remember to bring your own drinks, snacks, and a cooler with ice for your catch. The crew works hard to put you on
Meet your fishing platform for the day - a classic 40-foot Warren O'Neal sportfisher that's been chasing fish in these waters since 1960. After a complete restoration in 2015, she's ready to take you and 5 other anglers 20-50 miles offshore into the Gulf Stream where the big game fish roam. Her 450HP Cummins engine will cruise you out at a steady pace, while the flybridge gives your captain the perfect vantage point to spot working birds and bait schools. Down below, you'll find everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS and radar keep you on course, the fish finder helps locate those productive bottom structures and temperature breaks, and there's an icebox to keep your drinks cold during the long day ahead. The onboard head means no cutting the fishing short, and with all tackle, bait, and licenses provided, you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the boat.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are some of the most sought-after gamefish out here, and for good reason. These beauties average around 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. They hunt in the upper 30-65 feet of water along temperature breaks and current edges in the Gulf Stream. We see them most consistently from late spring through early fall when the water temps hit that sweet spot between 70-80°F. What makes them special isn't just their speed - they're one of the fastest fish in the ocean - but the incredible fight they put up. They'll jump, dive, and peel drag like nothing else. Here's a tip: when you see one lit up behind the bait, don't pull it away from them. Let that sailfish eat, count to five, then come tight. That pause makes all the difference.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the kings of offshore fishing - massive, powerful fish that can push 300-400 pounds or more. The females get much bigger than males, sometimes reaching over 1000 pounds. These apex predators cruise the deep blue water of the Gulf Stream, usually in the top 100-200 feet where they hunt tuna, dolphin, and other pelagic species. Summer and early fall are prime time when the water's warmest. What draws anglers back is that raw power - when a blue marlin hits your spread, everything changes. They'll sound deep, make long runs, and jump clear out of the water. The fight can last hours. They're not great table fare due to mercury levels, so most folks release them. My advice: when you get a bite, don't horse them. Let the fish work against steady pressure, and make sure your drag is set properly before we even start fishing.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most fun fish you'll catch out here - beautiful golden sides that light up when they're hooked, and they fight like crazy. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3-4 feet long, though we catch some bigger bulls in the 40-pound range. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the Gulf Stream, usually staying in the top 50 feet of water. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when they're thick along the weed lines. What makes them popular is the combination of great fighting, stunning looks, and excellent eating - firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. They travel in schools, so when you catch one, keep fishing that spot. Pro tip: leave one hooked mahi in the water while you cast to the rest of the school. They'll stay around their buddy, and you can often catch several before they move on.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the most elegant billfish we chase - smaller than blues at 60-80 pounds, but they make up for size with pure athleticism. They roam the deep water along canyon edges and temperature breaks, hunting flying fish, small tuna, and squid. Late summer into fall is prime time when they're thick along the offshore canyons. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump repeatedly and put on an aerial show that's hard to beat. They're also better eating than other billfish, with firm white meat. These fish are smart hunters, so they can be tricky. You'll often see them come up behind the bait, checking it out before they commit. My tip: when you see a white marlin behind the spread, don't pull the bait away or speed up. Let it eat at its own pace, count to three after the bite, then come tight. Patience is key with these fish.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are built for speed and power - torpedo-shaped fish that average 40-80 pounds but can push well over 100. They cruise the Gulf Stream in schools, usually in the top 100 feet of water, following bait and temperature breaks. We target them spring through fall, with summer being prime time. These fish are special because they combine incredible speed with stamina - they'll make long, blistering runs that test your equipment and endurance. Plus, yellowfin are some of the best eating fish in the ocean, perfect for sushi or grilled steaks. They're warm-blooded, which helps them fight harder and longer than most fish. When we're marking fish deep but they won't bite the trolling spread, we'll stop and start vertical jigging. That change in presentation often triggers strikes when nothing else will work. Keep your drag smooth - these fish will find any rough spots.
Wanchese