Full Day North Carolina Nearshore Ocean Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-10 hour nearshore charter targeting King Mackerel and WahooCaptain with 40+ years local Atlantic Ocean experiencePrivate trip includes tackle, bait, and professional fish cleaning
There's something special about spending a full day on the North Carolina coast chasing pelagic species with a captain who's been reading these waters for over four decades. Captain Dexter McCaslin's full-day nearshore charter aboard the Slice O Life gives you 8 to 10 hours to really dial in on some of the Atlantic's most sought-after gamefish. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – you'll have time to work different techniques, hit multiple spots, and really get into the rhythm of offshore fishing. With space for just two anglers, you're getting personalized attention and the flexibility to adapt your approach based on what's biting.
Your day starts early, meeting Captain Dexter at the dock while the coffee's still hot and the bait's fresh. The extended time frame means you can cover serious ground, working productive nearshore structure and following temperature breaks where the action tends to heat up. Don't worry if you've never pulled a king mackerel through a school of bait or fought a wahoo on light tackle – Captain Dexter's approach works for everyone from weekend warriors to seasoned tournament anglers. The boat comes loaded with quality gear, fresh bait, and tackle that's been tested on these exact species. At the end of the day, your catch gets the professional cleaning treatment, so you're walking away with fillets ready for the dinner table.
You'll be running a mix of trolling patterns and bottom fishing depending on conditions and what's showing up on the fish finder. The trolling spread typically includes a variety of spoons, diving plugs, and rigged ballyhoo to cover different depths and attract multiple species. When wahoo are in the area, Captain Dexter knows exactly how to set up high-speed trolling runs that get these speedsters fired up. For bottom fishing, you'll be working structure with live bait and cut bait, targeting species like black sea bass and cobia that hold tight to reefs and wrecks. The gear is matched to the technique – lighter spinning setups for the trolling action and stouter conventional rigs when you need to pull fish away from structure.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of North Carolina nearshore fishing, and these torpedo-shaped predators put on a show when they hit a trolled bait. They typically run 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional smoker king pushing 50-plus. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action often happening around temperature breaks and bait schools. What makes kings so exciting is their initial run – they'll scream drag and make multiple jumps before settling into a determined fight.
Mahi-Mahi show up when conditions are right, usually following warm water pushes and floating debris. These colorful fighters are pure excitement, known for their acrobatic displays and stunning colors that light up when they're hooked. Most mahi in North Carolina waters run 10 to 25 pounds, though larger bulls occasionally make an appearance. They're opportunistic feeders that respond well to both trolled baits and live offerings.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the nearshore waters, capable of hitting 60 mph and known for their blistering initial runs. These fish are built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and a streamlined body that cuts through the water like a missile. They're typically caught while high-speed trolling, and even a 20-pound wahoo will test your tackle and reflexes. The bite can be explosive, and the fight is fast and furious.
Cobia are the wildcards that can show up anywhere, often following rays or cruising structure. These brown sharks of the fishing world are incredibly strong and stubborn fighters that will use every trick in the book to get back to the bottom. They respond well to sight fishing techniques and live bait presentations, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to see their fish before the hookup.
Porbeagle Sharks bring serious muscle to the equation, offering fights that can last 30 minutes or more. These sharks are built for cold water and are surprisingly acrobatic for their size, often jumping completely clear of the water. They're catch-and-release fish that provide some of the most memorable battles you'll experience in North Carolina waters.
Captain Dexter's full-day nearshore charter represents top-rated fishing on the North Carolina coast, combining four decades of local knowledge with the time needed to really work the water properly. The intimate two-person capacity means you're getting a custom fishing experience rather than competing for rod time on a crowded boat. With all tackle, bait, and fish cleaning included, you're looking at a world-class fishing opportunity that consistently delivers both variety and quality. The extended time on the water gives you the best shot at multiple species and allows Captain Dexter to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Book your spot aboard the Slice O Life and experience why this charter has become a customer favorite for serious anglers targeting North Carolina's premier nearshore gamefish.
Get ready to fish the Atlantic aboard our reliable 22ft Sea Pro center console! This 2007 workhorse packs a solid 200HP Mercury that'll cruise at 39 knots, getting you to the productive nearshore waters off the North Carolina coast quickly and comfortably. Built for serious fishing, this center console design gives you plenty of room to move around while fighting King Mackerel, Wahoo, and Mahi-Mahi. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while GPS keeps us on the productive spots Captain Dexter has dialed in over 40 years of fishing these waters. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 8-10 hour days on the water. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over bottom structure when targeting Black Sea Bass. Whether we're trolling the blue water or anchored up on the reefs, this stable platform handles Atlantic swells with ease, giving you the best shot at landing your target species.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulls of the sea - big, dark, and built for power. These solitary hunters average 6 feet and 100 pounds, cruising reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet. Spring through early summer is prime time during their spawning migration. What makes them exciting is they're often caught by sight fishing - you'll spot them just under the surface looking like sharks with that single dorsal fin. The fight is all muscle and endurance, plus they're outstanding table fare with firm, sweet meat. Being solitary fish, you won't find schools, but that makes each one special. My tip is to use bucktail jigs around structure and don't worry about color - cobia aren't picky. A 4-8 oz jig worked near the bottom usually does the trick.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of the fastest fish in our waters, averaging 20-30 pounds with some pushing 50+ pounds. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth cruise in 40-150 feet of water along drop-offs and temperature breaks. Summer through fall is prime time when they move inshore following baitfish. What makes them special is that initial run - they'll scream line off your reel at 40+ mph. The meat is excellent when iced immediately, though pregnant women should avoid it due to mercury content. My go-to trick is using a wire leader with two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch, flashing gold and electric blue when they hit the surface. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds and rarely live past 4 years. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm water. Summer into fall is peak season when water temps climb above 68°F. What guests love is their acrobatic fight - they jump, dive, and put on a real show. Plus, they're arguably the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat that's perfect for tacos or grilling. The key to finding them is looking for frigate birds working floating sargassum. When you hook one, keep another line ready - they often travel in schools.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the torpedoes of the shark world, averaging 5-6 feet and 300 pounds with that distinctive white patch behind their dorsal fin. These cold-water sharks prefer depths of 30-300 feet along continental shelves and slopes. Summer is your best bet when they move closer to shore following baitfish. What sets them apart is their incredible power and endurance - they'll jump clean out of the water and fight for hours. They're also considered excellent eating, especially in Asia. The key is heavy tackle - 200-400 lb line because their sandpaper skin will cut lighter lines during the fight. My trick is using whole mackerel on 10/0-12/0 hooks with plenty of chum. These sharks are shy, so that oily slick really helps draw them in from the depths.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed demons, hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long. These striped missiles prefer open water around 66 feet deep, often cruising alone or in small groups of 2-3. Late fall through winter is our best season when they move closer to shore following the cooler months. What makes them special is that blistering initial run combined with some of the best table fare in the ocean - firm, white meat that's mild and flaky. The challenge is their razor teeth that'll cut through mono instantly. My secret is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and diving lures. Most anglers troll too slow - wahoo want that bait screaming through the water to trigger their predatory instincts.
Denver, NC