Full Day Guided Fishing In Morehead City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targets Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and TunaBottom fishing includes Grouper, Cobia, and Amberjack speciesAll gear provided with 6guest capacity boat
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, this 8-hour deep water adventure puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking 45 to 80 miles out into the Atlantic, where the Gulf Stream brings warm water and serious gamefish within reach of Morehead City's fishing fleet. Stack N Bills knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're after pelagics in the blue water or working the bottom structure for reef fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives you plenty of space to work without getting tangled up with your buddies when the action gets hot.
You'll meet at the dock before sunrise for an 8-hour day that covers a lot of water and targets multiple species. The run out takes you through some of North Carolina's most productive fishing grounds, from the nearshore reefs where grouper and cobia hang out to the deep blue water where wahoo and mahi patrol. Your captain reads the conditions daily and adjusts the game plan based on water temperature, bait movement, and recent fish reports. Some days that means spending more time on the bottom fishing for amberjack and grouper, other days you'll be trolling the edges for yellowfin tuna and sailfish. The boat's equipped with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all provided, so you just need to bring yourself and a North Carolina saltwater fishing license. You can grab your license at Freeman's Bait & Tackle if you don't have one yet.
This trip runs the full spectrum of offshore fishing techniques depending on what's biting. When working the blue water, you'll be trolling with ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, and lures designed to mimic the baitfish that attract wahoo, mahi, and tuna. The spread typically includes both flat lines and outriggers to cover more water and present baits at different depths. When it's time to work the bottom, you'll switch to heavier tackle with circle hooks and cut bait or live bottom rigs targeting grouper, amberjack, and other structure-loving species. The captain carries a variety of weights and rigs to match the current and depth, whether you're fishing 60-foot reefs or dropping down to 200-plus feet for bigger grouper. All the gear is tournament-quality stuff that can handle whatever pulls back, and the crew will retie leaders and change out baits so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging tackle.
Mahi mahi are the crowd favorites out here, and for good reason. These fish are absolute rockets when hooked, jumping clear out of the water and making long screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Most of the mahi we see range from 10 to 30 pounds, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40-plus. They're most active from late spring through early fall when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What makes mahi so exciting is they often travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. The key is working the floating sargassum weed lines and any debris in the water where they like to hang out.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting a trolled bait at 50+ mph and making blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. These fish average 20 to 50 pounds off Morehead City, with fall being prime time when they're moving through in numbers following the baitfish migration. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth that can slice through regular monofilament like butter, so we use wire leaders and high-speed lures that can handle the strike. When you hook one, hold on tight because the initial run is something you'll never forget.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the inshore reef scene, cruising around structure and often following rays or sharks near the surface. These fish can reach 50 pounds or more and are known for their strong, steady fights rather than flashy jumps. Spring and early summer are peak times when cobia are moving through the area, and sight fishing for them is some of the most exciting angling you'll find. They're curious fish that will often come right up to the boat to investigate, giving you a clear shot with live bait or jigs.
Yellowfin tuna are the marathon runners of the bunch, making long, powerful runs and testing both your tackle and your endurance. The yellowfin we target typically run 30 to 80 pounds, and they're most active during the warmer months when the Gulf Stream is within reach. These fish fight deep and hard, often taking 20 minutes or more to bring to the boat. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with sashimi-grade meat that's worth every minute of the fight.
Gag grouper are the kings of the bottom fishing scene, hanging around ledges and hard structure in 60 to 150 feet of water. These fish can exceed 30 pounds and are notorious for trying to cut you off in the rocks the second they feel the hook. The trick is getting them up and away from the structure quickly, which means using heavy tackle and keeping steady pressure. Gag grouper are most active during the cooler months and provide some of the best table fare you'll find offshore.
This full-day offshore trip gives you the best shot at multiple species in some of North Carolina's most productive fishing waters. Stack N Bills has built their reputation on putting anglers on fish, whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran or trying deep water fishing for the first time. The 8-hour timeframe lets you cover serious ground and try different techniques based on what's biting. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather forecast and pick your dates carefully. With only 6 spots
Get ready to chase big game fish aboard this beautifully restored 46-foot Buddy Davis sportfisher! This classic convertible was completely rebuilt in 2021 and packs serious power with an 800HP Detroit diesel that'll cruise you comfortably at 22 knots to the offshore grounds. You'll head 45-80 miles out into the blue water targeting trophy Wahoo, Mahi, Sailfish, and Yellowfin Tuna, plus work the reefs for Amberjack, Grouper, and Cobia. The boat's loaded with everything you need - fish finder, GPS, radar, A/C, full galley, head, and even bunks for those who want to rest between bites. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting birds and bait schools. With space for up to 6 anglers, ice storage for your catch, and all tackle provided, you're set for an epic 8-hour adventure in North Carolina's rich offshore waters. Just grab your NC saltwater license and get ready to battle some serious fish!
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - their dark coloring and dorsal fin fool a lot of folks at first glance. These bruisers average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ on a good day. They love hanging around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys, usually in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through fall is peak season when they're moving through our area. What makes them fun is the fight - they're strong, stubborn fish that'll test your tackle and your patience. The meat is outstanding too, firm and mild like a cross between shark and grouper. Since they're often solitary, sight fishing works great when you spot one cruising the surface. Here's the deal with cobia: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They'll try to wrap you up on anything they can find down there.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - stocky, gray fish with marbled patterns that average 5-15 pounds, though we see plenty in the 20-30 pound range. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks, typically in 60-200 feet of water. Spring and fall fishing is usually best when they're more active. These fish are pure power once hooked - they'll immediately try to get back to their hole and wrap you around anything they can find. The meat is what grouper fishing is all about - firm, white fillets that are perfect for the dinner table. They're ambush predators that love live bait like pinfish or cut squid. Here's the key with gag grouper: the second you feel that bite, lock down your drag and horse them up off the bottom. Give them even a few seconds and they'll get into a crevice where you'll never get them out.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out there - bright golden sides with electric blue and green splashes that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen them hit 50+ on good days. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in that 45-80 mile range where the blue water starts. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when we find those temperature breaks. What makes them special is the fight - they'll go airborne and make long runs that'll test your arms. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that firm, sweet meat that grills perfectly. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled because they often travel in small schools. Get that fish in quick and get your line back out - you might double or triple up before they move on.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - we're talking 50+ mph when they want to move. These silver torpedoes with blue tiger stripes average 3-5 feet but can stretch past 8 feet if you're lucky. They cruise the deep blue water we hit on those long runs, usually in the top 60 feet. Fall and winter months are money time around here when they're moving through. The fight is pure power - no jumping, just blistering runs that'll make your reel scream. They're also premium table fare with that white, flaky meat that tastes like a cross between tuna and mahi. The key to wahoo is speed trolling - we run lures at 12-15 knots to trigger those aggressive strikes. One trick: always use wire leaders. Their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono or fluoro like butter, and there's nothing worse than losing a fish to a cutoff.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the ultimate offshore game fish - torpedo-shaped speed demons with bright yellow fins that give them their name. Most of what we catch runs 60-80 pounds, but the big boys can hit 200+. They cruise the deep water column out in that 45-80 mile range, usually in the top 300 feet. Summer months are best when the water temps are right. The fight is pure adrenaline - long runs, deep dives, and the strength to test every bit of your tackle. For eating, they're sushi-grade quality with that deep red meat that's perfect for the grill. These fish are constantly moving, so trolling spreads and chunking work well. Pro tip: when you hook one, fight it hard and fast. The longer they stay on, the more likely sharks will show up for an easy meal. Get them to the boat quick and you'll have some of the best fish you've ever tasted.
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