Gulf Stream Offshore Fishing with Tail Chaser
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Tuna, Wahoo, and Sailfish on 13hour Gulf Stream adventureCaptain Brandon guides groups up to 6 guests offshoreWorldclass fishing experience with professional charter service
Captain Brandon knows these Gulf Stream waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking 13 hours of pure offshore fishing action targeting some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish. You'll be trolling the deep blue for tuna, wahoo, and sailfish while soaking up the camaraderie that only comes from a day spent chasing fish with your crew. With room for up to 6 anglers, this top-rated charter gives you the space to fish comfortably without feeling crowded. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks because we're going the distance to find where the fish are biting.
Your day starts early – and trust me, it's worth every minute of that pre-dawn alarm. Captain Brandon runs a tight ship, literally and figuratively, with all tackle rigged and ready before you even clear the inlet. The Gulf Stream isn't just a fishing spot; it's a highway of moving water that concentrates baitfish, and where there's bait, there are the predators we're after. You'll be fishing in that deep cobalt blue water where the continental shelf drops off, often in 600 to 2,000 feet of water. The boat handles the swells like a champ, but bring your sea legs because we're heading way offshore where the big fish live. This isn't a leisurely cruise – it's a working fishing trip where everyone gets involved, from watching the spread to helping land fish. The energy is contagious when someone hooks up, and you'll find yourself cheering on fellow anglers even when it's not your rod bent over.
We fish the Gulf Stream the way it should be fished – with a full spread of lures and baits designed to trigger strikes from pelagic gamefish. Captain Brandon runs a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, feathers, and various trolling lures at different depths and distances behind the boat. The outriggers keep lines spread wide, and we're constantly adjusting speed and lure placement based on water temperature, current breaks, and bait activity. You'll learn to read the water – looking for color changes, weed lines, and bird activity that signal feeding fish below. When a fish hits, the reel screams and the real work begins. These aren't pond bass we're dealing with; Gulf Stream fish are built for speed and endurance. You'll be fighting fish that can strip line faster than you thought possible, testing both your tackle and your stamina. The captain coaches you through the fight, helping you use proper technique to land fish efficiently while keeping everyone safe in the cockpit.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of Gulf Stream fishing, and for good reason. These colorful fighters typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, though bull dolphins can push 50 pounds or more. They're aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, meaning when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Mahi hit trolled baits hard and put on an aerial show that'll have you reaching for your phone to record it. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but Captain Brandon finds them year-round when conditions are right. What makes them special isn't just the fight – their firm, white meat is some of the best eating you'll find in the ocean.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf Stream, capable of hitting 60 mph and slicing through leaders with their razor-sharp teeth. These torpedo-shaped predators typically weigh between 20 and 60 pounds in our waters, though monsters over 80 pounds cruise these depths. They're notorious for long, blistering runs that can empty a reel spool in seconds. Wahoo are most active during cooler months, from fall through early spring, making them a winter favorite when other species thin out. Their strikes are violent and immediate – one second your lure is trolling peacefully, the next it's attached to a fish moving faster than most boats. The reward? Some of the finest table fare in the ocean, with meat that's perfect for grilling or sashimi.
Yellowfin tuna are the heavyweight champions of our target species, with fish ranging from 40 pounds to well over 100 pounds. These powerful fish test every aspect of your tackle and technique, often requiring 45 minutes or more to bring to the boat. They're most abundant during summer months when water temperatures peak, but Captain Brandon targets them year-round by following temperature breaks and bait concentrations. Yellowfin have incredible stamina and a tendency to sound deep when hooked, making for grueling but rewarding fights. Their dark red meat is prized by sushi restaurants, and there's nothing quite like fresh yellowfin sashimi prepared right on the boat.
Blackfin tuna might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, typically weighing 10 to 25 pounds, but they make up for size with numbers and fight. These scrappy fish often travel in large schools and provide steady action when the bigger fish are being finicky. They're year-round residents of the Gulf Stream, making them a reliable backup when targeting larger species. Blackfin are perfect for newer anglers to cut their teeth on offshore fishing, offering serious fights without the marathon battles of larger tuna. Their meat is excellent smoked or grilled, with a richer flavor than yellowfin.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of Gulf Stream fishing – not for their table fare, but for the spectacular show they put on when hooked. These acrobatic billfish leap, tail-walk, and generally go ballistic when they feel the hook. Most sailfish in our waters run 6 to 8 feet long and weigh 30 to 60 pounds, using every ounce to put on a display you'll never forget. Peak sailfish season runs from late fall through early spring, when cooler water temperatures bring
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard our 38' Luhrs 380 Tournament! This offshore machine is built for Gulf Stream action, where Capt. Brandon will put you on Tuna, Wahoo, and Sailfish during our epic 13-hour adventure. The boat's got everything you need - air conditioning to beat the heat, a full kitchen and fridge for fresh meals, plus a comfortable bed and shower for longer runs. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility while working the spread, and our fish finder will help locate those monster pelagics. With GPS navigation and VHF radio, we'll safely reach the best fishing grounds. The spacious cockpit handles up to 6 anglers with room to fight fish, while the entertainment system keeps everyone happy between bites. Whether you're trolling the weed lines or working live bait on the drop-off, this tournament-rigged vessel has the speed and comfort to make your Gulf Stream fishing dreams come true.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of Gulf Stream fishing, with that massive dorsal sail and lightning-fast runs that'll have you questioning your drag settings. These billfish average 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, cruising the 30-200 foot range along current edges. Winter months bring the best action as they migrate south following baitfish. What makes them legendary is the aerial show - they'll tail-walk across the surface and make multiple jumps during the fight. Most are released, but the experience is pure adrenaline. Key tip: when teasing one up, wait for it to fully commit before dropping back the bait. Patience wins over eagerness every time.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the Gulf Stream, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and distinctive blue stripes. They typically run 3-5 feet and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Found in open water around 30-200 feet, they patrol weed lines and structure during cooler months. Peak season here is fall through early spring when water temps drop below 80°F. Anglers love them for those screaming runs and the premium table fare - the white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the ocean. Key trick: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through mono instantly. When one hits, hang on tight.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna might be the smallest of the tuna family, but they pack serious attitude in a 20-40 pound package. These dark-bodied speedsters cruise the continental shelf edge where the Gulf Stream pushes nutrient-rich water. Peak action happens fall through spring when they school up tight. Blackfins are scrappy fighters that punch above their weight class, and the dark red meat makes some of the best sashimi you'll ever taste. They've got sharp eyes, so scale down your tackle - try 30-pound fluoro leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. Vertical jigging and live pilchards work great when you find the schools marking on the fish finder.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the workhorses of offshore fishing, with that classic torpedo shape and bright yellow fins that give them their name. These warm-blooded speedsters average 60 pounds but can push 400+ in deeper water. They roam the upper 300 feet of the Gulf Stream year-round, though summer and fall produce the most consistent action. What gets anglers fired up is their bulldog fight - they'll make long, powerful runs and test your endurance. Plus, yellowfin sashimi is restaurant-quality. When the trolling bite slows down, try switching to vertical jigs or chunking with cut bait. Sometimes they're feeding deep and you need to bring the action to them.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most colorful fish in the Gulf Stream, with brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 87 pounds. These fish love floating debris and weed lines, usually found near the surface in warm water. Best fishing runs April through October when water temps climb. What makes them special is that wild color show when you bring them aboard - they flash through rainbows of color before fading. The meat is firm, white, and tastes fantastic grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your other lines out - they usually travel in schools and you'll often get multiple hookups.
Carolina Beach, NC