Extended Full Day Tilefish, Swordfish, And Grouper Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target tilefish, swordfish, grouper, and black sea bass offshoreAll equipment, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses provided onboardSmall group charter accommodates up to six anglers maximum
When you're looking for a real offshore adventure that puts you on some of the most sought-after bottom fish in North Carolina waters, this extended full day trip with Shine Eye Girl OBX Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about heading way out into the deep blue to target swordfish, grey tilefish, and snowy grouper – species that most weekend warriors never even see, let alone catch. This isn't your typical half-day trip to the nearshore wrecks. We're going where the big boys live, and trust me, when you hook into one of these deep water bruisers, you'll understand why serious anglers make this pilgrimage year after year.
This is a full commitment kind of day – we're talking about leaving early and getting back when the sun's setting, with every hour in between focused on putting fish in the box. The trip launches from Wanchese, which puts us in prime position to reach those offshore honey holes where swordfish cruise and tilefish stack up along the continental shelf. You'll be fishing in depths that'll make your head spin – we're talking 600 to 1,500 feet of water, where the bottom is littered with structure that holds these deep water giants. The crew handles all the heavy lifting when it comes to gear, bait, and navigation, so your job is simple: hold on tight and work the fish. We keep the boat to just 6 anglers max, which means everyone gets plenty of rod time and space to work without bumping elbows. Pack a cooler for your catch and bring whatever snacks and drinks you want for the day – we've got the fishing side completely dialed in.
Bottom fishing in 800+ feet of water is a whole different beast than what most people are used to. We're using heavy conventional reels spooled with serious line – usually 80-100 pound test – because when you hook a big tilefish or grouper that deep, they're going to make a run for the rocks. The rigs are simple but effective: heavy sinkers to get down fast in the current, circle hooks to ensure solid hookups, and fresh cut bait that drives these fish crazy. Blueline and golden tilefish are the bread and butter out here, but we're always ready for amberjack, black sea bass, and those magical moments when a swordfish decides to eat during daylight hours. The key is reading the bottom on the fish finder, understanding how current affects your presentation, and having the patience to let these fish find your bait. Some drops you'll get bit immediately, others require you to wait it out while the scent trail does its work.
Swordfish are the holy grail of this trip – these prehistoric looking fighters can push 100+ pounds and will test every ounce of your strength and endurance. During daylight hours, they're usually deep, often 1,000+ feet down, which makes hooking one during the day a truly special achievement. They've got that distinctive bill and those huge eyes, perfectly adapted for hunting in the deep. The best swordfish action typically happens from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are right and baitfish are abundant. When you hook a sword, be ready for a fight that can last an hour or more – they'll sound deep, then make screaming runs toward the surface that'll have your reel smoking.
Grey tilefish are one of the most underrated fighters in the ocean, and they're abundant in our local waters when you know where to look. These fish live in burrows along muddy bottoms in 600-1,200 feet of water, and they can reach 30+ pounds with that classic thick, muscular build. What makes them special is their aggressive feeding behavior – when you find a good tilefish spot, you can often catch them one after another. They're excellent table fare too, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, and the bigger fish tend to bite better on the deeper edges during summer months.
Snowy grouper are the deep water cousins of the more familiar gag and red grouper, and they're built like tanks. These fish live on hard bottom and ledges in 300-800 feet of water, and a good one will go 15-25 pounds of pure muscle. They're ambush predators that sit tight to structure, so when you hook one, they immediately head for the rocks trying to cut your line. The fight is usually short but incredibly powerful – it's more like trying to winch a truck tire off the bottom than fighting a fish. Snowy grouper are regulated by season, typically open during cooler months, but when they're biting, they provide some of the most exciting moments of the trip.
This extended full day offshore adventure represents the pinnacle of North Carolina bottom fishing, targeting species that most anglers only dream about catching. With Shine Eye Girl OBX Charters, you're getting access to decades of local knowledge, top-tier equipment, and the kind of fishing grounds that separate the weekend warriors from the serious offshore crowd. The 6-angler limit ensures you get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to battle these deep water giants. Weather plays a big role in these trips – we're talking about serious offshore conditions – so flexibility in your schedule will help ensure you get out when conditions are prime. Remember to factor in a 20% tip for the mate who'll be working hard all day to keep you on fish. Don't let another season pass wondering what it's like to tangle with swordfish and tilefish in their home territory – book your spot and get ready for the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years to come.
Step aboard our classic 40-foot sportfishing boat for serious offshore action targeting tilefish, swordfish, and grouper in the deep waters off Wanchese. This restored 1960 Warren O'Neal beauty runs smooth with a 450HP Cummins, cruising at 18 knots to get you to the fishing grounds efficiently. The flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility for spotting birds and working structure, while our fish finder and GPS help locate those bottom-hugging tilefish and cruising swords. Built for serious anglers, she comfortably fishes up to 6 people with plenty of deck space for fighting big fish. The icebox keeps your drinks cold during long days on the water, and there's a head onboard for those extended trips. Our radar keeps you safe when weather rolls in from the Atlantic. We supply all the heavy tackle, bait, and ice you'll need - just bring a cooler for your catch and whatever food you want for the day. The mate works hard to keep you on fish, so plan on a 20% tip. Perfect platform for chasing those deep-water species that make North Carolina waters famous.
Caulolatilus MicropsGrey tilefish, or blueline tilefish as we call them locally, are fantastic bottom dwellers that most folks don't know about. They average 5-8 pounds and 25 inches, living in 250-800 feet of water on muddy and rocky bottoms. You'll spot them by that bright blue line running from nose to eye. These fish dig burrows in the sand where they hang out, making them pretty predictable once you find good structure. Best fishing runs May through October during spawning season. What guests really love is the taste - many call it "poor man's lobster" because the meat is that sweet and flaky. They're not shy about biting either. Local trick: use a multi-hook rig with squid or cut bait, keep your drift speed around 2 knots, and don't set the hook too fast - let them get a good grip first.
Epinephelus Snowy grouper are one of our most prized deep-water catches - these copper-colored bruisers with white spots average 30 pounds and 3 feet, but can push 70 pounds. They're ambush predators living on rocky bottoms in 300-600 feet of water, territorial as all get-out and not afraid to eat anything their size. Season runs May 1st through August 31st with a one-fish-per-boat limit, so every shot counts. What makes them special is that aggressive strike when they hit - plus they're excellent eating. They grow fast and fight hard, but the real challenge is getting them up from those depths without losing them. My advice: use whole squid or bonito strips, and once you hook up, keep steady pressure. Don't horse them - let your drag work and be ready for a long fight on the way up.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water challenge - these powerful predators average around 9 feet and 400 pounds, though we've seen monsters much bigger. They live in depths of 300-1500 feet, coming up to feed at night and going deeper during the day. That distinctive flat bill isn't just for show - they use it to slash through schools of squid and fish. What makes them special is their ability to warm their eyes and brain, helping them hunt in the dark depths. The season runs best from late spring through fall when water temps hit that sweet 64-72°F range. Guests love the fight and the excellent table fare. Pro tip: use bright lights on your rig and be patient - when they hit, you'll know it. Fresh squid is your best bet for bait.
Wanchese