Extended Full Day Fishing In Wanchese, NC
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing targeting exotic species like Mahi MahiTrolling and bottom fishing with live bait 20 miles offshoreAccommodates up to 6 guests seeking larger, more exotic catches
Looking for a serious day on the water? This extended full-day charter out of Wanchese puts you right in the heart of some of North Carolina's best fishing grounds. We're talking 20 miles offshore where the real action happens - King Mackerel cutting through the water like bullets, Mahi Mahi lighting up in electric colors, and Cobia cruising just under the surface. Captain and crew from Shine Eye Girl OBX Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll have your drag screaming. Perfect for families who've got some salt in their veins and want to step up their game from the usual inshore spots.
We're heading out early from Wanchese - this historic fishing village has been launching boats for generations, and there's a reason why. The run to our fishing grounds takes us through some of the most productive waters off the Outer Banks, where the Gulf Stream pushes nutrient-rich water close to shore. You'll have up to 6 anglers on board, which means plenty of room to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. The boat's rigged with everything you need - from heavy trolling gear to lighter tackle for when the bite gets finicky. Captain keeps a sharp eye on the fish finder and knows when to switch tactics. Some days we'll spend hours trolling the blue water, other days we'll anchor up and drop baits to the bottom. Weather and fish activity dictate the game plan, but that's half the fun of fishing these waters.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. Trolling is our bread and butter for pelagics - we'll pull a spread of lures and live bait at different depths to cover the water column. The boat's outfitted with outriggers and downriggers, so we can present baits exactly where the fish want them. When King Mackerel are around, we'll slow troll live pogies or pull spoons behind planers. For Mahi, we're looking for floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks where they like to hang. Bottom fishing is where things get interesting for Amberjack and big Black Sea Bass. We'll drop live baits or chunks down to structure 60-80 feet below, and when an Amberjack grabs hold, you better be ready for a fight. The crew provides all tackle, but if you've got a favorite rod setup, bring it along. Fresh and live bait is provided, though we're always looking to catch fresh bait on the way out when conditions allow.
Black Sea Bass are the workhorses of these waters - chunky, aggressive fish that fight hard for their size. Most of what we're seeing runs 2-4 pounds, but the big males can push 6-7 pounds and have that distinctive hump behind their head. They're structure-oriented fish, so we target them around wrecks and hard bottom. Peak season runs May through December, with the biggest fish showing up in late summer and fall. What makes them special is they're excellent table fare and provide consistent action when the bigger pelagics aren't cooperating.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore trips. These billfish are pure adrenaline - when one comes up behind your bait with that sail fully extended, your heart stops. They average 6-8 feet long and 40-60 pounds of pure muscle. Best fishing is typically late summer through early winter when water temperatures are right. We release all Sailfish, but getting that grip-and-grin photo with a billfish is something you'll never forget. They're acrobatic fighters that'll jump repeatedly, and on light tackle, the fight can last 30 minutes or more.
King Mackerel, or "Smoker Kings" as the locals call them, are speed demons that can strip 200 yards of line in seconds. We see fish from 15-50 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 60 pounds or better. They're most active April through November, with peak action in late summer when the bait schools are thick. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and sharp teeth - the crew knows to have the wire leaders ready. They're also fantastic eating when prepared right, and nothing beats fresh King steaks on the grill.
Mahi Mahi are probably the most beautiful fish you'll ever see come over the gunwale. Males (bulls) can reach 30-50 pounds and have that distinctive square head, while females (cows) typically run 10-20 pounds. When they're feeding, they light up in brilliant gold, green, and blue colors. Peak season is May through September when water temperatures are warmest. They school around floating debris, so we're always scanning for lobster trap floats, seaweed lines, or anything that attracts baitfish. Mahi are incredible table fare and fight with a lot of heart for their size.
Cobia are the bulls of the inshore waters - brown, shark-like fish that can reach 50 pounds or more. They're curious fish that often cruise near the surface, and sight fishing for them is pure excitement. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move inshore to spawn. Cobia are ambush predators that eat crabs, eels, and smaller fish, so we fish them with live bait near structure or in the water column. They make powerful runs and are considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean. Catching a 40-pound Cobia on relatively light tackle is a test of angler skill and equipment.
This extended full-day trip gives you the time and range to target species you won't see on shorter inshore trips. Twenty miles offshore puts us in different water, different structure, and different fishing opportunities. The crew at Shine Eye
Meet the "Carolina Sportsman," a classic 40-foot Warren O'Neal sportfishing boat that's been working these waters since 1960. After a complete 2015 restoration, she's ready to take you and 5 friends on serious fishing adventures up to 20 miles offshore. Her single 450HP Cummins diesel gets you to the fishing grounds at a steady 18 knots while burning less fuel than twin-engine rigs. The flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility to spot bird activity and bait schools, while the fish finder and GPS help locate those productive bottom structures where cobia and amberjack hang out. When trolling for kings and mahi, there's plenty of cockpit space to work multiple lines. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days on the water. Below deck, you'll find a marine head for convenience during extended trips. The radar system ensures safe navigation if weather rolls in. Built tough for North Carolina's offshore conditions, this boat handles the ride to deeper water where the bigger fish live. Perfect for experienced anglers ready to target species that require some real muscle to bring to the boat.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of offshore fishing, running 7-8 feet long and averaging around 50 pounds. You'll find them in warm water from 30-65 feet deep, usually following baitfish and temperature breaks. They're built for speed with that massive dorsal sail and sharp bill. The real thrill is watching them light up in brilliant blues and blacks when they're fired up, then explode out of the water multiple times during the fight. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. The meat is decent, but most folks release these beauties. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your boat speed around 8-10 knots and use bright pink and white lures - they can't resist that color combo.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky fighters that cruise around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 30-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but you can find bigger males in deeper water during summer months. They're bottom dwellers with a taste for crabs, squid, and small fish. What makes them fun is they'll hit jigs, live bait, or bottom rigs - pretty cooperative fish. The meat is excellent, firm white flesh that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Season runs February and May through December, with late spring through summer being prime time when they move inshore. Here's a tip: use a two-hook rig with squid strips - they love to grab the back end of your bait, so that trailing hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - they cruise just under the surface and can easily fool you at first glance. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds and can push over 100, making them one of our strongest fighters. You'll spot them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water, especially during their spring migration from May through July. They're usually loners, so it's all about sight fishing and patience. What guests love is the powerful fight and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. The key is approaching them quietly and making a good first cast with a bucktail jig or live bait. Here's the trick: if you spook one, don't give up - circle back in 10 minutes and they'll often be right back in the same spot.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed and sharp teeth wrapped in a sleek package. These guys average 15-30 pounds but can push past 50 when you find the big females. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, especially around temperature breaks and baitfish schools. Peak season runs spring through fall when they migrate along our coast following the warm water. What guests love is the blistering runs - kings are fast as lightning and will test your drag system. The meat has a rich flavor, though it's best eaten fresh. Always use a wire leader because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. My go-to rig is a stinger setup with two hooks on live bait - they hit the tail first, so that back hook is your insurance policy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll see offshore, flashing gold, green, and electric blue when they're hooked. They typically run 15-30 pounds and love hanging under floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in open water. Best fishing is late spring through early fall in warm blue water, usually starting around 20 miles out. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - lots of jumps and long runs. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat that's perfect for the grill. They travel in schools, so when you find one, work the area hard. Key tip: keep your trolling lures skipping on the surface to imitate flying fish - that's what gets them fired up. Once you hook one, leave it in the water to keep the school around.
Wanchese