2 Day Guided Fishing Trip In Morehead City
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Techniques and Tackle
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.
Top Catches This Season
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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