2 Day Guided Fishing Trip In Morehead City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Twoday offshore fishing adventure targeting multiple premium speciesOvernight liveaboard accommodations included with all gear providedProfessional guidance for Cobia, Grouper, Tuna, and Mahi fishing
If you've been dreaming of a real offshore adventure that doesn't end when the sun goes down, this 2-day guided fishing trip out of Morehead City is exactly what you're looking for. Stack N Bills takes up to 6 anglers on a round-the-clock fishing experience that starts with targeting pelagic species in the deep water and keeps going through the night until 2:00 PM the next day. You'll sleep aboard the boat with comfortable liveaboard accommodations, wake up on the fishing grounds, and maximize your time chasing everything from Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna to reef dwellers like Cobia and Grouper. This isn't your typical day trip – it's a true blue water experience that serious anglers talk about for years.
Your adventure kicks off from Morehead City, one of North Carolina's premier fishing ports with easy access to the Continental Shelf and the Gulf Stream. The boat heads offshore to productive waters where you'll start working the deep for Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and Yellowfin Tuna. As conditions and bite dictate, the crew will move between trolling the blue water and dropping down on structure for Amberjack, Grouper, and Cobia. What makes this trip special is the overnight component – you're not racing against sunset to get back to the dock. Instead, you'll fish prime evening and early morning hours when many species are most active. The liveaboard setup means you can rest between fishing sessions and wake up right where the action is. All fishing gear is included, so you just need to bring your North Carolina saltwater fishing license, which you can grab at Freeman's Bait & Tackle if you don't already have one.
The crew runs a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. For the pelagic species, expect to troll a spread of lures and rigged baits at various depths, covering water to locate schools of Mahi, Wahoo, and Tuna. When Sailfish are around, the team switches to circle hooks and proper billfish techniques for safe releases. The reef fishing involves dropping heavy tackle with live or cut bait to pull Grouper, Amberjack, and Cobia off structure in 60-120 feet of water. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided and matched to the target species. The boat is equipped with quality fish finders, GPS, and safety equipment for the overnight portion. During the evening and night hours, you might work different techniques like deep dropping or fishing structure with lights. The crew knows these waters inside and out and will adjust tactics based on seasonal patterns, weather, and what the fish are telling them.
Mahi Mahi are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, especially during their peak season from late spring through early fall. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. They're aggressive feeders that hit trolled baits and lures hard, and their aerial displays make every hookup exciting. Most Mahi in these waters run 10-30 pounds, with occasional bulls pushing 40-50 pounds. What anglers love most is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare.
Cobia are structure-oriented fish that show up around wrecks, reefs, and even floating debris from spring through fall. These brown sharks (as locals sometimes call them) can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds common and occasional giants topping 60 pounds. They're sight-fishing opportunities when they're cruising near the surface, and they'll also take baits fished near structure. Cobia are prized for their strong fights and white, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling.
Yellowtail Amberjack, or AJs as most anglers know them, are the muscle of the reef. These fish live around hard bottom and structure, and they'll test your tackle and your back with powerful runs toward the bottom. Most AJs caught here range from 20-60 pounds, though real monsters over 80 pounds patrol these waters. They're year-round residents but fishing is typically best in warmer months when they're more active.
Yellowfin Tuna are the prize of the deep water, typically found where the warm Gulf Stream water meets cooler inshore water. These fish are built for speed and endurance, making long runs and testing every connection in your tackle. Fish from 30-100+ pounds are possible, with the larger fish showing up more consistently in summer and fall. Yellowfin are considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean, making them a favorite target for serious offshore anglers.
Gag Grouper are bottom dwellers that live around structure in 60-200 feet of water. These fish are ambush predators that grab bait and immediately head for the rocks, making the first few seconds of the fight critical. Most Gags run 5-20 pounds, but fish over 30 pounds are caught regularly. They're excellent table fare and a staple of southern offshore fishing, though regulations can change so the crew will keep you updated on current rules.
This 2-day fishing adventure gives you the best of both worlds – deep water pelagics and reef species – all while maximizing your time on the water with overnight accommodations. You'll experience fishing at its peak hours, sleep comfortably aboard the boat, and wake up ready to get back after it. With all gear provided and an experienced crew who knows these waters like the back of their hand, you just need to show up ready to fish. Remember that the deposit is non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. This trip fills up fast during peak season, especially when the Mahi and Yellowfin bite is hot, so don
Get ready to chase cobia and grouper aboard this beautifully restored 46-foot Buddy Davis sportfisher. Built for serious offshore fishing, she's powered by an 800HP Detroit Twin Turbo that'll get you to the productive waters off Morehead City in comfort. The spacious cockpit handles up to 6 anglers with room to work big fish, while the flybridge gives you that commanding view of the action below. When you're battling wahoo and yellowfin tuna during this 2-day adventure, you'll appreciate the air conditioning between fights and full galley for hot meals. The fish finder and radar keep you on the fish even in tough conditions, and with a real bed and head onboard, you can rest up for another day of reef fishing for amberjack and grouper. She cruises at 22 knots, so less time running means more time with lines in the water targeting everything from sailfish to mahi mahi in North Carolina's rich offshore grounds.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of my favorite fish to target because they're sight fishing at its finest. These brown, shark-looking fish average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds. We find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys, usually in 30-70 feet of water during spring migration from April through June. They're mostly solitary, so spotting one cruising just under the surface gets the adrenaline pumping. The fight is fantastic - they're incredibly strong and will make long, powerful runs. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that tastes similar to shark. Here's the key: when you see one, don't rush the cast. Get that bucktail jig a few feet ahead of where they're heading and work it naturally. Spook them with a bad presentation and they'll disappear into the depths.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the ultimate reef fish - smart, strong, and absolutely delicious. Most of our fish run 5-15 pounds, with bigger ones up to 30+ pounds around the deeper structure. You'll find them on rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks from 60-200 feet deep. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall fishing is typically best when they're more active. What guests love is the challenge - these fish are smart and will try every trick to get back to their holes in the rocks. The fight is more about strength than speed, and the payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Here's the secret: once you hook one, don't give it any slack. Keep that rod tip up and pressure on constantly. If you let them get their head down and run for structure, they'll cut you off on the rocks every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These vibrant fish average 15-29 pounds but can hit 40+ on a good day. They're absolutely stunning with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs - watching their colors change when you bring them up is something special. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the blue water. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are warm. They're strong fighters that'll give you a great battle, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that's perfect grilled. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes open for others nearby. Mahi often travel in small schools, so we can usually get multiple fish once we find them.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the speed demons of the deep - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 50 mph and will give you one of the best fights in the ocean. Out here, most run 30-80 pounds, though we see some real giants over 100. They roam the blue water in the top 100 feet, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Summer and fall are prime time when the Gulf Stream pushes closer. What makes them so popular is the combination of incredible fight and world-class table fare - this is sushi-grade fish. They're also beautiful with those bright yellow fins and metallic blue backs. The key to success is watching for birds and keeping multiple trolling lines out. When they're feeding on the surface, nothing beats the excitement of seeing one explode on a surface plug. Stay ready - when the bite is on, it can be fast and furious.
Seriola LalandiAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - pure muscle that'll test your arms and your tackle. Most run 15-25 pounds around here, but we regularly see 40-pounders that'll make you question your life choices. They hang around structure like reefs, wrecks, and ledges, usually 60-120 feet down. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when they're most active. What makes them special is the fight - they're incredibly strong and will try to drag you straight into the rocks. The meat is excellent too, especially the smaller ones under 30 pounds. My advice: use heavy tackle and don't give them an inch. The moment you hook up, lock that drag down and pull hard to get them away from structure. If they get back to the rocks, you're probably done. Live bait works best, but a good jig will fool them too.
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